weeyin

I hope a stream is available, but these things have a habit of disappearing on the day. Fingers crossed.

A lot of people on here said the same about Clarky. I would bet there are one or two unexpected players who thrive under JG's new system, and probably one or two old regulars who don't. I'm happy for everyone to start with a clean slate and see how Gannon thins them out.

They still used to get stick from some fans for "no tackling" and "not running aboot enough" though, so some things don't change

I don't doubt it. My point was that comparing players' performance at the OF and League 1 prior to coming to Fir Park is pretty pointless. Rosco was regarded as 'not good enough' for Rangers, but I bet they wished they had him now. I thought Phil was a fine player, but would never compare him to Hughes as they were two different animals. It would be like trying to compare Ally Mauchlen with Gary Mac before they went to Leicester. I liked Hughes, and think he (and the team) suffered when we lost Porter and Rosco. I think he also suffered the most on our appalling playing surface last season. My impression was that he would have fitted in well in JG's new system, but I wouldn't have been offering him 7 grand a week! So, thanks Shug, and best of luck.

Hughes had 4 times more appearances for Leicester than O'Donnell did for Sheffield Wednesday (who were happy to offload him when they were relegated to Division 2). So by those standards, Hughes is better than Uncle Phil. Which just goes to show how useless statistics are in comparing players

I like the fact that he talks about bringing in more players within 48 hours or so. Of course, we want them to be good players, but it's a refreshing change from last summer's inactivity.

7 grand a week *and* playing in front of 20,000+ crowds. I hear the half time catering is good too. Let's be 'avin you!

He had the percentage deal at Stockport. I think the rest is speculation.

If you were the boss, would you go for the jugular from the kick-off and try and blow them oot the water, or would you be a wee bit more cagey and hope to break them down later in the game?

Gannon seems to have a plan, at least. His thinking (if he is to be believed) is that he wants some short term deals so he can assess the potential of the youngsters. Then in Year 2, go for longer term planning. I still don't know what McGhee's plan was.

JG seems to like working with players he sees as 'coachable' - which explains his young signings so far. However, in one of his interviews I read, he was also talking about the need to bring in one or two more experienced players. So hopefully that will equate to a couple of more familiar faces. While I agree the League 2 and a number of League1 players may not be SPL standard, there is a substantially larger pool down south, and there must be some bargains to be had. The fact that he has been tracking some of these players over a number of years gives me more confidence. I'm not overly worried yet. In fact, I'm really looking forward to seeing how Gannon's new squad shapes up and performs come August.

I think we'll win, but I hope we've been practising our penalties just in case it goes all the way.

If he takes free kicks, who will be the first commentator with the "Coke lines up a for a crack"?

I don't think it's as straightforward as that here. The web site says it was his agent that accepted via email. Unless he has a really bad agent, I imagine there would be a paragraph of weasel words about 'subject to...' and 'pending....' etc. And then it would also have to be proved that the agent had been given the authority to accept an agreement on the player's behalf. It sounds like the best Northampton are hoping for is some financial compensation, and they are likely on shakey ground there.

I guess you were just too subtle when you said "A player being tall doesn't mean he's any good for fuck sake!!!!" Now pop this back in yir pram and calm doon.

That's a visa waiver. The US has an arrangement with some countries, including the UK, that allow this and is only applicable for visitors. If you are travelling to the US for work, you need to get the appropriate authorisation beforehand.

If you don't know what I meant,let me write it out a wee bit slower so you can keep up. For the last 2 years, everybody on this board has been moaning that we don't have any tall defenders. When McGhee went into the market for one, he ended up with Klimpl (who was not tall, and played better in midfield). Gannon has brought in a 6'4" defender on trial. When I said "that's promising", I didn't mean it's promising because being tall makes you a good player. I meant: IT"S PROMISING BECAUSE GANNON IS ACTIVELY LOOKING TO ADDRESS A DEFICIENCY THAT HAS BEEN IN THE TEAM FOR A LONG TIME. There. Happy now? Now away and find something else to moan about.

Patrick Kanyuka is listed as 6'4"; that's promising.

Aye, it would be interesting to re-run this poll at the end of September.

That's a good example. How many people at Fir Park expected Lambert to play a key role in a Champions League winning team? I still remember McAllister taking pelters from some people for not tackling hard enough. His career turned out okay too.

Which takes us back to my original question. Which creative player within our price range will consistently deliver? Or do we not want any creativity in midfield?

He'd be the guy in the middle of the park knocking the ball out wide to the wingers.

Can anybody think of a creative player in our price range that delivers consistently? Even players like Bobby Russell and Davie Cooper drifted out of games for long spells.

Consolidation is the key this year. I'm hopeful Gannon will lay the foundation with a few new players while bringing on some of the youngsters. If we finish 7th or 8th, but with a good base for the following season, I will be happy with that. I just hope the supporters give the man a chance to build and don't demand instant success.

What lack of progress? The guy has harnessed what talent he has to be the top non-OF scorer last season, get into the international squad and swing a move to the Championship. Considering the pelters he took for half of his Motherwell career, that's not too bad.