StipeIsGod

Andy_P's seems an excellent, level headed post. On another note, my current concern isn't so much the potential for a relegation battle (I still see us happily 7-10th), so much as the mediocre, lethargic, bland, obvious football which we're currently trying to peddle. Somehow, we ground out the results, and finished second last year, despite, in my mind, the dullest season of football I've ever seen at Fir Park. I can't see our luck running to such a degree this year, and unless some inventive personnel changes are made come summer (both in playing squad, and inevitably management), I can see us lapsing into the grim St Mirren-esque 7-10th, crap hoofball which our finances realistically lead to, yet we've avoided thus far, but will be seeing this season. I'm really not utterly desperate to get second place, and the European jolly which comes with it. I'd settle for looking forward to some decent play, and hoping for a result, and I think a number of the more apathetic fans would somewhat agree with that. (Oh, and I'd still love a damn cup, as I still need to see that...)

Too young, wasn't there to see us toil in the First Division. I'm just not as good a fan.

All for the idea of chest height passes. Said for years that the big man has a 50p head and otherwise generally immaculate close control. Give him what he thrives on ffs.

Hope it ain't an actual test of athletic fitness, so much as a 'can you still walk' test, or we'd labour to put 11 out.

This promises to be a shitfest unless we improve.

Gies Hibs.

2-0 St Johnstone. Without us managing a shot on target.

Indeed. Apologies. My comment would have stood well enough on it's own without seeking conflict.

I think we've lost a fella that was exceptionally good at his job. I salute him, wish him well and hope he does well in his future. Outstanding man for us, and I wish he was still here.

Certain posters will be along to explain that they've ignored the pantywetting and negativity thread, we're all wrong and will be tearing up the league soon. I'd say who, but the McCall arse tattoos should give it away. It's a miserable time, a miserable run, and there are few positive signs. Our squad is unbalanced, unfit, and painfully slow. I don't need another 6 games of 'giving them time' to see that McCall needs to crack the fucking whip, stop being Mr Huggy Manager and get these folks earning their wage.

If it's Sevco, we'd be as well fielding an ineligible player.

Oh and 2 nil.

After planning to avoid it, I see Kerr's just been sent off. Comedy of errors this season. Glad I'm not going next week. (Lift away and not getting two trains to see this pish)

Fully agree with Eddie and UBH. Hoooooooooooooof.

I'm not even going to try and predict this. I'm going to ignore it completely, enjoy my Saturday and then lose the nut at the result. (Or potentially celebrate)

Ferguson also made a game saving sliding block, incidentally.

Also very comma heavy and garbled there. Apologies.

Ok. Right. Good points, and I see where you're coming from. My take: There's no evidence of Reid being useful at LB. I just assume that, due to experience, he'd be more capable, both in playing and especially mentally, with dealing with playing in an unfamiliar position and with the criticism which comes with the mistakes made due to the change. I also believed prior to play that Ferguson was a right back, which would only necessitate moving Reid, as opposed to Kerr as well, which would lead to more turbulence, admittedly. I hope that people see Ferguson's performance as such, but I have little faith in such a level headed view being taken of the circumstances, from the fans (not McCall, who will support him), especially considering that the vast majority don't pay as much attention as some on here do, and would assume he's actually a left back normally. Replacement - At that point, nigh on anyone, and move, again, Reid or someone into his position. He looked crushed, panicked, and unable to move forward in the game with no assistance, and I really feel for the guy. I can fully understand the thought on taking him off before full time, and I think it's an extremely delicate managerial tightrope, which on this occasion I feel that McCall fell on the wrong side, on the man-management front. He should have taken him off, made clear that it was a job well done, but a wee shape change was needed, or something like that.

He will do, but I could guarantee it'll be for Fraser Kerr, which I think would be a poor decision. Felt really sorry for Ferguson yesterday. Looked terrified, shouldn't have been played out of position over Reid doing so, and just played ever more inside himself as the game went on. Really quite pissed off at McCall for leaving him on like that. Totally confidence shattering for him. Playing Erwin in front of him does no-one any good either. Sutton received no service, but on the rare occasions he received the ball, he did nothing bar cede possession. Lasley trying to cover every blade of grass and chase up is admirable, but it leaves a gaping chasm in the middle of the park when he charges off, and no-one covers. Ainsworth looks extremely poor at the moment as well. And that first half is definitely one of the poorer performances I've seen at Fir Park. Dismal.

Between Kerr (winner by far) and Erwin (worth a mention for second half only) for me.

Drunk. Actual comment below.

And now we're into negatively predicting negativity. Terrific.

3-2 Motherwell. I can see this being a cracker after the massive lift of the Ojaama return. NOW I'm right up for this season!!!

Superb stuff! Delighted with this. Would like to see how Erwin and Ojaama play together. Massive boost.

Kmcalpin's opinion as above I'd guess (and a reasonable one at that) What are people's thoughts on the likelihood of Erwin dropping out next week? Realistically there are three expendable players for McCall. Erwin for Vigurs (move Law forward), Angol for Hammell and Kerr for Ramsden. Personally, I think dropping Erwin would be madness at this point, but could see the logic to bring in a creative player like Vigurs, IF he was guaranteed at least 15 mins or so.