joewarkfanclub

Mark O'Hara by a country mile. He has consistently been our best midfielder since the winter break and should never have been dropped tonight. He was an absolute standout when he came on and allowed everyone else to up their game. We should be offering this boy a pre-contract right now to get him signed up for next year. Mentions for Donnelly who was excellent at centre half. Tait who looked back to his old self and must start Saturday. Watt, who grew into the game and showed that he may indeed have something to offer us. Hylton, Aarons and Grimshaw all had decent second halves. Maybe playing everyone in their right positions will catch on?

Where to start with that? I was concerned when I saw the team selection, with Gallagher missing and O'Hara inexplicably dropped to the bench it didnt bode well. Tactically it was clear after about 15 mins that the 4-3-3 was again failing us. Our midfield was being overun and as a result our already shaky defence was cruelly exposed time after time. It was crying out for an extra man in midfield. It shouldnt have taken until we were 4-1 down and a defender off injured for the manager to have made the change. An absolutely shocking first half all round. Having criticised the manager, credit where its due for the bold changes made at half time. O'Hara was an absolute standout in midfield and his performance allowed everyone around him to raise their game. Donnelly looked far more assured at centre half and Tait looked back to his old self. Even Grimshaw looked far more comfortable playing in front of him. It really was a rousing comeback, so credit to the manager and the players for rolling their sleeves up and not chucking it at half time. You dont get that kind of reaction if the manager has lost the dressing room. Unfortunately it just wasnt enough in the end. For those slating the players for missing penalties. Maybe spare a thought for the fact that most had played 120 mins on a heavy pitch and could barely walk let alone keep their composure to slot one away. Yes they are professionals, and yes they should do better, but there were mitigating factors. Hope the manager is now clearer about which players he can trust and those he cant now in certain positions and he might be considering a change away from 4-3-3 when the opposition dictates it is necessary. Saturday could be interesting.

Does seem a bit silly. The players all get the chance to heal wee niggles and injuries, all just to get them back playing 3 games a week after the break.

I dont pretend Dunne is the worlds greatest defender or that he would walk back into the team, but having him available again will be helpful with the run of games we have coming up. His pace would also let us press a little bit higher up the park.if it were needed.

I see Dunne played. Must be close to being back for the first team.

This 100%

So we are. Good spot. I guess that means we can try again next midweek if Tuesday doesnt go ahead?

Really need to get the cup game on given the next round is next Saturday! Otherwise we will be playing the replay next Saturday and potentially the quarter final the following midweek!

I doubt its worth anything. Does the tv money not go in a central pot for prize money these days? I presumed it got divvied up depending on how far you got in the competition.

Think he means Higdon, although I immediately thought Stevie Cowan!

Looking at our limited options Id stick with 4-3-3 Gillespie Grimshaw Gallagher Hartley Carroll OHara Polworth Donnelly Aarons Watt Hylton

Will Manzinga not be suspended?

Given that we have only just played St Mirren and we play them another twice within 4 days, I dont think mixing it up a little would be the worst idea. Whether to do it on Saturday or leave it until Tuesday is up for question and may depend a lot on what personnel are available. I would be tempted to stick with 4-3-3 on Saturday and try and catch them out on Tuesday, however, doing the opposite might keep them guessing. Whatever we can do to gain an advantage. Midfield wise for me O'Hara is the one player who should be guaranteed a start. He is the most complete midfielder we have in the squad and it shouldnt matter that he isnt our player. We need to win the next few games and he will help us do that. Polworth probably has to start just for his creativity and ability to pick out a pass. His delivery at set pieces needs to improve however. Its thereafter down to either Campbell or Donnelly for me if we stick with 4-3-3. If we opt for a different formation we might have room for both but giving either of them a rest at some stage wouldnt be the worst idea as both have lost a little of their early season form. Didnt see any of last nights game, but I would be starting Aarons off the back of his performances v Celtic and St Mirren as he appears to offer some genuine pace and quality that our other wingers just dont have. Long must start up front. Whether thats with or without Watt depends on the formation.

Thanks for your insight. Much appreciated.

I appreciate we have tied in with Dalziel for a long time. My suggestion was that we should maybe look to assist in upgrading Dalziel or tying in with someone else in a joint venture rather than taking on all the costs of in a sole venture (I think Hearts are tied in with Herriot Watt University?) Obviously the logistics / politics of that might not be advantageous, but Im sure there are plenty of minds on our board smart enough to explore all options and do whats best for the club.

As far as training facilities go, I would have thought a joint venture such as Hibs and Hearts run would make sense. A tie in with Dalziel or a local college or the council could work. We only need access at specific times so would be financially more sustainable if someone else was benefitting from the facility and contributing to its upkeep.

Murphy missed the penalty at 0-1. Pretty sure he hit the post with it. Would have set us up for a rousing finale. Anyone who would prefer the League Cup to that is off their heads.

Good work from all concerned. We can now invest every penny we earn into improving the squad and our facilities. Happy days.

European football raises the profile of the club which has to assist with recruitment. It also allows us to budget with confidence for next season much earlier as we know already we are probably going to finish top 6 and a relegation battle is out of the question. I would imagine we will have most of our business done before this season is over.

Dunnes pace at back is an asset. But his positioning and distribution can be iffy. Definitely better as left side of a 3 but good cover for Carrol if he was injured.

Always a hard place to go, particularly mid winter on a Wednesday night. Will be a very small crowd in inclement weather. Happily take a point right now. Agree we should rotate a little with so many games coming up. Cup game has to be the priority as its the only trophy we have any chance of winning and the extra finance generated by a run to Hampden is very important to the club. Whether Robbo rests players midweek or on Saturday or both will be interesting to see.

I'll never forgive John Gardiner!

Thanks Grizzly, I had buried that particular memory in the darkest recesses of my mind!

Home tie v Aberdeen or Kilmarnock. Got to be happy with that. Great chance of another day out at Hampden!

O'Hara for me. Had a very good first half capped by an excellent goal. 2nd half he kept trying to do the right things. Couldnt really understand the Campbell substitution at the time as O'Hara was still having an influence in the middle. Can only think Robbo was shutting up shop to get a 1-0. Taking him off after they scored made even less sense.