Onthefringes

Merely an observation. Jobs for the boys thinking isn’t necessarily a hiding to nothing.

I don’t see it as a bit strong & can understand the sentiment. I’ll wager it won’t be a minority thinking Premier league clubs who are going to be in the dogfight shouldn't be appointing boys club managers… As for the recruitment team? Should’ve been emptied a week past Friday also. Don’t think anybody’s mentioning not getting behind him, whoever it may be.

Therein lies part of the problem. Pedigree.

Both different types of player so hardly comparable for me. Maguire hasn’t the discipline & is rash for starters. Adding experience there to aid their development was to be welcomed - we got Blair Spittal. Further compounds the problems.

Couldn’t disagree more. Huge change in the way we play? Think some are confusing this with a rise in match sharpness. I note the same posters who were accepting of a few additions to an existing squad are now favouring an overhaul which in reality isn’t happening regardless of who is appointed - left yesterday with the feeling we chased better players out the club including O’Hara.

And another. Tapping into a subject I suspect you know little of. You do get the idea of ‘protest’? Had little bearing on the team getting beat as you put it, they certainly weren’t building any momentum at anyrate. Not an endorsement, I do though understand the thinking. Think some of the holier than thou in our support should have more things to worry about.

If that’s improvement, trouble is just around the corner. Today should put an end to any notion of Hammell moving office. It’s folly.

If we’re discussing our signings this early, heralded as adding to our attacking options Spittal wouldn’t feature high for a few I’d suggest on account he’s yet to make a forward pass since he arrived.

Typical. My flabber has been gasted.

Ratings mean very little, often marked by persons not even at the game so easily discounted. Holding them up as some sort of virtue in comparison with rest of the team playing badly is a nonsense. I'm not sure the analogy with regards applause - verging on the ridiculous that.

Neither solid nor reliable, it’s difficult to rate any of our centre backs but, I’m genuinely curious as to this ‘which he has done in the past’ you speak of.

I’ll give you ‘it shouldn'tweaken us a great deal if only bevis plays as we know he can’ for starters.

Amazing, as wild takes go.

Not to take this post in isolation - club haven’t asked for applications as that’s rarely the process. Registering of interest comes in differing ways.

This was a separate issue and nothing in the context of this debate. Appreciate its not a good look & regrettable for both parties but, matter has been concluded amicably.

He looked to be maturing in that position until physicality exposed badly. He has though filled out a bit, I don’t see him reverting to the defence. He’s not the first pick Alexander & more than a few on here had him as.

You do know he was brought to the club having spent his formative years playing on the right side of midfield? Academy coaches then tried to convert him to be a defender whilst Robinson/Ross viewed him as a number 6.

What for? Carrying the hamper? I’d be unsure he can cut it at top level.

Why would I be joking? It’s about seeing how it happens and not just watching hence, my those who won’t accept explanation comment. For 18 months we’ve not been given opportunity to see what our midfield can do. Hopefully a fresh outlook may do just that. Out of interest, who would you go for in the bracket you describe?

Could well be right

Lot of merit in that post.

Behave yourself. What was constructive in your criticism? Take my coaching quip away, how can you quantify your point of view ‘We don't currently have any midfielders at the club who have any creative ability’? To say we don’t is crass at best. Possibly confusing creativity with flair? Suppose for those who understand, there are those who won’t accept explanation - for repeat, when the midfield is briefed to retain a shape rather than retain the ball which has been the set up you get the showings we have stifling creativity. Let’s see if a fresh philosophy bears fruit, in my opinion it will.

Judging on that game? I’m not sure I share that. We’ve still to get up to speed for the reasons I mentioned. New blood is a given, hoping we don’t rest on our laurels and a swift appointment gives room for manoeuvre in assessing & making changes to squad. For some reason, Alexander seen both as number 6’s, neither are. Cornelius doesn’t have to be creative. His strength? Energy with the ability to go beyond our forward line yet, neither used to advantage.

Do us a favour and let us know the coaching qualifications you’ve attained to come to that conclusion? Have you never thought that the midfielders are just playing to instruction? That has to change with a fresh outlook. I do agree we need to add to our midfield - an experienced head to force the play and help develop fairly inexperienced Slattery and Cornelius. Yet some on here balked at our Steve Davis interest - I’d have been all over that. On today’s game - we are a few weeks behind in pre-season & competitive games than St Mirren yet, we’ve headed home with 3 points and a clean sheet. I’d fancy us to improve, them not so much.

More word soup? Your earlier point about ‘A well-run club should have most of its significant and necessary signings and required tactical changes sorted before and during the preseason’ is based on what? Given we’ve tried that many times before in the recent past. Recruitment in general has changed, not just at our club. Striking (no pun intended) a balance is becoming ever harder before we even talk budget constraints. How many on here think we were just going to improve attacking options by adding this mythical ‘backup’ striker? Who is going to sign knowing they’re likely to just fill that role? The nature of the summer transfer window suggests we’ll have someone in when other clubs further up the chain have assessed their squads in full and decide who benefits from possible loan or move. My cohesion/stability take was on less recruitment as foundation of squad was built - its open to debate wether it’s the right players though. The idea of a refresh rather than constant rebuild still stands. One thing he didn’t do after Watt was sold was manage enforced change, could have reshaped strategy rather than what loads on here want/wanted - a direct replacement. Decision was a little out of their hands - January was never going to be a quick fix. Dropping the captain? Don’t think you need to dig deep to know why. On your closing question - granted, I don’t see a lot and like many suspect the damage has already been done. I was one of the earliest critics. Listening to & not just hearing he recognised failings towards the end of last season I’d hoped for some recovery, Thursday left me far from convinced.