CrosshillWell

McDonald was brought in when the club had considerably more funds and we also, if anyone remembers, had another five strikers on the books. Very different times. Blyth perhaps came here to establish himself and then win a move to a championship club, something Hibs, Hearts, Celtic and most definitely Dundee United have achieved with selling players on, both in Scotland and to English leagues. On McDonald's contractual situation...

I don't rate Josh Law, but I remember worse right backs playing for Motherwell in a better SPL than we've got now. Remember Kevin Christie playing against Laudrup under McLeish anyone?

In hindsight, offering Chalmers that sort of deal would have been favourable.

It is essentially to secure the services of a player if their first year works out, so we get first refusal. We offered the same sort of deal to Fletcher at the beginning of last season, but chose to release him. Contractually, we need to honour the deal outlined when the player first signed, so in the case of McDonald if the club are offering reduced terms, the option is not binding and the player is free to pursue other options. Speculating, McDonald maybe looking for a two year deal on similar wages to what he was being paid last season, something which Hibs or another club might be in a better position to offer.

An option gives us first refusal, but does not hold the player under contract, so no transfer fee or compensation is applicable.

We are so over subscribed in central defense and with McGee playing an untried Hall ahead of Laing and Kennedy last season then bringing in another central defender days ago, you'd think there will be changes. Once again, no replacement on Hammell or Lasley. We shall see how Tait is ahead of Law at right back.

I heard today that the wages offered to Pearson were incredible. He'll be a loss, but he was missing for large parts of last campaign and is an aging player. Unfortunately we've had Carswell and Jack Leitch who haven't established themselves.

Cafu even....

Cafe?

That makes things nice and clear then!

He turned down a lucrative contract in China to cone back to us initially and still owns a large property in Thorntonhall from his time at Celtic.

I'm sure Sturridge is in our price range now though...

Forgot that!

I assumed it was an afternoon game, pretty dismayed at the 7pm slot. Doubt they'll be more than a few hundred with the final on TV.

Appears to be more thoroughly scouted signings than the one year, see how it goes, Fletcher that appeared last year. Of all the new signings that appeared, not counting McDonald or Pearson, only Moult made an impact. Positive press conferences and articulate players, just a left back and Cadden to cement his place with hopefully Robbie Leitch or Allan Campbell coming through in midfield. Say what you like about McGee and many may not view him as a likeable character, but he is an excellent coach and has grabbed a trio of players who look very promising.

I was looking forward to the game when it was announced. I live five minutes walk from Easter Road and a day at the game and an evening at the pub!

So, the Hibs friendly is on the same day as the Euro Final. Not even that, but the same evening! Great planning from the club there...

He's a player I'm sure McGee can transform.

Motorway upgrades? Are you the transport minister reporting to Sturgeon? Of all the absolutely ridiculous posts you have made, thus is right up there.

Higgingbottom worth a shout?

This is all hypothetical. Has there been confirmed interest in Erwin? I think Leeds have let one of there first team forwards go, the Italian whose name escapes me, but I think Erwin might get more of a chance in the coming season. Craigan seems to rate Mackin, so let's not right him off before he has had a chance. He might not be the next McHugh, but might possibly be the next Erwin. Be positive guys.....

I'd imagine Barry Hughes might be hanging about Easter Road with Lennon and Stokes...

Not unreasonable, given the inflated fees we see in England. I player with pace and good finishing ability might be perfect for that league.

I've agreed with all the points raised, it has just frustrated me that Ainsworth obviously is a very gifted player, both technically and blessed with pace. The issue has been his motivation. He's been a player with us for some time now and if he had been performing like we know he can, we'd be getting interest from Championship clubs. As it is, with a year left on his contract, I'd put him to any team willing to offer six figures and release him from our wage bill.

The thing with Ainsworth is that fans of other clubs who've had him in the squad over his much travelled career, couldn't believe that it was the same player who destroyed Rangers over two kegs in this play offs. However, how often does he display that form or performance?