Kmcalpin

Here we go again.

This is where I'm at. I simply don't know what to make of today's announcement. All I know is that there's more to this than the official statement. Its fair to say that moving abroad for work away from your family is a big decision and MW would have known this when he accepted our job. Previously he'd also expressed an interest in the Bristol Rovers vacancy. That said, I know nothing of his personal circumstances. From P & B it seems that the vacancy he's filling first occurred about 2 weeks ago. It may well be that he was unsettled before that, I don't know. It does seem strange though that he applied for or was approached for the job and landed it in a day or two. All thats as may be. He's gone and we very quickly agreed compensation. I'd like to know though when the club first learnt of his unrest. If it was a week or two ago you'd think that we'd begun preparations for this eventuality. Where does that leave us? Some good posts on P & B about this. The timing is not ideal but when is? I don't know when pre season starts, but would like to think we'll have a new man in place a few days beforehand. However, we're in a relatively good position. We're financially sound; our Premiership place is safe for another season; Lennon Miller's departure should earn us a few quid; the transfer window opens in a good few weeks time; and the squad doesn't need a complete overhaul. Brian Caldwell is in post to take care of administrative matters and Nick Daws will know of the types of player we're looking to bring in and individuals we're tracking or to whom we're talking to. The release list will have been finalised and players spoken to. I get that holidays may disrupt the search for a new man. But, yes, things should be moving along. As for replacements? None of the names being bandied about for vacancies in Kilmarnock or Dundee enthuse me. There is no standout candidate; just recycled names from the old boys club. We need to take our time and undertake due diligence (this time) but have someone in place a week before pre season.

No thank you. He struggled under pressure and couldn't organise Dundee's defence in 2 seasons. He had a bigger budget than us to spend and his team finshed 10th. Not what we need.

That's kind of my take. This didn't happen overnight. When did the club find out? Had he just resigned because of family reasons I'd have been more understanding, but to have landed another job as well? Compensation package agreed as well. That all takes a bit of time.

Thats pretty much my view. Yes, it could be improved such as using more cameras, but the real problem is the way in which its being used. If we took it away, the same errors would still occur. There's a huge degree of inconsistency but thats down to refereeing standards, such as we saw with Dan Casey's red card against Kilmarnock for example. Thats purely down to the SFA to sort out. Then there's the issue of time. Currently delays of several minutes are ridiculous, unacceptable and detract from our enjoyment of the game. After all, thats why we go to games. A strict time limit should be imposed maximum 1-2 minutes and if it isn't clear or obvious then the original decision stands. I'd also extend the remit to include some limited categories of yellow card such as mistaken identity.

I think he'll be just fine there. Killie fans are well known for being patient, courteous, easy going and understanding. The only swear words or oaths heard at Rugby Park are from away fans.

Rumour on P & B that Shane Blaney has been released.

More on Jordan McGhee from the Dundee Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-fc/5250602/jordan-mcghee-dundee-departure-confirmed/

A suggestion, no more, on P & B that Davor is leaving us. If true, that would be no surprise. Dundee Courier quote "McGhee was one of eight players offered a contract extension last autumn but is expected to join Motherwell at the end of his deal."

Very true. If fit, and we can't move them on then perhaps loan deals may be the answer.

St Johnstone figures also boosted greatly by visiting fans from Aberdeen and certainly Dundee. Not home supporters. We'll see what their figures are like next season.

Jack Vale has been released by Blackburn.

I think we can also add Matty Connelly to the up in the air list. I count 19 definitely under contract but that includes Lennon Miller, but doesn't include Jordan McGhee. It depends too on whether we include Wells and Ross as being in the senior squad.

From his comments, I suspect MW has already made his mind up on departures. However, there may still be some outstanding negotiations to wrap up.

So did I and I dislike it even more now.

I'm with Weeyin on this - we need to get our central defence and wing backs sorted out. I'd also like to add a midfield destroyer to protect and shield the defence.

Absolutely no surprise. He knew it was coming, given his very public outbursts in recent weeks. They are a basket case of a club with ideas above their station.

Not necessarily. It could be a few days yet.

I suspect that they are with some loans but not others. Given that MW confirmed that to be the case with Balcombe they are a feature of loan agreements. However, we've often loaned out young players to lower league teams and they hardly feature. Injuries, of course, can play a part. Now we know why the Ox's recovery took so long.

Well it would be annoying if Hearts fail to win and we lose relatively narrowly with this line up(by a goal or 2) and pass up on 7th place needlessly. Why not play Ward in goals? Why play Dickson when he'll be leaving shortly?

Dan Casey and Tony Watt soon to be ex players or are they just injured?

I don't know if Tony "Mr Angry" Docherty will be too happy with our line up. Hopefully Hearts beat Killie.

I see that the rising East Kilbride have quite a few ex Well players on their books. Matty Connelly (on loan) David Ferguson Adam Livingston Jack Leitch Broque Watson

Going by MW's comments, there won't be much experimentation as he's already made up his mind about our departure list. Johnny Koutroumbis is available once again after suspension. The likes of McGinn and Gordon won't be risked and rightly so. I'd bench Lennon Miller for safety's sake and perhaps open with Armstrong up front, maybe with one other. We don't want any late and serious injuries, that carry over into pre season. Ross County will be up for this and its hard to see them not picking up the 3 points as we may be on the beach. If Dundee beat St Johnstone, which I fully expect them to, then County's efforts will be completely in vain. From that perspective, it would be beneficial for us if Dundee opened up an early and commanding lead. I'll be thinking about our travelling support and hope they have something to cheer in the far north.

That's exactly the issue.