Kmcalpin

Its important for us to get some new faces in as quickly as possible but, no doubt our ability to get players to sign on the dotted line is dependent on our postion in the food chain and it might be later before we can secure anything. In asnwer to GrahamH, we did have alternatives last summer, albeit very limited. We could have passed on Rolando Aarons and Louis Moult to sign, on loan, one more reliable incomer. But, we're all wise in hindsight. Regarding our recruitment, the manager will direct the Head of Recruitment and have the final say on signings. However, it looks as though managers may decide to bring in their own men who they know. For example, Graham Alexander with Josh Morris and Stevie Hammell with Rolando Aarons, Louis Moult and Stuart McKinstry. They don't look like Nick Daws signings.

Here's one for you to ruminate over. Rumour: Tyler Smith from Hull City - a striker. Simply a rumour and may be nothing in it.

Yes, it was absolutely ludicrous and should not have been awarded. Looking back, I feel better about some of our early season awards now.

This is a game we must look to win, by whatever legal means. A draw is the minimum acceptable outcome IF we beat Ross County. We can't rely on others doing us a favour at all........if they do it should be an unexpected bonus. One things for sure more of the same on Sunday won't do.

Not sure about that Denny. There are quite a few like me who thought that Alexander's time had come and gone and change was required (albeit issues around timing though), but also that Stevie Hammell was the wrong appointment and is struggling badly. I don't blame him - he was dropped in at the deep end and not surprisingly is floundering. I fully support our Board but on this occasion I think they got it wrong. It happens.

Sorry can't agree there at all. Both are young lads with the former having played just 2 ninety minute league games this season and the latter having played a grand total of 4. They both need a consistent run in the team. They're still learning. Neither has done badly. If you're looking to identify underperformers in the squad then look elsewhere.

At the time he was doing fine and the decision to extend his contract was the right thing to do. In the end he resigned and wasn't fired, although I suspect we came to some financial agreement.

Agree 100%. Lets make sure the defence is watertight first.

That's where I am too. It doesn't matter how we do it we must pick up at least 4 points. If not it should be time up. If Hammy was at the vast majority of other clubs he'd go after such a poor run. We need a couple of new signings at least. That's not enough though. They have to arrive quickly and hit the ground running. A tall order.

You pays your money you takes your choice. He's not in the team because of his defensive abilities. Very good on the ball though to be fair.

Well why wasn't Blaney selected to start? Injury/illness???? It's not as if our defence has been excellent until today and it was a one off error.

A bit pessimistic Greg. We did/do have a few options to improve it, not many, but a few.

Surely Spittal will play wide, although he's never been comfortable there.

Interesting line up especially in midfield and central defence.

Whilst a win would be very welcome, I'd say that this is a must not lose game. A draw would be a decent result.

I wouldn't go that far. Its not hard to be a standout in the current side. Going back to Weeyin's summing up - a modern full/wing back. Very good on the ball going forward. Poor defensively. Undoubtedly an eyecatching player but there's a reason he can't get a game for Ipswich in the English League One. We've had better; we've had far worse is my view. It depends on where Hammell's priorities lie I guess - defence or attack.

We need someone to hit the ground running not take weeks or months to get fit.

Could these guys manage a team successfully without having millions to spend? Could they manage one on a shoestring? My choice would be the Alex Smith of a few years ago. He had a proven track record of keeping teams on a shoestring up. Don't ask him to buy players though!

Ticketing arrangements for the Arbroath cup game have been announced. They have offered us 3,000 tickets. Lets hope there's no wind - a heartfelt plea to all fans to stay off sprouts and beans beforehand.

He's been out injured.

Livingston appealed red cards for Holt & Pittman, as they would, but lost both. Presumably both will miss Monday's game.

Hughie Ferguson. Bobby Ferrier and George Stevenson wouldn't be far behind though.

Whatever players we bring in we need to to do so quickly and not be panicking at the end of the month trying to get bodies in at the dealine. We've had enough time to identify weak areas of the team and line up targets.

Nearest type of player we have to that model is Dean Cornelius and he's not being given a decent chance under Hammell.

In answer to your question, no I don't. I'm 90% sure he's not the man for our job but 10% of me says lets see what he can do with a fresh face or two in the upcoming 3 crunch games. Its a balancing act though isn't it? Give him too long and the window closes with a new man having no time to do anything. Agree with your comment about not making eye contact during the interview. That stood out for me.