Kmcalpin

The game's by no means over so all to play for but our starting line up, on paper anyway, looked odd to say the least.

Well there's a shock: now 1 goal down from a header in the centre of the box. Sounds like County are bossing us.

Surely a lot of that is down to the midfield?

Not able to make the game today but no real surprises so far. According to the BBC only one shot on target so far, but not for us. What is the formation? To me, it looks a strange formation up front. Hopefully we'll shake off ring rustiness in the second half.

A very attacking side but a little light defensively. A lot will fall on McHugh's shoulders as the only defensive midfielder. We need to keep the ball on the deck as neither MacCormack nor Johnson are the tallest. Still that team has pace.

Haha - sorted now as is score. No, but Jock Wallace was playing for Berwick Rangers the same day when they beat their Glasgow counterparts 1-0 at Shielfield Park. That result took the heat off us fortunately.

Older posters will recall getting beaten 1-0 by East Stirling in 1963. My first such memory. Other embarassing historical losses include East Fife (1-0) in 1967 and Stirling Albion (3-1) in 1971. Our history is littered with such losses. Lets make sure it doesn't happen today.

Michael O'Halloran rejoins St Johnstone so we can now put that rumour to bed, if indeed it ever had any substance. The chances were that he'd always head back to Perth anyway.

An excellent short article on Well Fans ii about our League winning team of the 30s. This team deserves more recognition.

How far back do retro kits go?

Given what might have happened its great news that Christian Mbulu is in the squad. McHugh and Dunne also fit. Really glad for all 3 lads.

A very tough game in prospect but one which we should win, you'd think. I can see County parking the bus and us struggling to break them down and being vulnerable at set pieces or a breakaway. I'm not sure if Don Cowie will receive a warm welcome or a hot reception.

Some good points Jim. I wonder if Celtic will compensate us for McManus leaving or whether he'll pay up his contract. Its not the money but the principle. If coaches or managers are sacked the club is expected to pay compensation to them but if they leave for another club is the club they are leaving compensated? I know negotiations are often held over managerial changes but not sure about other changes such as those involving coaches.

Agreed. No-one should or indeed is getting carried away. Its quite possible, although unlikely, that none of this crop of youngsters will make it. All the club is saying is that compared to previous generations of youngsters, at the same stage, they are a bit special.

I would think it is. Don't know much about these contracts but I suspect there's a world of difference between pro contracts and those for younger players. Bigger clubs will be paying youngsters very well.

I don't know the crop of under Under 18s that well and haven't even seen them , but going by reports on the club website and their haul of international age group caps OtF is 100% correct. Yes we've had the odd exceptional talent emerging sporadically for years now but never a group of such talented youngsters coming through at the same time. The likes of MacAlear, Semple, Starrs, Cornelius and MacKinstry to name but 5 do seem to be that bit special so far. The decks are being cleared to allow them to develop further; at least thats what I take out of the departures. The nearest we've had to them, numbers wise, is the group of 3 (MacFadden, Hammell and Pearson) some years ago. I completely get what OtF is saying.

Jordan Armstrong was also released Andy. I too found these releases interesting. I think that with youngsters who we think will have a chance of making it, they are awarded 1 year deals. I hadn't heard of 6 month deals. Presumably these are 3 lads who we don't think will make the first team and as you say, now have a head start in finding a new side. Anyway good luck to them.

As already mentioned above the lad is Well daft as is his family who are as decent and genuine folk as you'll meet. Today's story comes from the Sun apparently. By all accounts, young Stuart is taking his time to think things over and I don't think is any rush to move. Its a big move for a 16 year old lad. I don't doubt that he and his family will come to a sensible decision whatever that might be. According to the Sun, we've agreed the same fee with both clubs which I find odd. Its a redtop story at the moment and time will tell what if anything comes of it. .

It doesn't stack up. If Robbo doesn't rate him why would he offer him 4 improved contracts and why has he been selecting him of late?

Spot on. We'll have to move others on though.

Yes, I just can't see Robbo signing Allan - not his type. That said, stranger things have happened and very recently as we all know. Allan would come with a lot of baggage and he's not the easiest or most dependable player to manage. A bit of a prima donna from what I hear.

Absolutely. More and more Americanisms creeping into UK English. A sign of the times!

Absolutely. He's got little chance of getting a game with us but none with Hearts. Going by his limited gametime so far he's well down Robbo's pecking order. However he (Robbo) may wish to leave things be until he finds out which other strikers will be with the club at the end of the month unless business is concluded early. In any event we don't know whether there is a break clause in the loan deal this month.

Did I say that? Of course he isn't to blame. However if you're dealing with volatile and hyped up young folk the last thing you want to do is to goad them. They might act perfectly peacefully but they might not. Its just not worth the risk. There's no excuse for chucking missiles onto the pitch end of but common sense says you don't inflame the situation. By all means celebrate if you score but don't inflame a potentially dangerous situation or put yourself in danger. Had Imrie or someone else been hit on the head by a seat or other missile it would have been no laughing matter. Common sense says you walk away. Dougie Imrie, at 35, is a senior player and should have known better irrespective of any provocation. He should have set an example to younger players.

Steven Saunders joins Partick.