Kmcalpin

Agree about Josh Law. Who is to say that the offers are derisory? I have no idea what Hammell & Lasley have been offered but for many the prospect of earning even say £600 pw is a mere pipedream. I suspect their offers are far from derisory and all too often we are just a tad quick to take the player's sides without knowing the full facts. I do understand that a footballer's career is a short one and if both lads receive better offers from other clubs and decide to move on then good luck to them. The club should only pay what it can afford. The same also applies to Ben Hall who seems to be a youngster in a hurry. The term "derisory" is emotive and suggestive of agentspeak.

I very very much doubt he will.

Is he possibly moving on?

I'm sure Weeyin can and will speak for himself Graeme but I can't see what is contradictory about these 2 statements. The first relates to his opinion about the calibre of people involved. The second spells out members' rights in respect of changing office bearers. I fail to see what is contradictory, let alone ridiculous as you put it, about these 2 statements. In fact I would go as far as to say that your term "faintly ridiculous" is more contradictory. Something is either ridiculous or it isn't.

????? I don't understand either.

The Brazilian has raised a point which I think needs clarified (Les is in an agreement his payback terms agreed). Its been widely reported over the past few weeks that Les Hutchison wants his money back sooner rather than later ie about 1-1/12 years into the 5 agreement. It also seems that the club & Society are eager to pay him off asap or are under pressure to do so or at least put arrangements in place to do so. Now, I have no idea what is in the agreement but assume as Iain does, that paybacks terms are agreed and fixed. Maybe simplistic but its analagous to me taking out a 5 year car loan with ABC Bank and paying the first 18 instalments in full and on time. The bank then comes to me and asks for the outstanding money back forthwith. Surely they cannot do that? Surely the Society and Club are only doing what they can to do Les a favour and give him money back more quickly. I would have thought that the ball was in our court. Surely he can only ask nicely or are there other strings attached? Does anyone know?

An important point which many have missed I think Iain - I'll expand on it in the Well Society AGM thread if I might.

Certainly good prices which for full price adults are cheaper than many lower division clubs. However, if you pay at the gate their prices for those aged 60-64 are dearer than ours. Also season tickets for those aged 16-18 are dearer than ours. Accies can well afford to subsidise season tickets, as I suspect their season ticket income is a small proportion of their overall income.

Not entirely sure thats true. The club and the Society have to maintain a separation for the time being, and if I recall rightly, in the early days, some members and non members were concerned that the two were too close. That of course will change when and if the Society takes on ownership of the club.

I'm the opposite. I've never had anything against the league cup but just think the organisation and format this year is shockingly poor.

I don't know if anyone picked this up from Mark McGhee's interview a couple of days ago. He said "We're pleased to have the first of our business complete in what will no doubt be a busy summer". Now I assume that he was talking about personnel changes given the context of his interview (Ferguson, Samson and Moore) resigning. It struck me as being a bit odd. Most of us were expecting a couple of players to leave perhaps (Moult orJohnson and /or Hall) and maybe 2 players to come in along with a batch of routine resignings. Maybe its just me but I wouldn't call that a particularly busy summer. So given his comment and rumours of Ainsworth attracting interest there may be more moves in the pipeline than many of us are expecting. MM will no doubt want to refashion the squad along his own lines. Maybe an interesting few months ahead?

A good deal of sense in that Andy. The only comment I'd add is that Clarkson and Fletcher were not required much last season as back up. So, you could say that their contribution and presence was limited and in effect largely unnecessary. IF we suffered injuries to Moult and (McDonald if he re-signs) I wouldn't be too happy about going with Mackin and Moore (touch wood we don't). Doubt we'll miss Hall much if or rather when he moves on. Reasonably happy with Samson.

Good news too for Dundee United fans. Their season ticket prices have been frozen at last season's level. Full price adult tickets only £410 - £440.

Absolutely. This is where the system falls down. Its not just down to points gained and goals scored/lost - its also down to the composition of the group. Some groups are easier and some harder. Its a bit fairer if the venues are neutral or ties are home and away - but they're not.

So how exactly will the 4 best runners up be selected - whats the criteria?

Thats my take on it too. The more I learn about this league cup set up the more I dislike it. The devil is certainly in the detail. Rangers and Celtic don't like games televised at their home grounds as it affects their attendances.

Not necessarily. It'll depend on whether BT want the game at Ibrox or Fir Park. If at Ibrox it won't be televised.

How are the best 4 runners up chosen? Terrible draw in my view but not unexpected - I'm sure the club will be underwhelmed. Didn't realise that there's only 4 games not 8. Presumably BT will decide the home/away games?

Is the live draw available to those who don't have BT Sports?

Agree with most of your post Joe. As for David Ferguson, he was hung out to dry by Stuart McCall. Wasn't ready for first team football and played out of position. For that reason I wouldn't be too harsh on him.

A totally ludicrous idea but given the SPFL not surprising.

I'll go along with that. They do seem to be in the "last chance" or "jurys still out category". I see that Accies have awarded 2 of their 18 year olds 2 year deals which suggests they rate their lads a bit higher. Craig Moore has been around for a few years, suffered a bad injury but never really made it so far. David Ferguson burst onto the first team scene, albeit through necessity, but hasn't yet made the step up. They now have another year to prove themselves. In terms of strikers I wouldn't really want to rely on Moore or Faddy (for different reasons) to fill in if say Louis Moult was injured for any length of time.

If he re-signs I'd expect one more striker to arrive. To go with Moult, McDonald and Moore leaves our options a bit light up front.

I was a bit suspicious when rumours began to circulate about Dundee showing an interest in el-Bakhtoui - this smacks of an agent trying to stir up a bidding war. 3 re-signings; so far so good. On top of re-signings (assuming all but one re-signs) then I guess we should be looking at 2/3 additional new faces.

Completely agree that the Society should do more to engage with members and use their skills and time. Surely there are members who could donate a few hours of their time to carry out even basic admin duties.