Kmcalpin

Yes. Last season was cringeworthy. Nothing was made of Russell Anderson's illegal goal at Fir Park but we all know how the BBC fell over themselves on the last day of the season to ask Derek McInnes leading questions - just one example. I have no problem with commercial media outlets taking a biased view as their objective is to make a profit, not report the facts, but you'd expect that the BBC would have higher standards, but it does not. Simple solution is to switch off.

We have absolutely no information on Graham's reason for stepping back and its best not to speculate.

I doubt very much if we had reduced prices to say even £10 and £5 that some folk would have cancelled their holidays to attend. Its a pity though if some fair weather fans base their decision on whether or not to attend on the identity and quality of the opposition. That might be the case with neutrals but I would hope it doesn't apply to our own fans. Would bigger teams such as ND Gorica, Ferencvarosi or Rio Ave attract more of our floating fans? Interesting that St Johnstone are charging £27 and £26 for full price adult tickets in their game.

Josh Law?

You did so in your first post. There are exceptions of course the top end of the English first division is probably better than the bottom end of the SPFL but the reverse is also true. Teams like Wolves are in that league for a reason. On the whole, I still think that the SPFL would stand a fair comparison.

He has the talent, that much is clear. However he'll need to toughen up a bit to compete in SPFL football and that should come in time as he fills out. As it stands I think a number of appearances from the bench will give him some experience and help to toughen him up. Time will tell.

Doubt very much that Dom Thomas is ready for first team football yet. Maybe coming on from the bench late on but not from the start. Doubt's over ZFA's injury will also influence SM's selection - will he be fit or won't he?

JP's move to Hibs does seem strange. Does anyone know if the vacancy was advertised? Certainly can't find any reference to it.

In terms of attendance, budget and size of clubs you're correct. However in terms of quality you're not. Teams like Carlisle, Stevenage and Shrewsbury would not compete on the park with ourselves, Celtic, Aberdeen or Dundee United.

Really? Given that Swindon Town finished 8th in the English League One last season you obviously don't rate the SPFL at all. Back to the point though - we clearly require one or perhaps two strikers and a big central defender.

Yes, I'm concerned too Iain about our apparent lack of preparation, but in Stuart McCall we trust. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating though as the saying goes.

Yes both did very well and were plus points. Both showed hunger and desire and some good touches. If he continues to progress and spend some time in the gym to bulk up young Thomas could well turn out to be real prospect. Very encouraging.

He was still getting buffeted and battered by some admittedly pretty big defenders yesterday. No reason whatsoever why bulk should affect speed, unless he's been training wrongly. Most of the world's best sprinters are big muscular guys. Many English Premiership players are built like tanks but by god they can shift. His biggest failing yesterday, as commented by many around me, was his lack of movement off the ball.

I'm optimistic that SM will bring in 1/2 strikers and a decent centre back within the next few weeks. No point in signing players for the sake of signing them. It usually takes until about the end of September before most teams know their best line up.

Fair comment. I thought Twardzik looked very weak in the air, and made a real lulu for Fulham's second goal. On the plus side he made a string of very good saves and his throwing and kicking was impressive. A mixed performance I'd say. Is he better than Gunnar or not??

We certainly looked way short of match fitness. Apart from giving the squad some of that, the game didn't tell us much that we didn't know beforehand. We still look very weak at the back, our strikeforce is a cause for concern, at least temporarily, with no one to partner John Sutton. Dom Thomas looked promising when he came on. Probably our best option, maybe the only one, on Thursday evening, is to play Ainsworth up front alongside Sutton. Erwin at a push. Bob McHugh again showed nothing. The main positive to take from yesterdays' game is that if we're confused then our Icelandic opponents will be even more puzzled.

When is the deadline for signing players in times for next week's tie?

A cup winning team depends on a number of factors not just ability. Luck is required as is plenty of character and the correct tactics. Our cup winning side of 1991 is not the best Well team that I've seen. I'd rate our side of 1976 higher ability wise but for some reason it didn't win any silverware.

Its not about income. Sometimes clubs want to try out trialists without shouting it from the rooftops.

Hard to say, but so far so good. I'm happy for the TV companies to ignore us in league games as will the club.

Pretty much agree with that Iain. We have got a limited budget and some situations aren't clear cut. We can only assume that the club has prioritised its playing budget to date.

How often did they start together in the last 3, critical, games?

My own gut instinct is that we'll make 2 further signings. An out and out hard running striker in the Clarkson/Ojamaa/Anier mould to complement John Sutton and a mobile centre back.

Chris Humphrey joined us when he was 23 which is 3 years older than ZFA is just now.

Has he actually left? Nothing has been said about him officially - strange.