Kmcalpin

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.

Ok lets look forward to next Monday and the beginning of a crucial run of games. Livingston will be a tough nut to crack on their horrible pitch. They may be without 2 of their players due to suspension. Its a game we can't afford to lose. Plenty of questions though. Will some of our lads be a bit fitter and have recovered from illness? Should Oxborough start in goal? Will Blaney be fit enough to start? One things for sure - more of the same simply won't do.

It could have been far worse tonight and it has been frequently in the past. Taken on its own the 3-0 scoreline isn't bad given the circumstances. We also gave 2 young lads some gametime. No red cards either. The way we lost 3 goals was entirely predictable and I doubt if Hammy or indeed us learned anything new. Maybe it confirmed 1 or 2 things though. Our season starts next week and there will be no hiding place for the players or Hammy. We need to chill out about tonight.

Hammy acknowledging game is over. Its all about Livingston now. For once a good tactical decision.

His form has regressed this season and he's looked culpable for several goals. Nothing new there. I don't blame him for his weakness in the air. That's not his fault.

If he goes straight into the team who does he replace?

That's not saying much. He's possibly the best of a poor lot. A mistake to re-sign him.

With our goalie and central defence you'd think we'd try to cut out crosses. Not something new unfortunately.

It's not part of his game.