David

Yeah, Christmas seems like a fair enough timeframe in my opinion. I'd like to see a tried and trusted face, such as Tommy McLean come back to the club. Not sure he would though. Anyone know if he'd be interested? He ever mentioned wanting a return to top flight management?

Just for the record, I'm not "blaming" Burrows, I'm merely saying that I don't think that bringing someone from his previous position to carry out the role he currently fills is a great idea in my opinion. Of course his appointment hasn't been the reason for our current situation, I don't think anyone would claim it was.

Yeah, 'Flow's previous role and relationship with those at the club concerned me a bit when i heard of his appointment if i'm honest.

I think a draw sounds about right for this one. I'd be more than happy with that.

I've always backed McCall, and will always consider him one of the best managers we've had in recent times, but all good things come to an end. I feel that maybe a change would benefit both parties at this stage. Who we would replace him with though? Not a clue.

Personally, i'd much rather have a number of reasonably wealthy businessmen involved with the club along with some sort of fan representation than just one entity or person calling all of the shots. I think we'd see far more transparency in such a situation.

I'm moving back to Glasgow next month, and wasn't keen on a season ticket being as the season was underway, but this will fit the bill nicely. An excellent idea.

Aye, I guess that's true. Hopefully he kicks on and ends up somewhere better than that though.

Clyde? That's a bit of a fall is it not? Surely it would be worth bringing him in as cover at least? We could match what Clyde are offering?

Yeah, we really do need to start playing the youngsters. There's only so long you'll be successful with loan deals and picking up unknowns here & there. We have to concentrate on getting our youth system working, getting these guys playing and make sure we get some decent coin for them after a few years. If that means a bit of a transitional period then so be it.

I'll wait until our new players have time to settle in and our injured players return before I start condemning the team to crashing & burning.

You've come to that conclusion after three games? A bit quick off the mark in my opinion. Let's see where we are at Christmas, eh?

That's true, but surely Leitch deserved a start as well, no?

That's fucking terrible if Leitch has been dropped after he seemingly did so well recently. What kind of message does that send out to the younger players? You can come in, play well but still get dropped?

My thoughts as well. The two lads will still feature quite prominently I hope, but it means they won't be relied upon to provide the goods week in & week out at this stage.

Nope, seems legit. The Well society posted it on Facebook.

Adam Cummins is out as well, isn't he?

Yeah, I can't be doing with all the will he stay/will he go in January. Season loan would suit better.

I think we can get a point from this, but I wouldn't be surprised if we lose considering our personnel issues at the moment. 1-1 would work for me.

That's what I'm talking about though. The cycle we're in has to be broken at some point, where we use some of the money of we have to try and improve the scouting and youth set-up, even if it is to the detriment of new players coming in to the first team for a bit. I also think we'll be more likely to attract younger players if they see us as a club who give youth a chance. Dundee United have created an environment where the best youth players want to play. When a young lad is set to leave his local youth side for a pro club he's always going to have his head turned by United these days because of their track record of playing youngsters. We have to try and create the same kind of environment here. God knows it shouldn't be too difficult, as we're hardly a spending club as it is.

Nice of you to clear that up for us. Someone give McCall a ring tomorrow and let him know, eh?

The thing for me is that whilst it's always good to have a number of experienced heads in the squad, we simply can't go on doing what we've been doing of late. I feel we've done very well in the transfer market over the past number of years, managing to find the likes of Randolph, Higdon, Law, Ojamaa, Sutton, McManus & Anier. But how many players are we moving on for decent fees? Hardly any really. I'm not sure about anyone else, but I'd happily sacrifice a few years of finishing 4th-6th if it meant we could cut down on the one year deals and loans that we bring in and try to bring some of our youth players through. A club on our budget should really have a few experienced heads surrounded by homegrown talent on decent length contracts, who will either serve the club well for a number of years or be moved on at a profit if they attract worthwhile interest elsewhere. All of these young guys who have been knocking about in the youth set-up for a while now really need a chance. And if they aren't good enough, then the lads coming up behind them need drafted in. We need to change the perception of the club to somewhere that a talented young player will be given his shot, not somewhere where a half-decent journeyman from down south can resurrect his career on a year long deal before fucking off again. We need to try and establish a decent, homegrown for the most part nucleus of a side that will include some talent brought in from elsewhere, enabling us to build from there. I've enjoyed the success of recent years, but at the end of every season there's a feeling of dread when one year contracts expire and we always seem to go into a new season somewhat disjointed I think. Maybe a few years to step back, re-assess and build from ground zero is what's needed?

Just having a quick look at the actual first team squad on the official site makes me think that unless some last-minute signings are coming our way those who want to see youth given a chance will be happy enough this season. Me? I'd like to think that the lack of signings of late has something to do with the management team deeming a few of our younger guys worthy of a chance. After all, we were quite quick off the mark in getting our business done early in pre-season. There's no real reason why that would grind to a halt if business was still to be done. I hope.

Well, it all begins again this weekend... Anyone know who of the injured bunch of Reid, Hammell, Ramsden, Kerr and Angol will be back for this game? I'm assuming we'll have McManus back after his personal time away? Aside from that, it'll be business as usual I'd imagine? Not much change from the side that lost the European ties. Hopefully fitness has improved since then.

I notice there's been nothing added to the Youtube page since we lost in Europe. No post-match interviews, nothing.