MelvinBragg

I'd get used to seeing McDonald playing deeper. Seems to be the role that Baraclough has in mind for him, someone to link the play by dropping deep and supplying Ainsworth, Johnson and Fletcher/Moult. Also gives us an extra body in the middle of the park to occupy the opposition's defensive midfielder. I think what will change is that McDonald's fitness will improve (bear in mind, he missed a fair bit of preseason) and so his ability to get from those deeper positions and join in the attack will get better...

So after 2 starts, you're writing off Fletcher? And after 50 minutes for Moult? How does someone become a proven striker if they're not given a chance to prove themselves? Fletcher has started two competitive games and scored one goal? I'd reckon that buys him a bit of time before we start talking about needing a "proven striker". All strikers miss chances, even McDonald. Do I wish we'd taken more of our chances against Inverness or even one of our chances against Dundee United? Absolutely, but it seems a bit early to be saying that our two new strikers aren't fit for purpose...

I agree but given most people's stated opinion on Saturday's match, it would appear we're in the minority...

Defensive shape was fine until Leitch went off. If the concern was Leitch picking up a second booking then bringing on Cadden in his place or bringing Kennedy on at right back and moving Law into midfield might have been better options...

An Aberdeen fan contacted the BBC yesterday saying the same thing. He didn't know a game against Kilmarnock would be all ticket and queue at ticket office meant he'd miss a fair chunk of the first half. Just another example of Scottish clubs costing themselves money by putting customers off going...

They doubled up on Johnson, although he should have scored his one on one. Moult didn't click as well with McDonald as Fletcher had but I think showed some nice touches (a pass almost putting Thomas in springs to mind). We lost but I don't think there's any real need for doom and gloom or to look for problems. We looked dangerous at times and for the first 80 minutes, the defensive shape looked pretty good. How often could you have said that last season? Obviously if we keep having these hard luck stories then it becomes a problem but pretty confident that we're moving in the right direction...

Don't think another centre mid was the problem today. All our attacking threat coming down one wing was a bigger problem. Having Ainsworth and Johnson working in tandem will make a bigger difference than another centre midfielder...

Oh, and I agree with Spiderpig, Madden was atrocious today...

We'll be fine this season. A lot of good stuff, final ball lacking on occasions but a lot of positives. Johnson missed a one on one with the keeper, Chalmers missed a chance at the back post. Only complaint would be that we lost the game by going for it. Took Leitch (who had a decent game) off and put Clarkson on. Shape went to pieces after that. Second goal came after keeper went up for a corner. Think we'll be alright with Leitch in the middle of the park. I think Ainsworth being back will make a huge difference as Utd were able to give Johnson too much attention today. No points, but plenty to be positive about. Couldn't say that about most of our defeats last season...

United tend to play five in midfield so today will be one of those days we'll be relying on McDonald dropping back to stop us getting overrun...

St Mirren bound was the rumour I heard...

I noticed this too. Luke Watt is another that has come through looking physically ready for first team action. Craigan's interview was also very encouraging in terms of joined up thinking at the club...

Trying to remind myself that the squad is pretty similar to the one that ended last season. And while we scudded Hamilton, St Mirren and some championship side at home, we also lost to Accies away and failed to beat Ross County in the run in. The preparation seems better this season, the manager has had more time to get his ideas across to the players. He seems to have got Ainsworth in the mood. Weighing it up, not excited. Cautiously optimistic...

Interesting to see that it looks like Thomas played as a second striker for the U20s today. Maybe why we're looking at another winger? Maybe a chance that the coaching staff see Thomas playing the McDonald role in the future?

I know you're joking but someone will be thinking that seriously...

Maybe he's watched a lot of U20 games. I suspect not, but maybe...

He is key. But if he's out for a while then we'll just have to adapt. Would increase our reliance on Ainsworth and Johnson and the counterattack...

Only seen him play a few times but looks like an attacking midfielder with a good engine. Drives forward from midfield like Pearson. Looks physically more imposing than Leitch as well...

Is that not what strikers always say? It's alright missing chances as long as you keep getting in the positions. Like you, I see it as a positive that we're creating chances...

If Pearson's injury is a bad one, we needed a midfielder anyway and were in the market for one so on the bright side we're not having to draw up a new list of targets to cover for an injured player. All it might mean is that we have to move things along more quickly. Connor Grant's name has been mentioned on here and if it were possible, then it might not be the worst option. He knows the players and the management know what he's capable of. Pretty sure though, as I've said, that the club were already working from a list of midfield targets. Until we get the right player though, I'm happy for Leitch or Cadden to get their chance. Is that not the business model we're using now anyway...?

I don't believe we'll sign Samson. It just seems to make no sense for the player or the club...

Why would Samson make the move from being no. 2 at Kilmarnock to no. 2 at Motherwell? Assuming that Ripley will play otherwise why would Boro have let him come on loan...?

Aye, one post on twitter. Would be surprising, to say the least...Check out @SPFLFootball's Tweet: https://twitter.com/SPFLFootball/status/627935885636562944?s=09

By most accounts, Leitch did well in preseason so deserves his chance. Different type of player to Pearson so we may have to adapt our style of play slightly. Cadden seems a more natural replacement but may not be seen as quite ready to start...

Can I be the one to suggest you increase away support by making away days cheaper by lowering gate prices..? Mental, I know...