MelvinBragg

Naw, we read the same papers and websites as you. It's not like there's a secret forum where there are exclusives dished out...

What strikes me at the minute is that there seems to be very little strong expression as to whether people want McGhee to stay or go. I sense that among those who would like him to stay there is an air of resignation that he'll be leaving. The overriding sentiment here seems to be one of "whatever happens, get it out the way sooner rather than later so we can put the whole thing to bed". Let's hope it happens sooner rather than later...

Phil O'Donnell

Where is this street and whydo they always hear things first...?

Totally disagree. I reckon Celtic is a far more likely destination as the more their original targets keep knocking them back, it makes them more likely to come for McGhee. I reckon Aberdeen will not want to pay any kind of compensation, and will have a few suitable applicants who are currently out of work. The answer is not to give McGhee money (even of we had any to give him) but to try and get this sorted as soon as possible. Boyle should be on the phone to Celtic and Aberdeen and be saying "You want him? Fine. He want to come to you? Fine. How much you paying? Fine. Let's get it done by Monday or no deal..." I know this is my being naive, but we have to do something to move this along and try and get the club out of limbo...

I mentioned this one a short while ago on this forum. If the TV deal doesn't hit the budget too badly, we should have some flexibility in the wages to at least allow us to pursue him. If rumour is to be believed and Reynolds is on his way, we will need defensive cover...

If we're looking for a left winger, I see Peter Sweeney has been released. Was he not highly thought of a couple of years ago? Just a suggestion as we're missing a 'Worth A Punt?' thread...

You might be right, but another individual at the moment may just be looking a wee bit harder. Are you trying to suggest that McGhee has not had his eye taken off the ball by the Aberdeen and Celtic talk?

I agree with a lot that you've posted on this thread. But what I would say is that we have to replace those who are leaving if we are even to match the season just finished, never mind improve. I think improvement this season would be a massive achievement, and I would be happy with finishing 8th or 9th with the circumstances we are in. As long as the players and the manager we have seem to be giving us 100%, I'll not complain. Let's just hope that the newspapers are right this morning. Not necessarily about McGhee definitely going to Celtic or Aberdeen. But about us finding out today...

I don't actually see where it says Aberdeen's main target is also wanted by Celtic. Don't get me wrong, I see where the Record journo has written it, but all Miller is saying that with a few other vacancies at the moment, it's proving difficult. Could mean they want someone who Hibs also want. John Hughes??

That's my point, Ricky. They already have an EPL game on Saturday lunchtime. And most weeks they have an early Sunday game as well. I think they show league football most weeks on a Friday night too. Which leaves us your last option...

As Malky points out though, their schedule is already heaving. People complain about kick offs being moved just now. Wait til you're asked to play at midnight on a Thursday because SKY have two hours to fill. Seriously Saturdays -TAKEN Sundays - TAKEN Mondays - English league shown Tuesdays - Champions league Wednesday - Champions league Thursdays - Europa League to compete with Fridays - Championship/league football. Where would we fit in with that schedule??

I'm thinking that the SPL might be bluffing on that one to try and force Setanta into paying every penny they can. But would it surprise you if it were any club outwith the Old Firm? I know we run a reasonably sensible ship down Fir Park way but even we would have factored TV revenues into our budget...

I was one of those booing his introduction. Nothing at all to do with his off the field behaviour or the fact that I'm a bigot (I know you didn't suggest this, others have). I booed the decision to bring him on given McGhee's "I'm building for next season" mantra and the fact that it was an ideal chance to give one of the younger guys a run out (was Meechan not on the bench?). And as Mr Diggle points out, it was also a protest at his "bang for buck" return. Not since Ged Brannan was of this parish have I heard about a player "you're stealing money"...

As regards worst performance, I seem to remember a 3-0 home defeat by Airdrie (I think Cooper, Kirk and Sandison were all sent off) left me traumatised for some time...

I think the flaw in your logic is that Celtic are clearly working their way down a list of targets and I'm sure McGhee is on that list. Maybe not high up but on it. And if they keep getting refusals, eventually they will reach his name. And you say we might lose him to a Championship club? Swansea? Even if he stays, the time spent on this speculation is creating real uncertainty...

I think the phrase you're looking for is No one signed with around three weeks to our first competitive game....... criticism Like you, I'd rather read about them when they're signed. I'm not complaining about the lack of information regarding negotiations. I'm complaining about the lack of signings...

Just get the feeling that Aberdeen is not the one we need to worry ourselves about. They've had a few applications apparently and I think there will be someone there who ticks all their boxes who'll be available, no compensation required. Doesn't mean, however, that McGhee wouldn't be averse to going there if asked, which takes his eye off the ball for our close season. Perversely Celtic is where my worry lies. I thought McGhee had no chance there initially, but as they work their way down their list I reckon there's more chance he'll get it. Like you, my concern is the fact that how long the process will take...

Notice that Steven Pressley has stated he feels he's ready for SPL management

To try and get this thread sort of back on track. how far down Celtic's list do we think McGhee is? By my reckoning, they've had two knockbacks (assuming Martinez says no) and I reckon they'll baulk at the compensation West Brom are looking for, so that's the three first names off their list. Where will McGhee come? 4? 6? Even further back? As amusing as it is to see Celtic get the rubber ear from several candidates, it makes it more likely that we could be looking for a new manager. And the drawn out nature of the process at the moment is not helping us at all...

Sadly, I fear you may be right. I'm not so sure the Hibs job is a factor but the other two most definitely are. So our summer transfer activity is once again being dictated by other SPL clubs. And given that both Aberdeen and Celtic are giving it "not rushing it, making sure they get the right man", it could be weeks before any uncertainty is lifted...

If true, then it's shaping up to be a worrying close season. Three players missed out on thus far that we're aware of. And a very thin squad...

Mr Diggle's mention of Bobby Russell brings back the memory of the first league game of the 90/91 season. Celtic turned up with new signing John Collins (the returning Charlie Nic wasn't fit). Cooper was suspended and we were expected to get easily beaten. Darius Duffcheck (can't spell at this time of night) got sent off in the first half for two (ahem) fouls on Kirk. Billy McNeil tried to accost Kirk at half time on the way down the tunnel only for wee Tommy to appear pointing a finger right into McNeil's belly button (I think it was supposed to be his face). Second half brought the famous Colin O'Neil elbow, a superb Bobby Russell mazy run and goal and what was to become the customary Arnott goal against Celtic. I remember this game particularly fondly because so many guys who I have a real soft spot for played in that game. Nijholt, Burley, Russell and Gahagan were all excellent that day...

There's been more time spent on Bob Malcolm threads on this board in the last 18 months than the big man actually spent on the park...

Pleased to see that for the kids tops they've gone with WELL instead of JAXX. I must confess (and it's only personal opinion) I didn't really like PHIL on them last year. I'm sure I remember discussing it with someone last season and stating that WELL was the obvious alternative...