lady-isobel-barnett

The winning numbers were on the Draw Results Newsletter sent on the 16th.

The benefit of having wingers cutting in onto their good foot (our default set up) is less effective if we don't have natural overlapping full backs. So I'd say it's well worth a try. Even the wide players regularly switching wings would be better. At least make it harder for the opposition to read.

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I seem to mind there's an age restriction rule. Perhaps Young Cameron isn't eligible?

I'm in agreement that he's impressed more as a centreback than in midfield. I just don't think he'll be deployed at centreback in the near future. As it is O'Reilly is a stick on for LCB leaving Ashcroft, Muirhead & Williams contesting RCB. We don't even have a genuine back up defensive mid (MacKenzie???). We're looking for a goalie, right back and striker. We'll still be arguably short re left back cover. I just can't see us also signing a ball winning def mid.

We've three academy midfielders in the first team squad. Lyon we know plays as an attacking mid and I very much doubt he's got the muscle to play elsewhere in the central positions. Stanway I feel would be too reckless in the tackle to hold down the defensive midfield slot. I see him more as a box to box mid. I don't know Zander's preferred midfield position but he's clearly not the answer as a back up fullback. Possibly would be OK coming on as a wingback if we went to a back three, but that's a different matter. So yes, perhaps he could slot into McBeth's role and allow Luke to drop back. Even if McBeth stays in midfield we could do with a back up defensive mid. Agree, he's certainly got the strength for the job. Another way of looking at things is to wonder where and when MacKenzie is likely to feature. I'd say Wasiri, Muirhead & O'Reilly are ahead of him as back up fullbacks. Both Stanway & Lyon more likely to come on as midfield subs. So unless Zander can fill in as a defensive mid then he's not due much game time. Personally I think, regardless of his best position and with four other centrebacks in the squad, Luke is destined to play midfield (near future anyway). It does still raise the question who'll play defensive mid if he's unavailable. Zander's as good, if not better, a shout than any other midfielder.

Don't know much about these things but I think there's a fair amount of latitude allowed re temp loan/emergency keepers. Perhaps we might go down that route if we're in the hunt for a No 1 keeper, with Mitchell intended as back up. If the other way around then I'd imagine signing a No 2 keeper shouldn't be too much trouble. Not quite but still urgent that we get a right back. It's not just that position that's effected but there's a knock on re lack of cohesion with Chalmers ahead of the rb. He's always likely to cut inside. With no obvious out ball to his right Chalmers will be too easy to read. Even with good players like McMillan & Lawless the whole was often better than the sum of the parts.

Far from disagreeing but I doubt we'll have the funding to bring in as many as five players, even including loan deals. Well not five of suitable quality. Given we're likely to fill the three identified positions (GK & RB being urgent) that then would indicate McBeth staying in the holding/ball winning midfield spot. Regardless of where his better position is. Perhaps we've also just got to accept Wasiri & O'Reilly as first choice covers at fullback. Also accept McBeth remaining in midfield with perhaps Stanway as cover. Real problems kick in when Luke or a fullback is out for a sustained period. Not exactly a cure but signing a "Lee Hodson" versatile type wouldn't perhaps be a bad move.

Think there's a bit of overreaction to tonight. The League Cup sections often throw up unexpected results. Obviously Ashcroft had a very poor game but he joins us with a reputation of being a solid defender. Clearly we need two of the three identified positions filled pronto. Also reckon whoever our right back is will need to be able to cover left back when called upon. O'Reilly didn't give Fitzpatrick the sort of close support Milne offers. I suppose that was mirrored on the other wing where Wasiri and Chalmers didn't exactly gel either. Thought the only two that could escape criticism were Fitzpatrick (for reason given) and Turner, who makes good decisions while using the ball quickly. He must've got frustrated with the off target heading from his corners.

If I'm correct in assuming Megwa has already proved himself at our level then I can't see too much logic in loaning him out to us. Maybe there's still doubt so we could be quids in.

Yes but maybe at a different age group. Believe it's a regular haunt for our lads.

Like an idiot I completely forgot that sevco were playing rugby against Man Utd. Big mistake getting off at Haymarket! A no go area. Now sipping a pint other side of the city in relative peace. We should be clear of any nonsense later as that game kos at 4pm. But if you're hingin' about in Edinburgh take care where you go.

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On face value, yes. There's players of note turning up at clubs I didn't think looked likely top of the league competitors. Strangely each signing encourages me. I'm rarely, if ever, a half full glass type supporter but it looks to me we're only a couple of imaginative signings away from a winning team. Put another way no player has signed for a competitive club that in any way upsets me.

Absolute shocker. Blair Alston not returning.

Received my physical ST card today.

I've heard that Jacqui Low has been in contact with the lucky winner. She's offering her services and financial advice about investment of the £1K. This is being done thru a new company, Three Black Kittens. Perhaps attaining Jacqui's services could be one of the bonus prizes?

I realise we would need to bring in at least one other striker, but could that be we don't want to cup tie him if we plan to send him out on loan? More realistically but on the same subject, Hibs playing Megwa yesterday might suggest they've not as yet decided his immediate future.

I'm in the JH Stand so I reckon those in the John Lambie will be better placed to comment about Ashcroft. MacKay didn't do much tho' he came in from the right wing to a more central position on occasions. Possibly unfair to make much of a judgement re MacKay as the bulk of the play later on was down the left flank. Milne and later O'Reilly were excellent support to Fitzpatrick. If we had scored late on I'm fairly certain it would've come from work down the left side.

We've just signed Chalmers and MacKay plus we've got Fitzpatrick and hopefully Lawless will return around or before the New Year. Can't see how we could justify signing him but I doubt he's available anyway.

Despite it being so narrow a win I thought there were lots of positives today. Prefer Turner in that forward role but he may have to play further back to accommodate Robinson. Also thought Fitzpatrick used the ball well. His decision making better than usual.

Tho' I don't particularly like the concept I can see players being fielded to help get them up to match fitness. There always seems to be surprise results in the group stages (eg Spartans beating Dundee Utd last year). Balancing act between taking the League Cup seriously and being 100% ready for the start of the League. Hopefully we can do both. The number of subs we can now make helps. So hopefully we'll have both a strong team out and give other players valuable game time.

Fair chance when we offered Blair another deal it would've been at the expense of one of our youngster midfielders, who would've then have gone out on loan. Perhaps if that transpired the squad could be considered marginally stronger but I'd much prefer to see Lyon, MacKenzie and certainly Stanway getting valuable game time at Firhill. I guess one of that trio may still go out on loan but not at the expense of Alston.

Could be the start of something big https://www.post-soc.com/thumbnails/1442566444.1692.w355.Ewms.jpg https://media-cache.cinematerial.com/p/500x/bozuk9hg/lawless-movie-cover.jpg?v=1464335183 https://media-cache.cinematerial.com/p/500x/7xltmxf3/call-me-fitz-movie-poster.jpg?v=1456534266 https://c7.alamy.com/comp/EJ227G/mr-turner-year-2014-uk-director-mike-leigh-movie-poster-ger-EJ227G.jpg

Good point. I can see Williams playing right back for as long as necessary and at centreback if called upon. Far from sure about any sustained period at left back and his ability as defensive mid is unknown. Doolan has of course identified the three positions that require filling and no mention of cover for McBeth and Milne. Guess it's case of wait and see.