lady-isobel-barnett

A problem with Nisbet was he had outgrown the youth set up physically and went out on loan before he was mentally attuned for the moves. I think that had a negative effect on the player that he didn't shake off. I don't believe he was particularly that unfit latterly with us but enough to convince Archibald to release him. If he hadn't gone to Raith a free agent I doubt he would have turned things around. Never in doubt was Kevin's ability to score goals and he always had the knack of taking up good positions for assists. I imagine the only serious doubt was about his attitude. Dropping two divisions was the best move he made.

I agree it makes sense. Even so whilst he's obviously a loss to us I think he really has to improve considerably on his distribution to make it at a higher level. Most clubs up the food change would have to change their tactics just to accommodate Myles.

ATS no doubt bettered himself financially playing in English League One. Don't know if that division is considered a step up or not from our top tier? Ryan Edwards scored a goal in a Scottish Cup Final with Hearts but you can hardly say he went on to have a glittering career.

Think we're safe for now. Longest post has been two sentences.

If we continue at the same rate as our previous 20 games that would tally at 25-26 points. That's I sense overoptimistic. For one thing even when we factor in injuries to date I reckon we'll have a weaker squad after the January window shuts. Maybe we can still tumble into 4th place mainly because the three teams below us are all capable of beating each other. My guess is we'll finish in 5th place with a further 20 points.

If this "some guy" was in the same state as I was when I eventually got home from hospitality and a subsequent couple of hostelries...... well, the words pinch of salt come to mind. Someone could've told me a scout from Paris Saint-Germain was at the game monitoring Charlie Sayers progress and I wouldn't have dismissed it out of hand.

Not answering for JJ but the minute we sack Doolan then Big Brian will be named temp manager. String a few good results together and he'll be a good shout to get the gig full time. After all we haven't the dosh to buy a successful manager out a contract so it'll be Graham up against guys who have been sacked and out a job. Not saying it would be right but would you bet against BG getting the gig?

Roberts recalled by Watford

Seriously Queens Cross & Springbank St treacherous. Avoid latter at all costs

I reckon jagfox was talking quality as opposed to quantity. And that too would be my point. Only occasionally have subs made any real impact. Key players get injured and we really miss them.

The fact there's no shirt sponsor helps give the top a certain 70s look.

First "must win" game of the year? Also in hospitality and hoping for at very least a gutsy performance. Thinking along the lines that we should win this one, but no matter how good it's been, we shouldn't be exposing our defence as often as against QP last week. As a side issue and assuming they both play, it'll be interesting to compare Ngwenya and Sayers.

Happy New Year to all

Wasn't there but sounds like Morton dragged us down to their level. They're often quite good at that. For those in attendance, was that the case?

We deserved to win as regardless of the possession we ceded we still saw them out. My point being conceding possession and deep defending is ridiculously risky but it worked on Saturday. I saw the QP highlights and tho' good quality it was naturally biased. For instance I think they missed out a very contentious tackle on Fitzpatrick. There's maybe an argument to suggest there wasn't that much between the teams but I don't think saying QP were ahead of us is valid.

This is what I've been going on. Again I state my arithmetic ain't so good these days

Too true. Gotta mind tho' , Morton don't give a toss about away fans.

My arithmetic isn't too reliable these days but I think BG had a slightly better scoring rate before he joined us. Completely natural given his age. By my reckoning (I'll make it 92 rather than 91 in this instance) Graham has scored 92 goals in 173 games. That's one goal every 1.88 games. Prior to joining us his record appears to be Played 236 Scored 136. That's one goal every 1.74 games. The exceptional Thistle Archive is the place to go for accuracy but to repeat the point I'd like to make is that for striker to even approach his goal per game rate well into his thirties is remarkable. And like Duke G and many others at the time I wasn't that warm to Brian signing for us.

You could also add into the equation our inability to get a result on plastic. I'm hoping that could be put down more to our poor start rather than to an ongoing problem.

You may well have a good point. We don't have midfielders equipped to break up play, so the next best thing is to back off and crowd out the penalty box. But that still doesn't excuse the poor retention of the ball when we do get hold of it especially in forward areas. Been trying to avoid the cliché but we don't do our defending in the opposition half.

Firstly we deserved the win. We were the better team. And like others I'm full of praise for our last line defending. However I doubt I was alone in worrying just how much we allowed that last line to be tested. There's no way the rest of the team should put that much pressure on them. Backing off, little if any ball retention in the opposition half, waiving possession all leading to such ridiculously deep defending. In short we tend to make winning kinda difficult.

On reflection I think you're right. 👍

Craig Slater & Bambi Williamson but can't figure out the opposition.

I'm sure Scott Robinson and Wee Stevie are indeed charming.🙂 My guess is above team apart from Fitzpatrick starting instead of Lawless. Doesn't look like Stevie is ready to start. Plus thought Aiden was rather good v Airdrie. Playing a freer role and swapping wings on occasion with Chalmers.

Merry Xmas, everyone.