lady-isobel-barnett

Looks like it'll be Plan B, then. They sell Kirk Broadfoot.

I don't think Burchill was that effective when he played in the first division last time round.

I think if you've faith in McNamara bringing in young loan players just now then you should have faith in his views of our youth structure. And if you're asking the perennial question then I assume Jackie's answer is unchanged. In his opinion (generalising) our late teen youngsters were/are behind in development. Regardless of potential and ability they rely far too much on instinct and not enough on the text book stuff like positioning, timing runs, angles etc. As an aside it appears McNamara is far more into team tactics, formation etc than McCall ever was. It could of course just be a theory over practice thingy while Jackie learns the ropes and only time will tell.

In my mind though we've had some real duff loanees the worse category of signings have been the more senior players who've either come to us with a great chance to resurrect their careers or the just passing thru brigade. Don't read on if you're weak of stomach or just about to have your tea............................................. ............................................................................................................. I'm talking about the likes of Greg Sheilds, Steve Lovell, Bryn Halliwell, Chris Turner, Paul Keegan, Thingy Mooc, and two real crackers Barry Smith & Alan Russell.

I've said something similar in the past but I'm not too sure I can back it up. I'd say Santala and Billy Gibson (as a loanee) along with Hutton were successful while Conroy was reasonable. True the lad Campbell just made up the numbers but in fairness I don't think he came to us with rave notices. No arguing that Lennon was a disgrace but I can't think of any other OF loanees we've had in recent years that have been out and out let downs. In fact I can't think of any other OF loanees.

Can't think of any if you rephrase it to exclude the early stage of the Champions League. Probably quite a few have played for an Irish side in the early stages in the Champions League and also played in SFL.. Don't know if Craig Sives ever played for Hearts in the SPL.but there's the legendary Gary Twigg and Chris Turner. All three are at Shamrock Rovers and I guess would've played in this season's CL.

While Queen's do need the cash from a cup run they haven't much in their squad that suggests they could handle both that and fight their way out of relegation. On the other hand I feel our squad is more than suitable to handle more matches. Our overall quality may or may not be that great but we've more than adequate cover in most positions and more competitive matches can only help us improve. It would be perhaps too hopeful to think that Queens will have one eye on the league and not be as up for it as us but at the same time I feel it really should be easier to get our lot fired up. That said we really need to score early to get us going or it'll end up a battle of two teams lacking in confidence.

Wearing my cynical bunnet I doubt very much there'd be that much incentive to get the game on. I'm assuming they wouldn't have much in the way of hospitality (if any) to lose. We weren't able to bring a reasonable crowd due partly to transport difficulties and much of their fanbase is from outside of Dingwall and many would've faced the same transport problems. Not that it's any concern of mine but installing undersoil heating in Dingwall will be difficult to justify on financial grounds.Given the drop in attendance and loss of hospitality a midweek game brings most clubs like ourselves have no doubt saved money by having ush. I can foresee many an occasion when they can get Victoria Pk passed fit but fans can't get to the game or team buses get stuck on the A9.

Would be great to get Hutton back. I thought with Rangers not allowing us to cup tie him it would be unlikely to happen.

Nearest we'll see to a crowded Firhill will be tonight on Alba. Been told it's a sell out at circa 8500. I'm assuming the Main Stand will not be used. Also told they could have got more but because tickets were available before the game it's been limited, edited to add they did indeed use the Main Stand and lifted this from the Scotsman

That would be a big ask.

Likewise. Crackin' open a bottle of Bollinger as I type.

Think this is relevant to the thread http://sport.stv.tv/...lects-on-year/? Last para kinda sums up my view as well.

I'm sure that a Whelpdale not so long ago won best in show at Crufts.

One thing I've learned from Sportscene that no matter what teams are playing the manager of the less fancied side will always have his team well organised and in any case the players of that less fancied side well be well up for it.

Well nobody's crossing was going to improve in yesterday's conditions. It was tho' refreshing to see a goal come for once as a result of a well taken free kick. I'm guessing that when Sinclair starts laying on better crosses and regularly striking perfectly placed deadballs he'll be with another club.

I was thinking of the incident Steven mentioned yesterday. I'm happy enough if the ref gives a free kick. I just didn't know if a booking was automatic or not. Btw I couldn't see much difference between the Rangers fella's shirt tugging and the Queens player's.

Great photos as always, Jim. Trust you're feeling better today.

I noticed that the 2nd Rangers player sent off was for two yellows, both for shirt tugging. Does anyone know if it's an automatic booking for shirt tugging if the referee whistles for the offence or is a yellow just discretionary?

Very much appreciated, Tommy. Even the pun The photo of Aaron in amongst the three Queens players is a cracker

And why the bold writing?

For what it's worth even tho' I think O'Donnell is getting too hard a time of it from fans (at home games particularly) in no way would I not defend the rights of the paying fans to shout abuse at whoever.they choose to. I do tho' believe when it's largely singled out to one player, especially one who's playing down the flanks and young or youngish, it's confidence sapping. I might be wrong, and I'm only generalising in any case, but I feel it's too often the Jags guy playing nearest to the JH Stand that gets the most slating. Some like Paton when he played at fullback can deal with it better others. On the specific of O'Donnell most of the criticism appears to be when he's going forward where his delivery and decision making can often rightfully be faulted. He does appear to be doing a good enough job defensively and I sense that's getting ignored by some of his detractors.

Good points. Didn't actually hear the booing but nothing surprises me these days..Getting angry with the abuse O'Donnell is getting. Firstly he's only a teenager but also those that are on his back presumably want him dropped, which of course would lead to Paton being withdrawn from what looks to be his best position. O'Donnell played better in the 2nd half probably because he wasn't directly getting the confidence sapping Paddy Boyle type abuse of the first half.. As one who feels we don't usually play bad conditions well I thought we weren't too silly today. Continually letting the ball run out of play for.throw ins doesn't lead to enjoyable football but it's the correct tactics. And did the ref ever play football? He didn't seem to make any allowance for the conditions at all and by booking their No 8 early on he created a rod for his own back. Apart from all the inconsistencies that were bound to follow he didn't have that bad a game.

That's not what I'm saying. What possible benefit to Rangers would it be to loan out a 41year old?

Hearts as a football club don't know what they're doing one day from the next so I very much doubt they've made any binding decision with Balatoni. They did tho' allow us to cup tie him up at Culter. (more's the pity some may say) and that would normally suggest Hearts have little interest in him this season at least. But then it's Hearts we're talking about.