lady-isobel-barnett

Difficult to predict. Obviously on a high after last week, but I'd think playing Airdrie away just as hard as Cappielow. Can see a change at centreback as Aero is carrying a couple of injuries, but then again we've no game the following weekend. Only other changes I imagine would be fitness related.

Doubt it. But it does explain Derek Adams trying to squirm out of his contract at County.

I prefer the more attacking set up we have at present to playing two up. Then again it's also down to personnel. Lawless & Graham are here for another couple of seasons but age could pay a toll. Ironically we may be better suited to playing three at the back while we've still got Neilson than next season. Similarly we likely won't have McMillan who can play a genuine wingback role. Not that I'm advocating it or expecting Doolan to change formation just now, more about the question of personnel. Should also point out I'm talking about starting elevens. A team has to have the ability to adapt formation to chase a game or protect a lead. We're now better equipped player wise to do so.

Think Lenziejag is guessing correctly. McCall is probably going to use whatever budget he has to bring in experienced players to help dig his team out of their current mess. I doubt Ji Stevenson's return will have any affect on whether we're doing anymore signing. Maybe he'll go back out on loan to another club.

Appears to be the case. Over these three seasons there's not been much difference regarding the overall size of visiting clubs. So it's not as if the number of away support has had much affect.

Gotta also be minded that the make up of this season's squad at one time looked like much of it would've consisted of youngsters emerging from the academy. They'd have played alongside our remaining contracted players and a few cheapo loanees. In short just having those academy players could've been a necessity.

So true. You've also got to evaluate the effectiveness/cost of a scouting system. Stands to reason the less emphasis on a youth policy the more you rely on scouting to identify young potentials.

Thinking likewise tho' if we were bringing in anyone I reckon it would be a wide attacking midfielder as cover. I suppose a replacement for McDonald. Even at that I feel MacKenzie is quite capable of cover there so he'd possibly have to go out on loan.

Not necessarily. Raith could win the league.

I suppose they could move the Arbroath game for Friday night telly. I see Dundee Utd play Raith the following week, so I'd imagine that increases the chances of our game being televised. One thing for certain Arbroath won't want to reschedule from a Saturday KO. Loss of gate receipts & hospitality.

One blessing, we don't have to go their place. Dreadful away day. Besides we're absent from Firhill so much these days a home game is most welcome. Certainly should be winnable and coming on the back of Saturday's game will give us an idea of where we are should we reach the play off final.

Could be serious re-percussions

Women's 4th Round HHAH HHAH 👍

Not sure I understand what's going on here. Some folk are saying Stuart Bannigan scored a cracker of a goal with his right foot.

Disagree. Sense they will have, but of course can't provide anything to substantiate.

Is he no yon antiques fella? Don't know about "honest". Sure he done a stretch in Strangeways

Perhaps if there were replays I'd be a bit more confident. A draw over 90 mins may have not been that optimistic. Think tho' we'll really struggle to get a result. Feel we need more pace in the side. That lack of pace has been noticeable against the two clubs above us in the league so assume County will be much the same. I'm thinking Doolan may change things a bit tho' I doubt there'll be wholesale changes. Perhaps we'll go to a slightly more defensive formation. O'Reilly is indeed cup tied.

All been said above. Very sad news indeed. RIP

This is spot on. James is a midfielder who operates primarily in forward areas. There's rather an overload of competition in that area at present. If he is loaned out it's important he goes to a club who'll play him in an advanced position as opposed to being used as some sort of midfield cover. It's Lyon's goal threat, direct and assisting, that should be utilised.

You can say that again 👍

Agree entirely, tho' suggestions as such deserve a thread of their own. Better than here and getting dwarfed in what's turned into something more suited for a seminar.

Wouldn't be surprised if Doolan, who normally selects a predictable line up, will experiment a bit at Dingwall rather than change things from new at Airdrie. I'm not sure Airdrie are as physical as Morton. Our obvious weakness is in defensive mid, so a lot depends on whether McBeth is deemed reliable/fit enough to fill that role on his own. If that's the case then we can play an attacking midfield. My read is that playing both Bannigan and Alston doesn't offer enough mobility regardless of the centre mid situation. Guessing here but if McBeth starts then Bannigan would also start. The advanced midfield role, if Graham starts, probably still goes to McInroy by default. Further up the field I feel that if Graham is in the starting line up then both Lawless and Fitzpatrick are automatic picks. If Big Brian doesn't start then there's a good few more options available in both personnel and formation. Clearly O'Reilly has to start soon. Regardless of form, Muirhead (he was solid at Cappielow) definitely needs a break to rest/repair a couple of separate injuries. Whether he's played till the fixture break in February or not is anyone's guess.

Not much really as Diack played quite wide. McBeth coming on seemed to help push the other two midfielders a bit further forward. So a combination of that and fresh legs made it look a different set up. My impression of the referee was if the game had gone on much longer he'd have waded into the crowd brandishing yellow cards to spectators. Looked like he'd totally lost the plot.

Watched a bit of the game last night. Poor is an understatement. That said I should hardly have thought a midwinter match in Inverness was likely to be entertaining. Our problem with the top two has been taking only one point out of a possible twelve against them. Somehow we need to reverse these results AND win away at grounds where drawing should be acceptable. Kinda feel the damage has been done. Tho' we no doubt need a win today to stay in touch, a draw should be welcome. Morton are on a roll and should be expecting to win at home.

Don't think I'm making a totally relevant point but there has already been broad consultation with TJF members via questionnaires. As a specific fan attitude/wishes re youth development, primarily the way it is hoped to be funded. So imo we're at least already at the stepping stone stage.