Emsca

I am concerned that JJ seems to have a significantly different view on this matter than most other fans on this Forum. The most worrying is his view that Colin Weir has not been good for PTFC. I understand that JJ was previously a Board member . I admit that this next statement is an assumption and requires a bit of a leap of faith , but I do not think it is too unrealistic to assume the members of the "New Board" will have similar views to JJ. ie that it was better in the past when we did not have an Academy; relied on a scouting system and trained in Maryhill Park, That worries me.

No it was a bit of land beside a former sewage work. It was never a Training Ground.

Maybe - just maybe, it makes sense for a new Owner/ Board to come in and take a bit of time to appraise how the business they are acquiring is run . Put on hold any new expenditure and pare back on- going costs until such times as they get a decent realistic understanding of the club finances. Perhaps it is sensible to keep proclamations of winning leagues and going for promotion at all costs- under check, so that if it fails to materialise there is no great out-pouring of recrimination. Just saying.

Would it not be Big Shagger?

Yeah I get that and don't disagree.

WHY? At what stage in the season is it appropriate to start judging individual players ?

Don't know much about him- I am only going by what I saw on the pitch. If that is not his position, I would question why we played him there? Appreciate he came in as a late sub due to Penrice late call off but surely we have a natural centre mid who could have stepped in. It was only Clyde after all.!.

Remember TOW was not playing and he makes a massive difference- brings some stability and organisation.

Thoughts. Fox- unsure at times. Maybe struggles with concentration? Robson- decent but prefer Penrice Williamson- promising - plenty of energy, willing to get forward and looks like he can deliver a final ball. Saunders- steady / unspectacular. McGinty- can ping some great long balls and deceptively good on the ball. Always waiting for a blunder though.Looks better than last season. Banzo - best game so far this season except for og. Looks fitter and vision/ passing never in doubt. Palmer: Decent game, puts himself about and lots of effort. Gordon- played well seems to be our best finisher. De Vita- some decent touches but too easily disposessed. Does not burst a gut. Cardle- Undoubted ability, can take players on and deliver a good pass. Far too greedy- looking for that wonder goal. Mansell- Not convinced. Does not use his physique well enough for me. Decent hold up play but worry about his ability to finish and bravery in the box. Miller - moaning wee shit but knows what he is doing and can finish. Jones- Did'nt do enough- probably needs more game time. Wilson- too short a time but showed willingness to get on ball and energy . Overall , as usual with Thistle, some promise but also a few concerns.

£1.70 at Airdrie, but service ridiculously slow.!.

Well "the norm" hasn't exactly been a roaring success. Over-coaching is a sign of lack of confidence both in yourself and your team. IMO.!

One thing I noticed sitting close to the dugouts was how much talking " coaching" of players Caldwell does during a match. I felt like telling him to shut up and just let them play football. He was like an over eager coach at a kids game. Yes I know its early in the season , there are several new players and he is trying to get them used to playing in a certain style etc etc. These guys are professional footballers who have been playing the game for years. If they did not know how to play - they would not be here. He should tell them what system he wants to play and give individual players specific roles , if appropriate.Have set piece routines/ duties.This should all be done during the week in training. On match days he should generally shut up and let them get on with it. He has a half time to make any critical / significant points about tactics/ style of play. The constant shouting/ instructing from the side is , in my view, counter-productive. I think it makes the players over anxious and more likely to take the easy option for fear of making a mistake/ giving the ball away.

Good summation of the game and our[position. Some encouraging signs but also concerns.

Aye very good.

So I repeat -are you happy with the manager? Yes or No?

I thought he played intelligently and was constantly talking to other players which assume is what GC wants from him. Makes good runs and you can see he knows what he is doing.

So just to be clear, you are happy with the manager?

Yes there probably is a bit of potential but it would require significant investment to turn it into a top notch Sports and Function facility and even then with a good wind the completed revamped development might be worth max £8million. It would probably cost the best part of £3 to £4 million to do all the necessary works/ investment etc, so frankly it is difficult to see how it washes its face.

How many Spanish athletes come to Scotland for shite weather training? Clearly thats where they are going wrong.

Do you know differently for a fact? If so ,say so rather than skirt round the issue with suggestions and innuendo. If Colin Weir has provided some additional ad-hoc funding on top of funding the Weir academy- great.!! What were the Board supposed to say when offered it " No we better not take that Colin- it might upset some chap from Jordanhill"

So what was the explanation? That he was unprofessional, missed team meetings and was perpetually late for training?

Disagree. He is only 20 and I think has shown enough to warrant a contract.

Thanks Jagfox, not trying to be pedantic or a smart arse. Its just that if it is the Local Authority planners who are asking for these things they will have a wish list of things they would like to see in an ideal world. These can usually be negotiated away / modified.. If however it is an adjoining owner who has a ransom strip - they will only be persuaded with £££ and that will be much more concerning.

Developers ? Do you mean Planners? I thought we were the developers?

I think this is the nub of the problem. There has to be fans representation on the Board and that representation has to be independent, answerable and accessible to the fans.