weeyin

There's a table floating around the internet that has Ross County as number 12 for this season. Can't remember the full list, but I think we were 9th or 10th. In the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter, of course. Also, I imagine it depends how you define budget. Some tables I have seen are average salary, some are total cash available some include money spent on transfer fees etc.

He was a classic example of a player that could score for fun in the lower leagues, but couldn't reproduce at the higher league level.

I think the biggest "luck" factor, if you want to call it luck, was just how weird this season has been with all the Covid restrictions. With the exception of Rangers, every team's form has been all over the place. Same in England where Man City cantered to the title losing 6 and drawing 5 games - which is nowhere winning form for prior seasons. The fact that the Scottish Cup ties were compressed into a few weeks also helped, as it meant you only needed to maintain good cup form over a much shorter time frame. That's not to take anything away from St Johnstone. The conditions were the same for every team and they took full advantage of it. An incredible achievement for any of the "wee" teams in the modern era and something the fans will be talking about forever. A small part of me is happy we didn't get to the finals this season purely because it would have been awful having to watch us compete for a trophy in an empty stadium - but I'm sure I'd have been delighted if we'd won.

While I agree his recent form has been good, as I mentioned elsewhere, his goal overall goal scoring record is similar to someone like Ryan Bowman. An average of about 5 per season in the prior 8 years. We have experience with Watt and I'd be delighted if we could bring back Cole, backed up with a younger prospect to develop.

The best part for me that day was the stream I was watching had the Celtic TV commentators. They went from arrogant celebration to worried and then, when Skippy finished them off, they cut off their audio.

As we've seen with our own players, the gap between Championship and Premiership is one many players struggle to cross. Guys like Bob McHugh, Craig Moore, Dom Thomas and many more have carved out good careers in lower leagues after struggling to cut it in our first team. And the problem with recruiting the younger players is we can't afford the development fee.

Of course they'd be mad to sell him, but a smart move by Villa to make a bid before the new manager is installed.

That could a good move for him (and our bank balance).

A classic example of needing luck to win a trophy is Denmark in 1992. They managed to win the Euros even though they didn't qualify.

Insightful first post. Will read again.

Same for me. A great mix of dig and skill.

And, typically, to have a howler or two in their repertoire.

It's the 2020's equivalent of Jeremy Beadle.

I honestly wouldn't judge any player in any league on this season's performances. It has been a hell of a weird campaign with all sorts of unusual circumstances to deal with. From driving to games and periods of self-isolation to socially distanced team meetings and, for some, not being able to see family for months. Even at the highest level, the best teams have often struggled to find form or consistency. As I've said a few times this season, I was delighted to have football back and it definitely helped getting through lockdown. I'm equally delighted, however, that the season is over and never want to see another one like this again.

I'm a big fan of Watt, but I've never been a big fan of strikers being captain. Can you imagine Louis Moult yelling at Hartley or Aldred to tell them how to defend?

See, that's what I'm talking about. We've done well the past few games to stay motivated in less meaningful games, but when you are playing a team fighting for survival, it's difficult to match that additional intensity they bring.

They'll need to step up their tempo. Throw another striker or two on and chop us down if we look anywhere near a second. Although, I must admit, I'm not watching the same game as you. I agree that, unsurprisingly, County have more of an edge to their game, but a lot of their build up has been ponderous.

Killie strolling it at 2 - 0 now. I expect County to come out swinging the second half.

I've been keeping an eye on a Killie stream. Safe to say Accies won't be scoring 9 today.

Does he not do media work these days?

Central mid always struggles without Campbell. Going to be a hard man to replace.

County playing like a team that's desperate to win. We're playing like a team that would like to win - just not quite as much dig.

Nice move for the goal. Jammy finish.

In other news I have "refused to rule out" the possibility of swimming across the Atlantic for the first home game next season.

I don't know who chose them (Campbell's dad?), but I thought, for example, Devante's flick round the defender to set up O'Donnell was much better than some of those. From the selection offered, Mugabi's is still the most impressive for me.