weeyin

If we were setting up for a nil - nil, not sure we'd be playing 2 up top.

Either that, Dunne has crocked Tanner the same way he crocked Bowman.

Robinson said that Hartley wasn't fully fit and had an injury that was going to need to be managed all season. I'd prefer to see Tanner play (assuming he's not carrying a knock), but having watched Hearts last few games at Tynecastle, I can see why he might want to set up for a physical battle - at least for the first 45. It will be like playing Accies, except on terrible grass instead of terrible plastic.

Your loss. I just re-mortgaged my house.

From the comments Robinson made in his conference today, sounds like we are close to bringing in another new signing. No clues as to the position, though.

Unless he was asked just to give it his best shot when he wasn't quite ready for the step up. Then he did do everything that was asked of him.

I think Dunne is just fine for the system we play. Having said that, he's looked much more comfortable in the centre of defence.

Guaranteed. If I was you, I'd put every penny you possess on it (and borrow money from all your friends and family to bet on it too). Then re-invest your winnings on a 'Well victory at Easter Road.

A few predictions for this game. The pitch will be cutting up after 2 minutes. One red card. We end Hearts shut out run.

Given the way Hearts approach the game these days, I don't expect a classic at Tynecastle, either.

Tanner, probably, based on recent form.

Seems that if you want fill any of the coaching or managerial positions at Fir Park you need to be a Steve. That's Robinson, McManus, Craigan and now Hammell we have in place.

Aye, I was laughing at that Ngog suggestion - and hoped the Compliance Officer wasn't listening.

Seems like we've moved from being brutal and losing to being slightly less brutal and winning. So that's a step in the right direction, and happy to hear Ciftci and Main are contributing. It's been interesting listening to Hartley on the last two commentaries has he's not shy about pointing out what we need to be doing individually and collectively as a team to improve. As well has being a good laugh ("Welcome to Scotland, son" when Souttar scored his o.g.) he still talks the players through the game, telling the defenders where to position themselves, and the strikers where to find space etc. He definitely has coaching and/or punditry in his future.

Nice piece in The Scotsman on the Hartley Video (and the club in general).

Hartley again - two consecutive clean sheets from the commentary box.

Good day to be working from home.

On Mixlr, Hartley was bigging up Rose. If anyone wants to tell him to his face that he may be mistaken, feel free. Else, just take up basketball.

Also true.

There's a formula that's used based on things like how many years a player was in our development squad, first team appaearances etc. It also depends on things like which league the team that signs him is playing in. Because Cadden has come up through the ranks, that counts in our favour. It was the same formula that was used when Lee Erwin moved and landed us about 400k (from memory). It applies up until the player is 23 years old. It's also what makes it near impossible to sign any youngsters from the lower leagues in Scotland as it puts them well outside the transfer fee range we are prepared to pay. I don't have time right now to dig out all the details, but I found this piece that discusses the formula used in England (I think it's different for cross border, but gives a decent idea) It's also a little out of date: That calculation was referenced in a discussion about kids moving from club to club when they were 13 or 14 years old.

The development fee alone is north of 600k.

Not before time. They'd be better off playing in the Morrison's car park these days.

Our pitch was 10 times worse than Aberdeen, Celtic or Heart's current efforts. There was more sand on it than Troon's beach. The criticism was 100% deserved. Likewise, the praise now is 100% deserved as they have turned it into the best surface in the top flight.

Every time I have seen us win the cup we had to beat Aberdeen away and dispose of Celtic in a later round.