weeyin

This, plus a cut from a big money transfer for Marvin, and the signing of a replacement for Moult that we can sell on in 2 years - would be ideal. This owning a football club is a doddle.

You have to admire his ingenuity, however, to con all the coaches and managers he's played under that he can play left back. He better hope nobody at ICT reads this, or he's been rumbled.

I think he'll do just fine as left back at that level.

"probably doubts over the quality of his team mates" is the kind of baseless speculation that makes this place great. Moult's agent (and Moult himself) will be well aware of who is and who isn't interested in his services next season, regardless of who has actually made a formal bid at this stage. It's the agent's job to gauge interest. It may be that Aberdeen is the only club who wants him - in which case they need to pay the asking price. If there are other teams who have expressed an interest to Moult's agent. however, he'd be mad not to sit tight for a few more weeks and see what transpires.

TBF, at least some of his fans were impressed by his U20s performances where JJ used to talk about his 'continental feet'. Was a shame he couldn't produce that level of performance in the first team.

Sadly, football talent alone doesn't make a good pro. Like every other team in the country we have had our fair share of players who had the talent but, for whatever reason, couldn't quite cut it. Years ago, it was Paul Mills and the boy (Paul?) Tracey - both of whom were tipped to be the next big thing. Then there were guys like Brian Kerr who had bags of talent, but never look interested in using it. More recently, guys like McHugh and Moore who scored goals for fun at U20 level but struggled to reproduce in the first team. Thomas is probably one of the more talented youngsters we've released in recent years, and I think we messed up his development by keeping on the fringes of the squad instead of loaning him out, but maybe a change of scenery will do him good. I wonder if he'd have stayed if Blyth hadn't got himself injured and tied up a wage.

Is Greg Stewart not a proven goalscorer (at least before he headed to Brum)?

As one of the owners of the club, I'm happy for it to be known given the positive impact it has on the quality of the players we can attract.

Maybe, like other before him such as Moore and McHugh, he couldn't bridge the gap between his success at the U20s and the First Team. We'll find out soon enough, but good luck the boy as it's unusual for us to release someone that goes on to bigger things.

The entire point of signing Moult was to sell him on. The only disappointment would be if we don't do that. He's done a great job for us and himself with his performances (and seems like a good guy), but next season it will be some other team who are waiting for him to return to fitness after a groin op. Looking forward to see who we have lined up to replace him.

More likely he doesn't want to alienate half the potential customer base for his football school.

The club did the right thing by offering a new contract. Almost zero chance Moult was ever going to sign it. I can't imagine any fan (or the player himself) thought he'd be with us any more than 2 seasons.

When Davie Hay was the manager and we cruised to the old First Division title, it wasn't unusual for us to knock in 4, 5 or 6 goals in a game. I knew a few fans (including a friend of my Dad) who started complaining that it was "too easy" and "a bit boring".

I only ever expected 2 seasons from Moult. Would be amazed if he still with us after the window closes.

It is entirely unreasonable for a number of obvious reasons. First of all, it was a training session, not a competitive match. Secondly, we are only about half way through our pre-season training. How does that make a difference I hear all the people who don't grasp the first reason, ask? That means we aren't executing any normal pre-match training schedules. Instead it means we are doing things like double training sessions, pushing players hard, the day before a game. The exact opposite of what you do before an actual game. Thirdly, during a training session, like the one at Gateshead, the manager is trying things out. For example, different formations, different partnerships and different tactics. This is necessary, because he has a large number of new players he needs to integrate into the team. The outcome of this is information regarding what works and what doesn't work without the burden of losing a competitive game because of the exeperiments (because, you know, this was a training session). Fourthly, different players are at different fitness levels? Why is that, the intentionally argumentative fans ask? Well, when you have U20s, guys from lower leagues, guys who have been out injured and guys who have just been out, they will all take different amounts of time to reach their peak. Fifthly, the aim of the pre-season is to get the squad ready for the League campaign. That is why you hear the manager and players talk about being fit for Rangers. Not about being fit for Queens Park. Robinson has said the Queens Park team will likely not be the one that lines up in the season opener due the the different stages of fitness each player is currently at. Sixthly, there is match fitness to consider. Early pre-season is more focused on physical fitness, not match fitness. Match fitness comes a little later when players are working on their tackling, passing and finishing. Even then, there is no substitute for playing in a competitive match to get that to 100%. If I was in sole charge of the team, I'd be tempted to do all my pre-season training and playing behind closed doors just to avoid all the moaning and complaining. But that's just me. Tomorrow's "game" is just another training session, so I expect a similar approach with the gaffer trying a few things out before he prepares for the weekend. Oh, and if you expect to see a fully fit, fully match fit, well oiled machine playing on Saturday, you are going to be disappointed too. So prepare yourself.

Given Aberdeen's spending habits, I'd be surprised if they meet our valuation. And even if they do, I remain unconvinced he sees his future up north. Regardless, I'm more interested in who we bring in to replace him if he does move on.

Do you expect guys like Tait and McManus who were out for 6 months to be as fit as guys who finished the season in the first team? Do you expect someone who has come up from the English lower leagues to be as fit as an SPFL player? Do you expect a 32 year old to be as fit as an 18 year old? What kind of fitness programme are you familiar with that makes everyone start from a different baseline and be at exactly the same point 3 weeks in? I know posting on here is still in pre-season, but many posters are falling short of the necessary standard. Double sessions for all before Tuesday's game.

The usual suspects are. You'd think so, but you can set your calendar by it.

You don't think we'd bother replacing him? Given the "at least five more" signings that Robinson and 'Flo mentioned, we seem to be a few off that mark. I still expect to see more new faces arrive by the time the window closes at the end of August.

I know it's not how it works, I was just answering GazzyB's question about how much the club thinks he's worth. And I imagine it's around 750k+. What he's worth and what we get for him, as you say, may not be the same thing. But I'd rather keep him than sell him cheap.

Get in there with the pre-season disappointment! Don't think about it as even a friendly. Think about it as a training session where the gaffer gets to try out some new tactics, pairings and ideas. Because that's exactly what it is. Also remember the players are out there on the back of some hard single and double training sessions - the exact opposite of normal game prep. The players won't be fit until the Rangers game, so be ready for some non-peak performances in the Cup too. Then put your feet up, have a beer and enjoy your weekend.

Robinson said his plan today was to give players 60 mins or more, with some having a full 90.

Depends on who's offering, but if it's a Championship club I'd start at 1 million and maybe drop to 750 with the appropriate add-ons. Marvin was about 650 plus addons apparently, and I think Moult is worth more than that. EDIT: Of course if Accies make a bid it must be worth at least a million to them to never have to play against him again.

If the increase is within our salary structure, that's fine. However, it's just as likely to be a bargaining tool to bump up his price when he leaves during the window.

This. Plus I'm sure when Moult leaves it will be for an English club.