StipeIsGod

So, who's going to be 'the voice of reason' and say it's too early for this level of concern?

Well now, this is going well.

Can't see this being a pleasant weekend to be a Well fan. They look settled, strong, and more ready for this game than we do. I'd be happy with a lineup of Hollis Ramsden - Hutchinson - McManus - Hammell Lawson Vigurs - Lasley McFadden Angol Anier We're going to need the extra man in midfield, I feel, and removing Sutton from the equation in favour of Lawson also stops the temptation to hoof the ball at his head. Especially considering that he's actually relatively weak at knock ons from there, as compared to balls to chest or feet, where he has a chance for a decent pass on. McFadden looks shocking at the moment, but unless he's injured, he's just going to have to keep trooping through it, unless Anier can play out there, because frankly, Kerr is not an option. I just don't think we're anywhere near ready for this challenge, though, and can see 3-0 Inverness, with us labouring to get a shot anywhere near the target. Still, mon the Well, prove me wrong (again).

There is definitely something to be said for that. Great .gif Daft bastards

You've managed to wrench that spectacularly out of context. To answer directly, no, it doesn't mean that. It does, however, mean that your general abilities, whether it be long passing, short passing, tackling, positional sense, or any other major part of being a professional footballer are not going to change going from club to club. Simply put, we have a large quantity of players who occupy the same role, by choice, ability, and lengthy training up to this point. To expect them to change out of the role which you have to assume we have scouted them in, in the first place, seems daft to me. Small changes, aye, but you're not going to convert Vigurs into a convincing right midfielder, or Lawson into a support striker over the course of a season. They're both excellent players, but we're currently trying to shoehorn our best players onto a pitch, as opposed to basing decisions on team shape, and that's a direct result of acquiring too many players in certain places, and leaving other areas understocked, even with the knowledge that money is too tight to bring much more in. I think the quality of player that's been brought in is too high for us to struggle particularly, but it doesn't mean that I don't believe that the wages, overall, have been used well in building a team, as opposed to a group of individuals.

We've largely recruited from the spl this year, so I'd say that the players, Anier aside, are hardly unknown quantities. Changing the shirt they're wearing doesn't change their attributes.

I'm starting to become vaguely convinced that we're going to wind up having Hateley back at Fir Park.

I disagree with the full "muted celebration" thing to begin with. The player should be supporting the new club to the hilt, and celebrating for their fans, and with their teammates should be the norm. Unless it's deliberately antagonistic to the opposition (think Adebayor's mad full pitch run) then I have no issue with an ex-player choosing to celebrate. Complained about this before. Left it this time, despite thinking that there's an argument either way on Sutton's performances, but I think that certain admins can be a tad click-happy. Even more aggravating is that I enjoy the majority of their output.

I'd argue that the difference in Aberdeen's "In's" column when compared to us is that they've recruited to fill the gaps in their team, as opposed to bringing in the best players they could, even if it left them overstocked. For instance, I like Lasley, Carswell, Lawson and Vigurs, but do we really need 4 central midfielders, with zero real flexibility, when we lack wingers and forwards? Or, the frankly bizarre stockpiling of centre halves? I really do support McCall, and I think that his recruits are all solid choices as individuals, but no thought seems to have been put into setting up a team.

I want, and will continue, to give Hollis a chance, but this reactionary voting for him is really not helping anyone. Few good saves, no chance with the goals, and he did awful work with a couple of cross balls, and especially a flapped advance. Anier for me.

I'll say something on the game later, as frankly, I'm just too pissed off to put something coherent together.

In the first division, nope?

To clarify, Forbes is dug shit at this level, in my opinion. Just incase anyone misinterpreted.

And that would prove..? He can kick a ball, but he's unfit, lazy and below par. As ever.

I'm done reading Smeddum posts. Whether he's a troll, or genuinely clueless, I don't know or care. Trying to work out what he's rambling on about, with zero regard to punctuation or sentences, is like reading soup.

Neilson, albeit Anier was also very good. Currently looking like our best striking option.

Not being negative about the game or that, but those odds look a wee bit short to me.

Felt pretty sorry for the guy. He'd have been a first team staple if not for McFadden coming back. As soon as that happened, he was gubbed.

Jealous of the folk there. Always wanted to go to Russia. Hope it's a great trip!

And I reckon he's damn well deserved that trust.

I don't think it's even near a cunning plan, but I'm just saying that it at least gives McCall a look at a change of system and personnel.

I get the point, but I had to point out (pedantically) that it was Benitez. I then actually started thinking about it. According to Benitez, the atmosphere was quiet in the dressing room, and what he did was some individual talks, and more importantly, tweak positions and roles. I appreciate that it still involved generally having his "best" players on the pitch, but it was largely a change of tactics. Is it at all possible, that McCall may actually have a plan for tomorrow, regarding the players whom he has with him? For instance, I agree that they're three of our better players (and that's why they're rested), but another argument is that they are probably three of the slowest on the books.

I'm likely to be wrong, but I just see McCall as being sensible enough not to head into the madhouse.

You are aware that it's a Wednesday morning, aye?

2 Nil, McManus header and Vigurs goal.