joewarkfanclub

Tamy, brief explanation! Scottish football has been in decline for some time now so the SFA commissioned former MP Henry McLeish to carry out an investigation. His report basically slaughtered everybody involved in the running of the game and stated unless there was major change the game would die. The SPL in their wisdom have taken on board what was said in the report and decided that change IS required, however, instead of listening to the what the fans want (a bigger league with all teams playing each other only twice instead of 4 times as at present) they have proposed that we should go back to a ten team league which was abolished years ago because it didn't work. The vote to make this a reality will happen very soon, but it looks a foregone conclusion to be passed if you believe what is in the papers, hence why everyone is very angry! Hope that makes sense! For what it's worth I think Rangers, Celtic and Sky are the driving forces as they want to hold on to the 4 Old Squirm games every year. Why the hell clubs the likes of ours think it's a good idea, I cannot fathom. We only get 9500 for OF games now so the increased attendance for 2 more games against them could easily be recouped in increased attendances for the other games if we only play each other once home and away and get rid of the familiarity that's killing our game and subsequently attendances. A 16 team league with 2 up 2 down and the next 2 teams going into the playoffs is the way to go, add in McLeishs proposals on prices, facilities, winter break, summer start and I think we could go a long way to improving things. But hey, Im just a supporter!

Cheers Andy, looks like he would fit in right at home on the ex OF supporters thread with a history like that! Especially if you chuck in the England U21 story and how he dodged that to end up playing for Scotland!

With you on that one BB. I'm not one of the dreamers who thinks we can get by without Crags as he is a good organizer and, on the whole, reads the game well, however, he is a much more effective player when he stops thinking he is a footballer trying to spray passes that are beyond his ability. He should be experienced enough to know what his strengths are and play to them, and any manager worth his salt should be giving him the message! I think the other big problem with him is that he is crap in the air and doesn't win anywhere near enough headers in the box, hence our woeful record of conceding goals from set pieces and cross balls. This is compounded by the fact that Reynolds is no better. I accept our defensive record is not the worst, however, it's the type of goals that we are conceding that is so frustrating! I would try and move Reynolds on and get some money to improve the squad with as I think, given an injury free run, Hutchison Saunders or Paige would all provide a better pairing than we have just now.

I note in his interview he said his first Scottish club game was Motherwell v Celtic in 1978, does anyone know the background to that? Given he was born in Leeds and his dad is Scots is his dad a Well / Celtic fan? Would be a touch ironic if he was actually Celtic daft as a kid! I know at the end of the day it doesn't make a great deal of difference as long as he starts winning games, just curious!

Anyone youngsters or players not getting a game at Inter that Stuart McCall could get on loan?

Nobody's mentioned the fact that Tommy Craig is coming as number 2. Personally, I think thats a great appointment as he is vastly experienced. I must admit when I first heard the news about McCall I wasnt doing cartwheels, but I think as a double act this might just work! Mon the Steelmen!

I totally agree with that! He has no coaching or management experience and any time he did the summarising on the tv I thought he was watching a different game than I was. Not impressive when talking about the game at all, any of the other names mentioned would be preferrable to that one!

I would propose Craig and Archie are one Cup one win short of being our next club Legends!

Never felt that way about a Motherwell game no matter how bad the result, however I will give you.... Czech Republic V Scotland 8th October 2010

1. Joe Wark (no shit!) 2. Wullie P 3. Johnny Gahagan 4. Dougie Arnott 5. Davie Cooper Bubbling Under 1. Tommy Coyne 2. Sieb 3. Colin O'Neill 4. Luc Nijholt 5. Faddy

Hard to pick someone who impressed but it's Reynolds for me. Looks far more assured this season and although I like Crags for his experience and organisation, we all know what his weaknesses are. I think alongside Hutchison or Saunders, Reynolds would flourish.

Dont mean to be critical, but I cant agree with you there. Thought the big man was immense and led the line well, patricularly in the first half. Thought the number of times he plucked the ball out the sky when it was launched at him from 80 yards showed excellent touch and control and allowed our midfield to get up and support him. He also brought other players into play with some neat footwork at times. That said, the miss WAS an absolute shocker! He's not up there with Big Lucas yet, but I think Broonie has done well to identify someone who can at least have a go at filling his shoes. As for MoM, thought everyone played pretty well. Hately was probably the most disappointing, but thats only measured against his performances last season. Saunders and Reynolds merit special mention but I think for sheer impact in the first half it has to go to Murphy (like many others I would give it to Humphrey every week if the final product was there. Hopefully that will come!). Overall, I should be gutted at not making the group, but for some reason 'm not. I just feel proud that we once again have a team that is capable of playing attractive attacking football. Gives us hope for the rest of the season, and who knows,maybe next year! God Bless Craig n Archie.