joewarkfanclub

Didnt think anyone really excelled for 90 mins today, certainly not in the midfield. However, as usual, Big Declan strolled it for the most part. I also actually quite liked his yellow card for telling the ref that the Hamilton player could be treated behind the goal!

I like McIver. He plays with his head up and is always looking to effect the game positively whether it be closing a man down or a forward pass or trying to get a shot away. It doesnt always come off for him but his body language is a million miles away from that of Seedorf, Manzinga and even Hylton (albeit he is the best of the 3 by a distance)

Lol! I meant to have McIver in there to support Watt! Typo! I am assuming Long wont be fit, but if he was obviously Id have him in ahead of McIver.

Best case scenaro..... Carson Tait Gallagher Donnelly Grimshaw Campbell O'Hara Polworth Aarons Watt Worst case....... Carson Tait Hartley Donnelly Grimshaw Campbell O'Hara Polworth Aarons Watt

Team selection is going to be a headache with Carroll now injured as well. If Dunne isnt ready/risked on the plastic I can see Tait plating left back and Grimshaw at RB, which doesnt really resolve any of the issues we all know exist and we end up with a patchwork defence again. If Gallagher hasnt recovered from his virus then that issue is compounded even further. Shape and formation will depend very much on who is available. One thing is a must and that is O'Hara in midfield. Im also not against he idea of Carson starting. Gillespie is a very good shotstopper but his distribution isnt great. If he isnt signing a new contract and leaving for free in the summer Id be keen to give our new no.1 some gametime.

We had one in the 2nd half. He was wearing no52. If the manager had picked him to start with you have to wonder if the first half would have been quite so desperate.

The only way to beat a hight press is to be good on the ball and have plenty of movement in front of you to give you options. Last night it was clear that St Mirren had done their homework and had targetted Hartley and Grimshaw.

We are currently paying him a wage. Boy is quoted as saying he loves it here and would be receptive to staying long term so I dont think he would be that difficult to deal with.

Mark O'Hara by a country mile. He has consistently been our best midfielder since the winter break and should never have been dropped tonight. He was an absolute standout when he came on and allowed everyone else to up their game. We should be offering this boy a pre-contract right now to get him signed up for next year. Mentions for Donnelly who was excellent at centre half. Tait who looked back to his old self and must start Saturday. Watt, who grew into the game and showed that he may indeed have something to offer us. Hylton, Aarons and Grimshaw all had decent second halves. Maybe playing everyone in their right positions will catch on?

Where to start with that? I was concerned when I saw the team selection, with Gallagher missing and O'Hara inexplicably dropped to the bench it didnt bode well. Tactically it was clear after about 15 mins that the 4-3-3 was again failing us. Our midfield was being overun and as a result our already shaky defence was cruelly exposed time after time. It was crying out for an extra man in midfield. It shouldnt have taken until we were 4-1 down and a defender off injured for the manager to have made the change. An absolutely shocking first half all round. Having criticised the manager, credit where its due for the bold changes made at half time. O'Hara was an absolute standout in midfield and his performance allowed everyone around him to raise their game. Donnelly looked far more assured at centre half and Tait looked back to his old self. Even Grimshaw looked far more comfortable playing in front of him. It really was a rousing comeback, so credit to the manager and the players for rolling their sleeves up and not chucking it at half time. You dont get that kind of reaction if the manager has lost the dressing room. Unfortunately it just wasnt enough in the end. For those slating the players for missing penalties. Maybe spare a thought for the fact that most had played 120 mins on a heavy pitch and could barely walk let alone keep their composure to slot one away. Yes they are professionals, and yes they should do better, but there were mitigating factors. Hope the manager is now clearer about which players he can trust and those he cant now in certain positions and he might be considering a change away from 4-3-3 when the opposition dictates it is necessary. Saturday could be interesting.

Does seem a bit silly. The players all get the chance to heal wee niggles and injuries, all just to get them back playing 3 games a week after the break.

I dont pretend Dunne is the worlds greatest defender or that he would walk back into the team, but having him available again will be helpful with the run of games we have coming up. His pace would also let us press a little bit higher up the park.if it were needed.

I see Dunne played. Must be close to being back for the first team.

This 100%

So we are. Good spot. I guess that means we can try again next midweek if Tuesday doesnt go ahead?

Really need to get the cup game on given the next round is next Saturday! Otherwise we will be playing the replay next Saturday and potentially the quarter final the following midweek!

I doubt its worth anything. Does the tv money not go in a central pot for prize money these days? I presumed it got divvied up depending on how far you got in the competition.

Think he means Higdon, although I immediately thought Stevie Cowan!

Looking at our limited options Id stick with 4-3-3 Gillespie Grimshaw Gallagher Hartley Carroll OHara Polworth Donnelly Aarons Watt Hylton

Will Manzinga not be suspended?

Given that we have only just played St Mirren and we play them another twice within 4 days, I dont think mixing it up a little would be the worst idea. Whether to do it on Saturday or leave it until Tuesday is up for question and may depend a lot on what personnel are available. I would be tempted to stick with 4-3-3 on Saturday and try and catch them out on Tuesday, however, doing the opposite might keep them guessing. Whatever we can do to gain an advantage. Midfield wise for me O'Hara is the one player who should be guaranteed a start. He is the most complete midfielder we have in the squad and it shouldnt matter that he isnt our player. We need to win the next few games and he will help us do that. Polworth probably has to start just for his creativity and ability to pick out a pass. His delivery at set pieces needs to improve however. Its thereafter down to either Campbell or Donnelly for me if we stick with 4-3-3. If we opt for a different formation we might have room for both but giving either of them a rest at some stage wouldnt be the worst idea as both have lost a little of their early season form. Didnt see any of last nights game, but I would be starting Aarons off the back of his performances v Celtic and St Mirren as he appears to offer some genuine pace and quality that our other wingers just dont have. Long must start up front. Whether thats with or without Watt depends on the formation.

Thanks for your insight. Much appreciated.

I appreciate we have tied in with Dalziel for a long time. My suggestion was that we should maybe look to assist in upgrading Dalziel or tying in with someone else in a joint venture rather than taking on all the costs of in a sole venture (I think Hearts are tied in with Herriot Watt University?) Obviously the logistics / politics of that might not be advantageous, but Im sure there are plenty of minds on our board smart enough to explore all options and do whats best for the club.

As far as training facilities go, I would have thought a joint venture such as Hibs and Hearts run would make sense. A tie in with Dalziel or a local college or the council could work. We only need access at specific times so would be financially more sustainable if someone else was benefitting from the facility and contributing to its upkeep.

Murphy missed the penalty at 0-1. Pretty sure he hit the post with it. Would have set us up for a rousing finale. Anyone who would prefer the League Cup to that is off their heads.