Lobey_Dosser

The end is near. We’ve ran out of steam with the hard graft approach and the squad doesn’t possess the required quality to turn it around. When you consider the cost of a Robinson payoff and the inevitable clearout that will follow, I hate to think how much of the cup money has been thrown down the drain.

Odds on ATS and Grimshaw being subbed at ht?

To be fair, there have been some excellent televised games at Rugby Park since the arrival of Steve Clarke. The visits of Hibs, Rangers and Celtic spring to mind.

Lasley may have a say in the odd signing but he isn’t in a position to influence the transfer policy. When the club appointed Robinson and then extended his contract, they knew what they were investing in. Robinson is a manager who signs players with ‘character’ that are willing to work their balls off every day in training. For such a philosophy to prosper, Robinson believes in creating a competitive environment via a big squad. This has clearly worked to an extent delivering some memorable nights that were unimaginable under the McGhee malaise. Unfortunately however, many supporters find the quantity over quality approach a real turn off, particularly when it prevents a decent crop of young prospects getting anywhere near the first team. In some respects, Robinson’s personal traits are a fantastic fit for any provincial club but his transfer strategy doesnt fit so well, particularly for a club that is serious about attracting and retaining young talent.

Listening to the enthusiastic Hartley on mixlr, I got the impression we had a right good go. Maybe not. This was always going to be a tough season given the lack of quality recruited in the summer. Focus now has to steer away from a relegation battle.

This was always going to be a tough week but should the trips to Tynecastle and Rugby Park go to form, the Livi game could prove to a crunch game for Robinson. He rightly deserve lots of credit for turning round our cup form but he’s managed to build a team that doesn’t score goals.

A testing week in prospect where we may well see the benefits of the 12-18 transfer strategy, particularly when we have concerns over Carson, Rose and Main. From a tactical perspective, I’d like to see us return to a back 4 with Tait and Cadden on the same side of the park. The pair of them are being wasted at present. The downside to a back 4 is that we appear to have entered yet another season without a fit and competent left back. Upfront, I’d throw Sammon in given how poor the other 3 strikers were against Hearts. Bit of pressure on Aberdeen so hopefully we can test their nerve. Having said that, I’d be quite content with a draw ahead of the trip to Tynecastle.

McHugh despite his costly mistake, that’s how mediocre the rest were.

My first league game of the season, proved to be a tough watch after starting fairly brightly. The lack of touch and technique from our front players is alarming. Feel for McHugh as he was our best defender but that was a helluva costly lapse in concentration given the injury to one of our biggest assets. On a positive note from a Scotland perspective, John Souttar is starting to look a bit special. Having seen him up close 3 times in 8 days, he looks destined for the big stage.

Mulgrew has been a solid servant for Scotland. im no fan of McLeish but credit to him, he gives young players and Scottish based players their chance - a refreshing change from his predecessors. I came away from Hampden very positive tonight given the quality, potential and appetite of McGinn, Armstrong, McGregor, Tierney, Robertson, McKenna, Souttar etc. If Campbell and Cadden kick on this season, there is no reason why they can’t get in the squad when the time is right. We have a manager that will give them a chance if they are good enough.

Haven’t seen anything of Rangers outwith the draw at Aberdeen but results and general noise would suggest they are in the best shape they’ve ever been (sevco that is). Would be lovely if Gerrard was to have his first slip at Fir Park but I can’t see it, the lack of pace in our back three will be targeted by any half decent team.

I’ve felt like that for about 5 years now. It gets depressing though when you know only exceptional talents will get a sniff of first team action.

Delighted to have Tom Aldred back, hopefully he can replicate last seasons loan. Interesting to see how we shape up at the back now.

Doing our wee bit for the Scottish coefficient by going easy on Hibs today. Imagine they were anywhere near full pelt. Next couple of signings are key. If they aren’t of first 11 quality, the grim football may not deliver the success it did last season.

New season but it looks like we’ll need to continue the trend of making half time subs.

I hope Cadden can get his move this month, think it would be mutually beneficial to both club and player. The early closure of English window could prove to be a real hinderence though. Maybe Rangers or Celtic will come calling late August...

Not bad middle to front but a back 3 that has Hartley on the left would result in a few doings. I don’t see how we can confidently go with a 3 without the athleticism of Dunne.

All the best to Cedric, he clearly has the attributes to go far in the game. I think it was important for his own career progression, that he made the step up this summer. If he hits the ground running at Wigan, he’ll be getting touted for a £5mil+ move next summer. As for Motherwell, we’ve probably known for some time that this transfer was coming. Here’s hoping we are ready to invest in enhancing the first 11.

McGeough is away to Sunderland. Their new addition to midfield, Stevie Mallan, is highly rated. To compete with Hibs, you need to track their movement off the ball. I reckon they’ll be saving their legs for Molde though.

Would love a player like Stuart Elliott nowadays. Him and Faddy had a great partnership upfront for a wee while.

I think Hibs are set for an excellent season but given their European adventures and the stresses that brings, this should be a perfect time to play them. I’d expect Kamberi to be rested and McLaren’s deal is yet to be completed so they may be light of options upfront. Unfortunately however, we appear to be in a state of flux with a growing injury list, key players potentially on the move and others struggling for fitness. A 0-0 would do us fine.

Always appeared likely Kipre would move this summer. And it’s been clear from the league cup appearances, that his mind has been elsewhere. Good luck to him, nice little earner for Motherwell.

League - 8th. Top 6 is sewn up. League cup - quarters Scottish Cup - last 16 Young player of the year - Campbell Player of the year - Carson if he stays, otherwise McHugh. Top Goalscorer - Tanner Season wishes - Kipre to be sold for good money. Cadden and Campbell to be capped for Scotland. At least one of our youngsters (most likely Turnbull) to break into the 1st team.

Plastic. Here’s hoping it’s no windy.

Not one of our youngsters has made the bench in the last 3 cup games. Our transfer policy this summer surely can’t sit well with all at the club.