Kmcalpin

Seats were horrific. Back rest is too low and flimsy. When fellow fans want in and out its a nightmare.

On last night's limited evidence we certainly need a big commanding keeper; a big commanding central defender; and a big striker - jury is still out on Thor. HB outbattled us at times and certainly aerially.

Not quite the result I hoped for (3-0), but it was adequate and acceptable given the team we fielded. Hopefully, more injured players are available next week, especially Thor. The performance was a mixed bag as you'd expect with the line up and the fact we're early in our season. Pleased to see AJ continue the possession based ethos introduced by JBA. Thats a massive plus and the fans seemed to warm to it. We put far more emphasis on crosses into the box but all too often there was no-one to get on the end of them or if there was, they didn't have the physical attributes to convert them. If we continue with this style, then a big traditional striker is a must (Thor?). We did seem toothless up front. Good to see us shooting more though and that resulted in 2 cracking goals by our Austrian contingent. Midfield was a bit iffy at times although Priestman had an outstanding game covering every blade of grass. We did lack a good attacking midfielder though - maybe one to come in? HB showed unsettling ability to break at pace and that caught us out a few times. The defence held out for a clean sheet but HB, somewhat worryingly, had a good few efforts on goal late in the game as we tired. Good to see youngsters get game time though and that will boost their confidence. Individuals? Too early to make definitive assessments but Paulsen gives me the fear, as did Callum Ward early on to be fair. A great, if showy shotstopper who pulled off 2 very good saves. However at 6-0 he's very small and looked fragile at aerial balls. His distribution was somewhat heartstopping at times and tested his defenders unnecessarily. Impressed with Moormann although Girdwood Reich had a quieter game. We do need a bigger more commanding central defender though as Premiership strikers will test them out physically. Williams looked ok. Still not sure about Ewan Wilson - he had a poorish first 45 but came onto a better game in the 2nd 45. Not an attacking back but struggled a wee bit defensively. Probably 3rd choice. I thought Priestman was immense last night and will prove to be a real asset this season. One lad who did impress me was Vogt. After comments on him post the Genk game I wasn't sure what to expect, but he looks a real player with pace to burn. Definitely one to watch, once he's fit. Good to see Mikey Booth get a start but I thought, assist aside, the game passed him by. The gametime will help him though. Luca Ross? A make or break season for him but, on last night's admittedly limited evidence, he showed nothing to impress. Cameo appearances for Whyte and Weir - a good sign from AJ.

A minor side issue in the great scheme of things I know. A family member told me tonight that the owner of the Steelworks is going to reopen Club 100 as a sports type bar. That should kybosh any talk of the club taking over the site or premises.

Oscar Priestman for me. He popped up all over the park and was Mr Perpetual Motion.

They were my 2 main conclusions from tonight.

I might disagree with you about which option to choose but you're 100% right about this. We can't afford to dither and swither much longer. I'd also hope the fans will be consulted.

I'm preparing for the game tonight as best I can with a tea of pickled herring, just to get in the mood.

Tonight should be seen as being a big game for us and not simply as being a bonus or Euro jolly as it has been in the past. We should be trying to move on as a club. Its a rare chance to raise the club's profile; bring in extra cash through prize money and gates; and sustain the momentum from last season with the support. Its a chance to move up a level and we should treat it as such.

My guess is that we'll see one or two of these players featuring tonight at some stage.

Looking forward to tonight, with a big crowd behind us. I'm apprehensive but optimistic at the same time. My concern is lack of firepower up front but, we'll see. I had hoped to see another midfielder added before tonight as we certainly had enough warning of the likelihood of Slattery, Watt and Just leaving, but thats life.

Reports tonight that Just's fee is £6m + add ons. We'll probably have to pay Horsens a cut.

The problem is that the refurbishment of Fir Park won't stop there. Once the POD is addressed then there are 3 other stands as well as assorted issues then needing addressed. That will easily run into 7 figures if not more. A veritable money pit.

So if the SFA felt that the VAR decision at Fir Park wasn't the worst ever, which one do they think is?

I suspect, like JBA, he's playing his cards close to his chest. If we haven't got a clue about our line up neither will HB.

Due to injuries and lack of signings, this tie will be harder than it would otherwise have been. HB are also mid season but have had a few weeks break. However, its possible, maybe even probable, that they'll be without 2 of their better players due to visa problems. After all is said and done however, the Faroese league is a very small pond, albeit they are a large fish in it. I can't see us floundering on Thursday and can see a 2 or 3 goal win.

Are we opening up the South Stand or just limiting our fans to the other 3 stands?

Out of interest what would the maintenance costs over 30 years be, if we remain at Fir Park? We'll start with demolition and replacement of the POD then the Hunter Stand.

We all know the issues with the POD and the need to install temporary seating. However, unless I've missed something, we haven't been told the timescale. What does temporary mean? Is it 9 months, a year or even 2 or 3? Not an issue in theory, but if the seats are uncomfortable and causing injuries and disruption then yes, it is an issue. The answer is obviously linked to bigger matters.

I'm entirely largely in agreement with you on our options G & F. My preferred solution is a new stadium and it always has been. Whichever direction we choose, and I hope the directors don't simply kick the can down the road, there are no easy options. If we do move, the significant challenge we face is of course finance, there's no hiding from that. However, we are in a healthy position. Yes there are challenges in dealing with the various agencies involved in the Ravenscraig redevelopment, but I would have thought that given that progress has stalled, the lead body would be keen to help us move there to kickstart development and demonstrate progress. Retailing proposals have largely had their day and are no longer an option there. . There are significant problems if we choose to remain at Fir Park. As G & F rightly points out, the current site is very limited and we'd have to shoehorn in any new POD replacement. I'd assume that the Chapman building would also be demolished to provide more flexibility. The internal space within the current POD is a real constraint. If we wanted to expand and improve facilities such as hospitality suites internally then that would necessitate very creative thinking and design. Expansion of these facilities is essential in my book and I'm not sure how that would be done. Fir Park is a money pit and there will always be ongoing maintenance and development issues. If the POD is rebuilt what then? Will the Hunter Stand then need a new roof or replacement? Substantial amounts of cash will need to be spent on infrastructure every year. Nimbyism? You can be sure local residents would pore over new nut and bolt and parking space and object to every dumper truck movement and every decibel of sound generated by demolition. As G & F suggests maybe Dalziel Park training ground proposals could be halted and subsumed into a new site. Our new Board has conducted transfer negotiations and managerial appointments very professionally and in secrecy which is to be commended but they need to lift their veil of secrecy over issues like this. No, we don't need to know every detail just their general direction of travel. We are a fan owned club after all.

Yes, I did think that comment was rather odd given his lack of involvement.

Very good point and thats one reason why so many fees are undisclosed these days.

According to Scott Burns we are expecting incomings next week. Unsubtantiated rumour on Twitter that Just fee is £5m + add ons. No idea if thats accurate or not.

I think now would be a perfect time for the Chairman to address the fans and steady the good ship fanbase. No need for panic and no need to go into great detail but just a wee pep talk to sustain last season's momentum. We've heard plenty from departing players' agents and buying clubs about our players but nothing from our own club. Time for some leadership.

I''m not sure what "smashed" means. Until I read anything reliable otherwise, I'll assume it £5m up front + spurious add ons.