MelvinBragg

Even first time around, it struck me that McDonald was unlikely to be a positive influence in the dressing room. I had hoped, as he had come across as a bit more mature in his interviews, that it might be different this time around. Sadly not...

Anyone got a link to bookies offering odds on the new manager? Just had Rab McKinnon on the phone with a tip for me...

To be fair, Ainsworth is one of the guys that I couldn't fault for effort this season... McManus, on the other hand...

Jock Wallace acknowledging the Rangers fans...

Birds of a feather...

If the last few weeks have taught us anything, it's that we need a backup for Pearson...

19 is plenty old enough. Sick of us only blooding players at 20-21. We wonder why other clubs get higher fees. One of the reasons, not the only one, is the fact they can sell their players younger as they've had a chance to prove themselves earlier...

So you don't want any of the usual suspects but you don't want a left field appointment either? Who does that leave...?

Certainly be interesting to see the team lineup on Saturday. Cadden maybe get a chance? Hoping it might see Taylor benched at least...

Aye, while clearly it wasn't working out with Baraclough, the rumours of senior players undermining him does the club no credit at all. A change of manager may help short term but clearly bigger problems there. To be fair to Lasley, at least he was still putting in 100% every week...

I think it's down to the fact that people know who he is and were surprised when he got the job. Like certain players are targeted by the support when things go wrong, since his appointment to his current role it seems like any problems are evidence that Burrows isn't up to the task. He's the public face of the board, whether he likes it or not and whether that's fair or not. Without knowing his job description, it's difficult to say how well or badly he's doing it. On the face of things, he's given the manager all that he has asked for in terms of tools to do the job. Is it his job to question whether a given player is the player we need? I'd suggest not given people feel that he doesn't have enough of a football background to be involved in recruitment of a new manager. Does he bear some responsibility for the current situation? Of course, he's the general manager. Should he be taking as much blame as the players or the manager? I'd say no...

His signings have been a mixed bag. Johnson is inconsistent but on his day is excellent. Moult and Fletcher have a decent goal return for games played. Laing has the occasional brainfart but has potential, Kennedy and Chalmers have looked decent. Taylor, not so good. As others have said, maybe some of the experienced players need to look at themselves. I think a larger problem might be the fact that Baraclough doesn't seem to know his strongest team...

I think the point being made is that when it costs £22 to get in, you get less people going in order to boo or protest. Easier to say "Feck it, ah'm no gaun..."

Haven't heard anything. Yet...

You realise I'm blaming you for tempting fate...

Craig Moore scored again today, I see...

I actually think Moult looks the pick of the strikers we have at the club. Scores goals and link up play is good. Should be a question of who partners him. Could he and Fletcher work as a pair? Sadly don't think we'll get to find out as I feel as if Baraclough's thinking is McDonald and A N Other.

As I said, only my first impression. Looked clumsy to me, reminded me of Paul Baker. I've been around long enough not to judge a player on one appearance but others seemed impressed by him which baffled me. Hence I started my post asking if I was the only one that thought that...

Only saw him against Ross County but am I the only one that thought Robinson looked absolutely useless? A fast Casagolda? Obviously, I'm not writing him off on the basis of one 45 minute showing but didn't see much cause for optimism...

I'd be inclined to go 433 which would convert into 451 when we don't have the ball.. Ripley Law Laing McManus Chalmers Leitch Lasley Grimshaw Ainsworth Moult Johnson Would be reliant on Ainsworth and Johnson being diligent in tracking back...

I did indeed mean Nielsen (auto correct on phone). I didn't say Gunnar was better than the others. Just that there's not much evidence that any of the others are any better...

Must confess I've seen little evidence that Twardzik, Long or Ripley are notably better than Nelson...

I was under the impression that both Moult and Fletcher were both signed for longer than one year? Therefore surely it's not 5/6 that are out of contract? I do agree with your general point though. We seem to be back to the situation that we had in the second half of last season with a larger squad in some areas than may seem necessary. With everyone fit, we will have Pearson, Lasley, Leitch, Grimshaw, Taylor and Cadden vying for two midfield spots. Up front, similarly we have Moult, Fletcher, Robinson, McDonald and Clarkson with only two spots to play for. Obviously, I'm not privy to how much each player is earning but does suggest a lot of salary will spend a great deal of time on the bench or in the stands...

An 18yo very immature? Never...

Opens up a new question. Do you go with a better player even if his attitude might be slightly off (as long as he trains properly) or do you go with the "nice guy" who's maybe not quite as good?