MelvinBragg

Oh, and I agree with Spiderpig, Madden was atrocious today...

We'll be fine this season. A lot of good stuff, final ball lacking on occasions but a lot of positives. Johnson missed a one on one with the keeper, Chalmers missed a chance at the back post. Only complaint would be that we lost the game by going for it. Took Leitch (who had a decent game) off and put Clarkson on. Shape went to pieces after that. Second goal came after keeper went up for a corner. Think we'll be alright with Leitch in the middle of the park. I think Ainsworth being back will make a huge difference as Utd were able to give Johnson too much attention today. No points, but plenty to be positive about. Couldn't say that about most of our defeats last season...

United tend to play five in midfield so today will be one of those days we'll be relying on McDonald dropping back to stop us getting overrun...

St Mirren bound was the rumour I heard...

I noticed this too. Luke Watt is another that has come through looking physically ready for first team action. Craigan's interview was also very encouraging in terms of joined up thinking at the club...

Trying to remind myself that the squad is pretty similar to the one that ended last season. And while we scudded Hamilton, St Mirren and some championship side at home, we also lost to Accies away and failed to beat Ross County in the run in. The preparation seems better this season, the manager has had more time to get his ideas across to the players. He seems to have got Ainsworth in the mood. Weighing it up, not excited. Cautiously optimistic...

Interesting to see that it looks like Thomas played as a second striker for the U20s today. Maybe why we're looking at another winger? Maybe a chance that the coaching staff see Thomas playing the McDonald role in the future?

I know you're joking but someone will be thinking that seriously...

Maybe he's watched a lot of U20 games. I suspect not, but maybe...

He is key. But if he's out for a while then we'll just have to adapt. Would increase our reliance on Ainsworth and Johnson and the counterattack...

Only seen him play a few times but looks like an attacking midfielder with a good engine. Drives forward from midfield like Pearson. Looks physically more imposing than Leitch as well...

Is that not what strikers always say? It's alright missing chances as long as you keep getting in the positions. Like you, I see it as a positive that we're creating chances...

If Pearson's injury is a bad one, we needed a midfielder anyway and were in the market for one so on the bright side we're not having to draw up a new list of targets to cover for an injured player. All it might mean is that we have to move things along more quickly. Connor Grant's name has been mentioned on here and if it were possible, then it might not be the worst option. He knows the players and the management know what he's capable of. Pretty sure though, as I've said, that the club were already working from a list of midfield targets. Until we get the right player though, I'm happy for Leitch or Cadden to get their chance. Is that not the business model we're using now anyway...?

I don't believe we'll sign Samson. It just seems to make no sense for the player or the club...

Why would Samson make the move from being no. 2 at Kilmarnock to no. 2 at Motherwell? Assuming that Ripley will play otherwise why would Boro have let him come on loan...?

Aye, one post on twitter. Would be surprising, to say the least...Check out @SPFLFootball's Tweet: https://twitter.com/SPFLFootball/status/627935885636562944?s=09

By most accounts, Leitch did well in preseason so deserves his chance. Different type of player to Pearson so we may have to adapt our style of play slightly. Cadden seems a more natural replacement but may not be seen as quite ready to start...

Can I be the one to suggest you increase away support by making away days cheaper by lowering gate prices..? Mental, I know...

Once again, reports of his demise greatly exaggerated...?

Moult on for Fletcher...

Fair point, well made...

Sure Leitch came on? No mention on BBC text..

I don't disagree.. Bit of a concern Pearson going off...

All three of Fletcher's goals have been after the keeper has parried the ball out. Poacher...

Same as on here...