fat_tony

I'd argue that we can if we drop the hoofball tactics and focus on playing down the flanks. Swing in crosses for Sutton and he'll get goals. But using him as a solo target man like we currently are is absolute lunacy. This may have gone right over my head....but which one? Both Reid and Law seem to be fairly fond of some ink.

Coupled with our left midfielder not paying enough attention to cover the left-back being out of position. Oh, and the goalie being a little out of position, too (I still find that one mildly amusing - if that had been Twardzik he would be getting ripped to shreds for being too wee). It's all individual errors that you might get away with on their own, but when you string them together lead to us conceding goals, exactly what's been killing us defensively all season.

To be perfectly honest, I think Lasley has been suffering this season from trying to do too much himself. He certainly puts the effort in every week, but when people aren't looking for the ball or moving to create space, he's trying to do it himself and his performances are suffering as a result. There were several times yesterday he was looking for the ball in dangerous (to us) areas, simply because no-one else was showing for it. I'm all for the captain leading by example, but sometimes you have to give your team mates an earful when they're not pulling their weight, something he seems reluctant to do.

I think that this pretty much sums it up. I think he'd have been a great appointment in the summer when he had time to build a squad and get them using his ideas, but it takes a certain type of character to be able to pull players out of the mire and fight out of a relegation battle. I really hope he can find some way to get a reaction, as we're seriously running out of time.

Would that be the same Long who got lobbed by a cross then didn't have a save to make the rest of the match? In all fairness though, he did command his area very well on the odd occasion a cross did come in. The usual suspects would be going ballistic if Twardzik had conceded that goal.

I suspect it suggests that the manager is looking to get one or two out on loan for the rest of the season, and/or doesn't see them as a good option. It does look a bit excessive when you see them listed like that, but I'm sure he has a reason for signing the players he has. Strength and pace are two things that can really have a huge impact in this league, so you never know. We're severely lacking in pace at the moment, so for that alone it could be a good move. Hell, even someone with a bit of energy and directness could make a massive difference. Does the comment on him having pace but a poor final ball and first touch scream "Chris Humphrey" to anyone else?

We put them under much more pressure than we have anyone in recent weeks, were unlucky to have a goal ruled out and a penalty claim denied, and conceded a killer third goal while pushing to get back into the match at 2-1. The players were pushing themselves harder and trying to make things happen. Surely you can see that's totally different to meekly surrendering 4 or 5 goals without any hint of fight? Saying that the performance is encouraging, compared to what we've seen previously, is hardly the same thing as saying that we're all delighted with how Saturday went and would like the rest of the season to be the same. Baby steps.

That's exactly the team I would love to see given a consistent run out. Unfortunately, due to the worst injury crisis in years, and insufficient cover, we've barely been able to play any settled XI at all. Had we had that team, settled, and injury free from the beginning of the season (with Thomas, Erwin, Leitch, Carswell to come in on occasion), I don't doubt that we'd be in a much better position now. Totally agree. As much as Vigurs has his flaws, he's one of the only players we've got who always wants to get on the ball and try to make something happen. Yes, he showboats too much at times, and makes the wrong choices, but I'd rather a player loses the ball like that, than not even trying to make something happen. As others have said, he's been a victim of the 4-4-2 system played by McCall, but Baraclough seems to favour a slightly different approach that could suit him better, if he can get over his injury problems. Our results and performances seem to have an air of self-fulfilling prophecy about them. Players have no confidence to take the ball on because their terrified of making mistakes. We're losing games because nobody wants to take the ball on and take responsibility for making something happen. The manager's said it in a few interviews, he needs players to take responsibility. He'd much rather they make an honest mistake trying to take responsibility, than shy away and do nothing. Ainsworth is a prime candidate for this comment. Plenty of ability, when he chooses to use it, but very rarely interested in making himself available for the ball. His performances haven't been great this season, but at least Lasley tries to lead by example in every match. For the rest of the season, I'd argue that it's more about mentality than footballing quality, and unfortunately, the majority of our players don't seem to have the stones for it.

Absolutely no issue with Pearson coming back, if he's still capable of doing a job. Midfield needs strengthening, especially on the left, and he's not going to be the silly boy who had his head filled with promises of starring for his boyhood heroes any more. He knows the club as well, perhaps he can bring a little of the passion for the jersey that's been sadly lacking of late. Your first club's got to be something special, regardless of how you left at the time.

I love how everyone's already assessed the manager as the cheap, easy option and not up to the task before he's even had a chance to bring his own people into an injury-ridden team that's bereft of any confidence. It's shite being Well fan just now, but the fucking doom and gloom round here doesn't make it any easier.

What a difference Thomas has made in the five minutes he's been on the pitch.

Maybe, but when people are losing their nut over the attitude of our players, the guy certainly isn't hiding, unlike some others. 4-4-2 just isn't working for us though. The defence is far too exposed again.

Yeah, a slack pass from Kerr but really sloppy from McManus not staying in line. I'm getting really frustrated with Ainsworth as well. He's capable of doing so much but very rarely looks interested in making himself available for the ball. That bit a few minutes ago where Law had the ball and Ainsworth, in space, didn't even look for it, really pissed me off. Say what you like about Law, but he's certainly looking to get on the ball whenever possible.

Maybe it's a poor choice of words. I suspect he's trying to say that Accies beat us more by hard work and organisation than any outstanding skill. I wasn't there, so can't really comment on the performances, but that was what I took it to mean, rather than a general "they weren't any better than us", as they clearly were. Interested to see how he responds on Sunday.

I think anyone who saw the last two games wouldn't be claiming we'd turned the corner. The results were important to build some confidence but it was apparent that the manager has a lot of work to do. Hopefully this week it will be the second half in which we choose to play. The injury situation in midfield really isn't helping things though.

This. I've been disappointed with him at times but today, McManus put in a stalwart performance. Also thought Hammell and Lasley put in very good performances too. That's the type of leadership those three should be displaying each week.

Based on his zero games in charge? Give the guy a chance! 4-5-1/4-3-3 today I think. The new manager will have noticed some of the weaknesses from the stand last week and I'm sure he won't be shy about changing things round a bit. I actually fancy us to put in a decent performance today and win this one by a couple of goals. 3-1 Well.

I think we definitely are, it's just that for our best midfielders to flourish, we need to make sacrifices elsewhere, i.e. up front or in defence. I'd argue more that we can't play a balanced midfield four, and need to look for alternative ways of lining up.

More taking a guess at the name, than actually believing he was a legitimate candidate.

Bobby Williamson?

Or on the other hand, is it maybe an opportunity for the club to get the best of both worlds, and keep a decent level of fan ownership and involvement in the club, while still maintaining the security offered by having a wealthy backer involved? Interesting article on the guy here, if the reports are true.

Exactly why we need a manager who is willing to try a different system. I don't think it's any coincidence that our best 45 minutes of football this season was when Black changed things around, and played a formation that accommodated and played to the strengths of both Lawson and Vigurs. Just a pity Lawson got injured again, as with the right manager and setup, I think he could be a massive player for us (along with Vigurs).

Can only echo the above regarding Twardzik, Ojamaa, and Angol. Some of the play in the first half was a joy to watch, but we need to take our chances while we're on top, because we're not capable currently of sustaining it for 90 minutes. Had Paul Lawson remained on the pitch at the level of his first half performance, I'd have been voting for him. On the occasions I've seen him before, there have been glimpses of a player but today he really showed his capabilities. Not saying it would have worked out differently had he remained on, but I think it definitely affected our shape. Fingers crossed he's not out for too long, as I think we could really do with a player like him to sit in front of the defence and protect them, while kicking off attacks. Twardzik for me though. Some absolutely fantastic saves. I know he has his critics, but I'm totally happy with what he contributes to the team.

Yeah, the club email yesterday said he needs minor surgery. No idea what to expect from this today. We generally have a good record up there, so hopefully that continues today.

Speaking of which...BBC Sounds like you're spot on.