couttsy

I thought Balcome played well yesterday, including one fantastic save in the 2nd half. I’d go Balcome, Koutroumbis, Thomson, Balmer, Gordon, Casey. Miller, Slattery, Paton/Sparrow, Maswanhise, Armstrong. Although really concerned about where the goals are coming from looking at our forward options.

Thought we were much better yesterday despite the defeat, anyone that was Tynecastle, Rugby Park, Easter Road and/or McDiarmid Park last month surely has to agree (despite the fact we avoided defeat at RP). I also thought we were very unlucky not to get a point, and all the stats seem to back that up. Just couldnt create a clear cut chance in the last 30 mins when we were well on top. That being said we still have some big issues and clearly need to start picking up points asap. Surely after that yesterday SOD needs to be benched, getting to the point where he’s costing us on average a goal a game with his poor defending. Think Halliday is the other one I’d drop to try and get more legs in the middle of the park, but will be interesting to see what Wimmer does.

Ok, my guess/what I would play: Balcome Balmer Gordon Casey Sparrow Paton Miller Slattery Wilson Maswanhise Armstrong

Ross Tierney scoring the winner and getting man of the match for Bohemians vs Shamrock Rovers. Pity we didn’t give him enough time to adjust and break through, thought he had something about him.

Strange game yesterday in that I actually thought for the most part we were the better team, despite losing 3-0, bizarre! Clearly our defending was poor in moments, SOD in particular, although not exclusively! Midfield looked much better with Miller & Slattery in there. Toothless up front with Watt and Armstrong doing a similar job but neither looking like they’ll get us the goals to keep us up. Desperately in need of some energy and pace in the team, was amazed Maswanhise wasnt brought on at HT. For the next couple I can’t help but feel that bringing in Casey, Paton and Maswanhise for the old guard of SOD, Halliday & Watt (who can’t play at the weekend anyway) would make us tougher to beat and give us more energy and pace. Praying we’ll have just enough to finished 10th but it’s going to be very tight I fear.

Wee bit more optimistic seeing that team news with Slattery and Miller starting, but I’d much rather have Casey & Maswanhise than O’Donnell & Watt. Can’t believe we’ve brought in all these strikers and we’re still relying on Watt to start! Assuming it’s a 5-3-2 with Sparrow at RWB.

Great post, agree with everything here. We should have enough to stay out of trouble, but a lot rests on the new manger getting the best out of them, and Miller getting fit soon given how poor our midfield options are without him. A little surprised we didn’t bring in another midfielder late in the window. I’m assuming Stama is out for a while given the fact we’ve brought 3 strikers in this window, but you’ve missed him out! Pity as I felt he was just coming onto a game pre his injury!

Pretty well my thoughts, performance and score line better than I expected. Thompson did well against Kuhn given he’s probably been the best player in the country so far this season. Armstrong worked his socks off and looks like he could be good for us when we get a bit more support to him. Midfield still a massive concern, not convinced any of our options bar Miller are good enough! Sparrow did well but looks like he might be more suited to that right wing back role.

Pretty similar to my thoughts over the last few weeks. We’ve been struggling to get any shots on target never mind score goals. Before last Saturdays game at Perth we were 11/1 to finish in the bottom 2, I suspect by Sunday evening those odds will have halved. I think Saints are just too far back (thankfully) but unless we get a competent manager and/or Miller/AP back soon I would keep the play off dates free in your diary, unfortunately.

Another end of game interview where he takes no responsibility at all. I’m almost done with him. For me he gets the Ross C home game (assuming we lose next week), lose that and we should make a change.

6 away games since Boxing Day, only scored 2 goals, 0 from open play, and only 1 point from 18. Heading for the play offs unless we get Miller and Stamatopolis back soon.

6 points off the play off place, with Celtic to come next week. Unless we get Miller, Stamp etc back soon I’d be surprised if we avoid 2nd bottom.

Just heard it myself. Not really in the Kettlewell in or Kettlewell out squad, but unbelievable this is our 5th away game in 23 days, so £125 ish per adult plus travel, food, etc, and our manager has nothing to say to the fans. Unbelievable…

Maybe or could be Kaleta at LWB, think he’s played him there before. I’m all for moving away from the back 5, but having a returning/slow Gordon and Blaney as the 2 centre half’s is more than a little concerning if thats how we line up!

I think so, but…… Could be SOD at right centre half and Nicholson RWB

I can again see both sides of the Kettlewell debate. Whilst we’re exceptionally poor at the moment, we’ve also been so unlucky with injuries this season, particularly to important players. To be missing the full spine of the team yesterday in Ox, Gordon, Miller and Stama, it’s little surprise we’re struggling to get results. On the flip side, and as many are saying, we’re so poor to watch and don’t really look like we have a plan for when we have the ball. Allied to that we keep trying things that have failed previously. If we can ever get McGinn, Gordon & Casey on the pitch together with Miller, Andrews, Maswanhise and Stama we have the makings of a decent team. Until that happens it’s going to be a tough watch and trying to grind out a result or two. I get the feeling Sat is massive for SK to keep the silent majority of the support onside, lose to a team that have won 4 games out of 22 and go out the cup I fear will see the majority turn on him.

SOD starting and no Gordon or Casey, worried, very worried.

What an utterly depressing performance, still trying to get over the fact I paid £27 to watch that. How we escaped with a point tonight beggars belief! 4-0 would have been a fair reflection on how it played out, we were completely and utterly outplayed in every department. If we start at Easter Road on Sat with 5 defenders, 3 forwards and only 2 in the middle I fear our luck will well and truly run out. Allowing the opposition to have 60/70% possession will eventually catch up with you, just a matter of time before your luck runs out.

Deffo. A bit surprised some would let him go, I think he's been a great signing on the whole. I'd keep McGinn, Casey & Paton. Wouldn't lose any sleep if any of the rest left.

Went for Gordon, thought he had a cracking game, not to mention his goal! Might need to see it on TV, but thought Ox should have done better at the Killie goal.

I agree with all of that, however he won’t be sacked (and neither he should be) when we’re top 6 and have been in a national cup semi final. Whether we like it or not decisions will be made based on season so far and not on 3 or 4 games.

Would have expected 4, win the home game and a point in one of the away games.

Any chat about Kettlewell being sacked is wild. Whether we like it or not the facts are we’re in the top 6, having played a game less than all of the bottom 6, and have just played in a national cup semi final. Next 3 games are huge before we go into a tough run or 6 or 7 games. Really need to be picking up 4 points minimum or a fear he may be in big trouble come mid Jan.

Interesting team selection, no Davor or Halliday which I think is good, but also no right back strangely! Balmer? Wilson or Seddon?!

Whilst Saturday was horrific I’m not sure making wholesale changes to formations or personnel is the way to go (yet). I’d be keeping the 3 at the back with some tweaks. I’d go Ox, Casey, Gordon & Seddon (better balance with the left footer at LCB), Kaleta and Wilson wing backs, 2 centrally in midfield of Miller and Paton, then Maswahise, Stama + Watt/Robinson. If we start with Davor & Halliday I’d be shocked if we get anything from the game. Davor tries hard but is weak and ineffectual in almost every game, Halliday is one paced and well past his best I’m afraid. Both look like Championship level players to me.