BrownyBrown

How is our link with Jono Somo Cosmos or whatever going?

Superb. Anyone else only getting a 3/4 wide screen?

The departures of key players have really cost us this last few seasons. What we had under JC (primarily in the season that we qualified for Europe for the 1st time) was a core squad that could grind out a drudginly bad 1-0 win or hold the line (just) for a turgid draw. Call it what you want, (shite, unentertaining, etc.) yet somehow effective with the players we had in place. Too many draws cost us however, and what we lacked was up front: creativity and composure in front of goal and we were probably two strikers and a midfielder away from what could have been a clear 3rd force squad... What annoys me is that we failed to capitalise and build on that (or at least maintain) through fear of 'disrupting the wage structure'. Following JCs last season and into McGhee's reign what we have now is a collection of the chaff who remain because there is nowhere else for them to go. These are the players that when we go 1-0 down, instead of rallying and fighting back completely capitulate. Its going to take McGhee some time to suss, and weed them out and to identify suitable replacements. We're in for the long haul.

The Ultras What would they do?

Iraq: You are there because poor intelligence of WMDs that could attack the UK in 45 minutes led to one of the worst decisions in the history of this country. No WMDs found, yet we are still there in the name of spreading 'freedom'. Its absolutely tragic. Afghanistan: Don't try and make us believe that the reason you are there is to stop herion trafficking to the UK, because that is completely laughable. We are there because we were led by the US for a 'war on terror' that has done little to reduce the threat to the UK. Instead of having increased troop numbers patrolling the streets of Basra / Helmand province I'd rather we had increased police numbers patrolling the streets of our towns and cities where the real terrorism and drug problems exist. I don't wish any harm to troops and welcome the move by AFC - we should be doing much more to help our communities and put bums on seats here BUT I don't support the reasons why you are at war. Your attitude shows complete disregard for the general population that you so claim to protect. Fuck you and the tanks you rode in on.

Another hairband wearer? He better not be another Lee Miller-esque fucking poof. Defender suited to centre-half or could play LB.

What is apparent is that McGhee isn't going to get the same length of honeymoon period that JC seemed to enjoy at the club. In fact, I'd question if he's getting one at all. That's partly due to the fault of himself and the team with our poor initial performances this season, and partly due to the failings of the club/WM to communicate honestly with the support. He is going to be under close scrutiny throughout the season and although the pressure will be intense I hope he can handle it. We can't afford to make the same mistake of sacking another manager under contract at the end of this season and it would be disappointing in the extreme if he walked. Consistency is the key for us, and a rapid turnover of managers will be the quickest route to the dark Ebbe/Paterson days. McGhee's job this season (and next) is one of rebuilding the squad to his own but also ensuring that we don't fall too far backwards. This season I want us to ideally to be challenging for 3rd & 4th again..but given our thin squad 5th or 6th is looking like a minimum requirement.

Good opportunity to check out our main opposition this season or scouting....?

Aluko and Langfield for me. Aluko for his finish for our goal, he also set up Miller/McDonald who both conspired to miss what should have been our second. Langfield for stopping it becoming even more embarrassing.

You just know for the rest of the season we're going to hear all about "JC's legacy" and the "state he's left* us in".... *even though he was fucking sacked

Wife Swap. Big Ron Atkinson and Tessa Sanderson.

Speaking of attendances, I thought ours was particularly poor yesterday. Especially when you consider the many hundreds/thousands that were waiting in the wings never to return until JC was sacked.

I think selling Miller would be a bad move. We'd be another player down, with no evidence of a suitable replacement. Granted he had a shite game for us yesterday but he's one of the only players that can resemble a striker (on occasion). However, he also does a great impression of a traffic cone. You just know that any fee we'd get would disappear into the same black hole that the fee from Anderson and Clark went into.

Newcastle Vs. Reading

There won't be enough space due to the rest of the fuckers that are sitting on it.

I'm an armchair fan because I watched one match at home? So because I watched from home I didn't see what all the real fans at the match saw? FYI tubby, I'm currently too ill to attend.

I'll give you Paton. Langfield helped to avoid it being more embarrassing, but still did poorly for their first. Ifil looked ordinary, nothing outstanding and still part of a defence that shipped three. I'd say Aluko's afternoon was certainly more productive.

See: Miller, Lee; Mackie, Darren; Kerr, Mark; Duff, Stuart; McDonald, Gary; Foster, Richard etc. Aluko was the only threat of the game and took his goal superbly.

-1

I don't think we could afford to lose Mulgrew for the next match. We were going to lose this anyway.

Well not really, as I sat and watched it at home. Disappointing start to the season, but not surprising given that we've only signed one player following the European exit/humiliation and that Celtic have invested for a title challenge. But still, 1-3 defeat is a poor result by any standards especially when you consider that the game was over before the half time whistle was blown. Langfield, made some critical saves that could have seen a bigger goal margin. He flapped at a few crosses, but wasn't disasterous. I don't think there was much he could do for McGeady's second. Duff at right back is just wrong. Mark please stop....now. He was severely lacking in tracking back and poses no challenge what so ever. By the time changes were made it was too late. Foster was industrious but he is of limited ability and it showed. Diamond had one of his quieter matches and I think it will take a while to get the defence working as a unit. Ifil and Diamond should be a good pairing to build from providing they can work together. Ifil had a decent debut. He did nothing outstanding but had a generally solid game. He brings strength and height to the defence which is needed, but I don't think distribution is a part of his game. The problems in our defence lie elsewhere. Mulgrew had some decent crosses, corners, free kicks etc. I don't remember much else from him... fairly anonymous I'd say along with much of the rest of the team. Miller, Mackie, McDonald, Kerr and Maguire all had a poor game and were largely invisible. It shows in the result. These players are responsible for leading the attack on the Celtic defence and they didn't trouble in the slightest. Whether that is in part due to good defensive work by Celtic or lack of effort or fitness by us I don't know. They just didn't seem motivated for this at all. Paton was a welcome swap for Maguire and we looked to press after that. Celtic had almost given up at this point, but Paton did well. I thought Aluko had a good game and looks by far to be our fittest player, he looks stronger than last season too. He took his goal very well and gets my AFC MOTM. On the whole, meh.

Fucking embarrassing pish yet again. It's only halftime.

IN/OUT: Out PREMATCH: Home SITTING: Sofa, my flat, Sky Sports POSTMATCH: Home

We'll since you're quoting me, I'll kindly ask you to point out where I'm "persisting to claim to know how it should be done"? Your claim that wage costs will likely reduce as the door slams shut is just as much speculation or "pish" as anyone else's.