Superstar Tradesman

When Dazza finally comes back it'll be like a new signing. Granted we might have been a little underwhelmed by it. Anyone know how far off he is? It's been so long I can't even remember how he got injured or what's wrong with him!

Fair enough. No doubt some idiots will boo them though.

These 'top' earners have only shown it in flashes here and there and are far too inconsistant. I'd say that although these 'top' players may be better when they're on a good game, on paper they aren't any better over the course of a season than some of our other less glamourous players. Darren Mackie's stats could easily rival Lee Miller's. Deek Young could easily fill Chris Clark's ballet shoes and we'll see more goals too and Seve hasn't been any better than Dempsey when you take an average performance over the course of a seaon. If we can get money for these players that we've not paid anything for I'll be the first to welcome it. As with any clubs these days with banks knocking at the door, we'll have to get used to being a selling club. Sure we're not making the money that Hibs are from these deals. But if we can get youth players to fill those gaps left, then that can only be a good thing.

Is this a football thing or do the rest of you lads rabbit on about how much you make? I prefer to keep my cards close to my chest and haven't a clue what the lad in the next office to me is pulling in. Of course I've a rough idea but I couldn't possibly narrow it down to £/week.

Is there any stone cold hard facts printed anywhere that they've been offered lower wages or is this just forum assumptions?

Sam Allardyce to Pittodrie in the summer? *ST checks the address of the website he's just logged into*

I think you mean expensive.

This is a fucking disgrace. It clashes with [insert Aussie soap drivel here].

So people are willing to take the best part of a week off work, travel thousands of miles, spending hundreds of Euros to see AFC play in Madrid/München. But they can't work their lunch and knock off an hour early to get across town?

Is that the new Ferarri server crashing?

Always meaning to ask... Where did that saying regarding Stewart actually come from? Was it heard to be said on the park one Saturday just before he shot past an open goal?

I hope the fraud squad aren't reading this.

Until results start to slide, I'm sticking with the man with the tan. Anything else regarding players/strengths/formations is conjecture. Hibs/Falkirk/Motherwell maybe playing some sexy fitba but we're putting money in the bank and progressing in four competitions. I'm still willing to see that happen over the next few years if it means the millstone round our neck gets lighter.

Maybe so but I'd prefer if they came out and told us rather than wondering where the cash has went. As for the bums on seats debate, it was said earlier in the season that the corporate packages is where they make the real money and that's supposedly doing very well.

I'm all ears if you could tell me what Chris Clark, Richard Foster, Lee Mair, Richie Byrne and Chris Maguire's strengths are... to name but a few.

This is beginning to get on my tits now. If JC does walk along with the players then the new man is going to be in shit-state as the window will be closed for bringing in new players. Maybe it's about time Miller set deadlines.

Diamond because we have the potential to get a good few years out of him / club captain / internationalist / sell on fee - or a mix and match of all the above. Calderwood because a large slice of the players listed would either follow him to pastures new or wouldn't perform as well under someone else.

But they have to take the hard line and draw it somewhere. Otherwise the other players will start looking for it and if it's not given they'll leave or cause a rift in the dressing room.

It would be good to know where the money we've earned from tv, Anderson's fee and Europe has gone to as it's clearly not going into players contracts. If the club turn round and say we've cleared some debt then fine. If they tell me they've pumped it into youth development then good. If they are improving the coaching structure or invested it in training facilities/equipment then fair enough. But from a fans point of view and possibly the players wanting improved deals, the money has just vanished.

Exactly what I'm predicting/expecting.

Nope. OK, here goes.... JC knew a draw against 10 men Falkirk would be enough to move us into 4th so didn't push for the win. This would ensure that our players wouldn't dread going into the game next weekend and would have something to prove. A draw or loss against Falkirk in the league would have been seen as a minor blimp but a loss in the cup would be a disaster. After a victory this weekend, JC could then add that to his bargaining powers for his new contract or turn heads down south. Anyone fancy a pint?

To get back on topic: If Nicolson, Clark and Hart (or any combination of the aforementioned) don't get picked up by anyone during the window then you'd better not lose your passports in Munchen. These fuckers will be playing out of their skins for the next 6 months hoping to land a better option.

I have a theory about Saturday which would put the Moon Landing conspiracys to shame. But I'm just putting it down to the fact I'm drying out.

I've a contract out on my life if that counts?