RicoS321

Just think, we're only a few injuries from seeing Nicky Devlin on the big stage

Fuck that, make the Hun stay. Some players played their best ever games for Scotland tonight. Ferguson, McGinn, McKenna, McTominay just brilliant, and Gordon was fantastic too, I really hope he's guaranteed a squad place.

Hopefully Shankland goes on a three day bender.

That was something else. Second best game of 2025. Phenomenal.

Great half, well played. Keeping shape after losing Gannon-Doak was key, and they managed it. McGinn, Ferguson, Robertson and the back two playing well. McTominay just insane.

He's got six months left on his contract. His agent will be ensuring that any interest, perceived or otherwise, will be broadcast as far and wide as possible.

You honestly think that the Yanks aren't all over Donstalk? Fairly certain that there's a couple of CIA lads in the latest AbMad intake.

Someone's not getting through border control if we do qualify.

I do... David Watson. Two others.

And were they?

Aye. Both Sweden and the Italians are shite just now, so wouldn't be as bad as a couple of the alternatives. Not that it matters, as I concocted a little plan to take down the Danes by sneezing into their chips.

We might not know, as fans, but you'd like to think that the manager will. There's a reason Kjartansson hasn't been given a run out whilst the rest of our midfield is struggling, and a reason he wasn't in the European squad. He's only 19, and there isn't a huge rush if he isn't ready. I don't believe that Marshall or Kjartansson should be starting for us, but we need to make room in the squad for them to get minutes (or send Kjartansson on loan if he's not there yet). It's still a big step up from Arbroath to Aberdeen, and it wouldn't surprise me if Marshall didn't have the required athleticism to make it at the higher level. The biggest problem that both would face is that JT hasn't got the slightest clue what our best midfield setup is anyway. Shoehorning Marshall into that horrific 3-4-3 at right forward would do the guy no favours, and he doesn't look to have the legs to play box to box. Which is our biggest problem with these two young lads. The role we are looking for is a guy that is athletic and can cover lots of ground. They'll suffer if we don't get that player.

I thought Souttar was suspended for Tuesday? Or was that just something I'd dreamed. Obviously, Clarke would still take the opportunity to play Hanley on his wrong foot. Anyway, a great result, never in doubt. Nice one Belarus.

Been done to death, my thoughts on Hanley, but we simply can't afford to have him on his wrong foot without the out-ball of Dykes. A moderately competent manager will see to it that Robertson is forced to play two yards away from him by pressing him on the ball. We don't even have Gilmour for a quick pass into midfield either. Make a point of watching Hanley on the ball tonight and see how he either takes a touch to get it on his right first, or plays the ten yarder to an unnecessarily deep Robertson.

Jesus loved snow, which you'd know if you'd paid attention at school.

Too slow

County get humped again. Impressive. Raith get a lift after ditching Robson as they only lose 3-0. Marshall scores again for Arbroath.

Aye, it's a difficult one, but certainly our best chance of qualifying. A draw here would set us up perfectly for Tuesday. I think we have to take the same approach as the Denmark away game, with Dykes and Adams up front, and just remaining tight across the rest of the pitch. Biggest problem with the 4-4-2 is the absolute necessity of playing McTominay. That means he slots into the midfield two and inevitably gives away cheap possession and forgets to track his man. If there's a way to have Ferguson sitting in front of the defence, in a diamond, with Christie and McGinn either side and McTominay ahead, then that's probably the best option. Don't think I'd try and work Doak into this one. Save him for the Denmark game, and play to his strengths then.

Nah, unlikely. VPN to the UK and get it on BBC iPlayer. I believe that there isn't a way to watch the BBC legally in the state of Florida.

The idea of us having three centre backs is because we kept losing stupid goals with only two in there! I've mentioned before, if we played a 3-4-1-2, then you can have Armstrong in number 10, who'd be perfect there. We do the weird 3-4-3 thing, where either him or Aouchiche play wide, and reek the place out. Largely to accommodate Karlsson I expect. Works okay when we're trying to stay solid I guess, but blunt as fuck going forward for the reason you state - the midfield then don't get forward (centrally). The back three does allow Devlin and Knoester to go for a run without too much concern back the way, which I think is important with the way JT asks his defenders to play.

Piece of piss. Dons pick up yet another trophy in 2025.

I disagree. It's the equivalent of saying Billy Gilmour isn't good enough. You adjust the team to get the best out of players like Clarkson, because if you do then they'll create numerous chances. They're the difference between being a sideways, laboured, slow build up team, that hopes for a mistake from the opposition, and a team that makes the incisive pass and brings the attacking players into play when they have their best chance of scoring before the opponent gets back. The fact that we didn't sign anyone to compliment Clarkson, even as an option during games, is criminal. Even Robson knew how to get the best out of him. Clarkson taking the ball from defence and immediately getting the strikers involved, with Ramadani and Shinnie pressing high was a great setup. That, with the option switch and play two defensive midfielders and a number 10 like Armstrong would be a great way to build a squad (midfield). We really only needed one additional signing to do that. There isn't a chance on earth that Marshall is close to the level of Clarkson (that's not a criticism), and the Icelandic laddy looks to me to be a replacement for Nilsen in the squad, but I doubt he'll be getting much time this season. If Polvara is open to being a utility player, then he's worth his weight in gold. Palaversa can leave with many thanks for his only good game.

Me too. Now that Hedderman has left, and the lads at Brewdog are on board, I'd like to see us trial a back four during the upcoming Kilmarnock game.

I'm confused. Because of the beer?