RicoS321

Strictly speaking, he didn't say we'd been lucky, but that we'd ridden our luck. I'd agree with that. We weren't lucky that Vargas is shite, but we did ride our luck by putting him through on goal for an easy finish, only for him to make a cunt of it. In both games we rode our luck by conceding more territory than was required as players were clearly spent (Nisbet against Dundee for example), but stayed on for 5-10 minutes longer than necessary. While Thelin's tactics involve conceding possession, I'm certain that they don't include players failing to get out of their own half due to breathing out of their airses and being pinned in as a result (the quick break being entirely nulled). Rub of the green is a fairly apt description of our opening goal against the Edinburgh scum too. A classic case of making your own luck, after great battling from Devlin and a decent through ball.

Was McKenna not away by the time Considine was in a squad? Could be wrong. Is there a Scotland website similar to afcheritage? It would be good to look back at whole squads over the years. They'd need a big server to hold the data on all Vogts' caps obviously.

Yep, doesn't look fit. I'd rather he was training with the club if I'm honest, but I guess our squad full of internationals will all be away anyway.

We'll tank the Tims this time around. 0-1, McGrath. Both them and the Huns will get over 80 points this season. That'll be more than we can hope for.

I'm assuming the BBC will be camped out to tell us the latest...

That back heel on its own was worthy of a call up. Fantastic. The Premiership lads can provide the spine of the team, the Dons do the width. I hope McGrath and Keskinen have their phones turned on.

Don't think I'd drop him for the Tims, he's got enough in the bank to deserve his place. In terms of the ref, I thought he did okay. It's not unusual for a player to escape a booking for a first foul in a game, and he got the card out for Shankland on his second one. I quite like the fact that refs show a bit of leniency when it comes to second bookings too. Had Shankland been sent off before halftime it would have been very harsh. Not entirely convinced any of his other fouls after his booking were bookings in their own right. Otherwise, he kept the game moving and got the other bookings and sending off right. Seen a lot worse from refs, and him in particular, at Pittodrie.

He was poor today, but scored, so he gets let off. His movement is good, and it brings Devlin into the game, but because he comes inside to make space, we're relying on pinpoint passing to get it to him, which doesn't happen often and so he doesn't get involved. Morris had the better game today

That was some game, and a great atmosphere. Especially we beat the jambo cunts of course. We looked nervy for large spells, with Molloy especially guilty of some horrendous play on the ball. Taking riding our luck to new extremes. That said, the subs all came on and performed really well, and we battled like fuck. Duk was immense when he came on, very much a game changer. Nisbet poor, as was Clarkson and McGrath, and on another day we comfortably lose that one. Hilarious that thon prick got sent off so needlessly, I'd have been raging if I was an aids ridden Edinburgh mink. A very enjoyable day out.

With Ethan Ross getting a couple, it's a fine day for the former Dons' legends XI

Aye, I assume @Jute usually requires one entire train for himself and another for his entourage.

He's a very good young prospect who would have done well in our first eleven if he'd stayed. He didn't only start playing when he knew he was in the shop window, in reality he didn't sign a contract, despite attempts, since returning from kelty on loan. He went through the inconsistencies you'd expect from a young player and suffered from bad management, particularly under Goodwin and Robson (although that could have been his refusal to sign a contract). We don't miss him, because he was never really given the opportunity to be missed until his time was almost up at the club. We would definitely have benefited from having a player of his ability in the squad, but that's still based on his potential and future value to the team rather than something we actually experienced. He was easy to replace, unlike say Ferguson or Jack, because he hadn't actually got to the consistent stage with us when he left. Hopefully he'll fail to cope when the inevitable Hun meltdown occurs and his career goes down the tubes. We don't want that as an example for our other young players.

Any injuries?

Well you don't seem to have created a second thread? Dirty greedy Tim fucks.

Fixed

He can try all he likes, but it's unlikely! He's in the unfortunate situation where he is probably better in a two, but we're unlikely to play that way. I don't think Nisbet has the same ability as Miovski to bring others in to the game, so I don't see them making a pairing work. He could come on as a direct replacement of Nisbet, who doesn't appear to be close to playing a ninety yet, however I'm not sure he's good enough as the lone striker and I wouldn't be surprised to see Duk work his way back in with Gueye out. Shame for Gueye, he was beginning to give us a good selection headache. Hopefully he'll return stronger.

I should have said, too, that Clarke has been great for picking players playing in Scotland. There's no way on earth Strachan would be picking players like Devlin and Considine. I think it gives such a good account of the league to see players that are making the step up. If our goalie is good enough for Bulgaria then there's no reason we shouldn't have players from our team and the wider SPFL in the team. With Ralston only starting one game in the league cup, not featuring in the league since August, Devlin should be starting.

Devlin will stroll it. Probably get a couple of goals. Edit: he's not even the first Devlin at the Dons to be called up under Clarke, so there's no pressure.

Hearts are only ever a few seasons away from topping the division. It's just a question of which division.

Aye, didn't realise that Conway was injured. Probably a little unlucky, but think it's an either/or with him and Shankland as they're quite similar. Unlike the Dons, Scotland can manage without four strikers for one spot!

Nicky Devlin is fucking ace. Better than that Ralston pish. Interested to see Irving. Always thought Lindsay was a decent defender, but likely not international class, be interesting to see how he's matured. No place for Keskinen again, which is disappointing.

He wouldn't deserve a place ahead of Adams or Dykes, and Conway at 22 edges it because of age. He might be preferred to Shankland I guess, based on form, but probably not. He's not been fit enough to complete 90 minutes, so unless there are injuries in the squad, I don't see it. He's basically in the running for fourth striker spot at the moment, which is really just a player that you think will be available for the qualifiers, with the hope that he might play himself into contention for the tournaments. You don't really have to worry about age so much, so he won't get the nod over Shankland (29) just for being a couple of years younger (Conway is in the up-and-coming bracket, and so is likely one you'd want to keep in the squad for a few years if possible so there is a transition path when Adams and Dykes (28) get past it. If he keeps banging them in, and Shankland doesn't, then the spot will become available.

Just to let you all know that important Reds with over 250 points can purchase tickets for this from 17:00 tomorrow. Don't forget.

Strange routine.

Holiday? Bloody licence fee etc.