LA-Don

I'd say no because he'd become an even bigger target for the boo boys. We had him at his best but the last season or two he went stale. Can't deny his goals and assists were huge for us but we pass and move forward, he wanted to leave and doubt he'd be so passionate and enthusiastic to return.

Well, interesting article about Niall McGinn potentially moving back to Scotland/England today. I know a number were happy to see him go, but worth a look? As I mentioned in the KM thread, KM, Stewart, and Christie out, McGinn and O'Halloran in?

Happy to see him go, doesn't nearly do enough. Who replaces him? We'll lose Kenny, Stewart, and Christie next summer. I think trying for an O'Halloran swap in January benefits all involved at that time and is a very good call given we lose those 3.He's not a replacement for KM but is an upgrade on Stewart out wide. Stewart has been underwhelming and I'm sure we have the chance to sign him but he's not done enough......yet. I'm keen to see him in the #10 role, he doesn't have the pace for a wide spot.

Solid win. Only saw the first half and I actually thought Hibs were the slightly better team. Good goal, lovely pass from McLean I believe. Saying that, I was impressed with McGinn and would rather we had him than KM. In the last 3 games we've beaten 4th, 5th, and 6th, and 3 shutouts. That's progress. Looks like we've sorted out central defense, curious to know if Shinnie goes back to midfield when Considine is healthy. 10 days to prep for Celtic, who obviously have a semi before that. Would love to see the cup final approach and really have a go. Celtic are good but not that good, if we really put them under pressure at home why not a home win!

Heard the interview with Moyes where he says nobody turns down Scotland, but his first choice is club management. This to me is exactly what happened to McLeish when he became the national manager, I'll take the Scotland gig until something better comes along. A big NO from me for Moyes as Scotland manager, we want someone who wants the job!

Why would Moyes be a good move? Other than Everton he's been shit everywhere else since if my memory is correct. I think he's one who won't do anything special ever again in management, should never have left Everton. Does he even know or value the Scottish game. I prefer a manager who has been connected to the Scottish game of late. Under McLeish I think we played with pride and passion. I'd take him back. I think he also pays attention to the Scottish game and is somewhat familiar with the players and teams up here. I would definitely take Lennon but think he ruled himself out. I'd go with a younger guy, think he'd like the underdog tag too. Would like to see the SFA at least approach him. I'd hate the disruption to us, but I'd be happy with McInnes as Scotland manager. Will never happen though I'm sure. Would be hell on us, major change after the summer we just had.

I'd say scouting players, finding new players, and coaching to start with. A squad of 20 plus players requires multiple coaches, plus the head to coach and oversee. I do agree to an extent though, not exactly sure what these guys do on a daily basis.

I'd take Lennon in a heartbeat!

Honestly, I'd love a young and enthusiastic manager who wants the job but does that exist? Let's say Neil wanted it, give him his chosen assistant but insist he hires 2 experienced foreign assistants for differing perspectives, ideas, and methodology. The current set up of the buddy system is failing and the last few games only papers over the cracks. Moyes and McCoist don't inspire, neither does George Graham. We also needs a manager who values Scottish football. Strachan clearly didn't. I'd play Shinnie (biased I know) McGinn, McGregor, even Dorrans before Morrison, Bannan, or McArthur for example. These guys don't play in the championship but is that a higher level than the Euro opponents Celtic and even us have faced? I also think you pick and play guys who clearly play for the jersey. Strachan has picked some real shit.

No usa in the World Cup. 12 points in 10 games against panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Us are as bad as us.

Would love us to play players who play week in week out, are proud and true Scotsmen, are on form, and genuinely care. Add a coach/manager who can really get them playing for the jersey. Does that even exist any more??

The draw will be seeded but it doesn't matter that much. I'd hope to avoid Portugal or Italy, but the rest we can take on our day and don't see any of them much different to Slovenia or Slovakia. We're well overdue a World Cup but, fuck, would be amazing to finally be in a major tournie. No doubt we'd get Italy. Interesting to note, Slovakia are FIFA ranked 19, Scotland 43, Slovenia 55. We can take them!!

Yep, Bosnia group will most likely be the 9th runner up. Bottom line now is Scotland win tomorrow and we're in the playoffs.

Scored for Iceland today, brink of qualifying for their first World Cup.

England win helps us. Slovakia will beat Malta so slovenia are out. Makes me wonder how hard Slovenia will actually try against us. Regardless, pretty sure we'll fuck it up.

I'd say, in regards to Rooney, the signings of Maynard and May plus now not being a guaranteed starter have maybe given him the much needed kick up the arse he needed? He looked very lively yesterday.

Solid performance, nothing great, but very professional job. That's probably our best back 4 although I still think we're better in midfield with Shinnie in there. I've been critical of O'Connor in center mid but in the last 2 games he's been solid in there. Not over reacting, thought St Johnstone (surprisingly) were terrible which made it much easier for us. Hibs, Celtic, and Rangers will be a tougher test but we seem to have stabled the ship for now.

Not my recollection, I know there was a season he scored in Europe and continued that into league before disappearing . When you say he played very well, what exactly does he do well?

If I recall, he played well the first 2-3 months of the 2016-17 season, scored in Europe and early league/cup play. Other than that he's always been considered 'off form.' He's been average at best for us. Doesn't score much, assist much, isn't strong in the tackle, doesn't win many headers, and isn't a defensive player. Much like Jack, a very over rated player who we won't miss. No clue why DM persists with him.

I think it makes perfect sense. DM doesn't want him to leave and thinks he can still keep him. Why push him out the door if he wants him to re-sign? Same situation as Ryan Jack? (obviously I'm an outsider looking in.) Don't agree with it but why else does he play week in week out. What is he genuinely giving us these days?

I think it's pretty clear McLean can do whatever he wants. He's out of contract and can leave / precontract at New Year so DM won't drop him and run the risk of pissing him off. Christie, Stewart, and Tansey (obviously injured now) are better options in the #10 role, even Scott Wright given that freedom to roam would cause more problems. Sounds from many like Shinnie and O'Connor holding today? How did that go? Did we jump the gun on Reynolds signing a new deal? We have him, Considine, and McKenna I believe who are all left sided central defenders. Sounds like McKenna and Arnie showed that they should at least be given another game or two to prove they're the #1 central pairing?

A definite no, we need Shinnie in center mid, that's the area we need to command and put Motherwell on the back foot. Really like to see Stewart central, he doesn't have the pace to do both attacking and defensive duties from wide, Christie does plus I actually think Christie is more effective from wide areas with more space. Disagree on the May comment, you can't do well if you don't get the ball. He was either chasing lost causes or competing for high balls, what else could he have done? We were shite around him, you can't say he was shit because his teammates gave him fuck all. Please please please drop McLean. Doesn't defend, can't win a tackle, and rarely scores/assists. Lewis Logan-Connor-Arneson-Considine Tansey-Shinnie Wright-Stewart-Christie May 2-1 us, May and Shinnie

Don't know who commented that the balance of the team is not an excuse but that, to me, is the most important factor. I always felt our best team was when we signed Shinnie and he was left back with Anderson in the middle and ahead of him a midfield of Robson and Flood. We lost Anderson's leadership and composure at the back, and lost the bite/leadership in midfield we didn't replace. We're at our best with Shinnie in center mid, not because of his midfield play, but because of his commitment and leadership. We're a lightweight team. I think Tansey was a good signing but now he's injured, curious to see what happens. Think we definitely need Arneson in there, he's not unlike Anderson. Shinnie back in his midfield spot helps. I don't know, I was critical of OConnor in center mid before but maybe worth another try. Think McLean offers so little when he's required to do heavy lifting.

Lastly from above, who will go all out to win a tackle or header on our current team??

Hmmm, not sure I agree. Fight is in your heart in my eyes. You either have it or you don't. Shinnie has it. Fighters are leaders, true captains. In our best years miller, McLeish, Simpson, cooper, rougvie, bell, etc were all out fighters and leaders who wouldn't accept defeat. The rest complimented and provided much of the flair and creativity. Good teams have multiple fighters but not 11, the multiple protect those who are not true grafters and fighters, and they carry them with them. The fighters don't always provide the flair or creativity but put those guys in a position to succeed. The flair are inconsistent and I'd argue we have too much of that and not enough fight. Other than Shinnie who is a die hard who battles?? I'd even argue Ryan Giggs and Ronaldo weren't/aren't fighters but play(ed) in systems that work for them. Our problem is that we have too few and have done for a few years. We just play in a shit league and get away with it most often but this year we could get found out.