manc_don Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Deep thoughts for McGhee in New Firm derby clash dons manager can cast envious glance at size of levein’s united squad By Michael Gannon Published: 23/10/2009 Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee would not swap his best team for Dundee United manager Craig Levein’s best, but McGhee can be forgiven for casting an envious glance at the depth of the Tannadice squad ahead of tomorrow’s New Firm derby at Pittodrie. McGhee has been unable to make the wholesale changes his counterpart Levein has made at the Arabs in the past two season. It was a similar tale last year when McGhee was with Motherwell, when the 53-year-old insisted the Taysiders had strengthened their squad rather than their team. McGhee’s point was proven as Motherwell won two and drew one of three meetings with United last season, including a resounding 4-0 victory at Tannadice. But the manager’s words were to prove prophetic. Motherwell’s season collapsed when an injury crisis condemned the Steelmen to the bottom six after the split, while Levein’s large squad proved vital as United claimed fifth place. McGhee can see parallels this season as he has a threadbare squad once more and he still believes the Arabs’ strength revolves around safety in numbers. He said: “I put my foot in it with Dundee United at the start of last season. “I was asked the question about them making a lot of signings when we had not. “Eventually we were caught out because we had injuries to five key players and only picked up one point from seven games. “It is possible Dundee United were able to stay a bit longer with the pace because they had a bigger squad. “What I did say was I felt they had strengthened their squad but not their team. Therefore at that stage I would have still taken my best team ahead of their best team. “We proved that by going to Tannadice and beating them 4-0. “This season is similar in many ways. “That is not something I hold against Craig. He is trying to work miracles and he has found one or two nuggets for nothing, or for very little money. “I think he has some really good players and some who have improved, such as David Goodwillie. “They have lost a few, but I do not know if the ones he has brought in have necessarily strengthened the team rather than maintained the level. “That said, outside the Old Firm, they are as good as anyone else in the league on their day. “We have got to expect them to be as good as they can be on Saturday and therefore we will have to be at our best.†McGhee will today decide whether to hand new signing Maurice Ross a debut against United. The 28-year-old is in the squad after receiving international clearance yesterday and the manager has been impressed by the former Rangers defender’s fitness, despite him not playing a competitive match since the end of last season. Ross came through 90 minutes in Tuesday’s bounce game against Dundee and is a contender for the right-back slot tomorrow. Really could do with a win tomorrow just to maintain a close distance with HIVs. Hopefully the team can build on what were clear positives last weekend and get a couple of goals and 3 vital points. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ptayles Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 3 points is a must. Looks like Wilkie's out which i personally see as a bit of a blow-the mans a donkey, put him under pressure he crumbles...But anways i can see us stealing it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobbyBiscuit Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Folk on Mad and the Hat (Mad Hatters?) saying that the game could be called off due to rain. Fuckin better not, also better not be a late inspection as my train is at 9.30 and i don't want to be stuck in Aberdeen all day with no football to go to... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_min Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Folk on Mad and the Hat (Mad Hatters?) saying that the game could be called off due to rain. Fuckin better not, also better not be a late inspection as my train is at 9.30 and i don't want to be stuck in Aberdeen all day with no football to go to... The weather today is looking a lot lot better, but I would not be surprised if the pitch was ruined by the last 3 days of non-stop rain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minijc Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Folk on Mad and the Hat (Mad Hatters?) saying that the game could be called off due to rain. Fuckin better not, also better not be a late inspection as my train is at 9.30 and i don't want to be stuck in Aberdeen all day with no football to go to... LOL at madhatters, the thread on the hat was just someone asking i it could be postponed, I doubt it will be, if it is you are more than welcome to spend the day with me BB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobbyBiscuit Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 a tempting offer, Mini but alas I think the game will go ahead.. much to my disappointment, of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minijc Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 a tempting offer, Mini but alas I think the game will go ahead.. much to my disappointment, of course. Ofcourse, Caley for a pint if you wish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobbyBiscuit Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 I'll be in the Bobbin, unfortunately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_min Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 I'll be in the Bobbin, unfortunately. Poor choice. I was there before the Hearts game, ordered food about 1pm, waited for it until about half 2, then just gave up and went to the game. That's £3 i'll never see again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobbyBiscuit Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Poor choice. I was there before the Hearts game, ordered food about 1pm, waited for it until about half 2, then just gave up and went to the game. That's £3 i'll never see again No, it's generally alright. However, if you've ordered food (was it chips..?) and not asked them where the fuck it is after an hour and a half then... ye know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minijc Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 The chips in there are nae bad eh, I like a chicken burgers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_min Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 No, it's generally alright. However, if you've ordered food (was it chips..?) and not asked them where the fuck it is after an hour and a half then... ye know? Nope, it's always shite! And believe it or not I did ask, more than once, the last time I got the delightful answer of "Sorry, but the kitchen is totally fucked" You got yourself a yellow card? What with you drinking in a student pub Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobbyBiscuit Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 What you moaning about then? You asked what the problem was, you were given an honest answer! Good customer service. No, no i don't have such a thing, I only go in to improve the clientele. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_min Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 What you moaning about then? I was hungry, and they refused to feed me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobbyBiscuit Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 They didn't refuse to feed you Dave, they just couldn't be arsed to do it before you had to leave.. Anyway... I take it Pawlett is out for this one? Ross in at right back, Foster to centre back? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_min Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Aberdeen may hand a debut to new signing Maurice Ross Zander, with defenders Zander Diamond and Davide Grassi still missing. Peter Pawlett is out with a knock but injury-jinxed striker Tommy Wright is available to manager Mark McGhee. Andy Webster joins injured defenders Lee Wilkie and Paul Dixon on the sidelnes since he has a bad flu. Prince Buaben and Danny Swanson return from bans and Danny Cadamarteri has recovered full fitness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glasgowdon Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 After watching Sammon at the Killie game, Cadamarteri may cause us a few problems. Need to get stuck into their dodgy back line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kowalski Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 I like a chicken burgers. How many do you order? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manc_don Posted October 24, 2009 Author Share Posted October 24, 2009 I'm interested to see if McGhee bring Ross straight into the team (what with him being a natural right back) but either way, 3 points please! COME ON YOU REDS. Lets get intae these minky bastards! :ultras: :ultras: :ultras: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glasgowdon Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 I'm interested to see if McGhee bring Ross straight into the team (what with him being a natural right back) but either way, 3 points please! COME ON YOU REDS. Lets get intae these minky bastards! :ultras: :ultras: :ultras: I think McGhee needs the 3 points today as much as we do. Being undefeated is only going to wash for so long... That being said, we're due to dish out a lashing, here's hoping it's today. COYR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glasgow sheep Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Mo Ross straight into the team: Teams from Pittodrie - Aberdeen: Langfield, Mulgrew, Foster, Considine, Maurice Ross, Ifil, Kerr, Fyvie, Miller, Pawlett, Paton. Subs: Bain, Maguire, Mackie, Aluko, Young, Duff, Crawford. Dundee Utd: Weaver, Dillon, Dods, Myrie-Williams, Cadamarteri, Gomis, Buaben, Kenneth, Fotheringham, Kovacevic, Casalinuovo. Subs: Banks, Conway, Swanson, Shala, Cameron, Goodwillie, Watson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mizer Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 According to my sources we are playing 4-3-3 once again, no shock that we are 2 nil down then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulinho Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 @mizer - Sack McGhee, sell Mackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentorred Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Sack the whole team!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentorred Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Here comes Mackie, let the goal fest begin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.