Ignoramus

And there was me enjoying my summer’s evening.

One out of two ain’t bad.

We were assured that Lennon and the recruitment staff were working 'daily' on next season's squad last night. But I also have that niggling feeling that we're going to be in the same position as we are currently in a fortnight, which would be fatal. Also, kind of surprised we haven't heard about tying up the remainder of the contracts from last year. Still no word on Rumsby for example and no update on Munro/Syvertsen/Vajs, although I think it's likely they're all probably away.

Barry Ferguson anyone? https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/barry-ferguson-poised-alloa-job-24174723.amp?__twitter_impression=true

Gotta go for hot pink, exercise the demons of Spartans

Just waiting for Rumsby and Wilson now. Kind of surprised we haven’t heard about them but maybe they’ve got offers?

Safe to say Rutkiewicz enjoyed that Clyde team of a couple of seasons back then. Declan Fitzpatrick and Karim Belmokhtar next up.

Am I reading too much into it or do those quotes from Lennon make it sound as if Nicoll might be rather more than a sub and good guy in the dressing room next season? Our defensive record did improve when he came into midfield but not sure that wasn’t as much to do with tightening our style of play as anything else.

That’s one to get brought up in any future discussions over budgets.

The thought of Rumsby starting 30 or so games next season terrifies me. I'm hoping he's emergency back-up but I fear not. I reckon Nicoll is going to be cheap and probably as much a coach as anything, he was here on amateur terms initially so that suggests the money won't be too high. He was always going to keep a few to give him a spine to work with; I now want to hear about what the budget and expectations are for this season and whether we're going to go out and put some quality on the bones here because otherwise this next season is going to another long slog.

Another one for the good guy column: https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/dalbeattiestarfc/news/statement-2615781.html

It’s going to be someone like Stubbs but let me dream about having the chance to give Neil Francis Lennon a piece of my mind four times a season pls

My assessment on the squad for next year: Goalkeeper - The one area where I'd argue we might be OK for next year. Mitchell is under contract and despite some brain farts, he's still a decent keeper at L1 level for me. Wilson, although a bit wee, showed enough for me for him to return as a cheap back-up and reckon he'd be happy to do so. Defence - Lots of work to be done, you just need to see our defensive record this season to know that. I agree that Howie is a talent and should be returned but I think he should be the weaker of our two central defenders next season. We need a Lang-style CB next to him, that's defo an area we should push the boat out if we can. McNiff can return as a safety blanket if we struggle to get names in, but he should be no more than a solid and reliable back-up next season for 5-10 games or so. Full back is another area we need work on, look to get Otoo (although the Celtic Colts stuff could put paid to that) but none of the rest for me, especially if we retain Cuddihy for midfield. I reckon the shopping list is at least two CBs and three full-backs, maybe even more. Midfield - The other area that needs to be stressed in the off-season. Cuddihy did enough for me to offered a place in the squad, especially with Lennon's familiarity with him, plus he can cover RB at a pinch. I'd actually keep Lamont because I like him as a good option off the bench and is good for a big goal now and then, but I appreciate I'm probably in the minority with that one. McGlinchey was someone I had high hopes for and might be another one we could look to keep for that holding midfield role that we desperately need, but I'd like to hope we could maybe go and get better. We need a couple of quality operators in there - preferably with some experience of L1 level - because that allows us to get our attacking players on the pitch. Grant would be excellent obviously and even a player like Wedderburn at Dumbarton wouldn't be too bad. He's far from the quickest but he moves the ball and has a bit of power. Forwards - This is where we're best currently I'd say. DGW obviously, but Cunningham should be a priority especially given how young he is (didn't actually realise that). I would keep Love as an impact sub because he comes up in big moments and he gives everything for the club which genuinely can't be underestimated. I'd love to get Jamieson back but reckon that's probably a fantasy. Worth an ask tho. I love big Syvertsen to bits and think he's a fine player but it's tough to justify with his injury record. We need another prolific option with DGW so goals don't fall off a cliff if he's injured and I'd be emphasising pace in forward areas - look at the best attacking players in this league and that's what they've got in common for the most part. The McLean at Montrose shout from earlier isn't the worst one either - a player like that would be a point of difference in our squad. Here ends the lengthy diatribe

Hope you stick it to "Bazza" and his boys next season. That's assuming you guys don't stay up tho, you'll be a tough nut to crack in the playoffs.

All the intensity of the first half is gone here, we need a bit of magic here.

That’s it now. An act of complete stupidity.

We’re missing too many good chances here.

As for tonight, I’m assuming we have everyone bar Lang and Howie back? The match previews aren’t very helpful these days. If so, I’d go again with the same team with Otoo and Mitchell in for Howie and Wilson. Leave Jamieson for a bit of legs and freshness off the bench if we’re chasing it.

Morrison was a good shout for best player in the league until Falkirk’s form dropped off like snow off a dyke. Tiffoney has been excellent when I’ve seen him, as has Megginson. Honourable mention to the fullbacks and Webster at Montrose as well, they’re a pain in the arse to deal with.

Quelle surprise everyone: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/rangers-celtic-colts-would-exciting-24049218.amp?__twitter_impression=true

I for one simply can’t wait to find out what Stevie Aitken think of this latest development.

The SPFL will likely be cheering it on.

The story says they’re in talks to play one season which begs the question of what exactly the point of it all is? Other than cash of course.

Here we go, they’ve realised they lost their go with L2 and so trying their luck a level down.

I’m going to remain my usual relentlessly pessimistic self and prepare for the playoffs already. EF will be well up for this given last week’s shenanigans and they’ll be a tough nut to crack to get a win against. Ultimately, 9th is a fair outcome across the season but our fate has been sealed by two last minute goals - Forfar’s winner against us and Dumbarton’s winner last night.