Bayviewboy

Forfar have made a great signing in John Baird by bringing him in as a Player/Coach. That’s the sort of signing that could have been great for us especially if we are going with Johnny Court as our main striker. He is still young and fairly inexperienced. The player that I think would be great as a player/coach and pass on his experience to the young players is Scott McDonald ex Celtic, Motherwell and Dundee United. Whether he would come or if we could afford him is another question but I never thought for a minute that Baird would have gone to Forfar. I fear for us if we don’t manage to get a striker with more experience as it’s a long season and if we get hit with injuries and suspensions we don’t have enough options

I have to say, having supported the Club for 50 years, a large amount of these with a season ticket, I am now at a stage where I will pick and choose my games next season. I would normally give managers time to put their stamp on the team and get players playing his style of football but this season I feel the Club made a rushed appointment due to the timing of the departure of Barry Smith and maybe he was the best candidate who applied for the job in their eyes. Some will say we have secured our position in League 1 for next season but I honestly believe we had a squad this year who were capable of achieving a play off spot under the guidance of an experienced manager who recognised the strengths and weaknesses of the group of players and played to our strengths. I have seen very little progress over the season and no real style of play being established. For me, Darren Young has basically played with one striker, Chris Duggan up front on his own all season. He has claimed that he has tried lots of different systems at various times but either the players are not understanding his ideas or are incapable of playing that way. His body language at times on the bench does nothing to encourage or motivate players on the park and there is little guidance being shown. How often after a defeat have we heard there will be changes for the next game for their to be one change. He continually blames individual errors for losing goals week after week and we still lose goals from corners whether we have 8 players back or all 11. The players who are continually making these errors should not expect to play week after week but this has happened many times this season. Rumours abound about players not always either turning up for training or able to complete a session but they have still started games on a Saturday. I couldn’t see that happening under a Dick Campbell or Gus MacPherson. Having attended all 17 home league games and all away games except Ayr and Stranraer away, I think I have seen enough to be entitled to my opinion about this season. After the Arbroath game I spoke with a director who said we passed the ball well for the first 20 minutes. I said we have passed the ball well most of the season in the defensive and middle thirds of the park, but the problem is creating things in the final third. We inevitably end up hoofing the ball up the park for Duggan to flick on. He said he couldn’t disagree to which I replied the Board are the only ones who could do anything about it. At that point, another director jumped in saying it’s not going to happen. This would suggest that Darren Young will be at the helm for next season to see out his contract. It’ll be interesting to see which players are keen to stay and who he is able to bring in. I’m sure he is a nice guy but I’m sorry I don’t think he is up to it as a manager. How often this season have we been expecting a reaction after half time ? How often has there been a really positive reaction ? I don’t know what his halftime team talks are like but they have very rarely had any real effect on the players. The number of fans who are now voting with their feet by not going to games must surely be a major concern to the Board who have done a good job in keeping the Club afloat and getting back on a more even keel. They must try to find out from fans why they are not attending. On Sat, there were only 6 people wanting to go to the game on the supporters bus ! I’m sure the majority would confirm that the product on the park is not particularly enjoyable or entertaining. Having been at Cliftonhill on Sat, I witnessed some players going through the motions during the warm up and wasn’t surprised we started so slowly and lost an early goal. I am not saying players weren’t trying but some were not as motivated as they should have been and this is the job of the manager to make sure players are fired up and prepared to battle for the points to repay the supporters who pay good money to watch them home and away. As mentioned previously and it saddens me to say, I will not be buying a season ticket for next season. If I hadn’t bought one this season I doubt I would have been to as many games. That way if the product on the park is anything like a number of games this season, I can find some other way of spending my time and money on a Sat afternoon.

Recognise a number of players, but struggling with a few back row - Dixie Deans ? / ??? / Keny Aird / ??? middle row -Walter Borthwick, Sir Bobby Charlton , John Martin, Harry Kinnear, Drew Rutherford, Ernie McGarr / ??? front row - Bertie Miller, Davie Clarke, Billy Gillies, Tommy Gemmell / ????

what will be our starting line up on Sat with 6 January signings ? i think the manager might go with McKenzie Dunsmore. Watson. Page. Livingstone Thomson. McManus. Docherty. Lamont/Smith Duggan. Knox Subs Goodfellow. Kane. Linton, Millar. Slattery. Lamont/Smith. Jones Hopefully we can get a good result on Sat to kickstart our stuttering season. Mon the Fife !

He’s signed for Penicuik Athletic

The jury is still out regarding Darren Young and his ability to motivate and get the best out of the players he has on a consistent basis. Looking at our squad, I think we have a very good core of 14 - the starting 11 from today plus, Docherty, Watson & Thomson. It’s fairly obvious that Mutch, Wilson and Willis do not come into the Managers thoughts in terms of the starting line up and they are only likely to get a few minutes on the odd occasion and are unlikely to have a major impact on the game. Any injuries or suspensions further deplete the options available which then means that players who are low on confidence or have lost form will still play. We need another 3 players who are ready to compete for a jersey not just guys to fill the bench. After going out the Cup today and losing the money the Cup Fairy may have given us will make it even more challenging to bring these players in. The lack of consistency will probably cost us a play off spot at the top and if we are not careful we could get dragged down the way. The game against Forfar next week is massive. Lose and they are only 6 points behind. Win and we go 12 points clear. Just hope the players realise that games start at 3.00 as we are too often giving teams a goal of a start.

Hopefully Craig Watson is fit by then and Kano could move to right back. Think that shows how,thin the squad is and the urgency to get more players in. Aaron will be a big miss as Imfeel he has been one of our most consistent performers who links really well with Mark Lamont. Would love to see Lee Miller who has been released from Falkirk, in an East Fife shirt - could be a great partner for Chris Duggan.

I’m sure Mark Docherty also signed a two year deal too so he will be with us next season. I’d also be happy for all of yesterday’s starting 11 and Kev Smith to stay for next season. If we could add another 6 or 7 decent players at this level we could do well. Forgot that Paul Willis also signed a two year deal (Cheers for that Barry Smith !) Think the manager will be trying to get rid of him as he’s done very little to deserve any game time. Have to say that crowds are dwindling with under 500 at the game yesterday against an Alloa side who were going well and not that far to travel. I know of a number of what I used to consider diehards who are now attending games infrequently. Anyone know what the prices are for the Scottish Cup tie v Brora Rangers on Sat ? If they can reduce admission to £10 & £5 by agreement, the Club should get flyers into local schools and encourage as many as possible through the gate. The bigger the support on Sat, the better the atmosphere which helps the players. If we could get to the next round, hopefully the Cup fairy would give us a money spinning tie which would allow us to attract some new players to the Club

Jordan Piggott now confirmed that he is back to Dundee ar the end of loan. Surely Darren Young has players lined up to come in !? Hopefully fit, experienced players who can provide options.

Now confirmed by Greg Hurst that he has returned to St Johnstone at the end of his loan. There was no sign of Jordan Piggott today so is he away back to Dundee ? Hopefully a few boys coming in - another striking option is a must

Feel for Ben as he never really got the chance he deserved and was often thrown on to fill in in any position. Hopefully Willis is next to go to free up some wages to bring 2 or 3 players in.

He would remain full time if he came on loan. I’m sure that would mean one of the Hursts would go back to Saints as we are only allowed two players from any club at the same time.

Hearing that Derek Lyle is available on loan from QOS. Proven goalscorer who would do a great job for us alongside Chris Duggan. Hopefully we could ask a favour from Gary Naysmith as he won’t want the player going to another Championship side. Cmon Darren - get on the blower !

Any rumours on who we are looking to sign ? What about our 4 loan signings - are they staying or going back to their clubs ? When are their loan contracts up ? Who is Darren Young trying to move on ? I notice the fire sale at Stranraer is still on the go with Steven Bell joining Ayr. If Mark Hurst returns to St Johnstone, I’d be delighted if we could sign Cammy Belford as competition for Ryan Goodfellow. We need another striker to work with Chris Duggan. A goal scoring midfielder like Alan Trouten would be great but no idea where we’ll find one !

Making a push to get into the play offs at the top of the table has to be the target. However recent results have been poor although performances have been decent at times. Think it could be unlikely that any of the four loanees will stay beyond their initial loan period. Hopefully Willis moves on but I’d be keen to keep Reilly although it would seem that the Manager doesn’t rate him as he’s been in and out of the squad and occasionally thrown on in midfield. He was a striker as a youngster at Rangers and Hamilton so might be worth a punt up there if we are chasing the game as he certainly has pace and mobility. Not convinced that Greg Mutch and Kyle Wilson are ready to push for a starting position. If you take these seven or eight players out of the squad it shows that we definitely need a few players in who will provide competition for places. Not sure if Scott Linton is soon to be out of contract so he could be another one who leaves if he gets a better offer or we don’t offer him a deal. If we can bring in 3 or 4 experiences players at this level I think we are in with a chance of making the play offs at the right end of the table. If we don’t, we could get dragged into the dogfight at the bottom.

Would be sorry to see Ben Reilly go if it’s true but the gaffer obviously doesn’t rate him as he seem so to be the scapegoat at times and is even completely left out the squad. As far as Willis is concerned, I’d be happy to see him go as he has offered nothing this season. Getting him off the wage bill would allow us to bring someone else in. I would imagine Nathan Flannigan will return to St Mirren as his appearances have been limited since the return to form of Mark Lamont. Where do we stand with the other 3 loaners - Piggott and the two Hursts ? Kyle Wiislon and Ross Mitch to go out on loan ? We could be needing about 4 players in. Would love to see Fash back in a Fife shirt even if it was only as a trialist for 3 games to help us out and help him get some confidence and game time. I hear Stranraer are having to get rid of a few players due to financial woes. They wanted to ask players to take a cut in wages but looks like they will have to release a few. i’d Take Ryan Wallace back in a minute and by all accounts he has a good relationship with Darren Young. If Piggott goes back to Dundee we’ll need another CH with the news that Watson will be out for a few weeks. I suppose it’s all down to who is available but hopefully we see a few players in who can add to the squad and get us pushing back up the table.

Team for Sat v Airdrie Hurst Dunsmore. Watson Page. Linton Kane. Millar Reilly. Wilkie. Flannigan Duggan Will Darren Young have the guts to make big changes and drop his close buddies who lets be honest have been very disappointing ? Said all the right things in his post match interview last Sat but I don't think he'll have the bottle to follow it through. He'll end up making a token one or two changes but Docherty, Gordon and Willis will still be in the starting 11. Others deserve a chance to prove themselves so let's give them their chance at Airdrie !

Well, where do I start after that shambles today ! Firstly, well done to the Rovers - outclassed us in every way. It was like men against boys. A tactical genius against someone out of his depth. The Rovers gain with Barry Smith was our massive loss. Wasn't surprised we were set up exactly the same way as previous weeks but really questioned why we didn't have more strength and battling qualities in the middle. I would have thought it more sensible to try to make us difficult to break down and to shut down space in the middle of the park. Some of the managers decisions are very strange to say the least. The lack of leadership and motivation from the dugout was ridiculous. Barry Smith could be heard loud and clear giving clear instructions and motivating his players. Substitutions were strange putting on Lamont who is not one who is going to work his socks off and dig in when the chips are down. Scott Linton on the right wing - he did well when he came on and at least showed the desire required. What has Ben Reilly got to do to get a chance ? What is with all 11 back for corners ? Twice in the first half we cleared a corner but the ball was just aimlessly hoofed up the park putting the `rovers back in possession and start a new attack putting us under pressure. It would seem that Darren Young is too loyal to certain players no matter how they are playing. This needs to change otherwise he will totally piss off those being unfairly treated. Ben Gordon showed a real disrespect to the fans at the end of the game when he's walking off the park laughing after a 5-0 defeat to our local rivals. He has obviously only signed short term and clearly doesn't give a shit about the club. We are a stepping stone for him but he will have to really buck up his ideas if he is to get back full-time. Hope Pagey is back to full fitness soon cause we really miss his commitment to East Fife. Chris Kane is another who shows the desire every time he plays and that was severely lacking today. We were shown up today for the lack of options up front. Chris Duggan is struggling up front on his on but we are limited in the changes we can make. Dario Zannata (Hearts) Porteous (Hibs) or Lawrence Shankland (ex Aberdeen may be a few options to improve that. I know we were playing against a full time team today but the cracks are there for all to see and if they are not repaired quickly we may find ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the table.

They can have Cedric and we'll take Andy Ryan off their hands !

Willie Aitchison being quoted for the managers job at Airdrie !!!

Don't think Liam Gordon would be any better than Ben Gordon, Craig Watson, Jonathan Page in central defence. If Saints are going to let him go out on loan they will want him to be playing and I'm not sure he'd get the game time they would be looking for. Greg Hurst looked ok but not really a partner for Duggan. Callum Hendry on the other hand looked as though he could give us something up front. Scott Linton looked decent at left back and would give experienced cover for Mark Docherty. Thought Ryan Couser, our trialists Goalkeeper looked very nervous and certainly wouldn't inspire confidence in those around him. If we need another keeper to cover in Cordery's absence, I'd rather we tried to bring Mark Hurst back from St Johnstone even for a month. Saints were streets ahead today which is to be expected and they had the luxury of being able to change virtually the whole team. Today was my first game of the season due to having been on holiday. Like the attitude and work rate of Keiran Miller. Dunamore looked decent. Flannigan was was busy and decent attacking opponents. Watson looked like a good acquisition at this level. Whilst optimistic about the season ahead when all our injured players are fit and available, I still feel we really need a striker to either work alongside Chris Duggan or to put pressure on him to get in the team

Can't see that philosophy being any different to almost every other club. Every Club wants to progress and try for promotion so I don't see us as any different.Some of the players who have signed for us are not on huge amounts but the fact we offered a few of them 2 year deals have given them some sort of longer term security Of the players mentioned only Gordon and McNaughton (who has allegedly retired) have played in higher leagues. The rest are young lads who have been released from bigger clubs but they have no experience of first team football. We should maybe just agree to differ in our opinions. Hopefully some decent signings materialise and we have a successful season.

Surely the 3 friendlies we have played was the time to assess trialists. I would expect Darren Young is assessing players in training. The guys you say that buy in to the East Fife philosophy. For most players, money talks. The majority of players look to get the best deal they can when joining a new club. Who are the guys we have on trial who have ALL been playing in higher leagues other than Ben Gordon ? (McNaughton who has now retired) Mark Docherty turned down the Rovers not because of the East Fife philosophy ! He was part-time at Dumbarton and possibly has a decent job away from Football so going full time at Raith wasn't his best option. Players with decent jobs are happ to play part time to earn extra money (Rory McAllister is a good example) Players who have been full time will be looking to stay full time. If they can't get it they will be looking to get the best part time offer they can as it may be their only income. Of course, we all want to see the best players possible in an East Fife shirt but with the season fast approaching, I would have hoped and expected the squad to be almost complete by this stage and starting to gel

When will they have the chance to assess them now that our friendlies are finished ? The quality of the players we are speaking too is fine but it's whether we can actually sign them that is the problem. We've already missed out on a few we were speaking to.

I take it you mean Willis not Wilkie ! We need signings now, not in 2 or 3 weeks. The first competitive game is next Sat and I believe trialists are not allowed in the Betfred Cup ! With 14 signed players and Smith & Wilkie unlikely to feature for a few weeks, we are extremely short of numbers. We need to use the Betfred games to get the team to gel and this will only happen if players are signed and the squad is strong and balanced.