ANEWHOPE

Think the club are having a laugh with Paton on the front of the programme. However this compensated by the centre fold new management team picture.

Don’t often look at other teams threads but had a wee look at the Morton one tonight & the anger doesn’t seem to be subsiding. Not sure a few of our posters are really helping matters but their hearts seem to be in the right place. [emoji23] What has surprised me has been how little self-reflection regarding matters that brought about the decision to move. Maybe it was money, maybe it is geography, bigger club, better infrastructure but if the rumours many have heard are true, the problem not be from outwith but something closer to home. Surprised our Morton ‘friends’ seem to be burying their heads quite so much. But whatever makes them feel better I guess.

McKinnons long term assistant was until fairly recently Director of Football at United but now back coaching but has a fair few contacts I suspect as he was in charge of recruitment. Not sure how successful, would have to ask United fans, but I would predict a few last minute signings, maybe a right back, my money would be Ralston from Celtic.

I’ve no idea how to copy link but announced

Hartley sacked

As much as the main stand gets criticised and often rightly so, I thought I heard a wee boo coming from the south stand yesterday and a few negative shouts, maybe misheard and happy to be corrected. Could have been directed at ref.

Whilst I was disappointed with the result and the performance it was fascinating watching just how angry Paton is and how quickly he can erupt. Although on the two occasions that angered him I thought he had won the ball fairly. My prediction is a scrap between him and Muirhead at some point. Muirhead shouting at another player not to fucking pass to him was also amusing. He also a ball of rage.

I agree with much of your post but don’t see the lack of credit you suggest has been given to Hartley. Overwhelming praise on here for his strategy from what I’ve read.

Not sure if it a good or bad thing but surely this must be up there with the least experienced squad we’ve ever had and I would hazard a guess in the league full stop. We can’t complain that Hartley hasn’t fully committed to his strategy. Not sure there has been a more apt season for our ‘Expect the unexpected’ mantra. Roll on Saturday I guess.

Agreed.

You’ve just ruined your point because Robbie Williams is from Stoke.

That’s bullshit, he was one of the better players in the game against Aberdeen. To describe him as w**k is absolute nonsense. Get a grip.

I’m not sure it was ever going to happen anyway but seeing Jakubiak start for Watford with a team including plenty of their 1st team players surely closes that door?

My favourite so far.

Totally agree. Think there is a world of difference in making some observations on a fans forum and what people do whilst watching the team live in the flesh. The vast majority of posts on here regarding Hartley are supportive and optimistic. If anything people going out of their way to look for signs of positivity. A few recent performances have raised a few questions but it is not until the season kicks of that any praise or criticisms can be judged as measured valid, or worthwhile in my view. However negativity from the stands on a match day, Main Stand or otherwise is embarrassing and completely counterproductive. Those that engage in that I will fully supporting the getting to f**k. I agree that the next 2 (I hope 3 and one will be a right back) signings will maybe be the most crucial for the season ahead. Also I’m choosing to think that against a strong Aberdeen & St Johnstone we didn’t look out of depth at all. I’m choosing to ignore that we did against a few others.

Seen a few posts on here saying that people wouldn’t be disappointed/bothered if we didn’t sign a right back. Fair enough, who am I to doubt their sincerity, but if we don’t, then than means we would likely play Jordan McGhee there and that would mean not playing him at centre half and for me that would be disappointing. A right back for me an area of weakness for a few seasons now and hopefully Hartley just biding his time until the right man comes along. Also whilst I like Nelson and would like him back I don’t feel he would have been as key as the Jak’s return would have been. However that seems unlikely so I like others on here will pretend I’m relaxed about the whole thing.

He’s worked pretty hard to cultivate his easy target status to be fair and has done for a few seasons now. Whilst people are quick to judge others, surely there enough evidence to make a judgement on him? Agreed he was not the worst performer yesterday though but that bar was pretty low. He not good enough for what we want to achieve in my opinion, a squad player at best and that is me being generous. I certainly don’t hate him, in fact I enjoy his wee pre penalty kick taking swagger but he is not what I want to see as club captain but I have to keep telling myself ‘in Hartley we trust’. But please Mr Don Paul, sign a right back, please!Just sign a right back. PS - don’t pass to Harris

Excellent summary. [emoji122]

Maybe a bit controversial? I think you mean hopefully this is controversial. To say he would be ‘easily’ our most creative player based on a handful of games is not a controversial statement, it is daft.

Against my better judgement I choose to go see us tonight, 4 out of 5 preseason friendlies and I’m no closer to having a clue what the season ahead will hold. I was never in the we will storm the league camp (not sure many really or realistically are) but think the physicality of the team looks much more well equipped than any season previously but other than that I haven’t seen anything hugely impressive but conversely little to really worry - I won’t mention Muirhead in this post. Regarding the new signing thought he at least will give us another option but I’m not going to pretend I am enthused as I was looking for something else to fair, namely the Jak back! As for Alloa, the reduction is pitch size has been mentioned before but it really is brutal, fair play to them, needs must but I just hope our needs never get to that level of ‘gamesmanship’

If anything your summation of the last few posts more suitable to OneF.

Just as you couldn’t tell the difference between us and Aberdeen, you couldn’t tell the difference between us and Cove. We seemed to change shape a few times during the game but maybe that was just players unsure of their roles. No one stood out both positively or in a negative sense, although I would be surprised if any of the trialists got offered deals. Hartley still persisting with his one and his dog whistling and the players seem to completely ignore. He was more entertaining than the game. I still would be really disappointed if we start the season with Muirhead playing right back in any way but think I may need to prepare myself for that.

🤞

Muirhead took over captaincy from Dallison when he came on yesterday.

If they think players are getting slaughtered already wait until we actually discover most of them are shit!! [emoji12]