TheBuckfastTriangle
-
Posts
136 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Store
Posts posted by TheBuckfastTriangle
-
-
15 minutes ago, Bring Back Paddy Flannery said:
Is that not one of the main points of playing friendlies? That's the perfect time to experiment to see what works and what doesn't, I'd be disappointed if our gaffer wasn't trying out different formations and tactics during these games tbh.
Yes. Yes it is. Try things out, see how players are fitting in and get a bit of match sharpness into the squad - anyone caring about results and, to a lesser extent performances, in pre-season friendlies is mental.
2 -
1 hour ago, G_H said:
On the one hand, there could be an advantage in keeping a squad together who are familiar with each other.
On the other hand, it could mean we are missing out on a large pool of more talented players who have only been released due to clubs financial situations.
My worries for this season: need some creativity in midfield, and a big elastic band to tie to Gal to pull him back onside after every attack.
I think this is an important point. - and maybe links into what was being said above about the last decade or so being fairly pish too. We've chopped and changed far too much in recent seasons, players hitting 100 games for the club (which realistically is less than 3 years as a regular starter) have been a rarity and having had a fairly decent season some continuity is very welcome even if some of those aren't in the "must sign" category. A familiar team might help us get out of the blocks a bit sharper too which will be vital in a shortened season.
I've banged this drum for a while on here but a happy dressing room and a bit of consistency both on and off the park should be a major aim for the club. I wouldn't be surprised to see a smaller squad this season so flexible players like Kerr and McKay who can play across defence and midfield (or allow Fordyce to shuffle to RB, etc) will be valuable.
I think we're now well covered defensively, so hopefully rebuilding the midfield and attack can be the focus of our attention and this is maybe where Stan will wait a bit longer for players from a higher level without a club - a solid, reliable defence with Gal's goals and a bit more magic/forward contribution in midfield could be just the ticket. Would expect Kieran Millar to sign on given he's been trusted since Murray arrived, and maybe from there we're on to a few new faces...
5 -
30 minutes ago, BinoBalls said:
It's decidedly out of character for Stirling Albion to be outgunning anyone when it comes to wages so I'm not sure what to make of this. We are fan-owned and run prudently (off the pitch at least). Quite possible we made a very generous offer but I would doubt it would be anything you'd categorise as "silly" money. Leave that for Cove Rangers.
When Ryan was with us the first time round I think it’s fair to say he literally won us games on his own at times.
If, in a shortened season, the plan is to have a solid, workmanlike (relatively cheap!) team with Andy Ryan up front then it’s not a bad plan.0 -
57 minutes ago, Diamonds are Forever said:
I remember thinking at the start of this pandemic that as long as we can see it through financially when things restart we may be at a slight advantage compared to other clubs at this level by having a good number of proven first team players signed up. The goalie situation looks good, an up and coming goalie who looks like a good addition, but with back-up of an experienced goalie if needed. A really good defence signed up and plenty of goals up front. As someone mentioned there seems to be a decent spirit and atmosphere about the place. Having so many positions filled already means we can be a lot more targeted with our recruitment and hopefully get exactly the right type of players.
Similar to last season I'd say we need a couple of midfielders, at least one with a bit of drive going forward. Roberts is that type of player but I'm with the poster who isn't really convinced by him, for whatever reason he had about 1 good month across the season, and even then it was for 70 minutes per game. He's maybe worth another season as back-up, initially at least, as there is something there. But with Falkirk and Partick in the league, and a shortened season, we need to be off to a flyer with ready-made players, can't afford to be waiting for players to develop. I'd also want a natural wide player. Thomson is the only one we really have, I quite like him as a sub but I've not seen enough quality from him yet to be comfortable him starting each week - similar to Roberts really.
Going to be very tough to get anything other than play-offs this season, but with the shortened season it will give us, and other teams, more chance of upsetting the 2 favourites. If we can get off to a flyer with similar form that we hit in November last year then you never know.
Agree with this @Diamonds are Forever, continuity and (relatively) low expectations have me quietly optimistic at this stage. Top 4 with a small, tight-knit, spirited squad would do fine and anything else is a bonus.
1 -
29 minutes ago, accies1874 said:
What's Callum Smith like?
A really hard worker, and pretty consistent for a 20 year old. He was more or less an ever present for us (missed 1 game through injury) and I'd happily have him back. Never hid.
If I was looking for a downside it's probably end product, he only managed 6 goals all season - albeit largely from the right wing in a 3 rather than as a striker. Got the feeling this might have been a confidence thing. I'd say he's got the potential to play higher than League 1, but would like to see him come back and hit double figures for us before making the step up.
0 -
42 minutes ago, ++Ammo - Airdrie++ said:
I personally would be disappointed if Roberts didn't sign back up.
It was obvious the manager didn't fancy him whether that was down to his fitness or something unseen.
If he goes then I'd expect him maybe back at Queen's Park who are making all the right noises about moving onwards and upwards, from what I've read.
Agree with this Ammo, bags of energy and a bit of spark that we lack elsewhere in the squad. I actually think Murray probably does quite like him, and was regularly playing him for an hour then pulling him off for a spell around the turn of the year so would hope there's an offer there for him.
For what it's worth I think we'll try and keep the bulk of the squad together - there was a lot of talk about it being a good dressing room this year so think they'll try to keep things steady (God knows some continuity is overdue) and then see what can be done from there depending on budgets, etc.
1 -
35 minutes ago, AndyDD said:
He says that this enables clubs 'to return to playing as early as it’s safe to do so'. That's just factually incorrect. It will be safe to do so long before it will be financially viable to do so for lower league sides. This grant will not be enough to bridge that gap.
He can leave that last part out and his statement would be fine. He could use the word 'assisting' rather than the world 'enabling' and it would also be fine. But he says enabling and that is just incorrect.
If it "enables" teams to still exist whenever the lower leagues are able to restart then it certainly helps them to return to playing when it's safe to do so.
There's plenty of sticks to beat the Doncaster with, being grateful for a free 3 million quid and the promise of more to follow in the midst of a pandemic isn't one of them.
0 -
19 hours ago, airdrieman said:
Andy McNeil is always much maligned in these lists but I never thought he was particularly bad during his one season with Airdrie. Ironically, his namesake is now one of our young reserve goalkeepers.
Your 11/12 was much like our 13/14 season where we had 7 players taking a turn in goals. Colin Stewart, Andy Duncan, Scott Gallacher (on loan from Rangers who's now back at the club), Tony Bullock (in Gary Bollan's debut match at Ibrox before going onto become goalie coach), Jonny Grier (made one appearance off the bench and saved a penalty), Danny Rogers (on loan from Aberdeen) and Grant Adam all playing in goals for us at one point or another.
*Shudder*
That season, then the Lucas Birnstigl shitemare against Albion Rovers in the first match of the 14/15 season after McNeil went off injured (meaning 9 keepers in easily under 50 games) had me convinced we were cursed. Maybe that's why McNeil ended up seeming decent, although I agree, he was fine.
1 -
Offside or not, he's got 11 league goals and 4 assists. After accounting for the 4 penalties that's over half our league goals he's scored or set up. He's also the only forward to have scored in any of our 5 games in 2020.
I'm struggling with the clamour on here for Murray to start too. The midfield balance isn't great but without having seen a single minute of him (is he a 10 or a winger?) he's walking into the team.
McKay also gets a lot of stick. I've defended him on here before and, given I'm not exactly overwhelmed by him myself, I'm reluctant to do it again - but he's the defensive midfielder in a team that generally doesn't lose many goals.
Big decisions for Murray at the weekend though, we're drifting a bit and Dumbarton are the only team with fewer points than us over the last 3 games.
ETA: Falkirk and East Fife/Montrose not playing in the league this weekend we could either be 2 points off second or needing snookers to stay in the playoffs - feels like a pivotal game for our season.
0 -
I assume the plan on Saturday was to "blow away" Stranraer with all the forwards starting, but when it didn't happen the lack of plan B that stood out for me. Not introducing Hawkshaw (in a game which I think would have suited him) was a bit odd. As @AndyDD says we didn't have (or didn't use) the options on the bench to change it.
It's hard to criticise the defensive changes too much - we kept a clean sheet - but personally our settled defence has been fine this season and if you're going to rest/drop anyone just changing one part (i.e. either Hutton OR MacDonald dropping out) would seem more sensible. For what it's worth MacDonald has been better than McCann in the last few weeks in my opinion, but a clean sheet and a rest for someone we want fresh for next week seems fair enough. Which keeper starts next weekend will be interesting as I don't think Hutton has let us down but Gallacher has a strong claim now.
The attack is a different matter. Roberts is vital. If he's being dropped then at least keep the shape that's worked so well and give Hawkshaw a start in the 10 position. They'd have been up against Jamie Hamill ffs.
In terms of the forwards, I think either Ryan or Gallagher was the way to go for this one. I disagree that the two together is dead in the water, there will be times we want both of them up there - but Murray had a free pass for an easy decision for this one - either continue with Andy having to play his way in as the front 3 have been good, or rest Gallagher on the basis that he's played a lot and had a hard shift last weekend while Ryan is well rested.
I get the feeling next week is now win or bust. A draw would be seen as a good point for Raith and leaves us a lot to do and if defeated 7 points is a big gap to make up. Win, however, and we're right back in it. A run of games against the teams in 6th, 7th and 8th would give us a real opportunity to put pressure on the top 2 over February.
3 -
Was a real shame to lose a late goal on Saturday, but we're 3 games into the second half of the season and from the corresponding fixtures in the first half (0-0 at home to Falkirk, 4-1 away to East Fife and 0-2 on the opening day against Forfar) we're 4 points better off.
We've also got 2 of the 4 players in our division to have hit double figures in the league (not to mention Andy Ryan's return), have the 2nd best defence in the league and we've only lost twice in our last 12 league games.
7 hours ago, Stevo1968 said:Interesting to see how we line up against Hearts.. whether we camp in and hopefully hit them on the break or just go with what we’ve been doing recently which I think we’ll get cut open with to be honest.
As much as Hearts are there for the taking they are still two leagues above and with that quality of player against ours although they may be out of form we can’t underestimate them..
See above. Since we switched to 433 we've generally been excellent, and there's nobody I'd drop for what the players will surely see as a huge game. If we find ourselves struggling then fair enough, make defensive adjustments, but I'd stick with the team that's put us in the mix at the top of the league. The players will be right up for this one and I fancy us to push them all the way. As far as the bench is concerned, not having Ryan available is a shame, but as a former Jambo and with his place in the pecking order under threat Ally Roy will surely be right up for this one as the game wears on.
You're right, they are 2 leagues above us, but the difference between this one and our trip to Celtic Park last year is that the players will (hopefully!) really believe they can get a result here. Big management links to Edinburgh too - I'm sure Cameron and Murray would love to get one over Hearts here.
1 -
1 hour ago, waysider said:
I think that some fans are getting overexcited about the possible return of Andy Ryan, if it happens. He had a wonderful season with us and was brilliant. However, I think it unlikely that he would perform at the same level if he comes back. He has had a number of Injuries and he is severely lacking in game time. I certainly think we do need another striker and I personally would welcome him back. However, those who expect him to continue as he left off are likely to be disappointed.
I've had reservations about it but have changed my mind over the last few days. If he's available I'd MUCH rather have him for us than against us and it would give the club/fans a real boost.
Also, even if he only gets half a dozen goals - which is more than I can see Roy getting - it could make a 12 point difference turning draws into wins. I think that's how we have to view new signings now - how many points better off will we be if they join? (Big Nat gained us 2 at the weekend and I'd fancy Andy Ryan to have a bigger impact than that!)
The guy was a match winner for us before and with our current front 3 quite flexible he would give us competition, talent and flexibility across those positions.
3 -
18 hours ago, Ballboy said:
I was one who thought he was decent. Not a patch on leon McCann though. His only problem is defending. If someone runs at him he backs off and runs with him till hes on top of his keeper. Decent going forward too though. Eckersly is better than McDonald too and he cant get in our 1st 11 as leon is outstanding.
Yup. MacDonald wasn’t doing anything for us any more. He always looked to blame his teammates for goals we conceded and offered nothing going forward. Maybe it just went stale, maybe he needed a change of scene, but we now have 2 left backs I’d have before MacDonald.
@airdrieman on this and your point about a relative lack of game changers on the bench, I’d maybe be tempted to bring on Eckersley and move McCann up to the left wing as games wear on - 2 birds with one stone possibly?
100% agree on Roberts - next contract extension for him please!1 -
I'll have a go at this. Never done it before but there's not a full one for Airdrie yet so here goes.....
Q1 points total = 14, 4th in the league (5 points off the top)
Q2 points total = 18, joint top of the league (with Raith and East Fife)
Best player of the season so far:- Sean Crighton has been excellent, Callum Gallagher and Dale Carrick have 19 league goals between them and Leon McCann a great find but it's got to be Kurtis Roberts for me. Has tons of energy, links midfield with attack and he's the one I'd be most concerned about losing to injury over the next quarter.
Worst player of the season so far:- Lots of folk reckon Wedderburn, and we've certainly looked better since he dropped to the bench. However, despite the local links and a decent start Ally Roy at this stage gets my vote. I reckon he might do better as part of a front 2 with a partner but our current system looks like it's here to stay and I can't see a role for him at the moment.
Manager rating:- For this quarter, 8/10. Ian Murray has certainly turned things around after an indifferent start had folk questioning his contract extension, but the next quarter and adjusting to other teams seeming to have stopped the system that got us on such a good run will tell us a lot about just how good he is.
Best signing:- Kurtis Roberts. See above.
Worst Signing:- Ally Roy. See above. Huge turnover of players over the summer doesn't help with this one!
Most Improved player:- Dale Carrick. Formerly a player who worked his socks off but had little end product transformed into our top league scorer. Honourable mention to Kieran Millar too, who has been excellent in holding our midfield together.
Who's winning the league?- Big weekend coming up, but it should still be Falkirk. If we can beat them we can keep ourselves right in the mix for another while yet.
Who's making the play offs?- I think the next quarter will show us who the "real" Montrose are, and East fife have been very streaky over the last couple of seasons. I think Raith, Falkirk, Airdrie and 1 of those 2 will be the top 4.
Who's finishing 9th?- Peterhead.
Who's going down?- Stranraer. Too much to do.
Best player in the league:- Gomis or Goodwillie.
Highlight of the season:- 93rd minute winner against Falkirk. We've been on the other end of so many of those in recent seasons it was great to be the ones scoring the winner for a change! Darren Youngs greeting face after we put 4 past them a decent 2nd place so far.
Lowlight:- Elgin. We were dreadful and that game was the easiest opportunity we'll have for a long time to get to a quarter final.
2 -
McKay is very raw - especially for a 23 year old - but he's very little first team football and I'm not convinced even he knows what his best position is. I don't think many defensive midfielders in our division would have been able to do what he did to score our opener against Falkirk - won the ball near the halfway line, gave it to Roberts then got himself into the box to head it in. Compare that to recent seasons - Grant Gallagher, Kyle Hutton, etc wouldn't be helping us win that game. The goals from long throws have also been vital in the good run we've had.
I'd suggest the main issue with our midfield is that it's a very fragile balance - McKay sitting needs Millar to cover him, Millar in a more free role needs both McKay to be disciplined and Roberts to provide the spark, and Roberts needs someone to do the dirty work. Any one of the 3 missing and I think we'd look weaker - as we've seen.
We also, with Smith and Carrick being in for their work rate, lack a wee bit of creativity. Unfortunately Hawkshaw and Reilly haven't been able to show much and Thomson has been injured - I'd also hope we can replace Euan O'Reilly in January and get another attacker in. Ultimately, it's the first January in a long time we've even been in with a shout and I think a couple of signings would let us see the ambition of Murray and the board.
5 -
31 minutes ago, dextermorgan said:
I firmly believe that the whole situation is the result of the disappointment and utter frustration felt by the majority of the fans at the moment. Ian Murray and the board however are probably looking at the situation and wondering what our gripe is, sitting fourth in the table with barely a quarter of the season gone.
From my perspective and many others however I do not see this current setup getting anywhere near the playoffs this season. I have been to every single game and remain utterly disillusioned by the tactics and the team selections.
We appear at times to be playing with eight outfield defenders and two attackers who hope to hit on the break. We only seem to be positive in nature when we go a goal behind.
Almost every other side has been better in terms of their movement and ability to hold the ball and create chances. We are in a very tight league in terms of ability but as usual the teams who gain promotion are usually the ones with the most potent forward line. On this point we look to be miles behind, particularly when your top scorer is on the bench or out on the wing. Therein lies the frustration part, the fans can see the obvious solutions…why can’t the management?
It seems far easier to deal with the fans anger and frustration by treating them like children and telling them to behave!
The club might like to remember that whilst it is football they are still in the ‘entertainment’ business where disapproval and ‘heckling’ are the norm.
Couldn't agree more Dex. We've started slowly in most games (only 1 league goal in the first half hour this season) and start matches very defensively. We've also only got 1 win from our 5 home league games so far. This is obviously frustrating for supporters.
The reality is that most teams would take a point when they come to us - so instead of aimlessly throwing extra strikers on, losing any shape we have and trying to chase games why aren't we setting up to have a bit more threat from the word go? I'd just about understand if it was bringing results but it's not.
2 -
53 minutes ago, AFC1878 said:
It’s the constant changing of the starting line-up and mucking about with daft formations that really annoy me.This. Last week's team against Clyde worked, in the end, and threw up 3 issues:
1. Eckersley got injured
2. McDonald came on and played well
3. Gallagher came on and played well (winning us the game in the process)
For me, given we'd just signed a left back, I'd have brought McCann straight in and played a left back at left back. This would have meant a straight choice between McDonald who came in and performed and McKay who'd played in 3 consecutive wins (where we conceded only 1 goal). I understand it's a tough call and he probably wants to only drop players if they're out of form, but it avoids playing guys in unnatural positions and frankly it's the decisions Murray is paid to make.
Gallagher should have been a nailed on starter in a straight switch for Roy after his excellent cameo in the previous match.
Instead of the above, he shuffled formations, shoehorned in Millar, and messed around with the defence.
I agree it's too early to call Murray's position into question, but it's unquestionably his team and it's got to be improved.
3 -
2 hours ago, Diamond diehard said:
Hearing that we are looking at signing wedderburn from Raith and Ryan Wallace for next season. Thoughts?
More jobbers. I like Wallace but he’s a striker with fewer goals than Leighton McIntosh while playing for the league champions.
Wedderburn looks like a diddy anytime I’ve seen him. Was bossed around by Ryan f*cking Conroy in the 4-3 game (and had naff all to do with turning it around that day). Hope your source is well wide of the mark.
3 -
@Diamond Oracle Not sure if it's accurate, but I read elsewhere that Crighton and Page from your list are signed for another year. The 12th might then be Scott Thomson who signed an extension before he went out on loan ( https://www.airdriefc.com/scottthomson-120119).
1 -
1 hour ago, AFC1878 said:
Hybrid? What a load of bullshit. Better off staying part-time with good part-time players IMO!
Hybrid (if it can be made to work) is absolutely the way forward for us. At the level we’re at/aspiring to currently (top half L1 or bottom half championship) the pool of players available will be a mix of part and full timers, why reduce the options unnecessarily? Murray is full time too, so it shouldn’t require changes on that front. With all the gloom around the club over the last few weeks, this could be a shot in the arm if Stan and the manager can make it work.
3 -
3 hours ago, Moon said:
Got to admit, I've been a bit disappointed in Houston., I expected more, but maybe he needs time at this level. Problem for him is that he is up against Stewart and potentially Robertson or O'Neil depending on formation so he really had to hit the ground running.
Glass is fine, but Wilkie has been generally very good when fit so he's up against it too.
Delighted with the last 2 wins, I said we needed 3 to definitely avoid the relegation play offs so reckon we will be ok as we'll win another before all is said and done.
Question is, do we have the mentality to kick on and get in to the promotion play offs? Tomorrow night will tell us a lot. We know that if we win we have East Fife on Saturday and the chance to get in to the top 4 will be in our own hands. Got to be seen as a motivating factor rather than having them crumbling under the pressure.
A big chance for an under delivering squad to prove something.
I think we've won every game Wilkie has scored in, so when he's fit and firing he's clearly a difference maker - and for me if that means only getting an hour out of him then getting fresh legs on then so be it. I thought Wilkie and Conroy off Duffy worked as well as any front 3 since Christmas last weekend and it gives us McIntosh and Carrick's energy off the bench, plus Glass in reserve too.
So far I don't think we've done nearly enough to earn a place in the play offs, but 2 wins in the next 2 would but us in the driving seat and it would be hard to argue we hadn't done it the hard way if we do somehow make it. Tomorrow is a bigger concern for me than Saturday as Dumbarton will be right up for this one and we might switch off now that there's a decent gap to 9th.
1 -
Seems a bit pointless. I assume he's costing us nothing or very little but O'Neil, Stewart, Robertson and McIntosh can play on the right fairly comfortably. Not sure where he's been playing for the reserves but I'm sure Robbie Leighton has played there before.
Even if he's an upgrade, with so many options there and the season effectively over as a contest why do we need Houston?
2 -
16 hours ago, The Chlamydia Kid said:
Summary of what was said by trust. This is their perspective. I’m only reporting what was said.
Can’t be arsed typing up questions asked or proof reading.
4 issue raised at recent board meeting against trust “not personal to Wullie”
Wullie spoken to badly in his opinion felt there was a Confrontational tone at meeting.
4 issues trust cited are:
1. Kitaid club feel trust should pay 10k towards season tickets
Club got 10k in previous years. This season trust felt they didn’t have to pay as part owners. December email asking where cash it was. Brought up again recently. Colin Eliot wanted to sell shares to trust for 10k. Reported that Paul wanted club go get it.
May 30 stock count of merchandise amounted to £9k approx. Retail value - £17k given to club for free. Trust pay pruntys wages as well. Trust raised money with community initiatives for free. Trust believe commitment made.
Due to give 20k in dec. was late due to PayPal issue. Board reported to be going to hold on to the cash to compensate for kitaid cash instead of it going to buy shares.
2. Request for trust for open board meeting -
On back of stuart shields resigning a lot of emails. Trust wanted open meeting to communicate. It was said that the club argue it was a “knee jerk reaction” and no need to meet supporters.
3. Trust community Work- Mongolia - reported that Club challenged cause and said money should go to local causes or club. Trust disagreed. Great media support for previous issues. Some key club sponsors buy in to this. As do members.
4. Poty - reported PH wanted profits shared with club trust were happy to explore.
Attack by Celtic fans discussed. Steven Eaton spoke to police who think categorisation of game was ok. Said they were short of numbers as section B were at gallowgate and polis managing them.
From now on away fans will take a different route to ground. Dealing with turnstiles issue with Celtic.
Didn’t expect so many airdrie fans arriving at once. Few folk identified. Trust won’t take it any further.
This was brought up at board meeting and sporting liaison officer position was raised. Board weren’t supportive at this time.
Concludes the reasons given by Wullie resignation.
Trust board want to continue to work with the club. Set out all the work outstanding. Don’t want division between trust and club. No replacement at the minute while issues ongoing.
Out of interest, why did it take until December for this to become an issue at board level?
Surely either the Trust knew they had no plans to hand the money to the club this year and made their position clear or they knew (via being on the board) that the club was expecting the 10k and budgeting on that basis. Not having a go at any party here, genuinely interested to know how this hasn't been noticed until a year after the consortium got together and 6 months after we'd signed a squad.
0 -
4 hours ago, airdrieman said:
Whatever happens, Murray has a huge rebuilding job on his hands.
Whilst I hope they're as generous to Murray as they were to Findlay I could understand if they wanted to wait until all of the jobbers on two-year contracts ran their contracts out and they got to start on a clean slate in two years time rather than pay them off. I hope that isn't what happens though because god knows what will be left of the fanbase by that point.
Agree with your whole post but these bits in particular. This season is done so anyone who isn’t going to be here next year should be out from now on. Build for next season now. Duffy is the best finisher we have but going forward, particularly given the size of our pitch, he’s not going to play 90 minutes very often so I don’t mind him being used as a sub too much. Defence has no balance without MacDonald which is down to Findlay. Would love to see Cairns back in too.
1
The Official Airdrieonians Thread - 2019/20 and beyond
in Scottish Championship General Chatter
Posted
100% this. Our top 2 scorers last year hit 27 goals between them (with Smith adding a further 6) but our lack of goals from elsewhere has been the biggest concern for me for a while. Whether it's goals from supporting midfielders or from defenders at set pieces we could do with a few others chipping in this year as, for me, that's what will make the biggest difference.
Worth noting that Calum Gallagher has 14 goals in 26 starts desppite having been played out wide at the start of last year, so maybe our "goal every other game" striker could be found a bit closer to home.