coppola

Smert way to make a c**t of a decent pre season.

Almost seems like it has to be something like that at this point. Paid a fee for the boy in January and he's barely had a kick.

As said, Scott Banks for Utd. Rave reviews from his loan spell at Clyde last year, showed plenty promise in subbie appearance at Tynecastle and starting against Cowden the other night. Good technique and looks confident in his own abilities. Dark horse would be Louis Appere. On loan in the juniors last season which is usually a sign Utd don't think a player will make it but has had a good pre season and forced his way in to the first team reckoning. Still a bit rough around the edges but he's a big, strong guy who has a bit of pace. Scored a lovely header in our cup game Friday.

Sporle being an unknown/unproven and Robson being Robson I'd have preferred to hang on to Booth but I suppose there was no need for us to have 3 left backs. Bouhenna leaves a bit of a gap in the squad though. I don't think he's particularly good, fine for this level, but his ability to play reasonably competently in a couple of positions was useful. I guess best case scenario here, we're now in the market for upgrades to Butcher and Connolly?

Cracking up at these last few pages like. Some of yous are mental.

No worries. 30th August, Friday night game.

Surely a couple leaving as well if that's the case.

Pm'd said mod the 13th of July for his bank details and haven't heard back. Don't suppose you might have any idea why?

Never heard back from you about our bet for the first derby of the season, no fancy it anymore big ain?

Can't say I agree with this. Of the young guys I think Banks will contribute, Appere might, Chalmers probably no. I'd imagine Pawlett and Sow probably will spend some time out injured this season too but you'd have to think it's likely they'll be available more games than they won't. Even if we do discount all 5 of those guys though, still leaves us Shankland, McMullan, Clark and C.Smith. Stanton and Harkes could also play further forward if needed, I'd imagine any other manager in this league would bite your hand off to have that kind of depth among their attacking players. My main area of concern is centre midfield, no sure we have that all rounder type player who'll come and get the ball from the defenders and move us up the pitch, dictate the tempo of a game etc. I've a fear of games descending into short passes between Connolly and Reynolds before a hoof for Shankland to lose in the air. Really though, I think the squad we have, used properly, should be winning this league.

East Fife will be tougher than Stenny or Cowdenbeath but this close to the season starting for real I'm expecting (hoping) to see us beat them by at least a couple. Do so and I'll consider that a good pre season.

I hung up the boots a few year ago, cheers for the offer though.

The excitement of a penalty shoot out for your dough though bud. No all bad.

Mate

I think Shankland is capable of playing up front on his own but his success (or lack of) is going to depend on what we're trying to do and what we're expecting from him. If we're away to hoof high balls at the guy or look for him to be holding it up 30 - 40 yards from goal I'll probably want to top myself before we reach the end of August. If the attacking 3 get close to him and we're getting him service in and around the box he'll do fine.

Plenty teams play successfully with one up front, imo our biggest issue is not picking the right guys to play in the 3. Assuming McMullan starts I'd love to see us go with any 2 from Banks, Appere and C.Smith.

Doubt we'll see a formation change but agree I'll be looking for us to be far more expansive these next 3 games. Hopefully Robson to drop out.

Mortgage on Falkirk to win the league at 8/13.

I'm firmly in the Nicky Clark up front or not at all camp. He's a good player but a waste of a shirt as a number 10.

Obviously no gonna write the boy off after 45 minutes but I thought every facet of his game looked poor. Think you ken he's struggled when Booth looks a much better option.

Sporle aside I was happy with last night. Look strong down the right, Shankland worked hard and took his goal well. Thought we matched up fine with a team who'll probably finish top 6 this year.

I've pm'd Tynie for his bank details. I'd guess Utd will be at least 5/4 on the day but I'll pay a bit more for the opportunity to act the big man on here if we win.

I'm still wanting this

Anyone that thinks that game is a negative for Utd is mental.

I'm in. Talk me through how