DumbartonTheSons

I'm pleased with the two signings Aitken has made so far in Gallagher and Buchanan. I don't know much of them if truth be told, but going by reports from fans of their last two clubs, they would seem to be decent additions. And it's refreshing that they're up-and-coming young players, hopefully with lots of ambition to succeed in making the step-up. I'd rather have players in that mould than ones dropping down from the SPL who maybe don't have the same desire to succeed at this level. I'd also be of the same opinion as those who aren't worrying at all about the players from last season who haven't yet signed up. As has been said, the season hasn't even finished yet and players will naturally want to mull over their options. I'm sure Aitken will have offered deals to those he wants to keep, and let's be honest, there can't be a more attractive part-time side out there than us, so I'd be pretty hopeful of keeping the ones that would be worth retaining, unless they're going full-time, which I can't imagine being the case for most of the ones left from last season's squad.

Gilhaney being released is a shame on one hand because he's been a good servant to the club over his time, and his work-rate was second to none. That said, the team as a whole had probably become a bit stale, so freshening it up should work well for both parties. Like others, I'm excited to see who Aitken brings in and how he's going to set his team out for the season ahead.

Like most others here, I'm very pleased with our appointment of Stephen Aitken. He's a well though of manager and did a very good job with Stranraer. It's a positive sign of his ambition and determine that he wanted this job, given what a huge task he faces. I'm sure he's already got lots of ideas on players to keep, and bring in from elsewhere and I look forward to seeing how he's going to put together a squad for another very difficult season at trying to sustain our place at this level.

From the list above, Aitken seems like a popular choice and his stock is high, but as others have said, is he likely to want another part-time gig? Who knows? From the list and ones who would seem likely, Gary Bollan would be my choice. Did well at Livi, did pretty well at Airdrie under apparently low budgets, and doesn't seem to have a 'bad name' from many supporters wherever he's been, which is a rarity these days.

Ian Murray has given us some fantastic memories and achievements in his time with the club and he deserves his chance at a bigger club. It's a shame on one hand that we're losing a very good manager, probably the best the club has had in my lifetime, but on the other hand we must be one of the most attractive opportunities for any up-and-coming, part-time, ambitious manager in the country, so hopefully we make another good appointment, and hopefully not taking too long to make it either. All the best to Ian Murray in his time at St. Mirren.

The decent weather being here and hopefully staying for a good while!