Nithsdale Wanderer

It's far from irrational just based on what I have witnessed since he arrived. Everything about him is negative - body language, demeanour and his utterings about the team not to mention the football on offer. Oh, and now he and his Assistant are mentioning the 'B' word and having to run with a small squad I can assure you I am usually supportive and right behind our Managers and players but there is something different about this one. For years we have had a relatively 'happy ship' with great unity and team spirit which was manifest in our performances on the field but that is definitely not the case any more.

The Manager always speaks well - apart from public interviews where he always blames the players - that's why he got the job but he has yet to deliver on the pitch, where it really counts. Would like to have been there last night to hold him to account but sadly work got in the way. Please enlighten me as to " what they want the team to be like etc." .

I can understand Naysmith wanting to sideline - not even - Robinson but if he knew he was going to do that would it not have made more sense to keep Atkinson as back-up. A 'keeper who has some experience at this level rather than a youngster who hasn't ? The same applies to the striking department. The Dobbie/Lyle partnership is great - if/when played - but neither are getting any younger. Having Dykes as our only back-up is extremely concerning when other Clubs have made moves for the likes of Reilly, McHugh, McManus and Hilson is getting a chance at St. Mirren and we have not, as yet, brought anyone else in. Another baffling decision by Naysmith was to bin Aiden Smith who has already been 'blooded' at this level and proved his worth by scoring against Rangers - twice ! Defenders hate pace and he is electric and would have given us something completely different up front especially in the latter stages of games when defences are tiring. I would rate him ahead of both Dykes and Murray. Of course, the Manager prefers to bring on another 'target' man and continue with his 'up and at 'em' tactics. I can understand he wants to make a fresh start this season but I think he has gone too far in discarding players at the Club with experience. If the rumours are true, then maybe Dobbie and Lyle will be next !

If you are in the know, good for you. I haven't been told anything just what I see on here so feel free to apologise for your vulgar response. If Del has decided that then fair enough but what made him arrive at that decision ? The reason I question it is because it is totally contrary to the article that was doing the rounds just after the season finished. Absolute legend whatever happens.

If those rumours turn out to be true then I would become even more concerned than I am at present. Naysmith seems to want rid of or to marginalise senior, established players who have several years experience with the Club. It seems like he feels a bit insecure and does not want anyone around who might be perceived to undermine him although I don't think for a minute Lyle or anyone else would be doing that. It seems to me things 'behind the scenes' are not at all right but that's not surprising given the Manager's approach thus far.

It was a delight to watch a right-footed winger go past defenders on the outside then cross into the box for a striker to net. Easy recipe for scoring goals, Mr. Naysmith !

You are doing Del a great dis-service there. I think you will find he directly set-up numerous chances for Dobbie throughout the season, a lot of which were scuffed past the post when the Dobster was struggling a bit. Of course, this was reciprocated and Del scored a few from their 'telepathic' link-up play too. Just as well because I can only recall him scoring one header at home - Morton - from a cross into the box after Dobbies arrival. We just don't seem to do that anymore. I actually enjoyed the early League Cup match at home to Airdrie on a sweltering July evening where Anderson was getting down the right, on his right foot and getting crosses into the box from which Lyle scored a dandy double. Anyway, let's celebrate having two very intelligent strikers who are on the same wavelength and that they can replicate that form going into this season in spite of advancing years and a Manager who is not totally committed to playing them together.

" but it's easy to argue that the veteran striker had less help around him to reach that figure." I think that's a bit of an insult to our team especially Derek Lyle. It's well seen that the compiler does not get to see all teams first hand - of course that would be impossible. I am sure Dobbie would be the first to acknowledge the assistance he has had from teammates - especially Del. The way they linked up in such a short space of time was remarkable and great to watch - how any Manager could disrupt that combination is beyond belief. Even Dobbie had some barren spells - the Manager was quick to remind us it was about 10 games at one point - but I suspect these would have co-incided with Del's injury at Dumbarton from which the whole season took a nose-dive and then when the Manager chose to play Dobbie as lone striker !

I think it was actually 'Besty' that made those remarks - cue somebody going off the deep end about quote function ! He is totally correct though. Naysmith has sought to alienate the majority of the 'senior' players or perhaps more accurately those that have a connection to previous successes with us. I am really surprised he kept Carmichael and to a lesser extent Lyle. It's like he wants to jettison any player who has given their all for the Club under Johnston, McIntyre and Fowler - a succession of Managers who served up attractive, entertaining football far superior to anything he has produced so far. I also agree that he has not improved any players performance since he arrived. Thomas, Thomson and Rankin all made an impact when they first arrived but quickly deteriorated over the remainder of the season. This could certainly be put down to poor man management by Naysmith - his remarks in public are truly appalling and de-motivational - which has quite clearly permeated the whole squad. He couldn't wait to strip the Captaincy from Higgins and marginalise him at every opportunity, a player I think could still do a decent job for us. Finally, I have never said any player should be kept on just because of their past but they should be judged on whether they can still contribute to our success. What I do abhor, and have said on numerous occasions, is the moronic abuse of any player - particularly those who have been at the forefront of our successes. There has been a huge focus on Mental Health in football recently. Some of those who spout this abuse should remember that footballers are human beings too and should be treated with respect. Perhaps the next time they feel the impulse to indulge they should remember and reflect on our own Chris Mitchell and the other accounts we have heard recently. Or will they just continue and say " tough, if they dinnae like it they shouldnae be footballers" .

Are you not aware that most goalies have an eccentric streak in them - it's been going on since football began. Martin's dad being one of the most noted in Scottish football. They all do it. I was speaking to an Ayr fan the other day and he was saying that Martin tried to play out against Harkins this season and was dispossessed at the edge of his box. Doesn't mean he is a bad 'keeper or an idiot. They all have a 'rush of blood' from time to time. Employing your criteria, he wouldn't be first choice either !

The level of disrespect being shown to Lee Robinson is absolutely appalling. People have very short memories it seems. There are numerous occasions when he made superb saves in the season just gone to either keep us in games or to avoid a real drubbing. I just don't understand some 'so called' football fans who can't wait to condemn their own players. Moreover, no-one from that glorious double-winning squad should ever be subjected to any stick whatsoever. I was disgusted to hear Nicky Clark being abused when returning with Rangers. Perhaps though that may have been down to the vile Celtic/Rangers divide and/or the troublemaking group that attached themselves at that time - I believe Jamie McDonald also took some stick in the Cup QF with Falkirk though I have heard him and Cammy Bell being well received on the whole by genuine fans. I guess, as usual, it's the moronic minority that let us and the Club down. Our former players should always be shown the respect they deserve.

You may well be right but you know how fans love the return of an ex-player !

Given what seems to be widespread dissatisfaction with Lee Robinson - wholly unjustified in my opinion - I suspect there will be a clamour to sign up Craig Samson. May not be a bad thing to have two experienced keepers vying with each other but would the budget be better spent on outfield players ?

Top three, I would guess, would be Falkirk, St. Mirren and one of Hamilton/Dundee United. Our goal will be to compete for 4th along with Inverness, Morton and Dunfermline although Livi seem to be getting themselves sorted financially and may be a surprise package. I have to say though, with Naysmith in charge, this is the least confident I have been about reaching the play-offs.

Totally agree. I spoke with the Club on Thursday to see if it would be possible for any prominent releases to be made known before Saturdays game. For me personally, and probably a lot of other supporters, emotion and sentiment does play a part at times like this and it would have been good to know in advance. There may have been contractual reasons why this could not have been done of course though the statement on the website appeared pretty quickly. I don't think it would have affected performance as the players would have known before the game. I would have gone a step more and made Higgins captain for the day to show him the respect he deserves for leading us so well in the past few years. Sentiment, though, does not enter into it with most Managers and I am not surprised in the least that Naysmith did not do this. He undermined and made Higgins a scapegoat almost from day one and certainly from when he stripped him of the Captaincy. Our loss will certainly be someone else's gain. Probably Dunfermline, Livingston or Airdrie's. P.S. The last time I recall someone being Captain for the day was the great Jimmy Robertson in his last match for us against Alloa. For anyone that remembers the score that day they may say it's not such a good idea !

Totally agree with Rjc's comments. Especially regarding Higgins and Carmichael. In what has been a challenging season for everyone I think Higgins has been harshly treated. An excellent and exemplary Captain for us. Good to see him produce solid displays in his last few games. I wish him well wherever he goes, whatever he does. I have mentioned the Carmichael/Thomas deployment many times and cannot believe it is still happening. Every time either get in a good attacking position they have to cut back inside and - as Rjc says - " run into traffic" and inevitably the play is slowed down considerably and the threat gone. I noticed today that the only decent chance we created 1st half was when, shock horror, they switched and Carmichael got round the outside on the right leading to a Dobbie effort going very close. Needless to say this switch did not last long ! I heard some people say today that Carmichael has not done much since his return. Now his injury may well have contributed to that but I would say he has not been given the chance to play to his strengths i.e. on the right running at defenders and allowing us to break at pace. Remember those days ? We are also so much more of a threat when Lyle is alongside Dobbie. With Del returning from injury that could only be for a short period today but what a difference. However, the Manager chose not to play that combination when it was available to him on several occasions this season which concerns me greatly along with many other aspects of his approach. We have the potential to be really attacking and create lots of chances with the players we have but they have to be deployed in the right way. I certainly want - and hope - to see a more attacking, exciting brand of football like we became used to post 2012.

Unlike our Manager I do not like criticising players when the season is still alive although technically the season is not finished yet but I guess on the eve of the last match I can give my opinions. Robinson - Can understand peoples frustration with him but his 'antics' don't really bother me. Lots seem to have taken a dislike to him but remember his 'antics' helped us considerably to a fantastic double once upon a time. Moreover, he has saved us on many more an occasion this season than he has cost us. In most games I have seen he has made outstanding saves. Hamill - Finished. Mercer - Not good enough. Poor signing. Brownlie - Still not convinced. Too often seems the weak link. Dowie - Good player for us but has now reached the end of the road for us. Cruelly shown up by Austin in last Falkirk match at Palmerston. Higgins - Has had a poor season by his standards. Poorly treated by both Skelton and Naysmith. Well worth keeping. Marshall - No question. Carmichael - Needs a proper pre-season AND to be played in his natural position where he can run at people. I don't know if his injury prevents him from running at pace with the ball now but I would certainly love to see him encouraged to give it a try. Jacobs - Fine in midfield. NEVER a RB. Poor decision making by Naysmith. Rankin - Not convinced at all but I guess he will be here - Manager's favourite. Tapping - I really have liked the look of this guy when he has played. Very difficult decision. Would probably give him another chance. Lyle - No question. Legend, ultimate professional. Fit enough for one more season although recent injury is a concern. Dobbie - No question. Dykes - Rip up contract. Rigg - Never good enough. Hilson - Like Tapping has had limited opportunities but, for me, not shown enough. Time to move on. Naysmith - Not impressed at all. Negative attitude and approach to playing football. Don't trust him to build a squad that will provide the attacking, entertaining football we have been used to seeing in recent years. In my eyes time to move on but I don't think we can afford the financial hit. If things don't change and improve though could well be gone by autumn. We definitely need a good RB, a strong dominant CH alongside Higgins, left sided winger/midfielder - Russell has been sorely missed - and a decent striker as back-up toDobbie and Lyle.

Not sure how it will become any clearer tomorrow. It will hardly be announced. I am sure the Manager knows exactly who is staying and who is going and it would be nice for the fans to know ahead of the final game so certain players could be shown appreciation. I suspect he will bin Higgins - hope not - and if so I would show him the respect he deserves and make him Captain for the day. This is the guy who captained us to a memorable double and led us twice into the play-offs. Has always given 100% for the team and I think has been harshly treated by both Skelton and Naysmith.

I couldn't care less how many, if any, Directors attend a match or how it looks. Some fans are so fickle and seem to revel in opportunities to feel wronged or take offence it's pathetic. It's much more disappointing when the players don't turn up and some might say that has happened several times this season ! Strangely enough, I thought the Directors Box looked more populated than normal on Saturday. Were these cardboard cut-outs or dopplegangers ?

Good signing. I thought we might have gone for him last year. He and Stanton were the two best players on the pitch on Saturday. With regard to previous comments about lack of effort or ' holiday mode' in the Dumbarton game I must say that did not come across to me. Sometimes you can see that but I would say Saturday was not one of those occasions. More a disjointed, rudderless ship type of performance where players did not seem 100% sure or confident of their roles. I would put that down to poor Management not lay the blame AGAIN at the players feet. The more I think about it the more the Manager's attitude infuriates me. The post from Margaret Thatcher is spot on. If he continues with this then at some point he will lose the dressing room completely and will deserve what surely will come his way - hopefully sooner rather than later. Listening to Gordon Smith last night discussing Rangers tactics against Celtic and how they got it wrong, he recounted from his playing days when a player actually stood up at HT and said to the Manager they were struggling on the pitch because they were not set up or organised properly and it was not their fault but the Managers. Must have been a very brave - or some might say stupid - individual ! He did not say what the consequences were but said there are times as a player when you feel that and know it is happening and it is not your fault. Very insightful from an ex player. I wonder how many of our players have felt that recently and if any have had the bottle to speak up.

Was Aidan Smith able to be recalled in January ? If so, then I don't get why he wasn't. Does the current manager know anything about him or is he not interested ? Of course, I'm not saying he is a world-beater but he certainly merits a place on the bench - and pitch - ahead of Dykes and from what I have seen so far of the boy Murray. Has experience of Championship and big game atmospheres. Defenders hate nothing more than the lightning pace he has, especially in the latter stages of games, as he demonstrated against Rangers at least twice to great effect. I hope he is given a fair chance to contribute next season as back-up to Dobbie and Lyle.

Just spoken to Ops Manager Tracy at Somerset, always very informative. Initially, the end terracing WILL NOT be open so it is the stand and enclosure. However, if numbers increase then they will open it and we can transfer there. FOR IT TO OPEN I WOULD SUGGEST GET IN THE GROUND AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE AND MAKE IT LOOK BUSY !

Hopefully very short.

Huge week coming up starting with Falkirk (H) that will determine what our season turns out to be. Akin to the glorious week in April 2015 when we took care of Hibs, Rangers and Falkirk. Let's hope for the same outcome. That performance against Rangers on the Thursday night will live with me forever as the most exciting and satisfying one I have ever witnessed at Palmerston as we swept them away with wave after wave of classic, pacy counter attacking.

" There's a match thread for that m8." Being fairly new to this, I didn't realise this was a 'football free' zone. I hope I may be forgiven for thinking that something with Queen of the South in the title would have been. Thanks for putting me right !