baw heid

There is a lot of debate regarding playing with 3 centre backs and 2 Wing backs rather than a more traditional back 4. For the 3 CB set up to work you need 2 Wing backs who are able to get forward and back. This position needs loads of energy. If this is working the theory is that you can release a CB to go forward as well hence the need to have skillful CB's I think this works in many senior sides but they have recruited players suited to this . In England Maguire and Stones and wing backs like Walker, Robertson and Hutton can handle it. Be interesting for us to give it a try but I fear we would struggle a bit with the width issue. Personally I think we could work with the back 4 as long as our full backs could push on if needed but with 1 or 2 holding in the mid field depending on the opposition. A set up like that usually means low scoring games but with Mr. Dobbie in our team you could expect him to nick a goal or two. Unfortunately everyone else needs to get behind the ball and defend something we don't do. Managers say their team should defend from the front

I am really looking forward to the game today. Important day for the club, fans and players. Lets round if off with a fine win!!!!!

and he commented on the grass that looked fine from the stand but it was obvious the ball players, on both sides, were finding it difficult due to length and sticky I suppose plastic is consistent but grass can rely on the groundsman. Need a bit of mud to finish it off.

Great support more noise from our section than the home sections. I enjoyed this game but we did miss some great chances. Nice to see Semple's determination to battle back and his debut goal for us spurred us on for the point. Looking forward to Dundee United game next week and I thought our away kit was the business.

No matter what has happened on opening games before, this Saturday is all that matters. I'm really excited to be going and fully expect a 100% performance and 3 points will ensure a great run home.

I'll be there Can't wait Think i will take the wife so 998 others to make up 1K

Not tested Didn't you see the game against Hearts Its that performance that gives me encouragement

They are still relatively young but they have had plenty of experience. 3 of the 4 were in our back 4 for the majority of last season. I'm not advocating our players being constantly criticised, but at the same time folk can't expect the fans not to air their views. I would rather listen to the views of the fans at Fir Park yesterday. I have always been a fan of watching a good defence and yes they can be critised My point is that little critism is posted regarding missed chances but with Callum Semple now playing the line is new and will only get better the more they play together

Great support last night who got right behind our young CB semple when he was getting abuse from the Motherwell fans. I really enjoyed the game. Set up to score in the first half but didn't take our chances. Tighter in the second and a clean second half sheet. we will be fine this year. We must remember this is a new young back 4 and still need time to settle in. the managers ability to alter the set up gives me encouragement

Really like your post. We play with a back 4 and our wide 2 should be defenders and not Wing Backs. We really need to train forwards and the mid field the art of man marking. You do not need to be taller or as tall as the player being marked. I refer to the Hearts game where their big centre forward was marked out of the game by our trialist CB Your reference to Allardyce and Pullis is a valid point but they are recruited to get teams away from the relegation area and they do that by playing with 2 or even 3 holding mid fielders. This style of play secures the teams position but the football is a bit boring and inevitably they are moved on. Roy Hodgson is a better example of management but he is blessed with a couple of players who can turn a game on their own. My passion is watching a well drilled defence that can play the ball out. I think we may now have the skill set but the defence needs to work, not only in games, but also on the training ground. I like a high line with a keeper behind who can act as a sweeper if needed. Most teams have problems scoring we don't so lets see what the defence looks like after working together as a unit and we get done with this cup group, I'm sure we can qualify

Might be a language test ?

I think its about playing competitive football. United have a well respected Academy system that produces good talent. If you listen to the coaches they look for talent and attitude and so when they go on loan as part of their development the clubs getting them are pretty sure they are getting players who will be an asset. Semple apparently is back stronger than he was and its a big asset to have a left footed CB who has been trained as a modern defender with control and a wide variety of accurate passing skills. I'm excited about this lad. United have recently developed Maguire, Walker and Jagielka along with Lowton at Villa and Naughton at Swansea or Norwich

Word is he has agreed to the move and could play tomorrow. Credit to the manager who is well regarded at Sheffield United

Any word about tomorrow's game against the Hearts? How many will be there? I hear there is a bit of competition from an other match. Any word on who will be playing for us?

Great report that. I thought the trialist held the line as the opponent was a mile behind him unfortunately the RB was also a mile behind the line. All things that can be sorted on the training ground. Thought it was a good result against a team from the Premier Division and we also hit the woodwork twice. Positive for the season? I'd say yes