Bridie Vision

The central midfield debate is an interesting one, so I'll give my opinions. However, I'll preface it by saying this is a positive debate to have, no way should we be slagging off either player. Slater and Robson are both classy, incredible players and any lower league team would love to have either one, so the fact we have both (for now) is brilliant. The problem is, is that they are both really similar players. That's why Hutton + Slater or Robson is an effective midfield two. Hutton is your ball winner and deeper midfielder that'll drop into defence when needed and Craig/Finn is your visionary man who will play the passes and look for attacking options. When you put Slater & Robson together in a two, or part of a 3 man midfield. They both try to do that same job and inevitably stumbling upon each other. Considering that, it's then not surprising that since Craig's comeback from injury one or both of Craig and Finn have put in poor performances. If I had to choose one or the other I'd probably go for Slater as he has more experience but would be happy to keep both. As it stands with rumours circling neither of them will be at the club come August. Craig to Arbroath and Finn back to Dundee United, pushing for the starting XI but most likely a useful option from the bench for the Tangerines. My preferred formation for the Loons has flip-flopped throughout the season but from now on and potentially going into the playoffs I'd play a 4-2-3-1 with Seb Ross number 10 and Hutton playing alongside Slater, as I feel that gives us the most balanced midfield. Hutton deep winning tackles, Slater (or equally Robson) playmaking and Seb being the attacking runner, supporting Ben upfront but also drifting wide to help Thommo/Flanny/Stef whoever's out wide at that point in the game. Finally, I'll reiterate my original point, these debates are good debates to have, much better than last autumn where we unbelievably played Aitken and Harkins as wingers!

First half we were poor, second half was much better. Nditi was my MOTM, he was strong, quick and switched on. Put in a few good crosses, shame they were to Matty "Jar Jar Binks" Aitken. Only negative from Nditi was the daft yellow he got in about the 5th minute. Docherty was really composed today and played well. I wonder if his performance today allows him to keep his spot at LB over Brindley. Thommo was direct as he always is. Him and Nditi seem to have a great relationship on the right hand side. Hopefully both will stay at the club next season. As previously mentioned, Flanagan & Armour really gave us the edge today and motivated everyone around them. I understand the need for rotation over the last few weeks but surely Ben Armour is our first choice striker and not Matty, and should start every week.

Subs were instrumental. Flanny and Armour totally changed the game for us.

Matty starting ahead of Ben Interesting that Brindley has been dropped in favour of Sparky

Yeah, don't touch Slater with a barge pole. However, Matty Aitken is an exquisite player you might want to try and beat the rush and sign him on a pre-contract.

Did fairly well when he first came in, but he was only ever cover for our regular RB who was out injured at the time.

Forfar v Annan Highlights:

Seb is definitely a no. 10 not a winger, however, I understand why Ray has pushed him out wide, it's so he can try and accomodate Finn Robson and Slater. Finn was benched today and I think that's because he wants some rotation with 5 games coming up in just over 2 weeks.

Annan have one strategy, high balls to Goss and it's working, Forfar seem to be unaware of it, happy to sit back and let Tommy Goss win the balls.

Highlights https://youtu.be/qMOD7kBSRIE

Jim retired after he left Forfar. I imagine Jim would be as effective as Matty Aitken

Conceding late goals was a Forfar problem before McKinnon. The only positive about that is that under Irvine the late goal usually turned 1 point into 0. With Ray it's 3 points turning into 1.

Anyone know if he's any good? I imagine he will mainly be backup to Andy & Adam, but interesting to hear if anyone knows anything about him.

Highlights. https://youtu.be/iTe7IdiJYRM

Forfar must improve 2nd half. Been attack v defence training today, Loons sitting deep and being too slow on the counter. If it wasn't for Marc McCallum the Binos could be 2-0 up at least.

Going to be a very close match, can see both teams cancelling each other out. 0-0 or 1-1 would be my guesses.

Away fans are no longer permitted in the '84 lounge due to overcrowding safety concerns.

The highlights are on YouTube:

I agree a lot with @fafc1885. Ben should've started instead of Matty, or play Stef up top and Flanny on the wings. Andy is mistake prone, and just hoofs it, but he is almost peerless in the air. Gillies and Hutchinson look good, perhaps play a fit in place of Andy (just a thought)? Hutton is doing his job well, Robson was quiet but isn't that his first game alongside Slater? Once they get their chemistry figured out we have a heck of a midfield partnership there! A draw is fair and the right result today.

Good game so far as many expected.

Here are the highlights:

Personally I would've kept him but with him wanting regular game time it's understandable and he'd struggle to get a place over Finn Robson. However, looking at our bench we're still bare bones! Good to see Slater on the bench, imagine he'll come on in the 2nd half along with Stef.

On Forfar's website it says: The 19 year old striker a Fifer by birth and a product of the Fife Elite Football Academy moved across the water to Tannadice in 2015. So, maybe that's where Ray might play him. Or he could just be strengthening the bench in case Thomson picks up another knock. Guess we'll see what happens.

And he's a striker!

Andy Munro signs contract extension. Ray has been busy over the last week. Still need to sign a striker though.