thediamonddude
-
Posts
298 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Store
Posts posted by thediamonddude
-
-
On reflection, whilst it was fantastic being back in the stadium, cheering the players on and seeing fellow Diamonds again, it was a pretty disappointing night.
I don’t feel we did ourselves justice in terms of the performance, which is a shame as it was anyone’s game really. We are capable of knocking the ball about well, but we’ve also shown we can dig out results when we need to - that just wasn’t there last night.
There was nothing really between the teams first half, but as the second wore on, we evidently tired and I think the injuries really disrupted us - especially when you consider we were already missing Paton, Kerr and Connell.
It’s far from over though and I don’t think the players have anything to fear going into the second leg, as we were hardly battered by Morton.
The key is going to be getting the team right and that will, of course, depend on who is available. It seems like Kerr will be back, which is a boost and means we don’t need to change shape, but Murray’s big challenge is getting the midfield right. I accept people’s views that we were pretty toothless last night, but it was all down to the makeup of the midfield 3 for me - a striker, a winger and one of the best, most creative midfielders outside the Prem, sitting in front of the back 4. Ritchie struggled against Cove last week and Sabbatini hasn’t played much, but they are more natural in those roles - so we need to look to them in my view.
Just such a shame we can’t all be there on Friday though, as it would have been a super atmosphere at Cappielow.
Like I say, wouldn’t feel totally safe yet if I were Morton. In fact, as weird as this sounds, I think I’d rather be 1 down rather than 1 up going into the second leg - will be a tense night!
4 -
6 minutes ago, CoveRangers1922 said:
Need another striker and some bottle next time around!
I know it won’t feel like it right now mate, but you guys did yourselves proud and while it’ll feel like you bottled it - it was just a tie of fine margins.
Whilst Megginson was undoubtedly a huge loss for you, I never felt comfortable having guys like McCallister around. And though McIntosh has had a poor season, I’d never rule a goal from him out and with quality like Fyvie, Scully and Yule, you never know.
Like I say, you’ll be right up there again next year - irrespective of how tough the division is.
1 -
1 minute ago, Vodka Vic said:
Great result for Airdrie, seem to dig in even when not playing well. Can see them finishing the job. Good luck lads
Absolutely spot on and kinda where I was going earlier - we’ve not been great over the two legs but we’re so hard working and dedicated, I don’t feel you can write us off.
Yes, we can play better football, but it doesn’t matter at this stage in the season.
That said, huge congratulations to Cove for their performance throughout the season and in the playoffs - great club that will be there or there abouts again next season.
1 -
-
5 minutes ago, CoveRangers1922 said:
Stayed positive Airdrie and credit to them but what a howler from McKenzie. Just a wee gift!
No doubt - we really lucked out there and couldn’t believe what I was seeing when McKenzie came out, as he’s normally so reliable.
That said, I’ll take it!
0 -
Just now, airdrieman said:
Taking off our main penalty-taker is certainly a bold decision!
Was thinking the same thing myself!
0 -
Granted, it’s been far from a vintage performance from us (in both legs) and we definitely couldn’t argue with it had Cove held on to win at the end. However, despite their possession and tidy play, they haven’t really created a great deal of clear cut chances.
I couldn’t care less about performances at this stage - it’s all about results.
Think it should also be said - massive credit to the players for not letting the heads drop after conceding in the 91st minute.
Still anybody’s game here!
2 -
1 minute ago, Mr November said:
JACK MCKAY
I’m taking credit for that...you’re welcome everyone!
4 -
2 minutes ago, Mr November said:
I’m guessing it’s for McKay’s height, as if the long balls tonight have been any use. Saying that, if there was ever a time for McKay to prove us wrong it’s tonight!
At least he’s in his ‘natural’ position I suppose!
0 -
McKay on for Connell? With Roy and Thomson on the bench? Come on!
0 -
I’d be tempted to take Ritchie off at half time - he’s really struggling in there and if we replace him with Crighton, he can move into the back 3 and McKay can sit in front. That’ll free Turner up a bit, as right now he’s too deep to affect the game.
2 -
4 minutes ago, CoveRangers1922 said:
Mitch off, enjoy the final Airdrie. Guaranteed loss for us as we won't score another goal in this game
I’m wary of writing Cove off as a one man team - they have a lot of good players, so this isn’t done yet.
Really pleased with our response since going behind though.
2 -
I can already tell this is going to be an unpleasant game to watch!
0 -
2 hours ago, CoveRangers1922 said:
Was fairly even throughout. 2nd half was stretched and a few more chances made. The wind made it difficult for Airdrie to get out.
It's now got a cup final feel. With no crowds and it poised evenly at 1-1 I'm not sure how valuable home advantage will be. The first goal on Tuesday will be huge.
Mitch is now due a goal as he hasn't scored in his last 2 games.
I say this with no disrespect intended to Montrose or Morton - especially Montrose, who I’ve always been impressed with since they came into L1 - but I always felt Cove would be our toughest obstacle to promotion via the playoffs. I think today, and our most recent contests, just cements that for me and I expect Tuesday to follow the same pattern.
It’ll in no way be a sure thing, but whoever gets through out of ourselves will really fancy their chances of going all the way.
On your other point on what we’d need to strengthen IF we were promoted, this is my view...
GK - Currie deserves a crack at that level I feel, but would like an experienced backup.
DF - Not sure how many would agree with me, but we may not be bad here. CB wise, I think Fordyce, Crighton and Kerr could hack it a level up, but I wouldn’t say no to a fourth. I think we’ll be able to keep Leon McCann if we’re promoted, but we don’t have a RB, bar young Walker.
MF - The area we’d need most strengthening, even if we don’t get promoted. We’ve got no chance of keeping Turner and Paton will be gone - with Sabbatini returning to Dnipro and Ritchie back to Hearts we’ll need at least two CMs. We’ve got P.McKay who can play there, but he’s a utility player at best. In the wide areas, Robert will be gone and, as much as I like Thommo and O’Reilly, I think they’d only be good enough as backup, so need additions there.
ATT - We’ve got Gal, Roy and Carrick - neither of whom I’d be opposed to keeping. That said, Carrick is used less as a striker these days and Roy/Gal are unlikely to be prolific enough at that level. Connell may be available if he’s released by Killie but again, he’s maybe still a bit too raw to rely on. For me, we’d probably need two strikers.
To sum up, we’d need a fair bit of work to be competitive up there, i.e. not being cannon fodder and battling automatic relegation all season. Maybe 8-10 players all in?
Long way to go before we can consider that seriously though!!!
3 -
Draw was probably just about right on the balance of play - both sides started the game out well organised and weren’t giving much away. While the second half saw the game much more stretched, leading to good chances for both.
Cove made our keeper work more than we did theirs, but all were saves I’d expect Max Currie to make. They were unlucky in hitting the post but the game should have been over at 1-0 when Carrick missed the open goal to double our lead.
If you’d have offered me 1-1 pre-match, I’d have bit your hand off for it, as I know how tough a place Cove is to go. Ian Murray obviously felt the same, going by his first two changes, which were all about steadying the ship I think. Although I still despair as to why he thinks Jack McKay is a better shout than, well...anyone.
Tuesday will be another tough game, but it’s basically 0-0, we’re at home and have got a draw from a tough venue without playing anywhere near our best. Here’s hoping we can step it up and push through to the final!
3 -
27 minutes ago, 2lgm said:
It’s been interesting seeing the improvement in the team since Stuart Millar left. I’m wondering if there’s a link. Is Murray finally getting to be his own man? All of a sudden we’ve signed two genuine midfielders with experience of the league, the two McKays dont appear to be un droppable (well Jack anyway) and we are playing some good stuff. Sabiatini is out the picture and Robert is used sparingly. I don’t know, it’s guess work on my part but a few weeks ago I’d have been not fussed if Murray left at the snd of the season but now I’m hoping he stays and gets a full proper season run at it and see where we end up.Agreed, like you, I’m not going to pretend I have any idea how the hierarchy was structured when Millar was there - did he sign the players Murray wanted, was he fully responsible for identifying the players, did he have a say in the team/tactics, etc. - but I think it’s telling that we’ve turned things around in the way we have since he left.
I just feel that, from everything I know about Murray and the way he works, we won’t get a better or more hardworking manager at our level. I think he has what it takes to move us forward but, as I noted earlier in this thread, the circumstances (many of which are no ones fault) he’s worked under since he arrived have been pretty ridiculous. He deserves a crack at a full, normal season with his own squad - whether that be in the Championship or League 1.
0 -
Said a few weeks back, after the Dumbarton game, that I felt that I was seeing enough to suggest that Ian Murray was indeed the right man to take us forward and I’m pleased to see the way he, the players and his staff have turned things around. Irrespective of what happens on Tuesday, they’ve made the best of what has been an incredibly tough season.
Yesterday was very similar to Montrose in midweek, in the sense that it was a tense and cagey game - thought we imposed ourselves really well in the opening 20 minutes, dominating the possession. While Cove came into it in the second part of the half, we probably had the better chances.
Credit to Murray for (again) making changes at the right time, with the introduction of Robert just after the break - lovely cross and a great striker’s goal for Gal. Must admit, I still think that Robert flatters to deceive a lot - despite his obvious potential - but he’s a good player to have available to bring on in games where you need that wee bit of quality to unlock a defence.
From then on, the game got a bit stretched and as Cove ramped up the pressure, we looked less comfortable than I’d have liked, but we killed the game well through Dean ‘six turns’ Ritchie!
While Cove did hit the woodwork more times than we scored, we had a number of very good chances too and were well worth the win.
No failures in the team again - with particular props from me to Kerr and Paton. We’ve talked a lot about Turner and his impact (and rightly so), but Paton just adds a layer of composure and calm that we badly needed. On Kerr, my eyebrows were raised when a number of folk on here were suggesting he is better than Crighton and should start with Fordyce. Now, Sean hasn’t been to his usual standard this season, but then, I’d argue that Dycey hasn’t either. However, he’s a big presence, experienced at this level and a no nonsense defender, which I think is key. My view on Kerr from last season at CB was that he was far too lackadaisical and got caught on the ball too much - that’s why he lost his place early season and he had only really played a handful of games before the season was stopped. That said, I’ve been very impressed with him in the past two games - he’s been composed and solid. While I still wouldn’t say he should definitely be in there ahead of Crighton, it’s great having three quality CBs at this level to chose from and if we continue to use a back 3, they can all feature.
Would be great to win on Tuesday, due to the home advantage that gives you in the playoff second leg, but also as it would be our highest league finish since the 07/08 season, which I think would be a huge achievement.
Our playoff record to date is firmly ingrained in my mind and I am in no way getting ahead of myself, but I just have a good feeling about this season - we’re playing well, getting results and should not fear anyone.
5 -
As I said on the match thread, I wasn’t overly surprised by the outcome today - as with all other games against Thistle this season, we just didn’t have quite enough to get over the line.
I was happy with the initial team selection and tactics, as it is probably our strongest 11 in my view and was pleased that when it wasn’t quite getting us anywhere early in the second half, Murray made the change.
That said, it’s hard to pinpoint where we went wrong in the first half - we just never looked comfortable on the ball, and instead resorted to shelling it long. It meant we never really got a foothold in the game and were really under the cosh. Max Currie was superb and, while he’s had a fair bit of criticism this season, I think his recent performances prove that he is one of the better keepers in the league and we’re lucky to have him.
We dominated in the second half, but again for whatever reason, we looked uncomfortable, this time when we hit the final third. We were making so many rash decisions or poor calls and while we had enough of the play to nick something, reckon that’d have been harsh on Thistle.
Whilst I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get a tad excited last night, thinking that we were only 4 points off the top and had the chance to cut that to 1 today, the realistic (many times disappointed) Airdrie supporter in me knew better.
We’re a good side and more than capable of top 4, but the league title just wasn’t there for us this season.
Today’s game was the one I was least confident about from the final 4, so let’s hope we don’t let it damage our confidence and we can crack on now and grab that playoff spot.
5 -
Disappointed but not entirely surprised by the outcome today. Of the final 4 games, this was the one I was least confident of and it followed the same pattern as our earlier encounters - close but no cigar.
First half was all Thistle - whether it was down to nerves or something else entirely, we never looked comfortable on the ball and shelled it every time we got it. It meant we were constantly under the cosh and had Max Currie to thank for keeping it to 1-0.
We improved in the final 10 mins of the half and after a shaky first 5 mins in the second, we dominated. However, we just weren’t making the right decisions in the final third and had we nicked a point at the end, it would probably have been harsh on Thistle.
Whilst our good run has come to an abrupt end, we certainly didn’t disgrace ourselves today and still have more than enough about us to finish top 4, which is the aim.
Good luck to Thistle for the run-in and must say, their streaming service is the best in the league by a country mile - really impressive camera work and informative, objective commentary.
8 -
I thought the lineup today was fine...apart from Jack McKay. He’s apparently a striker (but let’s be honest, he’s not) and he’s certainly not a RB or RM - he just offers nothing. I’m not going to pretend to know anything going on behind the scenes - largely because I don’t - but there’s something fishy about it, given how poor he is and the fact he has started ahead of Thomson, Carrick, Robert, Connell, et al since the restart. We have better options at RM and for me, Thomson needs to start in place of him on Tuesday.
Again, I think Murray and the players deserve credit for that result today - the first half was fairly even, but we were undone by a quality finish and a freak mistake at the back. The attitude to battle away and fight back from 2 goals down was first class though and I felt we knocked the ball around well in the second half too and were more than deserving of the draw.
We still have such a good chance to make the top 4 - given we have home games against the bottom side in the league and one of our promotion playoff contenders. I just hope we maintain the form of the past week and seize the chance.
Moving forward, and I’d alluded to this a couple of weeks ago, I’ve seen enough from the manager lately that I’d like to see him given the chance to build his squad in the summer and take us forward. There are a lot of ifs, buts and maybes, but I still think we’ve got a good core squad there (especially if we remain in League 1) and with some shrewd summer recruitment, we could be a good outfit next year.
3 -
I’d probably have taken the point pre-match if you’d have offered me it and considering we were 2 down, it makes it all the more valuable.
As others have said, it was a fairly even first half but Montrose were just that wee bit sharper and more clinical in the final third. Ballantyne’s goal was a great finish, but I was disappointed at the way our man (can’t recall who it was) sold himself so easily at the initial feint. The second goal was brutal, especially the timing of it, but these kinds of mistakes can happen.
Like I said earlier in the thread, thought we were the better side by far in the second half and squandered so many chances - Carrick blazing over from a few yards out springs to mind - and the players deserve credit for not letting their heads drop and for battling to the very end.
I was delighted for Sean Crighton’s part in our equaliser - he’s been a great servant and captain for us but, along with the the rest of our back line, has had a tough season. The Mo’s second goal typified that really, but it was great seeing him play a vital role in that late drama.
Given that our final games are at home to Forfar and EF, I still think things are very much in our own hands.
Overall, I was pleased with the application and performance of most of our player, but yet again, Jack McKay starts...why? Offered nothing once again and we improved further when he was hooked for Thomson - who gave us a genuine threat on the right. Thomson needs to start in place of McKay on Tuesday.
3 -
Yep, finishing has been disappointing but I think we’ve been the better side in the second half - deserve to be level. Running out of time though!
0 -
Yep, as Mr N says above, that was another huge win for us tonight. To be honest, we’re at a stage in the season where performances don’t matter that much to me, hence why I was more than happy after the Dumbarton win last week, but it was still really pleasing to see us turn in such a strong performance tonight, as well as getting the result.
Thought most of the lads were excellent tonight - with special mentions going to Currie, Crighton, Fordyce, Turner, O’Reilly, Gallagher and Roy. I said after the Thistle game that I felt O’Reilly was really coming onto a game and was that player willing to get on the ball for us and trying to make things happen - he certainly did that again tonight. Turner is a class act as well though - it’s probably way too early to be saying this, given we have no idea what league we’ll be in, but I’d love to see us push the boat out to sign him in the summer.
I think real credit also has to go to Ian Murray tonight, as he got his tactics spot on and made the right changes, at the right times. It was great to see us play with two strikers, who were able to get close to each other and link up properly, rather than this modern day attitude of ‘you’re a striker, but we’ll play a front three and I’ll farm you out wide left or right’ like it’s the same thing and they’ll be just as effective.
As others have said though, I’m still really not sure why Jack McKay was signed or how he continues to be picked - luckily, Murray saw sense to sub him before any damage was done.
As usual, we’ve hit a wee run of form at the right time - here’s hoping we keep it up!
0 -
Definitely fancy us in this one, if only because, as others have said, our record against Falkirk recently is excellent.
I don’t think there’ll be any surprises in how we’ll go about this one - the focus will be on remaining compact and being organised. The big question will be, have Falkirk learned lessons from those recent games? If not, I expect a similar game and outcome - low scoring Airdrie win or draw.
As some of our guys have said already on the thread, our lineup is far from obvious but assuming most of the players are fit and available, I’d go...
Currie
P.McKay Crighton Fordyce McCann
Turner Paton Sabbatini
Gallacher Carrick Roy
Hard fought 1-0 Airdrie victory...no shots on target for Falkirk!
0
The Official Airdrieonians Thread - 2019/20 and beyond
in Scottish Championship General Chatter
Posted
I’ve shared my thoughts on last night in the match thread, so won’t re-tread them here. But what I will add is that, despite my disappointment with the performance and result, I don’t think we should be giving up on this in any way.
While it’s unfortunate we’re going in to the second leg a goal down, I don’t always think it goes for much. If you think back to our last playoff appearance against Alloa, we battered them in the first leg but only held a 1 goal lead - it counted for very little in the second leg (which we lost) and unlike what we did to them that night, we were far from battered by Morton.
It’s a big night for us and one we’re capable of winning, but it will come down to who is available and what team we go with in my view.
With that said, I’ve shared my take on the manager plenty of times before and folk will probably be fed up hearing it, as I don’t think it matches the general consensus - but I’d go as far to say he’s done a great job.
Heres why:
1. In his first season, we finished 5th, despite him only coming in partway through and inheriting a team put together by Stevie Findlay, that was low in confidence and disjointed. He stabilised us, made us hard to beat and took us to within an inch of the playoffs.
2. In his second season, he was allowed to build his own team (we think), but there was certainly some input from Stuart Miller in terms of recruitment. Say what you like about style of play or whatever else, but that squad was much better than the previous one and saw us finish 3rd before the season was called. Also worth noting (and people forget) that we were only 2/3 points off Falkirk in 2nd and 5 behind Raith who won the league, with like 8 games to go and both still to play. We’d hoped for 3rd at the very least, which we got and were competitive to finish higher.
3. This season, the pandemic had a huge impact on everything from recruitment, to pre-season, to match day routines. I know that every club and manager has faced this, but you cannot consider the season without factoring that in, in my view. The issue of Stuart Millar still loomed large too - with not just an involvement in recruitment, but supposedly the coaching side of things too. Yes, the first half of the season was somewhere between poor and indifferent, but given all of the above, that is understandable. Then, despite a tough return after the restart, he’s turned us around and had us on a magnificent run that’s seen us finish 2 points off the top and past the best footballing side in the league to get to the playoff finals.
I’m not saying I agree with everything he says or does - I wouldn’t be picking Jack McKay and I wouldn’t have a central midfield made up of a striker, winger and playmaker, who’s forced to sit deep - but those calls have worked at times this season and sometimes they haven’t. That’s just how it goes.
However, whatever you think of the guy or his style of play, I think it’s laughable to suggest he hasn’t been successful.
I think we do need to be careful what we wish for here. As I’d love for someone to name me a (realistic) replacement that wouldn’t have some of the same (or equally significant) flaws as Murray at this level and could do a better job.
I’ll always remember the 07/08 season - ironically, the last season we finished as high as 2nd until this season - where Ross County were x number of points clear of us at the top of the league by late September/early October and they sacked Dick Campbell because he didn’t play an exciting enough brand of football. To me, that was the craziest thing I’d heard - we’d all love to see our team play free-flowing, attacking football, but it’s not always possible or realistic at this level. I support this club as I love it to the core and, as a result, want it to succeed - if that means winning ugly, then so be it.
No one can say that he hasn’t had results since he’s been here and no one can say the players don’t try for him - the spirit, fight and work ethic is clearly there. Is he perfect, no? But he has more than earned the right to take us into next season, whether we’re in League 1 or the Championship and I still believe he’s the best man to take us forward.