PSJ.84

Going by his comments in the latest Courier piece it’s back to the ever-effective 5-2-2-1 on Saturday. Woo hoo.

Same here. Also tried convincing myself that the reason for the summer’s business was because a few younger players had been brought in in January, so he was essentially supplementing the squad with a few experienced players - obviously that wasn’t the case. I’m still prepared to reserve a bit of judgement and see what he does this summer, but I think a lot of that patience will be dependent on what happens with Sinclair when (if) we’re safe. Still gives me the absolute fear though.

Timely

1-0 County

Great thread. FullSizeRender.MOV

There’s so much more to playing the back five (three) than Tierney and Robertson. We looked decent when playing a four in the Nations League and it’s great that Steve Clarke isn’t hellbent on playing a system regardless of the players he has available (take note Callum Davidson), but the back five (three) is generally where we look most balanced.

Yeah it does make sense and think it’s fair enough. It could well be the case he’s burnt out by playing so frequently this season but like you say, the injury prior to Hearts makes that hard to judge.

Interesting when players get to the stage of their career Considine is at managers speak of having to manage them and their game time - whereas we’ve played him in virtually every minute he’s been available.

Remi Matthews seems totally immune to criticism from some folk so I wouldn’t be surprised if he picks up one or two, somehow.

It’s a bit shit that Murphy doesn’t fit the shape the manager doesn’t prefer, always looks decent when given a bit of an opportunity and nice to have somebody on the pitch who can go by players either way.

Gave the ball away and Aberdeen broke - not quite sure it was at the take one for the team stage but it’s easier to say that sat in the stand with a view of the whole pitch. Can see why he thought he had to though.

braw.

We changed to a 4-4-1 with Stevie May on the left of midfield and basically defended our box. Totally moronic considering we’d had a couple of chances on the break in the first half and not really looked under major pressure. Thought Coulson was quietly decent today as well. Can’t have given the ball away too many times.

come a long way from my can’t be fucked attitude earlier on

To be fair the defensive shape towards the end of the first half was excellent. Why the f**k he changed things at half time - who knows?

Agreed. I’ve come away from that somehow feeling slightly optimistic. Ah shit, here we go again.

Strange number of stewards and police in and around McDiarmid

Knowing the formation won’t change, I’ve no issues with the team selected. Shag Squad winner.

First time in god knows how long I’ve felt so meh about a Saints game. Had assumed that by the time today rolled around I’d have shaken the cant be arsed feeling but nope. I’ll still go purely out of blind loyalty - maybe I’ll feel a bit differently once I get to McDiarmid.

Aye 1-1 on a Friday night, Simon Lappin had put us 1-0 up in the first half with a pretty decent volley too. Mannus wearing white shorts always stuck with me for some reason.

Really like what I’ve seen of Balde

Agree that this team isn’t as good as the one mentioned individually, but as you say there’s probably more togetherness in the squad and a bit more quality backing up the starting eleven this time (haven’t checked their squads in previous generations so could be talking shite). Main worry for me is the competition they’re up against. There’s no denying it’s weaker than it has been previously, in my lifetime certainly.

Will get shot down for saying this but having seen Spain the other night, this gives me the fear. Spain aren’t the only ‘big’ European nation going through a bit of a transition so England have a pretty decent chance of winning the whole thing. Hope to f**k I’m wrong.

Caught the second half on one of the Viaplay re-runs but I’d be interested to know where you found it.