DavidReid01

Levein has also been saying we’ve played a back 5 the last few games… Can we just go 44 f****** 2 with Wright and DJ on the wings. Phillips and Smith in the centre. Although possibly Phillips out could leave a midfield of Smith/MacPherson/Max* *Shivers with fear

McLelland also, plus some of the others under contract as we obviously won’t be paying up deals. So you can add Smith, Kimpioka and Clark to that. Smith just seems to be a non injury prone replica of Cammy MacPherson. Has some flashes where he looks a footballer, but largely goes missing and hides when it gets tough.

Does the stadium at Airdrie potentially have VAR infrastructure from a recent cup tie (Mens, Womans, Youth?)… only explanation I can see if VAR and Astro.

Perhaps the substitution and in game changes is one aspect where the dynamic between him and Kirk doesn’t really work. Remit was to keep us up, if they do that I’ll be happy. Then I’d back them to get it right this summer. Would imagine regardless of if we stay up, or go down. Kirk will be gaffer next season. We need a bit of continuity, it’s what has served saints so well over the years.

Think most of this is spot on, if it keeps us up whilst giving Kirk a crucial 7/8 months experience in the premiership then I think it could be alright. Levein being there certainly takes the spotlight of Kirk, and whilst some have questioned how much it means to him… I’d like to think he is just portraying a calm, positive almost nonchalant attitude in the press to try and relax the players a bit and reduce nerves/negativity.

451 mid block with Sibideh isolated up front on his own…

Every day that passes is a day closer to the release of Crawford and MacPherson.

Again… I’d be wary of the differences between what happens behind closed doors, and what Levein says in the press. He’s an experienced manager who knows how to deal with press and journalists. There’s a reason he’ll say something, and it ain’t for fans to latch on and start calling said players out.

A very interesting thread. Enjoyed reading through it and some very valid points being made. For me, there is clear benefits to clubs with having Astro pitches. • Reduced maintenance • Increased income • Reduced Expenditure • Consistent playing surface I look at Saints for example, we could install an artificial pitch, instantly reduce our expenditure of maintaining the main pitch, and training areas. We could also then potentially sell off 5 acres ish of land, estimated to be worth around £5 million. The reason the top flight games on Astro are shite, is predominantly due to the games played there and the factors of the teams involved. I’ve been to plenty games this season in the lower leagues on Astro and watched good matches.

Eh?

Agreed. Very very positive move.

Probably one of Davidson’s weird signings like Dailly or Sandford.

Bang on. Can’t think of many examples where players have left Saints after a very poor spell and gone on to better things, whereas I could name countless players who have been shite elsewhere and came to Saints and it’s just been the right fit and they’ve turned into a player.

For me, it’s most likely we offer up a 2v1 in the wide areas up against opposition winger and full back. Too often we’re too scared to push our wing back up on to their full back or wing back and they get pinned back by a winger or striker coming wide, then leaves so much space for full backs or wing backs to deliver from deep.

Think so but would suggest Levein has been given a bit of leeway with regards to budget in order to keep us up. Can’t wait for this summer to never have to read that squad list with quite a few of those names ever again.

Perhaps it’s financially… No idea how much of DJ’s wage we’ll be paying but if we needed to get x amount of wages out to get Sibideh in then it might make sense that it’s Kane that goes.

Think DJ and Kane is up for debate. But CL sees Kane as 5th choice behind DJ then we need to look to get rid of him. Jaiyesimi has looked good in spells but seems clear from everything that Levein rates him higher.

This big love in with Kane all of a sudden he’s linked with a move away is strange. An injury prone striker who doesn’t score often ain’t gonna help us avoid relegation. He’s currently 5th choice and both new signings up front appear to offer a decent threat. Stop being overly loyal to club legends and move them on at the right time (ie. Now).

Kjeltens McGowan Consi Smith Robbo M.Smith Sprangler Carey Clark Sibideh Not what I expect to happen but what I’d like to happen. Suspect Gordon may come back in, and would think he’ll go 4 in midfield with Smith and Smith possibly the two higher and wider roles and would think he’d stick with Kimpioka up front.

I agree with your point re Max. If fans want us to be more attacking and creative, that requires movement off the ball and creating space for others.

We didn’t have a right wing back playing i’m afraid.

Will be an excellent signing at that level if he can find his form. Gives him a chance to do well and earn him a move to League 1 in the summer.

Agree with everything here, and the point made further down the thread. It finally seems like we’ve had a window where there was a plan on which positions needed signed but also the profile of player for each position. Hopefully we can start to plan for next season sooner rather than later. The Smith loan is a strange one, Levein has been quite open he’d need to work his way into the team, so it seems strange for Villa to let him go somewhere on loan where in all honesty it looks like he may not feature much. It’s either A. Panic loan after Robinson went, or B. Long term loan for next season too where he’s expected to come in and start.

Kjeltens in midfield with Fran at wing back possibly?

On FlashScore app as being suspended so wasn’t sure. Nothings been said in the build up.