Redcar

Was about to pose a similar question myself. We don't get much opportunity to develop our attacking play in these thumpings, and some of the new lads stepping up from junior level might wonder what's hit them. Can see the merit in playing Hibs but we need to mix in a couple of games against lesser opposition too.

Seriously, thanks for all that. For clarity, I'm not expecting the SC or ST to justify the Board's decisions, but these recent decisions require explanation and I think the supporters organisations should be at the front of the queue asking "why" on behalf of their members. All this subterfuge amongst some very strong characters (virtually all of whom I personally like) at the club will not clear the negative vibes drifting down from the Boardroom. EDIT to add that a personal message from the Trust has satisfactorily explained their position to me.

I'm about to renew my membership of the SC and the ST and have recently purchased another 50 shares in the club. You might think that one of these outlets might try to explain the following a) Doug Watkins leapfrogging John Bell to become Vice-Chair, b) did JB know, and if not, is that constitutional outside of an AGM/EGM (I guess it is, but it seems more like power grab than democracy), c) what is the Director of Football's role, d) did the manager know of the appointment, e) what is it all meant to achieve? Other than the minimalist club statement confirming it is a done deal, I've heard nowt from the 3 organisations of which I'm a member. Living 100 miles away prevents me from playing an active role in these organisations, but they absolutely should talk to their members on issues as radical as this. I am a friend of Eric Tait, occasionally communicate with the manager, and frequent the Curfew Micropub whose patron has his own contacts in the town. It is utterly ridiculous - and potentially inaccurate - that I get 95% of my info from these sources, and virtually shag all from the organisations mentioned. Any chance the ST, SC and club can make a clear statement to the people who pay into their coffers? And maybe start talking constructively to each other as well as their members? For some years the club's internal politics has raised its head after another pish season. For it to happen - without explanation - in July, is embarrassing.

Eric Tait could not be more enthusiastic for the club. It oozes from him. However, his appointment as Director of Football, and that of Doug Watkin as Vice-Chair (both done it seems behind closed doors with other senior figures in the club unaware of the changes), just stinks . If there is logic to it, the Board should stop communicating in short snappy sentences and tell us. Usual silence from our board, high fives on Facebook from Supporters club officials, grumblings from everyone else.... It is seriously pathetic. For now we have a manager who is equally as enthusiastic as Eric, and will get on trying to galvanise a team he's been forced to put together on the cheap. For that, we fans should be very grateful. Need to hope that Eric finds a way to work with Robbie (or proves that the job actually mean's zip all), otherwise this will be even messier by Christmas.

Fair enough! The other slightly more promising thing for our season is that we have retained 12 of last season. Easy to say that is a negative, but I think 8 points from the last 12 is a decent sign. This is definitely a post that someone may re-visit if it all goes tits up, but I'm certainly not writing us off just yet. For me, the more money you pay, the more likely you are to get a quality player, but also the more likely you are to get an arrogant i'm-better-than-this twat who will bring down the whole dressing room. On balance, a decent player budget at this level is hugely important, but not necessarily the main thing. Gulp.

Well yes, obviously. But why the dugmeat comment? If you know that these signings are crap, please say why! Suspect you have no more idea than anyone else. Plenty of decent players have stepped up from the Juniors or EOS, so we will have to wait and see. Dare say that the manager would prefer some of his other targets to have signed and won't be chuffed at the crap budget. But one thing I'm confident of is that this team won't sink for lack of effort or organisation. So August/September will show if they are genuinely good enough at this level. Might not be, might surprise a few.

Gary Phillips re-signs. That is 12 of last season's squad still with us. On the face of it - since we could easily have finished bottom - that is distinctly underwhelming. But.... Maybe not. There was clear, if rather late, improvement in April and these youngsters will be better this season, (he said confidently). GK's - Brennan, Adams DEF - Cook, Wilson, Todd, Fleming, Orru, Phillips MID - O'Kane, Murphy, Lavery, Willis FWD - Rose, See, Murrell 3 signings to come, I think. They'll have to be new - all last year's lot now accounted for.

Aaron Murrell signed again. Fair to say that Robbie thinks more about him than some of the fans, but he is only 20 and has scored some good and important goals for us. Of last season's players, that just leaves Gary Phillips still considering his offer. If he signs, I think that leaves 3 places left to fill, in the squad of 18. I'd guess 2 of them may be loanees, hopefully up there with Hamilton and Godinho. Meanwhile, can't wait for a visit to Big Owen's in Coatbridge. Top class piss.

Not sure where he is going to be honest. If anywhere. He was a target of ours, but has said on Twitter that he isn't signing for Berwick.

I''m not remotely disappointed to see Stewart depart to a rival. Decent work rate, but his passing is just dreadful. We have 13 signed and the gaffer wants a squad of 18. I hope one of them is Gary Phillips as we need his experience. Dean Brett is going elsewhere and I doubt we have the financial clout to sign any seasoned pro's. Presumably another 4 from the lower leagues.

Kieran Stewart works really hard and is decent in the air. His passing however, is just awful. Better than that clueless lump Scullion, though.

Still waiting for this one.

Maybe no more player news till June. Current signed players: GK - Adams, Brennan DEF - Cook, Wilson, Fleming, Todd, Orru MID - O'Kane, Willis, Lavery FWD - See, Rose Presumably, Murrell, Stewart and Phillips are mulling over a contract offer that may well be of less value than last years. Anyone know if that is true? Also, anyone know how well Ouzy See's recovery is going??

Won several end of season awards. Young enough to suffer from the occasional cock-up, but otherwise excellent.

Your prayers are answered, Dutch. Yours aren't, BTU. Lavery signs.

Little bit harsh. Once Robbie started playing 3 at the back, the defence improved, and that was against opposition that had everything to play for. Todd in particular got better and better. Shite budget though - so signing experienced players will be very difficult. It's flair that we really lack. And you're right - don't expect much of that from Murrell and Stewart. As for Rose - who knows? Big confident lad who scored a few for the Development team (but so did Josh Morris). There will be some coming in, and maybe some loanees, I'm reasonably happy at the moment.

Brennan, Adams, Orru, Wilson, Todd, Willis, O'Kane, See. Suspect several others from last year will also re-sign. We'll have a young but very energetic team. 3 or 4 new faces would help.

Fair enough. Another 8th though will mean further failure. Not sure my liver would cope.

Just announced. The obvious departures of loanees Mcrorie, Hamilton and Petkov, plus the retirees of Notman and Fairbairn. 3 others going are Tommo, Mackinlay and Simpson. I guess that means others will be already on contract or will be offered terms. We have the basis of a good young squad, but there needs to be some genuine quality in new signings.

Dutch auto-correct bizarrely turning "absolutely fecking raging" into "very satisfied" Surprised that we still haven't heard who is to be released.

Any rumours of signings/targets, players released?

Sat in pub. Finished my paper. Might as well start this. We will (probably) lose 3 top performers from a crap season. Notman has retired, (presumably before his knees cave in). Rumours of him going to Edinburgh as coach will be interesting as he tries to polish Pat Scullion. Mcrorie surely won't be back and although the gaffer will try and get Hamilton back again from Livi, surely that is unlikely. The positive news is of the emergence of a young but very promising defence. Brennan looks much more confident in goal, and a back 5 of Cook, Fleming, Wilson, Todd, and Orru is something to hang on to. Todd and Orru in particular have leaped forward this season. Maybe the addition of a tad more experience, and the defence is kinda sorted. Midfield and attack are big problems. O'Kane, Willis, Phillips and Lavery need some quality around them. Even with Notty it is seriously iffy and creates shag all. Up front, if Hamilton goes and Ouzy See doesn't make a miraculous recovery, we need a whole new strike force. Despite another feeble season, there is some promise in our youngsters they just need a bit of experience and on-the-ball quality around them. The only ones I would be happy to say goodbye to are Stewart, Murrell, Thomson and Fairbairn.

This is class!

Brilliant.