ducket_lifer, on 15 March 2010 - 09:08, said:
This was another inept performance from us. We were out battled and totally out played by stranraer for the entire 90 mins. With a change required at the back due to McLean's suspension, I was surprsied to see Robbie Horn given a starting slot although Guy's recent efforts have been poor to say the least. Stranraer exploited Horn's rusty old legs to great effect and could of scored more. Hopefully with 90 minutes under his belt he will be ready for the challenge of the pacey Gunn and Frizzel next week-end although it could result in further embarrassment. One thing that strikes me at the moment is our lack of pace, we dont seem to be able to lift our game. Next saturday gives us a chance to rediscover some form but changes are required. I would bring McMullan into left back and shift Smith to right back. Notman could give us the pace in midfield as Jay Shields would be better positioned in Magnus Magnusson's black chair than the centre of our midfield as he doesn't do passes. We dont have alot of options on the flanks so I would tighten up the midfield with Callaghan left of a three with Notman on the right and Currie in the middle. Russell or Little could play behind Gray and Brazil and lets try and take the game to our opponents with intent from the first whistle. I think we have blown our chance of the play offs but that is not a disaster if we starting preparing for next season now by re-signing our key men to form the backbone of next years team. In that I include Peat, Notman, McLean, Smith, Ewart (?) Gray and Brazil along with Callaghan who is on a two year contract is not a bad start. Little and Horn have been fantastic in their terms at Shielfield but both are fast approaching their sell by date and should concentrate purely on their coaching roles. I think the rest of the squad have a lot to prove between now and May.
This is a pretty good post but I have to say I disagree with some points. I wasn't suprised at all about Horn. Guy was 'injured' yet again, maybe something to do with the nightmares he's having of that shit pass he made vs Albion. Horn was probably the better option to throw in anyway. Guy vs One is not something that I would have liked to see. Do agree that his lack of pace could be a problem but he will hopefully make up for it in experience when he partners McLean as Ewart will be suspended for 3 games from Saturday. I think Horn might play quite well with McLean as if there is only one player we have at the back that talks and that is Horn. As a 19 year old centre back you'd probably rather that than rely on instinct. Not sure about your formation though. Seems too narrow to me. Elgin could easily take advantage if we're going to have McMullan bombing up from LB.
The main thing I disagree with however is the bit on the play-offs. While we've made it ridiculously difficult for ourselves, to give up now would be utter stupidity. If the other teams gave up when we were so far ahead they wouldn't be near us right now. We're going through a really bad spell, fair enough, but the pitches are improving and we should be able to start playing a bit better now. If we can go through a good phase and others even an average phase, i'd think we could still get there. Preparing for the next season should be something that we're doing anyway - but giving up on this one would be ridiculous. There's still a long way to go and a quick look at the table shows we've still better goal difference than QP and a game in hand over them. Fair enough Albion are in a good position to take over with 3 games in hand and only 5 points to find, but their games in hand are 2 games vs Shire and Stranraer. No disrespect to Albion fans but i'd expect them to take just 3 points from them games. That would mean they'd still be behind 2 points providing other things happen/don't happen.
Another few things. Little and Horn are probably worth keeping on as players but in a Steve Ellison type role. We should buy players 'over the top' of them and use them only for subs in circumstances where injuries etc take over. Not sure about keeping Ewart right now but probably would if there is not any better options avaliable. I'd keep for next season: Peat, Notman, McLean, Smith, McMullan, Russell, Cal, Currie, Gray, Brazil, Little + Horn. I'd also start looking for a manager around about now, because I can't see Crease being our manager next season. He's steadied the ship fantastically and deserves a bit more credit than he's getting at the moment, but I think we'll be looking at a new manager in the dugout next year.
The 2nd Ukrainian Front, on 15 March 2010 - 09:42, said:
Agree with a lot of what you say. The management has bigged up team spirit all season but our record of coming back from a deficit - I can only think of the 3-2 win at Hampden a couple of weeks ago - is poor, and suggests to me that it isn't all it's cracked up to be. Rangers are a very quiet team on the pitch and natural leaders are conspicuous by their absence.We could do with a few more characters and a team spirit along the lines of that in the Paul Smith side which featured Davie Watt etc. Whatever their shortcomings, they always battled away.
I'd love to see Notman in midfield.He is one of the few players with any pace and would increase attacking threat. I have'nt seen enough of Russell but think he's due a longer run. Agree about Shields - great at breaking up the play and hassling other teams in possession but does'nt offer much creatively.
Retained list - yep, second that, though I still have doubts about Gray. Woud prefer Gribben back,for all the baggage he brings. He got what,13 goals for a side with much less going for it than the current one.
The play-off place is in danger but still achievable. If we finish fourth it will still be an impressive achievement;if not, then, as you suggest, so long as we start building for a more consistent campaign next year,I can live with that.
What about changes on the coaching side though - do you feel these should be looked at?
Completely agree about the communication. It's a massive problem, especially at the back and it's something that needs to be resolved. If that means looking for a new CB and ridding of Ewart/McLean than that may have to happen. Completely agree about Notman too. He's a waste at RB. While he's performed well there this season he's a much better player in CM. Agree that Russell could do with a longer stint in the team, and perhaps a more attacking role too. Also agree on Shields. He can shut players out, whether that be by breaking their legs with a slide tackle or not, but when he's on the ball he panics and just kicks it. Disagree on Gribben. On his day, Gribben was one of the best in the league. His day was about 1 time every 2-3 months. If things didn't go his way he was a p***k. Put him in this team and he may do well, but I can't see him doing as well as last time. That being said it'd be worth a shot if he wasn't asking for too much £.
Not sure what you mean by coaching side. As i've said I can't see Crease staying, apart from that the only other thing i'd do is rid of Ellison and hire McCaldon as a GK/Coach. He's already a personal trainer so i'm sure he'd be able to offer good advice etc.
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against a very lacklustre Berwick side. A bit like last week Stranraer started well but this week they were able to keep it going. McColm got a hat-trick and it was good to see a player that generally struggles a bit in front of goal be rewarded for his promising overall play of late. He got a nice but deserved break of the ball early on for the first goal after his original attempt was saved by the Berwick keeper. His second came shorly after and was a sweet finish. With confidence now high he got his third when sent clean through on goal. In fact Stuart could have even had a fourth goal on a couple of occasions. I thought he was unlucky not to net last week so I think he deserved what he got today. Berwick got a consolation from a cracking strike at the death but IMO the score flattered them.
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