[yoda]

Since we appear to be clogging up other threads with our stuff I thought that it might be a semi-decent idea to have all Ross County chat in here? Not just transfers but just general discussion and the like. I see that Raith Rovers, Falkirk and QotS have similar threads in the go.

[RCFC95]

Good idea. What wingers could we suggest that would add pace and goals to our team?? Any news on mcgov?

[staggy4life]

This is the situation as it stands:

Ross County

Goalkeepers
Joseph Malinauskas (22) - May 2012

Defenders
Gary Miller (24) - May 2012
Johnny Flynn (21) - May 2012
Scott Boyd (24) - May 2012
Darren McCormack (22) - July 2011
Scott Morrison (26) - May 2012
Grant Munro (30) - May 2013

Midfielders
Richie Brittain (27) - May 2012
Paul Lawson (27) - May 2012
Stuart Kettlewell (26) - May 2012
Mark Corcoran (30) - May 2012
Marc Fitzpatrick (25) - May 2013
Iain Vigurs (23) - May 2012

Forwards
Garry Wood (23) - May2012
Steven Craig (30) - May 2012
Michael Gardyne (25) - May 2012
Colin McMenamin (30) - May 2013

U19's/First team
Archie MacPhee (18) - May 2012
Steven Ross (18) - May 2012


Out of contract
Paul Di Giacomo - released, now at Greenock Morton
Steven Milne - released
Mick McGovern - don't think he is in talks over a new contract as I'm pretty sure he wants to find a club in the central belt for family reasons.
Andy Barrowman - in talks
Darren Smith - as far as I know he has been released as he's not been offered anything from the club yet

This post has been edited by staggy4life: 24 May 2011 - 12:49

[Bri RCFC]

We have enough midfielders as it is, im seriously wondering if DA is planning 5-3-2 or 5-3-1-1 Miller and Morrison are more than capable of getting up and down the lines, and there is more than enough quality midfielders to chnge the shape of the team.

Edited to add if the signing of Russel Duncan goes through

This post has been edited by Bri RCFC: 24 May 2011 - 12:52

[Savage Henry]

I'd like to see Fitzy getting a run in central midfield, or wide on the left with Vigurs pushed in. It's looking very much as if Kettlewell could be out on his ear again, as he was for much of last season. Lawson is vice captain, so you have to assume he'll start in central midfield most games. I guess it's a squad game these days, and competition is good.

[bunglebonce]

With G. Munro signed and possibly R. Duncan too, our already strong back-bone to the team has been well re-enforced.

Assuming Barrowman and McGovern don't want to stay and the squad on the whole remains the same, I can see Adams's first choice XI as:

------------------------------

New 'keeper

Miller Boyd Munro Morrison

Brittain Duncan Lawson Vigurs

Gardyne

McMenamin

Subs:
Malin
McCormack
Kettlewell
Corcoran
Craig

---------------------------------

There won't be many goals scored against that team.

The problem is, County won't score many goals either with a set-up like that.

Putting a winger like Smith on the right wing totally transforms the predictability of that team. Brittain early 09/10 would have been first choice with his goals and assists, but I honestly think his 'un-drop-ability' is holding the team back tactically. He isn't as good as Lawson in play-making and isn't as good as Duncan or Kettlewell as the water-carrier, so if he has to play it must be on the right side.

Separately, Yoda said it elsewhere but I would be disappointed to see Flynn lose his place at CB, because he was excellent in the second half of last season. His goals from set-pieces kept County up. I wouldn't even have him as an option on the bench if he didn't start, because McCormack is more versatile.

This post has been edited by bunglebonce: 24 May 2011 - 13:04

[yoda]

I hear Adam Rooney is out of contract at ICT. Just saying likes.

[dingdong1929]

Genuinely thought the only players we'd be looking at would be forwards and wingers, maybe a RB at a push. Surprised we've strengthened arguably our two strongest areas (CB and CM). But Munro and Duncan are undeniably good players. Honestly thought Boyd, Flynn and Kettlewell were our 3 best players this season, and all 3 are now under pressure for their places.

If the moneys there and we can keep everyone happy, then good. Initerested to see what happens with regard to wide players.

McMenamin signing mean no more work down up front? We assuming Barra is gone?

Midfield and front line of: Vigurs Lawson Duncan Brittain
Gardyne
McMenamin

is really lacking in pace. All cracking players, but we'll need to be zipping the bal around like Barce to get in behind teams!

[FilthyMack]

Am I right in thinking McCormack's contract was only extended through to July or something while he's still recuperating, or is that just something I've completely made up?

[yoda]

If Barrowman stays then I think a 4-4-2 might work:

Goalkeeper
Miller Boyd Flynn/Munro Morrison
Brittain Duncan Lawson Winger
McMenamin Barrowman

Subs: Malin, McCormack, Kettlewell, Vigurs, Gardyne


The only problem is that the midfield looks a bit too defensive, although I'm not sure if Duncan is the sort of guy that would get forward and attack. McMenamin and Barrowman would work well I think.

[bunglebonce]

When playing two out-and-out centre-forwards, Adams has in the past preferred to use Gardyne at the tip of a midfield diamond:

Lawson

Brirttain Vigurs

Gardyne

Barra Coco

[TheScarf]

yoda, on 24 May 2011 - 13:23, said:

I hear Adam Rooney is out of contract at ICT. Just saying likes.

He'd be a pretty good signing for you lads.

[yoda]

TheScarf, on 24 May 2011 - 13:35, said:

He'd be a pretty good signing for you lads.

I'm not sure if he's better than our other former ICT strikers though.

[dingdong1929]

TheScarf, on 24 May 2011 - 13:35, said:

He'd be a pretty good signing for you lads.

I dont really care who we sign, just as long as Caley lose. I actually prefer to see Caley lose than County win

What kind of player is Duncan? I know he's defensive central mid, but so is Kettlewell and he breaks forward with the ball and has decent pace. Is Duncan similar to that (in a poor mans Viera/Kayal role) or sits more deep and lets everything happen in front of him (in a poor mans Lambert/Lennon role)?

[TheScarf]

dingdong1929, on 24 May 2011 - 13:41, said:

I dont really care who we sign, just as long as Caley lose. I actually prefer to see Caley lose than County win

What kind of player is Duncan? I know he's defensive central mid, but so is Kettlewell and he breaks forward with the ball and has decent pace. Is Duncan similar to that (in a poor mans Viera/Kayal role) or sits more deep and lets everything happen in front of him (in a poor mans Lambert/Lennon role)?

The latter. Breaks up opponents attack and gives the ball to the guys who makes things happen. Probably score a 35 yarder once every 18 months or so aswell for you.

[dingdong1929]

TheScarf, on 24 May 2011 - 14:06, said:

The latter. Breaks up opponents attack and gives the ball to the guys who makes things happen. Probably score a 35 yarder once every 18 months or so aswell for you.

Thanks Scarf, I look forward to his first screamer!

[Ieuan16]

This scarf guy seems awright for an ICT fan. Or am I completely wrong?

[Loki]

Ieuan16, on 24 May 2011 - 15:35, said:

This scarf guy seems awright for an ICT fan. Or am I completely wrong?

You are totally wrong. I hate him more than I like Ross County.

[TheScarf]

Loki, on 24 May 2011 - 16:44, said:

You are totally wrong. I hate him more than I like Ross County.

You're probably the only County fan I know who doesn't take greater pleasure in seeing ICT lose than County win. I've actually had 2 Ross County fans admit to me in person that this is the case with them.

[dingdong1929]

TheScarf, on 24 May 2011 - 17:03, said:

You're probably the only County fan I know who doesn't take greater pleasure in seeing ICT lose than County win. I've actually had 2 Ross County fans admit to me in person that this is the case with them.

You've broken me. I actually have a wee chuckle to myself every time i see that now.
You're still a p***k though

[bunglebonce]

He is the Highlands' equivalent of Troll Dad, but much less likeable.

[Sherrif John Bunnell]

Loki, on 24 May 2011 - 16:44, said:

You are totally wrong. I hate him more than I like Ross County.

I have a bad feeling about this. County are going down.

[ConanTheLibrarian]

bunglebonce, on 24 May 2011 - 13:33, said:

When playing two out-and-out centre-forwards, Adams has in the past preferred to use Gardyne at the tip of a midfield diamond:

Lawson

Brirttain Vigurs

Gardyne

Barra Coco

The "jungle drums" I've heard suggest you might need to find a space for Rocco Quinn in there somewhere.

[sophia]

Sherrif John Bunnell, on 24 May 2011 - 17:47, said:

I have a bad feeling about this. County are going down.

down south

Someone else going down, down south.

Looking at that article, I've been reminded of just how many major clubs he has been with.

[staggy4life]

ConanTheLibrarian, on 24 May 2011 - 18:35, said:

The "jungle drums" I've heard suggest you might need to find a space for Rocco Quinn in there somewhere.

I doubt it if Russell Duncan signs too as it's another midfielder although Quinn is more attacking I think?