Best 3 Signings From Each Manager Since The Millennium

[Ludo*1]

I've got time on my hands just now and I'm fed up greeting about the referendum for a couple of minutes. Reason I picked 2000 is because a few teams had their respective managers in for quite a long haul (Jim Jefferies Killie, looking at you.) Anyways:

Ivano Bonetti

1. Claudio Caniggia - The most famous of all our 'superstar' signings, undeniably one of the best talents in the game at the time coming to the end of his career and lighting up Dens Park was a joy to behold. One of the few that we actually made some money on too!

2. Georgi Nemsadze - Ask most Dundee fans and you'll learn that Nemsadze was one of the best technical players to ever play for the club. Genuinely surprised he never went a lot further in the game than he did be that before us or after.

3. Julian Speroni - Close one between him and Cabalerro, but we made money off Speroni so the nod has to go to him. One of the best keepers Dundee has seen and still playing in the Premiership with Crystal Palace.

Jim Duffy

Few debateable ones with Duffy, technically it was Bonetti that signed the likes of Novo but by the time he arrived, Duffy was the only manager he knew. Can't include the likes of Ravanelli or Burley because although massive name signings and great players, they contributed little and nothing.

1. Stevie Lovell - Great striker for Dundee. Loved a goal. Became a bit of a hero in his time at Dens.

2. Jonay Hernandez - Highly doubt how much Duffy was aware of Hernandez, but he turned out to be a relatively good LB in his time with us.

3. Brent Sancho - Duffy took the team on a tour of Trinidad and Tobago during the winter break one season and returned home with two trialists. One was Sancho, the other was Jason Scotland. We signed Sancho and decided Scotland wasn't good enough for us and Duffy personally recommended him to Dundee United. Decent, burly centre half, nothing more. Must be forgetting a few to include him.

Alan Kernaghan

1. Stuart McCluskey - Who? Exactly.

2. Jaquinto - Who? Exactly.

3. Himself. And he never played a game.

Alex Rae

1. Milan Palenik - Towering Czech centre half. One of the best at Dens since 2000. Would probably be in many Dundee fans XI's if you were asked to name a team outwith the Bonetti era. Cracking player.

2. Rab Douglas - Signed Rab for his second spell with us and he was excellent throughout.

3. Eric Paton - Clever right back. Had an awesome first season at the club, becoming very influential for us. Like Gary Irvine after him though, he slowly just got worse and never recovered for us.

Jocky Scott

1. GGH - Can much more be said?

2. LG - Managed to make a small bit of money off him and he scored numerous goals for us.

3. Andrew Shinnie (Loan) - Could have gave this to a Richie Hart or Brian Kerr but Shinnie has went on and had a very good career and he done well in his stint at Dens too.

Gordon Chisholm

Very poor manager for us but managed to acquire some decent players along the way.

1. Matt Lockwood - Cracking LB for us when he first started. I remember much of the forum at the time favouring him to Bob Harris who was the LB we had initially targeted that became a whole ordeal because of our financial concerns. Sadly his legs started to give way 2 seasons ago but found a bit of form in the last with him being deployed as a sweeper.

2. Stephen O'Donnell - Loved the club and was a very decent CM for us. If it wasn't for very bad injuries, I'd like to think he'd still have a role to play here.

3. Nicky Riley - Was tempted to go for Rhys Weston but he was an absolute bombscare in his second season after being so astute in his first so the award goes to Mr. Chocolate Legs. Brilliant, tricky winger, ruined by injuries it looks like and looks to be on his way out of the club.

Barry Smith

1. Martin Boyle - Looks to have a big future at Dens, if only he could improve his finishing, he'd be a massive asset to us already.

2. Kevin McBride - Hated at Falkirk, but has done and still does a very good job at CM when playing for us.

3. Jim McAlister - Non-stop working machine. The engine of our current side. Not the greatest talent, but it's a testament to his workrate that he forces himself into our current midfield.

Honourable mention to Declan Gallagher who could have been number 1 if it wasn't for the events of this close-season.

John Brown

1. Peter MacDonald - Lethal striker who hasn't had as many injury problems at us as he has done throughout his career.

2. Kyle Letheren - Haven't been his biggest fan, but his form whilst at Dens has steadily improved. Recently called up to the Wales squad and doing well to not give Scott Bain a sniff of the jersey who was widely expected to take over!

3. Willie Dyer - Didn't perform when he first came in and has/had a reputation as nothing more than a steady eddie Championship/First Division defender, but has came on leaps and bounds, particularly under Hartley who stated that he was most impressed by Dyer out of all the Dundee players when he came in.

Paul Hartley

1. Thomas Konrad - Going for Konrad as number 1 so far as he'd have been the most difficult and unknown signing out of the bunch he's made. It was a gamble and it looks to be paying off, big time.

2. Paul McGowan - Probably Dundee's best player so far this season.

3. James McPake - Laughed at as a bombscare, more of an absolute destroyer in his time at Dens so far. Total no-nonsense.

Wow - Well that post was quite a bit bigger than I was expecting. Doubt others will have the time or interest to go as far back as that, so just go as far back as you wish I suppose (Although the above post only took me around 10 minutes - so please, no lynching me fellow Dees for any dead obvious exclusions!)

It'd have been much easier listing 3 of the worst players each manager signed I think.

[Mr Gandosaur]

I'd say Sean Higgins was a better signing for Jocky than Hart/Kerr/Shinnie. Scored some crucial goals the following season.

[mungo]

Brent Sancho !

[RandomGuy.]

No point really including Clark for me, others might go down that route though, I can't be arsed figuring out what signings of his are before 2000 and which are after

Billy Stark (2001-2004)

1. Mixu Paatelainen - Was a decent striker for us I suppose, scraping the barrel though.

2. Kevin Rutkiewicz - Had a solid season amongst the endless injuries

3. Simon Donnelly - Done a job

John Connolly (2004-2005)

1. Steven Anderson - Signed for free, and has turned from hot head right back to one of the most solid central defenders in the country, recently had his testimonial and scored the opening goal in the Scottish Cup Final.

2. Paul Sheerin - Another free signing, played a key part in the "Coyle revolution" and became a hero to the Saints support, his goal at a rain lashed McDiarmid park against Dundee is one of the best the grounds ever witnessed.

3. Jordon Tait - Gave us a reason to laugh in troubled times

Owen Coyle (2005-2007)

1. Jason Scotland - Complete god who scored for fun and ripped teams apart weekly. Deserved to be playing at a higher level and has since proven he can, would love to see him in a Saints shirt again.

2. Martin Hardie - Was the catalyst for the incredible clawing back of Gretna in "that" season and was unplayable for a while, broke his heart to miss out in the manner we did and the photo of him after the match still haunts me. One of the best midfielders we've had in my lifetime at dominating matches.

3. Goran Stanic - Another who should have been at a higher level than us, outstanding left back who's link up play with Sheerin down that side was beautiful. It took us years to get anyone to replace him properly. He could probably still play for us and perform, such was his nonchalant ability. Could ping them in from anywhere too.

Derek McInnes (2007-2011)

1. Liam Craig - Played superbly at left back and left midfield (and right midfield), scored plenty and his work rate inspired those around him. Devasted when he left but he will be back one day. One of the key parts of our recent rise.

2. Jody Morris - Best midfielder I've seen in a Saints shirt. Ridiculous we signed him while in the Championship as he just completely strolled that league. Coped with the step us just as easily and made over 100 appearances, was a true honour seeing him play.

3. Michael Duberry - Doooooooooobs! Came into a stuttery defence, turned it solid with his first thundering header. His influence was huge and probably still plays a part through Anderson, who completely transformed beside him, could easily have remained first choice but wanted to be nearer his family. Still a hero and says hes a Saints fan. I still miss his "crossbar challenge" before every game.

Steve Lomas (2011-2013)

1. Steven MacLean - Had a harsh first season, getting plenty of criticism for missing easy chances. Has since turned into a bit of a hero, unreal work rate combined with tremendous hold up play helped, but his link of play with May last season was the real eye opener, as they combined in a way I'd never seen before (far better than the fabled Sandaza/Sheridan partnership)

2. Alan Mannus - Took a long time to get into the team, and probably considered giving up. Wasn't anything special early on but has since turned into one of the best and most consistent keepers in the league. Has his moments but they're incredibly rare, delighted at his enthusiasm about staying aswell.

3. Mehdi Abeid - Some might not agree, but I rate him as the best attacking midfielder I've seen in a Saints shirt. Some of the things he done were wonderful, and you could see he's a class above the SPL. Was a star for Panathanikos last season and is making the bench for Newcastle now too. Would love it if we could ever get him back but theres no chance.

Tommy Wright (2013-present)

1. David Wotherspoon - Local Saints fan who (finally) came home, and instantly became key to us going forward. Set up numerous goals and almost scored one of the greatest Saints goals of all time in the Scottish Cup Final. Tremendous talent who sadly suffers from confidence problems, a stroke of luck can turn him from sublime chance creator to bumbling mess, its worth sticking with for the good times though.

2. Brian Easton - The man to finally replace Stanic. Doesn't struggle against any type of winger, and is solid going forward. No greater sight than seeing this hulking mass of ginger charge past players hopelessly flailing against him.

3. Michael O'Halloran - Finally resolved our pace problems, and his directness is a huge weapon. Has his off days, but shows signs of massive potential. If he can get consistency and improve his decision making he'll be a massive player

[Paris Hilltoon]

RG, I think you may need to check some of those. Just a heads up before your haters pounce.

I'm at work or i would, but I think Rusty was a Connolly signing and was Mannus not signed by Del as cover for Enks?

[SouthEnclosure]

Konrad.

[Quitongo's Left Peg]

Bobby Williamson (1996) 2000 - 2002

Choosing from only two years of Bobby's tenure is relatively difficult, as a large part of the 4th finish side were already in place. But I've went for:

1. Andy McLaren - Having just left rehab for cocaine and cannabis addiction, signing Andy was a big risk. But it certainly paid off. He won player of the month awards and a Scotland cap (his one and only) whilst at Rugby Park, and was a real star on the field.

2. Antonio Calderon - The Spanish wizard joined from Airdrie in 2001 and went on to play 50 times for the club, and impressed everyone with his skill in possession and sharp passing. The type of player everyone would want at their club. Is currentlymanaging hometown side Cadiz in the Segunda B.

3. Tommy Johnson - Signed in December of 2001 on a short-term deal, and whilst he only went on to represent the club 10 times, the former Celtic striker scored seven times, including the second goal in a 2-2 comeback draw against Rangers. Most Killie fans wanted to keep him, bu we couldn't compete with Gillingham after the TV deal fell through.

Jim Jefferies 2002 - 2010

Eight years in charge, and plenty of good signings to choose from. Notable mentions go to Stevie Fulton, Eric Skora, Frazer Wright, Gary Locke, Liam Kelly Greg Shields, Gary McSwegan, Gordon Greer, David Fernandez and almost Sol Bamba (still raging about that...) but the winners are...

1. Craig Bryson - Getting him in 2007 from Clyde on a free has to be one of the best bits of business the club had during JJ's tenure. While he only really went on to become a star after JJ left, he was still a quality player during JJ's time. Now starring for Derby and had Premiership moves rejected in the summer.

2. Allan Johnston - One of my favourite players in a Killie shirt. Started out as a winger but really shone after being moved into the middle. His touch, vision, and skill was above anything else we'd seen for a while at that stage. A great signing.

3. Alan Combe - Signed in 2004 and went on to play 149 times for Killie. A real class act of a 'keeper, and probably the best I've seen in my lifetime (tie between him and Lekovic).

Jimmy Calderwood 2010 - 2010

Only at the club from January to May, and only made 3 signings. One (Rob Kiernan was awful) so I'll only name two here.

1. Scott Severin - Came in on loan from Watford and really solidified the midfield at a time when it was most needed. Would have liked to keep him but bad injuries stopped that from being a possibility.

2. Chris Maguire - Joined on loan from Aberdeen, and scored the winner on Robbie Keane's debut match. Probably the goal that kept us up, as that unexpected Celtic win gave us the points we needed to put Falkirk down.

Mixu Paatelainen 2010-2011

Mixu didn't manage a full season unfortunately, and a lot of his signings were poor. Where he excelled was more in terms of improving those already there (see Kelly, Sammon, Hamill, Bryson)

1. Alexei Eremenko - Goes without saying. His performance that season was the greatest I've ever witnessed from a Killie player. Sheer class.

2. Ben Gordon - Signed on loan from Chelsea and immediately shone. Twice the player of club legend Garry Hay, and he fit perfectly into our system where he bombed on and created plenty of chances.

3. James Dayton - Was struggling for a third Mixu signing, but Dayton gets the vote for a few wonder strikes and a beast of a beard.

Kenny Shiels 2011 - 2013

1. Borja Perez - Obviously number one. Looked a class act whilst here, and did what Harkins could never do - play consistently well. Eventually ousted GH from the side completely, which in turn led to Harkins' return to Dundee. You're welcome Dees.

2. Dean Shiels - The gaffers son come good. Great performances and crucial goals were the hallmark of his time at Killie, and a crucial part of the 2012 League Cup winning side.

3. Paul Heffernan - A real class act upfront, and it seems we dragged the last dregs of his career out of him as he's been brutal at Hibs. His hold up play was exquisite and he was an instinctive finisher which made him fit perfectly into the Scottish game.

Allan Johnston 2013 - Present

1. Kris Boyd - Signed on a short-term deal by Shiels, but permanently by AJ under whom his play blossomed. So imperative that we signed him for the season as god only knows where we'd be if it wasn't for him last year.

2. Mark Connolly - Early days in his Killie career at the moment, but looks a real class act at the back. The defender we've been missing for a while.

3. Jamie Hamill - Re-signing Hamill will prove to be pivotal for us. Often overlooked and belittled, he has made the midfield solid this season, and gives that edge and dig that can drag you through games. Never the most technically proficient footballer, but he might be the difference between top and bottom six this year.

[BarraJag]

Terry Butcher for Inverness is near impossible. Pretty much signed our best ever players in each position. The way he snapped up Foran, Rooney, Mckay, Doran, Meekings, Warren, Hayes, Cox, Hogg (at the time), Tansey (first time round), Piermayr, Gillet, Andy Shinnie, Tudur Jones, Raven, Draper, Reguero, Brill, Watkins etc... ALL FOR FREE. Can only be admired by other clubs.

[TheCelt67]

Martin O'Neill

1. Chris Sutton - Torn faced c*nt, but one of the most reliable and hardworking players I have seen in a Celtic jersey. Equally as good at centre half, even on occasion midfield, as he was up front.

2. John Hartson - Great forward, great goalscorer, hard as nails, treated rather poorly by Celtic at the end of his career, but will go down as one of my favourite players.

3. Joos Valgaeren - Always felt he was underrated by the Celtic support, overshadowed by the bomb scare that was Bobo Balde. Fantastic in his first couple of seasons, lost form later in his career thanks to an injury if I remember correctly, and being played in a full back position rather than his natural centre half position.

Gordon Strachan

1. Artur Boruc - First three seasons he was by far the best keeper in Scotland, would have even rated him for making a push to get into the top 5 in the UK. Fourth season he was an utter disaster, off field problems seemed to have a huge effect on his performances, showed signs of his previous good form in his last season but by that time the damage was done. Overall there was certainly more good than bad.

2. Scott McDonald - Didn't think he would have been capable with the step up to Celtic, but was happily proved wrong, scored some big goals domestically and in Europe. Transfer fee turned out to be a steal.

3. Shunsuke Nakamura - One of the most gifted and most infuriating players I have seen in a Celtic jersey. At times he could be too in and out of games, but when up for it he was nothing but a joy to watch.

Intentionally left out Scott Brown from Strachan's signings as he didn't have the greatest start to his Celtic career.

Tony Mowbray

1. Robbie Keane - Brought in on a short term loan, was at Celtic Park for around four months yet still managed to win our POTY and finish top goalscorer, says it all about Mowbrays tenure.

2. Danny Fox - One of Mowbrays first signings, thought he was a decent enough full back, but obviously not, sold 6 months after he joins to Burnley.

3. Can't think of anyone else worth mentioning.

Neil Lennon

1. Victor Wanyama - Phenomenal player, was as good as any an all round midfielder I have seen in Scotland.

2. Gary Hooper - Fantastic goalscorer, put the goal in the box for him and it's a goal. Was like a Kris Boyd who was capable of running.

3. Virgil Van Dijk - Most gifted defender I have seen in a Celtic shirt.

Ronny Deila

1. Craig Gordon - Been solid all season so far, after Thursday night, well

2&3 - Take your pick from our loan players.

[Ludo*1]

mungo, on 20 Sept 2014 - 10:27, said:

Brent Sancho !

Who else could go in instead?

[RussellAnderson]

Excellent thread, will do an Aberdeen one when I get the chance

[captainkev]

I only started going to watch United regularly at the tail end of Alex Smith's tenure as manager so I'll pass on him and the managers before him and just focus on the signings of managers we've had since, with the exception of Hegarty as he only signed the one player if I remember correctly.

Ian McCall:

1. Barry Robson - I wasn't overly impressed by Robson in his first season with us, my over-riding memory of him that year was the opening game of the season against Hibs in which he got sent off and conceded a penalty for deliberate handball in the last minute. However he grew more important as each season passed and by the time Levein came along he was a much improved player and scored some fantastic goals for us and eventually got a move to Celtic and us a decent bit of money.

2. Alan Archibald - He was never a brilliant player for us but he never let us down over the years he was with us and nobody at Tannadice has a bad word to say about him tbh.

3. Jason Scotland - I'm including him despite the fact we only really got to see what he was potentially capable of in the last few months of his United career but there were a lot of dross signings from McCall and Scotland had some quality moments for us, like coming off the bench at Tannadice when we were 3-1 down to Rangers and scoring twice to earn us a draw, and it's my list so f**k it Jason Scotland gets included.

Gordan Chisolm:

1. David Fernandez - A rare decent signing from Chisolm. Fernandez did pretty well for us despite the fact he was playing in a pretty poor United side.

As for my second and third picks I'd reluctantly probably have to go with Stillie and Lee Miller just through lack of choice despite the fact that Stillie's nickname at United was "Spillie" and Miller cost us over £200 000 and was generally unimpressive.

Craig Brewster:

1. Craig Conway - Conway was like Robson in some respects. Conway never really blew me away in his first season but he became a big player for us as time went by and scored some great goals. Ultimately he goes above Hunt thanks to his double against Ross County in the Scottish cup final.

2. Noel Hunt - Great wee striker for us. As I remember expectations weren't particularly high for him when he came in but like a few other players, the arrival of Levein really kicked him on as a player. He and Robson linked up superbly and they were glorious to watch and scoring for fun just before Robson left for Celtic. Was also set to be the player who won us the League cup in 2008 until Mark bloody Kerr intervened.

3. Christian Kalvanes - Classy left back. Was very tidy in defence but offered a good attacking threat too. There were very few United fans who weren't gutted to see him leave.

Craig Levein:

1. Jon Daly - Got a ridiculous amount of stick from our fans over the years but scored a great number of goals after an extremely tough start with injuries. Although I was unconvinced by the initial decision to appoint him, he developed into a good captain too. Everyone presumed we'd struggle badly once Goodwillie was sold in 2011/12, but the way Daly stepped up that season was remarkable. The last six months for him with us as injuries caught up with him were very disappointing, with one superb semi-final performance aside, but overall he was an excellent signing by Levein.

2. Morgaro Gomis - Was a stalwart in our midfield through out Levein's tenure and part of Houston's. Levein signed him in 2007 thinking it would be the season after that he would start to make the first team but progressed much more rapidly than expected and was quickly a first team regular and a fans favourite. His shooting generally was pretty awful hence he didn't score a lot for us, however when he did score they were usually always quality goals. Had a disappointing return stint with us last season but glad he seems to be getting back to his old self with Hearts.

3. Andy Webster - I was really stuck for choice for this one. I could have mentioned the likes of Buaben, Dixon, Zaluska, Pernis or even Dillon, Dods or Wilkie. But I've gone for Webster because although he was only here for one year on loan, the impact he made was such that in the years since, United fans have often wished for a centre-back of his ilk. He ended up becoming club captain once Wilkie had to retire and Dods got injured and his influence on Garry Kenneth has only become more appreciated as time has gone by.

Peter Houston:

1. Gary Mackay-Steven - Got him on a free transfer from Airdrie United(as they were then) in 2011 and he completely re-energised a team that was mostly lacking in creativity once Danny Swanson had gotten injured. The hype he received that season was over the top but he's mostly been an absolute joy to watch these past few years and has consistently improved his goal scoring tally and spent much less time out injured as well.

2. John Rankin - Another signing who came with low expectations but has been for the most part an excellent player for us. The 11/12 season and the season just past were ones in which Rankin was vitally important for us although he had a disappointing second season where he probably should have just gone for surgery rather than try to play through an injury. However most United fans were delighted when he signed a new contract last season and although Dillon is captain at the moment, most prefer Rankin in that role.

3. Gavin Gunning - Had a great first season, mediocre to poor second one and was good in the first half of last season before becoming steadily poorer towards the end. Gunning has ability, but his judgement and concentration is astonishingly poor at times.

Jackie McNamara:

1. Andy Robertson - A fanstastic player whose swift development last season was thoroughly enjoyable to watch. The only disappointment with him is how quickly he out-grew us and that we were only able to see him for one year.

2. Nadir Ciftci - At times he's lazy, petulant, frustrating and as last saturday showed, down right bloody stupid. Yet he's also extremely talented and gave us far more moments to cheer about last season than ones to boo over. His goal at Ibrox and mini celebration before it is one of my all time favourite moments as a United fan.

3. Paul Paton - While a limited player, he has a set job in the team and for the majority of last season did it well, establishing a good midfield partnership with Rankin. However those who don't appreciate him really dislike him.

[ChineseMan]

My selected favorites:

Ivano Bonetti

1. Fan Zhiyi

Gordon Strachan

1. Du Wei

Tony Mowbray

1. Zheng Zhi

[sergie's no1 fan]

Tom Hendrie. Most of his best signings were pre millennium!

1. Kirk Broadfoot. Signed as a youngster in 2002, turned into a bit of a legend. Helped us in gaining promotion and keeping us up the season after. Bit of a joke figure for Rangers but was brilliant for us.

2. Martin Cameron. Scored a heap of goals for us before leaving to sign for Gretna. Lazy big lump but complete predator.

3.Steven McPhee. Loaned him from Coventry, electric wee striker who didn't score for us but changed our fortunes and nearly saved us from relegation.

John Coughlin

1. David Van Zanten. One of the most successful players in our history. Legend on and off the park.

2. Craig Hinchclifffe - One of the best keepers in the league, very good player for us over a few years.

3. Gus MacPherson. Not for his playing ability, but for what happened when things went tits up for us. Turned the clubs fortunes around when Coughlin got sacked and he was appointed as the manager.

Gus MacPherson

1. John Sutton. Played a huge part in helping us win the league and then keeping us up. Signed just before midnight on deadline day and turned out to be a vital signing.

2. Charlie Adam. Signed along with Sutton just before the transfer window closed. They were the 2 signings that clinched the league for us.

3. Andy Dorman. He really should be number 1 but if it wasn't for the 2 above him he would never have played for us in the SPL. Scored so many goals, a few belters. Not replaced his goals since he has left.

Danny Lennon.

1. This goes without saying. Steven Thompson. God .

2. Isma. Again this guy is a legend even though he was only here for a few months. Made a huge impact with his goals at Hampden, came as a unknown left as a complete hero as part of that cup winning squad.

3. Paul McGowan. Signed on loan in his first season, wasn't too keen on him. Didn't have a natural position but it was obvious he was talented. 2011/12 he was sensational, probably the best form I've seen from any Saints player.

Tommy Craig

1. Isaac Osbourne. Just what we needed. Not the fanciest player but hard in the tackle and can do the basics. Superb player.

2.Plummer. Talented player, don't think he's a centre back but he's played well considering the state we have been in.

3. Calum Ball. Looks like a poacher who will do the most damage in the penalty box. Needed to shed the weight, looks like he has done that and now that he's scored hopefully he kicks on from here.

[RossC93]

Spot on Sergie, agree with all of that.

I thought it was Gus that signed Vanzy, though.

[RandomGuy.]

RG, I think you may need to check some of those. Just a heads up before your haters pounce.

I'm at work or i would, but I think Rusty was a Connolly signing and was Mannus not signed by Del as cover for Enks?

I was doing it from memory tbh, can't believe I forgot Mackay and Muzz though

[jagfox]

This could drag up a minefield of bad memories, just thinking of some of the managers we have endured is bad enough. Vague memories of the early years most of our best players came through the amateur and junior ranks. Scotland internationals such as Rough, Alan and John Hansen and the only one I've witnessed in the flesh came through this route. Robert Fleck and Billy Dodds also arrived but through the loan route from Rangers and Chelsea respectively.

I'm off to get my programme collection and Partick Thistle history book...

[jagfox]

Oops. Since the Millennium? At least that reduces some of the horror...

[cowboy]

1. Craig Bryson - Getting him in 2007 from Clyde on a free has to be one of the best bits of business the club had during JJ's tenure. While he only really went on to become a star after JJ left, he was still a quality player during JJ's time. Now starring for Derby and had Premiership moves rejected in the summer.

he wasn't free, cost 45k iirc

[jagfox]

John Lambie made his Thistle return in 1999 with Thistle at a low ebb. We were a game from going down to the fourth tier but Lambie eventually snuck us to safety with a 1-0 win. The team were a right mixed bag but he added a man who would lead Thistle to two championships and a Scottish Cup semi-final in the early naughties.

Step forward Danny Lennon, a great captain for the club following some pretty depressing times following Thistle.

Lambie added a former Jag to lead the line on our return to the first division after winning the second division with a bit to spare. He'd go on to manage the club with little success but is now at the heart of the Thistle-Weir youth initiative.

Gerry Britton, the man with the biggest heid in the SPL!

My final choice was one of the best footballing centre backs seen at Firhill in years. Stylish on and off the pitch he was a revelation after a career beset by injury. Indeed on leaving Firhill he'd rarely play first team football.

Current assistant manager Scott "Shaggy" Paterson.

Good times!

I really struggled to come up with favourite players signed under the Gerry Collins and Britton/ Whyte era. Honourable mention to James Grady for being the top Scottish scorer in the SPL in 2003/2004.

When you're other signings consist of Andy Ross, John Paul McGovern and Stephane Bonnes it's no surprise Gerry got the boot by November 2003.

Whyte and Britton had a tough job to repair the squad spirit. Sadly it seems Collins had ruled with an iron fist and had lost the dressing room. I recall Jamie Langfield and Juan Ramon Escalas signing but none would be around for long...