[supersons]

Who is all making the trip to Elgin whether it be on the Bus or by whatever means, we need a big support to get behind the team and hopefully get a much needed result.

Here is my team selection.


GK - Grindlay
RB - Geggan
LB - Brittain
CB - Canning
CB - Craig
CM - Winter
CM - McKeveer or Gentile
RM - Boyle
LM - Borris
FW - Dobbie
FW - McNaught

Only choice we have IMO, unless we fit Dornan in at left back or change the system and find a place to play Dillon, maybe behind the strikers would suit or Borris could go there.

Whatever way Mr McCabe needs to get this one right as I personally do not think that Elgin are any mugs and we will need to play very well to get anything from the match.

If Dillon plays at left back or anywhere near left mid we are in trouble as he gets caught far too often.

Your thoughts please.

Come on the rock

This post has been edited by supersons: 07 September 2006 - 10:39

[Francesc Fabregas]

Even although Dumbarton are crap just now, Elgin are far worse.

0-2 to Dumbarton.

[Boghead Ben]

supersons, on Sep 7 2006, 10:56, said:

Who is all making the trip to Elgin whether it be on the Bus or by whatever means, we need a big support to get behind the team and hopefully get a much needed result.

Here is my team selection.
GK - Grindlay
RB - Geggan
LB - Brittain
CB - Canning
CB - Craig
CM - Winter
CM - McDevitt or Gentile
RM - Boyle
LM - Borris
FW - Dobbie
FW - McNaught

Only choice we have IMO, unless we fit Dornan in at left back or change the system and find a place to play Dillon, maybe behind the strikers would suit or Borris could go there.

Whatever way Mr McCabe needs to get this one right as I personally do not think that Elgin are any mugs and we will need to play very well to get anything from the match.

If Dillon plays at left back or anywhere near left mid we are in trouble as he gets caught far too often.

Your thoughts please.

Come on the rock

My team would be : controversially ....... Shaw in goal, sorry, Big Shay needs dropped : Geggan, Canning (if still match fit), Craig and Brittain. Midfield four of Borris on the right, though his position too is shaky, a central two of Winter and Boyle and Dillon on the left. I'm going for Dillon cos' I'd like to see if Boyley can actually do the business as a central midfielder. General opinion is that being in the middle is his natural position though two manager's disagree on this. Time to test it in my view. Dillon gets the nod although if we had an alternative to the wide left position, he'd be offski. Up front we need to stick with Dobbie - he's a loan signing of SPL quality and while he is playing 'largely' for himself, he's got to get the nod. McNaught has a lot to learn, but in the absence of anything better, also gets a start.

On the bench Ii would have : McCann for defensive cover, JP McKeever as cover for Bagan, Gentile for Winters position and as utility I'd bring along McDevitt. Shay as back-up too, of course.

This post has been edited by Boghead Ben: 07 September 2006 - 10:43

[supersons]

Boghead Ben, on Sep 7 2006, 11:20, said:

My team would be : controversially ....... Shaw in goal, sorry, Big Shay needs dropped : Geggan, Canning (if still match fit), Craig and Brittain. Midfield four of Borris on the right, though his position too is shaky, a central two of Winter and Boyle and Dillon on the left. I'm going for Dillon cos' I'd like to see if Boyley can actually do the business as a central midfielder. General opinion is that being in the middle is his natural position though two manager's disagree on this. Time to test it in my view. Dillon gets the nod although if we had an alternative to the wide left position, he'd be offski. Up front we need to stick with Dobbie - he's a loan signing of SPL quality and while he is playing 'largely' for himself, he's got to play. McNaught has a lot to learn, but in the absence of anything better, also gets a start.

On the bench i would have : McCann for defensive cover, JP McKeever as cover for Bagan, Gentile for Winters position and as utility I'd bring along McDevitt. Shay as back-up too, of course.

Good points Ben,

I forgot about Bagan but with his last few performances you can understand why, Thing Big Stevie is the best we have in goals but has made a few mistakes which have been costly.

I would also like to see boyle in centre midfield but as we dont really have much alternatives hence the reason I put him on the wing, though through the middle I would think he would be a star, I hope I wrote McKeever in midfield as opposed to mcdevitt I will edit to confirm.

What has happened to McDevitt played against Gretna last year and looked excellent and has dissappeared since??????

[Boghead Ben]

supersons, on Sep 7 2006, 11:37, said:

What has happened to McDevitt played against Gretna last year and looked excellent and has dissappeared since??????

He played last night against Ross County for the 19's. Had a good game too.

Just looking through the squad, we do indeed have one that is threadbare.

With Walker, Rodgers and Russell's departure, options are limited.

[supersons]

Boghead Ben, on Sep 7 2006, 11:53, said:

He played last night against Ross County for the 19's. Had a good game too.

Just looking through the squad, we do indeed have one that is threadbare.

With Walker, Rodgers and Russell's departure, options are limited.

Agreed extremely we already have some injuries and if mnore prominent first teamers get injured we will be relying on the youngsters but if we dont give them a chance to prove themselves we aint really developing them the way we should be.

Questions have to be asked of the board and GM as to why reinforcements were not purchased when these players left.

[LOL @ Celtic]

GK Grindlay
RB Geggan
CB Craig
CB Canning
LB Brittain
RM Borris
DMC Winter
AMC Bagan
LM Boyle
ST Dobbie
ST McNaught


Looking at it on paper it isn't a poor team

Although watching it in action isn't exactly poetry in motion

[O'Kelly Isley III]

IXI THE ONE IXI, on Sep 7 2006, 12:14, said:

GK Grindlay
RB Geggan
CB Craig
CB Canning
LB Brittain
RM Borris
DMC Winter
AMC Bagan
LM Boyle
ST Dobbie
ST McNaught
Looking at it on paper it isn't a poor team

Although watching it in action isn't exactly poetry in motion

Hmmm, interesting thread this one, especially the points about the squad being threadbare and the Manager and Board being called to account for the failure to replace key departures; glad to see folk are finally coming round to my view.

Sad to say, I don't see shuffling that threadbare squad amounting to too much in the long term. There will be the occasional good day but on the evidence so far a play-off place looks like fantasy. As a Sons fan that gives me no pleasure to say but maybe it's more honest than some of the blind hope/faith/optimism and general feelgood pish which has appeared here of late.

We have a collection of very ordinary players (Winters/Gentile/Borris/Gemmell), fading players (Dillon/Brittain/Bagan/Craig), strolling players (Dobbie) and some decent players (Grindlay/Canning/Boyle) along with some youthful potential. Hardly anything to get excited about, never mind travel to Elgin.

[Howlin' Wilf]

GK Shaw
RB Geggan
CD Canning
CD Craig
LB Brittain
RM Borris
CM Winters
CM Boyle
LM Dillon
F McNaught
F Dobbie (due to lack of options)

S Bagan
S Gentile
S Dornan
S McCann
S Grindlay

Anyone remember when Boyle played central midfield and Dillon played wide left and the number of goals produced thereof?

[Boghead Ben]

Howlin' Wilf, on Sep 7 2006, 12:57, said:

Anyone remember when Boyle played central midfield and Dillon played wide left and the number of goals produced thereof?

No. But the clamour is there for Boyley and Dillon to be played in those positions, so what has the gaffer got to lose? Don't know about anyone else, but I'd love to see it working.

[LOL @ Celtic]

I'd just like to see a midfield

I don't really care who is in it as long as it is winning balls and competing

Too many times the ball is firing past the midfield straight to the strikers who have to hold it up with nobody supporting, or worse, Gemmell is wide right crossing it into a space where he should be attacking.

We need Borris and the other choice of wide Man to be told you hug the touchline and you go round the Man and get the ball in.

We need service to the players instead of trying to play too tight and make a mess of it.

This post has been edited by IXI THE ONE IXI: 07 September 2006 - 15:38

[ShakehandsTom - DFC]

I think the personell can differ, it's the system we play which will bear fruits imo. If we play win geuine wide men who cross the ball in at every chance, and the midfield supporting the forwards then we have every chance of getting a result.

PS - I'll be there.

C'MON THE SONS!!!

[cityfan]

ShakehandsTom - DFC, on Sep 7 2006, 19:06, said:

If we play win geuine wide men who cross the ball in at every chance, and the midfield supporting the forwards then we have every chance of getting a result.

Just turn up and you have every chance of getting a result

[ShakehandsTom - DFC]

Some of our more negative fans could say the same to you.

This post has been edited by ShakehandsTom - DFC: 07 September 2006 - 18:41

[Rockstar]

Boghead Ben, on Sep 7 2006, 11:20, said:

My team would be : controversially ....... Shaw in goal, sorry, Big Shay needs dropped : Geggan, Canning (if still match fit), Craig and Brittain. Midfield four of Borris on the right, though his position too is shaky, a central two of Winter and Boyle and Dillon on the left. I'm going for Dillon cos' I'd like to see if Boyley can actually do the business as a central midfielder. General opinion is that being in the middle is his natural position though two manager's disagree on this. Time to test it in my view. Dillon gets the nod although if we had an alternative to the wide left position, he'd be offski. Up front we need to stick with Dobbie - he's a loan signing of SPL quality and while he is playing 'largely' for himself, he's got to get the nod. McNaught has a lot to learn, but in the absence of anything better, also gets a start.

On the bench Ii would have : McCann for defensive cover, JP McKeever as cover for Bagan, Gentile for Winters position and as utility I'd bring along McDevitt. Shay as back-up too, of course.

Have to agree with this team selection! Grindlay needs a kick up the arse and should be dropped for this game at least. Winters hasn't been playing well but I'd rather have him in the centre of midfield than Gentile (as he can actually header and make strong tackles). People need to remember than Chris Boyle has already proved his best position is in the centre of midfield. The season we finished 3rd in the second, Boyle was reguarly playing in the centre, scoring and creating goals. He is wasted on the wing due to a lack of pace mainly.
As for calling for the managers head, well I was no fan of Paul Martin however at least I gave him until a few months in before I was calling for his head. I know McCabe is making some bloody strange decisions at the moment, but we have to give him some time, not a few games into the season.
Fair enough if we are struggling around xmas time then he shoot get the sack, as this was the problem with Paul Martin. The Alloa board appear to be far smarter than our mob though, it has to be said!
Won't be going to Elgin but good luck to the Sons.

[Rockstar]

supersons, on Sep 7 2006, 10:56, said:

Who is all making the trip to Elgin whether it be on the Bus or by whatever means, we need a big support to get behind the team and hopefully get a much needed result.

Here is my team selection.
GK - Grindlay
RB - Geggan
LB - Brittain
CB - Canning
CB - Craig
CM - Winter
CM - McKeveer or Gentile
RM - Boyle
LM - Borris
FW - Dobbie
FW - McNaught

Only choice we have IMO, unless we fit Dornan in at left back or change the system and find a place to play Dillon, maybe behind the strikers would suit or Borris could go there.

Whatever way Mr McCabe needs to get this one right as I personally do not think that Elgin are any mugs and we will need to play very well to get anything from the match.

If Dillon plays at left back or anywhere near left mid we are in trouble as he gets caught far too often.

Your thoughts please.

Come on the rock

Why have you got Boyle on the right and Borris on the left of midfield? Must be a typing error - surely?

[ShakehandsTom - DFC]

Rockstar, on Sep 7 2006, 19:56, said:

As for calling for the managers head, well I was no fan of Paul Martin however at least I gave him until a few months in before I was calling for his head. I know McCabe is making some bloody strange decisions at the moment, but we have to give him some time, not a few games into the season.

Exactly, the league isn't won in September, controrary (sp) to what some opposition fasn are suggesting.

[Am Muilleach]

Quote

Too many times the ball is firing past the midfield straight to the strikers who have to hold it up with nobody supporting

Oh hell, not you as well! Make sure to bring your neck braces then - this sounds awfully like us at the moment

Anyone for tennis?

[Fudge]

ShakehandsTom - DFC, on Sep 7 2006, 20:00, said:

Exactly, the league isn't won in September, controrary (sp) to what some opposition fasn are suggesting.

It might not able to be won this early, but it can certainly be lost this early. Just ask Simon, he'll trot out endless stats about how much Arbroath improved under the new manager.

[cityfan]

Tatty Boabie, on Sep 7 2006, 23:09, said:

Have you any idea what the problems are? I remember your manager saying last week that it is fairly much the same players as finished strongly last season, and yet they are simply not doing the business this term.

Also, if I remember rightly, you started really badly last season.

Yes, the problem simply is Adam Nelson is injured. When you look at the stats of how much games we have won with and without him, its astonishing.

We badly miss him as he is a player of great quality, far too good for this division. With him, we are a passing side who move the ball about really well and provide MJ with alot of good service. Without him we are a hopeless pump the ball up the middle side.

The other problem (and this may shock you) is we're missing Jamie McKenzie, its true what they say about not knowing what you've got till its gone. Jamie's leadership and attitude is badly missed on the park, i'd have him back in a second.

We did start awfully last season too (not as bad as this season point wise, but the quality of play was alot poorer) but we had the excuse that we had Robertson as our manager then.

[Lichtielegend]

Fudge, on Sep 7 2006, 23:11, said:

It might not able to be won this early, but it can certainly be lost this early. Just ask Simon, he'll trot out endless stats about how much Arbroath improved under the new manager.

You don't need Simon for that

3rd Division under Cairney;

Played - 7
Won - 1
Drew - 2
Lost - 4
Goals For - 5
Goals Against - 13

Win %age - 14.3%


Under McGlashan

Played - 33
Won - 18
Drew - 4
Lost - 11
Goals for - 59
Goals Against - 36

Win %age - 54.5%

Although statistics are like miniskirts etc.

[sons for spl]

Rockstar, on Sep 7 2006, 19:56, said:

Have to agree with this team selection! Grindlay needs a kick up the arse and should be dropped for this game at least. Winters hasn't been playing well but I'd rather have him in the centre of midfield than Gentile (as he can actually header and make strong tackles). People need to remember than Chris Boyle has already proved his best position is in the centre of midfield. The season we finished 3rd in the second, Boyle was reguarly playing in the centre, scoring and creating goals. He is wasted on the wing due to a lack of pace mainly.
As for calling for the managers head, well I was no fan of Paul Martin however at least I gave him until a few months in before I was calling for his head. I know McCabe is making some bloody strange decisions at the moment, but we have to give him some time, not a few games into the season.
Fair enough if we are struggling around xmas time then he shoot get the sack, as this was the problem with Paul Martin. The Alloa board appear to be far smarter than our mob though, it has to be said!
Won't be going to Elgin but good luck to the Sons.

what did i say about grindlay all last season no one listened now your are just noticing it

[The Real Saints]

I see Dobbie scored today. Did he play well, or do you still all want him dropped because of his performance against Arbroath?

[cityfan]

The Real Saints, on Sep 9 2006, 18:26, said:

I see Dobbie scored today. Did he play well, or do you still all want him dropped because of his performance against Arbroath?

If he was any good, he would've scored 3 or 4 today, his finnishing is woeful.

We are shite. That is all about todays game.

This post has been edited by cityfan: 09 September 2006 - 19:15