aldojag

dont recognise the lad infront of Archie? Anyone have any info?

No inside Info or anything on this but I have a real feeling we will look at recently released Simon lappin... Left sided defensive midfielder to replace bannigan/Welsh.... and more importantly great delivery from a set piece.... Something that's been spoke about as a must find next season.. Any thoughts?

I think it was definatly the wrong formation/team to play against Dundee Utd but hearts is a totally different game.... 3,5,1,1 for me Cerny Miller frans seaborne Dumbaya osman bannigan booth Lawless Doolan Pogba

Surprised by the fee involved in the release of McGowan at United ' McGowans contract was due to expire this summer, though it is believed United have managed to secure a fee for the players early release. The transfer is rumoured to be in the region of £350,000. If that's the going rate. I would be really disappointed if we let bannigan go for less than that. I would rather he stayed but with him being only 23 I would expect we could get slightly more than that if it was to happen.

Hate to be a cynic here but my gut feeling is that we are announcing 'good news' stories like erskine & Dolan to cushion the blow of bannigan leaving in January .... Hope not but as much as this is good news for next year we really need to strengthen as of now or we could still be in trouble.

Does anyone know why Elliot got pulled out the development team late on during the week? Thought it might be not to risk him before weekend to get him on the bench? Hopefully not an injury.

I wonder if there would be anyscope of loaning us back someone if they where to take bannigan just now.... I don't know who but pawlett or goodwillie don't seem to be first choices at the moment and I think they would strengthen us??

What's really apparent to me and probably every other club in the league that have us watched before they play us is that the left side of our defence (Lindsay/booth) is really inexperienced and get caught out over the top far too often... I'm Amazed how long Archie has stuck with this... IMO The only way Lindsay can play and develop is if he is left of a back 3 where he has plenty of cover and also has a wing back to help him out. I don't think the boy is a bad player I just think it's a massive step up for him and he needs experience around him not just 1 other centre half..... Any thoughts?

Also forgot to mention... We now have a sponsor for the league which surely brings in additional source of funds we didn't have last year...

I'm a little concerned at where the ambition is from the club... 1 year contracts is fair enough for unknown players... But what happens next season... Most of our young quality players like frans/brannigan/Doolan are all out of contract on top of this seasons 1 year deals... And now we are going to rely on loan deals to top up the squad?? I would like to know where the real investment in the squad is going... We've had increased prize money, reduced squad size and increasing the gate by £200k for Celtic games this season.. Surely we can look to bring at least 1 marquee signing on 2/3year contract that could maybe have some sell on potential and that would bring some excitement to the fans and encourage some more season tickets. It certainly doesn't make me want to rush down and renew my season ticket.