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airdrieman

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  1. airdrieman
    First class Really hope the club go all out to acknowledge, recognise and celebrate the centenary. Events, a strip () and ideally as many of the families of the team can get involved and receive that well deserved recognition. Terrific gesture from the Spence and Davies family
  2. airdrieman
    In fairness, I’m not sure there should really be any expectation that he’ll play for Palace. How many academy players at these elite clubs actually do? But from their perspective, he’s a cheap punt who must tick the boxes they look for in a player, and, even if in the future they just end up selling him to a lower level in England/Scotland/Europe/rest of the world, they’ll make a profit or their money back if nothing else. While for him, he gets to develop under top class coaches in the best of facilities whilst living in one of the world‘s great cities. He’s still young enough to develop as a player and he’s been part of the Northern Ireland U21s set-up previously so he’s clearly highly-rated by coaches and managers at a decent level. I think, importantly, what might work most in his favour is that he’s already played first team football, in ‘clutch’ games for a team that got promoted. And not only that but he was a regular starter and key player. That’s something that a lot of his team mates and opponents won’t have experienced yet, or never will. And even accounting for it being Scottish League 1, he was actually good which a lot of these academy players down south who’ve played there or in the Championship weren’t. Daniel Boateng, who actually played a first team game for ARSENAL, Eoghan Stokes, Luke Lyons and Jack McKay all came through big English academies and were amongst our worst players during our decade in League 1. None of them made it, and Devenny being good in League 1 doesn’t mean he’ll make it either. But you never know, hopefully it will stand him in good stead and give him a chance of at least having a career at a decent level. He’s a good all-rounder for a midfielder. Good range of passing, athletic, he’s not a destroyer but can get stuck in and he can shoot/score goals. All the best to him, it’s a fantastic, exciting and well deserved opportunity.
  3. airdrieman
    Would agree with the assessment that we’re still in need of additions across the park. Centre mid is where we’ve got our most strength in depth but with McCabe injured and Devenny gone we’re cutting it pretty fine now, as one more injury in there and we’re down to playing every centre mid available. An injury to Frizzell especially and we’re fucked. Still could do with another centre-half. I did previously want a left-back but Ballantyne has been a revelation there and with him, Hancock and even Fellows I’m pretty content with our options there. If anything another right-back would be preferable IMO as if Watson is out we’d have to move Ballantyne there, which would necessitate two changes to the team rather than one direct swap. A Watson-like replacement in a player who could play centre-half and right-back would be ideal. East or O’Reilly wouldn’t fit that bill but I’d still take either if offered. I’d like another forward too as I do think we suffered in the Dunfermline game from having literally no options to change things around. IMO a forward who can play out wide, a Callum Smith replacement essentially, would be best as while I like McGregor and O’Connor, I still think we can do better. I do get the Connor Smith ‘attitude not fitting into the team’ thing that @thediamonddude mentioned but for me, his attitude and being a bit more ‘cute’ or ‘streetwise’ is actually why I think he’d be a good addition. It’s something that we lack and, while one player probably wouldn’t have made a difference in this particular game, it was one of the facets of their game that helped Ross County beat us on Saturday. Mind you, I’ve been wanting this sort of player since the start of last season and not having one hasn’t really harmed us ultimately so what do I know! Hopefully, mainly for @Passionate and @cb_diamond’s sake, we see a few pens out before Saturday As an aside, I’ve noticed that Joe Cassidy (the reserve player on the bench on Saturday) is also on the books of Consillium so that’s a good laugh if nothing else.
  4. airdrieman
    I hope Justin knows that I’ll remember that goal v Falkirk in the play-offs for the rest of my days. Pure bedlam from that point on https://x.com/airdrieoniansfc/status/1656071719268888577?s=46&t=ei9lEQUlqVT6IyVJquw8rQ
  5. airdrieman
    Justin to Crystal Palace confirmed. https://x.com/airdrieoniansfc/status/1693654223676645488?s=46&t=ei9lEQUlqVT6IyVJquw8rQ What an opportunity for the lad. All the best to him. If nothing else he’ll get to enjoy the benefits of living in London and learning from top class coaches in the best of facilities. Now let’s get that transfer fee spent.
  6. airdrieman
    I liked Stanway fine but McCabe, McMaster, Devenny, Aiken, Frizzell and Telfer are all considerably better than him IMO. Any additions, and especially if money is involved, should be improving or at least supplementing that mix.
  7. airdrieman
    Brilliant cup tie. Their ruthlessness, pace and physicality made the difference in the end but proud of the team for going head-to-head with a Premiership side. Soft goals to lose - ATS far too soft at the 3rd although other than that I thought he had a good game, and the 4th goal again too easy. But lots of positives to take from that. McMaster and Aiken outstanding in the middle of the park and Ballantyne was very good once again. That’s Gal got 3 goals in 2 games now and O’Connor made a big impact off the bench. Definitely think that’s the role for him atm. Great to have Todorov back and for Hancock to get a run out too. Didn’t see him defend much but he looks composed enough on the ball. Right enjoyed that. We won’t play many teams as physical, streetwise or quick this season so to give as good an account of ourselves against such a team is encouraging. Couldn’t put up with Malky Mackay as my club’s manager for obvious reasons. But even if that wasn’t the case, no chance could I watch his antics on the sidelines every week. Insufferable. Nothing against County historically but I wish them nothing but ill whilst he’s in charge.
  8. airdrieman
    Willie Aitchison not being a player should have gave that one away … Assume it’s a wee guy running the ‘unofficial’ Instagram account. In fairness to him, if he’s too young to remember Willie Aitchison he’s the real winner!
  9. airdrieman
    Accies seem to be spending a fair whack on their squad but I’d still rather be in our position budget wise than have Seref Zengin running the show (in League 1).
  10. airdrieman
    I hope them going for Moffat might mean Smith signs elsewhere. Adding Moffat and Smith on top of Euan Henderson, Zanatta, Connor Murray and Lewis Smith in League 1 feels like it’s taking the piss haha.
  11. airdrieman
    I’m only being facetious. Just making light of the fact he went to what felt like practically every home game in 21/22 and that he’s became a yearly transfer rumour on here.
  12. airdrieman
    #BringHimHome
  13. airdrieman
    Saw a post on the Facebook group hinting that we were signing Connor Smith today. That Transfer Scotland Twitter page also hinted today that he’s going to sign for Accies so I expect us to have him confirmed in the next hour or so.
  14. airdrieman
    How's big Bright getting on? Enjoy Newburgh on Saturday. It's a real gem.
  15. airdrieman
    2535. Posted on the Facebook group by someone who has a role at the club so usually reliable with that sort of thing. Just under 1500 in the home end which is pretty good, especially in comparison to where we’ve been the last few years. Hopefully we can keep it going. You’re right about the pictures but 1500 isn’t even half full in the main stand so it can make it look worse than what it is.
  16. airdrieman
    Onto Ross County and something of a free hit. I was not as optimistic as a lot of folk were when the draw was made. But we’ve got a great record at home against Premiership teams in this competition and it’s a fantastic opportunity to reach a quarter-final. And dare I say be a game away from Hampden… Potentially good news in that Yan Dhanda went off injured for them yesterday. The bad news is Kyle Turner replaced him and went on to score
  17. airdrieman
    Thank you
  18. airdrieman
    That was tremendous. A good game of football first and foremost and what a difference having a decent crowd, in the home and away end across the way makes to the atmosphere. Thought we were worth our win in the end. Should really have been up at half-time and, while the first-half was pretty even, I thought we would rue those missed chances. But the second-half Frizzell and McMaster ran the midfield and Thistle didn’t have an answer for our passing/possession game. Gabby made a real impact as soon as he came on. O’Connor has his place but you can see Gabby is just a far better out-ball. Props to McGregor who I thought gave some of the better full-backs in the division some bother today. Gal’s goal was a beaut! Fantastic buildup play, cross from Watson and header from Gal. And thank God because he was needing a goal That was a huge win today. And huge to come from behind against one of the more fancied teams. Delighted to have our first points on the board. Even more delighted to beat Thistle
  19. airdrieman
    I was one of them but Watson and Ballantyne have maybe been our two best or at least most consistent players so far this season IMO. They've both come up against Scott Tiffoney, Luke McCowan, Harry Milne, Jack McMillan, Aidan Fitzpatrick and Steven Lawless and largely kept all of them quiet.
  20. airdrieman
    That was tremendous. A good game of football first and foremost but thought we were worth our win in the end. Should really have been up at half-time and, while the first-half was pretty even, I thought we would rue those missed chances. But the second-half Frizzell and McMaster ran the midfield and Thistle didn’t have an answer for our passing/possession game. Gabby made a real impact as soon as he came on. O’Connor has his place but you can see Gabby is just a far better out-ball. Props to McGregor who I thought gave some of the better full-backs in the division some bother today. Gal’s goal was a beaut! Fantastic buildup play, cross from Watson and header from Gal. And thank God because he was needing a goal praying you caught Watson’s celebration @AirdrieFanTV! That was a huge win today. And huge to come from behind against one of the more fancied teams. Delighted to have our first points on the board. Even more delighted to beat Thistle
  21. airdrieman
    For me, the issue isn’t overplaying it. It’s that Fordyce is WAY too slow on the ball. Whether it’s passing it or lumping it forward he’s taking too much time to do anything. Which is where their goal came from today. Dallies on the ball, eventually gives Frizzell a hospital pass when he’s got a man on him, they win the ball and then go and score.
  22. airdrieman
    I’d be pretty disappointed if we weren’t at least in for Connor Smith. Obviously there’s no way of knowing if we are or not unless McCabe comes out and says so or we sign him. But he’s a player we’ll know about, available and affordable, in a position where we need strengthened and his brother would presumably put in a good word. And like you say he’s an upgrade on O’Connor and McGregor and real Championship quality so he ticks a lot of boxes.
  23. airdrieman
    Same again tomorrow please
  24. airdrieman
    Bit concerned if Gabby is out again tomorrow. Thistle’s main threats IMO come down the flanks and McGregor and O’Connor don’t offer near the same defensive work-rate that Gabby does. I’d actually be tempted to go a bit more compact and tight, with Gal and O’Connor upfront and playing to get O’Connor in behind. Like we did in the Montrose 4-0 home win last season. I’m not expecting any changes to the shape though, and not much, if any, to the style of play. Here’s hoping David Mitchell has his usual stinker against us. Also have the fear Mason Hancock being a self-described ‘ball-playing centre-half’ is going to see him pass the ball straight to Brian Graham in our box for their winner tomorrow. Anyway, f**k Thistle
  25. airdrieman
    I liked Stanway but don’t think he’s any better than any of the options we currently have at centre mid, which is also probably our most well stocked area of the squad. I’m worried about the repercussions of a bad start also but mainly points wise. Obviously, it’s a long season but even at this stage we need points on the board and don’t want to get cut adrift too far from the pack. We can’t rely on having a run of games against Clyde, Peterhead, Falkirk etc this season to get us back on track. Two home games coming up and while Thistle on Saturday will be difficult, we really need to be targeting points in both games, especially ahead of Tannadice and Gayfield IMO. I think Arbroath reached safety with 3 points more than Accies and Cove? Such fine margins which is why we can’t afford too many missed opportunities like Saturday was (as much as there were positives to take from the game). I actually thought the reaction on here and the Facebook group might have been worse on Saturday but yeah, we’ve built up a lot of goodwill, enthusiasm and excitement amongst the support. And as @Diamond1924 said, the number of and passion of the young fans at games at the moment is truly fantastic. It’d be a shame to whittle that away so quickly with a bad start.
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