Few thoughts a after tonight and recent games

[Daly9]

Tactics didn’t cost us the game though. Switching off at set pieces did. The only goal out with a set piece was a counter attack and Butcher had opportunity to bring Allan down in their half to stop it and then had chance to clear it in our box and passed it straight back to them.

Regardless of how the team was set up, errors that we made will get punished at that level.

[tHeArAb]

Yeah but we were never gonna be able to defend our own 18 yard line for 90 minutes, which is what we were trying to do until we went 2-1 down. The fact he didn't even try to change this at half time baffles me. It was obvious it was only a matter of time before they cut us open. Our defenders aren't good enough to play that way.

[weegiearab]

I'll echo what I have said earlier in the season about the cup games...we don't need the distraction! We rested players for this game and messed around with formations etc....all things which we can do without!
This game should be seen as something which can have a positive effect on the team....it shows that we are still vulnerable against better teams, it shows that we can compete but we ain't the finished article and we will have to strengthen for next year.
It was a good test for the team and the owners, it has given us a wee unexpected financial boost.
Hopefully it will be used to prevent the players becoming complacent and to push the team on to finishing this season on a high.

[offshore_arab83]

I'll echo what I have said earlier in the season about the cup games...we don't need the distraction! We rested players for this game and messed around with formations etc....all things which we can do without!
This game should be seen as something which can have a positive effect on the team....it shows that we are still vulnerable against better teams, it shows that we can compete but we ain't the finished article and we will have to strengthen for next year.
It was a good test for the team and the owners, it has given us a wee unexpected financial boost.
Hopefully it will be used to prevent the players becoming complacent and to push the team on to finishing this season on a high.

exactly how i feel, f uck the cup, lets get this league nailed on and get to f uck out of here...

[bobafett]

I wasn't at the game last night so I'm basing this purely on what I've seen all season.

We need at least one centre-half, probably 2, if we're going to be a decent side in the Premiership next season. That's pretty obvious to me. The rest depends on what happens from here until the start of next season (or the close of the window in August to be precise.) Right now we need an upgrade at #10 and another winger but I'd like to see what Glass and Pawlett could offer in those positions given a good run in the team until the end of the season. We will probably need a striker because I'm not confident Shankland will be with us come the end of the summer transfer window. We should probably take a right good look at what Sow can offer now that he's fit.

The 2 full-backs have a bit of improvement to do but they're both capable of stepping up and competing at that level. I've seen enough of Powers and Harkes to see that they have the technical quality and composure to step up. Butcher might struggle, as massive as he has been for us the past year or so. I'd certainly not be discarding or writing him off though.

Overall 3, maybe 4, additions and a bit of patience to allow some of the younger players (Robson, Appere, Glass) to develop and adapt and we could be a decent team this time next year.

[offshore_arab83]

Butcher was good for us when we were in the prem before, nae reason to doubt him mate

[bobafett]

Butcher was good for us when we were in the prem before, nae reason to doubt him mate

I've always liked him. I just worry he's lost half a yard of pace, which he can get away with in the Championship, but maybe not the Premiership. Like I said I'm not writing him off.

[LSArab]

I've always liked him. I just worry he's lost half a yard of pace, which he can get away with in the Championship, but maybe not the Premiership. Like I said I'm not writing him off.

I think Butch will still be good in the prem.

Important not to underestimate what a MASSIVE loss it will be if Shanks leaves us

[Chick A Saw]

I think Shedka sees Powers as a threat to his beloved Butcher who constantly gives away fouls and now a stupid penalty. For me Powers is a far better footballer and is more level headed and certainly less erratic and once he picks up the pace of the Scottish game he'll end up being a decent signing for us.

Butcher and Harkes! I think once Powers is up to speed we will have 2 players rolled into, without the inconsistency of Harkes and the rashness of Butcher. Some people just cant see past their favourites, now where is Stanton?

[tHeArAb]

People doubting Powers have to remember, he's playing his fourth game since October last night!! His fourth game in three months and he was our best player. He's gonna be some player once he's fully up to speed.