I try to avoid immediate reactions, so 24 hours is enough to take immediate feelings out of my thinking. The worst aspect of yesterday for me was the complete lack of spirit in that team. There was no hint of togetherness, no sign of helping lift each other's spirits, no cohesion and no sign of organisation. Looking at individuals, it was also depressing. Joe Chalmers just isn't Premiership class. Jules is out of his depth and seems incapable of jumping - he's a young guy and has to learn quickly to use his physique to defend (he actually looked more comfortable going forward). I thought Ben Henegan worked hard and was our best defender and unlucky to be booked. McMillan is a young guy learning his trade. The organisation of the whole defence was non-existent - Haber was completely unmarked fir the fifth goal; unbelievable. Samson does not command his area and flaps at crosses, but is not the worst keeper we have had, but would be a number two, ideally.
Clay has progressed in my view and there is a footballer in there somewhere. Pearson is too patchy - can be great or invisible within any two minutes in the ninety. I'd still have him in the team but get on his case to use his ability more consistently. McHugh steadied the defence and I would stick him beside Henegan in the centre for the next few games. However, he did not show any signs of leadership - I think he was the Captian but only because I think he had the armband. When big Jules scored the o.g. he should have been over at him telling him to get his head up "these thing happen" but McHugh (nor any other experienced player) failed to go near him and Jules' game just went downhill. All the other 4 goals came from the Chalmers/Jules area of the defence.
Cadden now finds two guys on him most times he gets the ball and needs support and maybe to develop a few variations to his game, but is still one of the best youngsters we have had for a while. Moult is a very good striker and works very hard and we are lucky to have him, for now, while Skippy is what he is, but I think he is now thinking of warm sunshine and a cool Fosters.
Then there is the manager. I had no problem with him coming back or of how he left - he went back to where he was a club legend and for more money, so it was a no brainer. I also think the way he handled himself and, more importantly, how he led the club when Phil O'Donnell died was exemplary. However, his behaviour recently has become erratic and it must be having a negative effect on the players. So, as said elsewhere- give him the Killie game but if we get gubbed in that one, then a change is necessary. If he can turn that one round and steady the ship going forward, then change manager in the summer (but not Billy Davies, please).
An awful long post - sorry folks - but I needed to get that out my system.