Murphy

[The Beautiful South]

Unfortunately we seem to have found Bartley mark 2. Sick of hearing his excuses, whether it is injuries, it was too windy and now it's the pitches fault. We are too defensive in our approach to each game and we don't have the players to change a game when we go a goal behind. Regarding his comments about the fans getting behind the team, we have had three televised games, which is the best possible chance to encourage more fans back, but we were poor in all these games. We will be lucky to see an attendance of 900 next week. Last seasons league had stronger teams so there is no excuse for Murphy for us regularly under performing.

[aloreburn]

Unfortunately we seem to have found Bartley mark 2. Sick of hearing his excuses, whether it is injuries, it was too windy and now it's the pitches fault. We are too defensive in our approach to each game and we don't have the players to change a game when we go a goal behind. Regarding his comments about the fans getting behind the team, we have had three televised games, which is the best possible chance to encourage more fans back, but we were poor in all these games. We will be lucky to see an attendance of 900 next week. Last seasons league had stronger teams so there is no excuse for Murphy for us regularly under performing.

You must of read my mind. Was just going to post something similar. I?m beginning to wonder if he is the right man unfortunately. Our current form is ridiculous and he must approach the game in a different way or we?re staying in league one despite making some decent signings. Yes the injuries are unfortunate but we should be doing so much better.

[Spikefaethesouth]

To blame the pitch for long ball football then play the three smallest forwards to me is bizarre. Why not McIntosh who can at least be a target man who can link up play from the balls pumped forward? How we were so much better a month or so ago you wonder where that had gone and question Murphy if this is a step to far for him but somehow we are still in touch with the top of the division so he really now needs to show us all that he can do the job he has been entrusted with. Where has the spirit gone as I believe we have the players that should be dominating games against the likes of Dumbarton regardless of the state of the pitch?

[jardi]

To blame the pitch for long ball football then play the three smallest forwards to me is bizarre. Why not McIntosh who can at least be a target man who can link up play from the balls pumped forward? How we were so much better a month or so ago you wonder where that had gone and question Murphy if this is a step to far for him but somehow we are still in touch with the top of the division so he really now needs to show us all that he can do the job he has been entrusted with. Where has the spirit gone as I believe we have the players that should be dominating games against the likes of Dumbarton regardless of the state of the pitch?

Firstly, - I will completely agree with everyone on here that the pitch excuse is simply not acceptable.

However, - I have a lot of sympathy for the manager when it comes to injuries, - and who could have foreseen 3 hamstring injuries last Saturday?

Nevertheless, - we have to play with what we have got and bring back the fighting spirit, - because my God you will see Inverness coming to Palmerston having been deducted 15 points and losing most of their players, - and what will the excuse be when they beat us? The pitch was too big? the opposition were too strong? the weather was too wet and windy? - one look at next Saturday's weather chart is that it will be horrific, - and the ICT bus might get stuck in the Drumochter pass.

No, - we have to stop making excuses and come up with strategies to cope with any eventualities.

Having said all that, - Queens are still just 4 points off the top.

A 700 attendance is in prospect on Saturday, - given their dreadful form, the appalling forecast and the fact that Inverness will bring 25 fans, - so it is up Mr Murphy to come up with a plan to beat ICT. Will he? I think sadly, that Inverness are favourites, - and that must change.

[Threefivetwo]

In all honesty, it's better to offer no excuse at all than a poor one.

Every person/team experiences some sort of adversity in life (looks at Saturdays opponents for example). You can either cry and make said excuses or getting with it. How you deal it maketh the man in my opinion. There's always an excuse for everything in this modern world.

Think being just 4 points off the top says more about the league Jardi, however I can see where you're coming from. Amazing that top is so close.

I'll whisper it again, but I don't see a great deal of improvement from last year. Couple of points better off but when you take into account Falkirk we're pumping everyone, it's nothing really

[jardi]

I think to be fair, - there s a lot of betterment all round, and if it weren't for the high number of injuries Queens would be doing a lot better, - well probably 4 or 5 points better.

However, - I will concede that there is a stubborness about Murphy which is contributing to our lack of points on the board.

A blind man can see that this league is for the taking, - and all that is required is for one team to take things by the scruff of the neck and give it a good shaking. Queens could easily do that with the personnel on the pitch, - but I wonder if the manager will be able to give himself a shake? Let's hope so.

[Threefivetwo]

I'll agree its better all round off the pitch butvon the pitch, I'm afraid I'm just not seeing it. I get everyone has their own opinion on things and that is very much mine. Ever dwindling crowds and a definite apathy around the place don't lie and pint to something being very wrong.

Even without said injuries, it's been poor. I get that, again, it's an opinion of mine but one I'm more than happy to share.

[jardi]

Totally with you Threefivetwo, - especially with regards to dwindling crowds, - but there are positive shoots there.

Perhaps another way of looking at things is that every club in the first division has raised their game this year, - which leads to everyone cancelling each other out, - hence why so few points separate 8 clubs, - and all 10 if two hadn't been docked 15 points.

The one thing I'm seeing though is that Inverness is flying under the radar, - and if we're not careful, - not only will they avoid relegation, - they'll be vying for a top four spot!

[The Beautiful South]

Even allowing for our injury list we have been very disappointing. Our ultra cautious approach to games is unattractive to watch. I'd much rather watch a game where we get beat 4-3 than 1-0. Fair enough if survival in the league is your only objective but we should be trying to gain automatic promotion or at worst a top four position, therefore, a more attack orientated mindset is required ASAP.

[jardi]

Even allowing for our injury list we have been very disappointing. Our ultra cautious approach to games is unattractive to watch. I'd much rather watch a game where we get beat 4-3 than 1-0. Fair enough if survival in the league is your only objective but we should be trying to gain automatic promotion or at worst a top four position, therefore, a more attack orientated mindset is required ASAP.

Happy with that proposal!