Quote Originally Posted by JamesMcClean View Post
We do not need to be playing both Butcher and Powers. I thought Powers had been brought in as cover for Butcher and that they would be interchangeable. I didn’t think we’d be playing them together. Playing two holding midfielders in front of the back four at home to Arbroath and Morton is ridiculous. We’re almost playing 6-0-4 as a result with no link up between front and back. Powers additionally is slowing everything down to walking pace and never turns and goes. He is always taking a couple of touches when receiving the ball and invariably then playing it sideways. As a consequence we are giving teams loads of time to make sure they are organised into their banks of four and five. As a result we are playing everything in front of the opposition without stretching them and getting in behind. I know Powers is neat and tidy etc but he is the central issue over the last few games.


Glad someone else is saying this as it was obvious vs both Hibs and Morton at home, slows everything down, I was hoping Powers would be dynamic and mobile but he is looking a downgrade on Butch and it doesn't work them together, especially vs teams sitting in, it was like a man down vs Morton and can imagine it was the same yesterday and plays into their hands

Harkes and Butcher by contrast compliment each other when they play together and have been a successful combo for a year now which saw our results improve, really annoying that we have broken this combo up just now... As unlike the attacking 4 that saw us win 9 games being affected by injury which Daly has highlighted we didn't need to

It's something that needs addressed

When you add that to starting Pawlett who isn't playing well, Watson not being on, the full back's not at their best (Robson was excellent pre injury but nowhere near it yet) , McMullan off the boil, Appere missing then no surprise really that we dropped pts and lost the cup tie

Think the break will help though.