Good subject and post Luddite,
The timing is right as whilst predictions about how ICT would/ could get on the CHPS when we won promotion was in full swing, we had no idea what the player pool would really be come August.
I’ve not seen any match so far but the posts back from those that did indicate we are a bit away from being at the level required to compete (and importantly win) in the CHPS. Have we enough quality to replace or improve the player level from last season ? - Far too early to say however I still expect a couple of players to come through the door. Personally I believe we will be tested a lot more defensively, and whilst the goalie and back four will do the heavy lifting here, strikers and the midfield cannot go missing in this task.
Kells role in how we get on will be important. He has had 20 odd months under his belt now and gained enough experience to take the players he has to come up with the best tactics and game plan to get results, (ideally a few draws away and victories at home).
Ultimately I’m optimistic we can secure ourselves in the ‘middle-pack’ knowing promotion ain’t going to happen, but get results that keep the threatened two or three relegate teams 4 - 6 points below us.
A good season 26-27 season for me is fifth (think it’s possible). A poor one is eighth.
bc
By
big cherly ·
Whats left of existing squad
Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock)G
Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton Wanderers)CB
Kris Commons (Celtic)M
Darren Fletcher (Manchester United)M
Matt Gilks (Blackpool)G
Grant Hanley (Blackburn Rovers)D
Kenny Miller (Vancouver Whitecaps)F
Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic)D
Steven Naismith (Everton)M
Jordan Rhodes (Blackburn Rovers)S
Andy Webster (Heart of Midlothian)D
Steven Whittaker (Norwich City)D
New Additions
Andrew Shinnie (Inverness Caledonian Thistle)M
Leigh Griffiths (Hibernian)S
Liam Kelly (Kilmarnock)M
Paul Dixon (Huddersfield)D
Craig Samson (St Mirren)G
With the squad above how would you play a team
The best I can come up with is:
Bell
Whittaker, Berra, Hanley, Webster
Naismith, Kelly, Shinnie, Fletcher
Griffiths, Miller
Have left out the two Celtics cos I feel they'll drop out of the squad anyway.