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Showing content with the highest reputation on 08/09/2014 in all areas
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
5 pointsThat was enjoyable. We played some nice stuff at times today, with Christie, Williams and McKay linking up well in attack, Shinnie breaking forward dangerously and and Tansey dictating things from the base of midfield. It undoubtedly helped that we seemed to be gifted a goal so early on though - I didn't really see what happened beforehand, but all of a sudden McKay was on his own at the corner of the box and was able to lob McGovern neatly. Towards the end of the first half and for the first 15-20 minutes of the second the inventiveness went out of our play a bit and Hamilton had a bit more of the game, but Marley Watkins coming on swung the momentum back to us - he looked really up for it and threatened a few times, most notably when, after cutting in from the right, he almost scored with a wicked shot that McGovern did well to touch onto the bar. I'd like to see him start against Dundee, possibly instead of Vincent who was the least effective of our attacking midfielders, but if not, he's certainly a great impact player to have. Doran was much less effective when he came on and still looks like he's carrying a bit of excess summer weight. Encouraging stuff then, but Accies were probably the ideal opening team for us - they looked nervous, gave the ball away too easily and also didn't really take advantage by pressing the ball when we were playing all the languid possession stuff. A more experienced team, more familiar with our players, would probably have managed to capitalise on that period where our level dropped more effectively, and that way losing control of games lies. Presumably the players and management will be mindful of that in future games though. Someone I was with at the game mentioned that today was a bit reminiscent of our first ever SPL game, when we were easily beaten by a pretty efficient and experienced Livingston team, and I reckon it'll take a few games before we get a proper gauge of how we're going to match up in the league this year. Incidentally, the Hamilton Young Team trying to noise up some Canadian children's sports team at Hamilton West post-match was the most embarrassing thing I have ever seen. What a sorry bunch.5 points
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
4 pointsToday was the first chance that I've had to see ICT since the end of last season and i'm impressed by the progression being made to adapt to Yogi's philosophy and style. We started off as shown below with Vincent, Christie and Williams often moving into each other positions to give us a fluid formation. This worked a treat as the players looked comfortable moving with each other and Hamilton found it hard to pick up the players as they dragged the defenders out of their positions. The most pleasing aspect of this for me was that when we did lose the ball, we quickly regained our 4-2-3-1 shape which we know is hard to break down. Starting formation Brill Raven Meekings Warren Shinnie Draper Tansey Vincent Christie Williams Mckay Meekings and Warren both seem to have developed a better understanding of what Yogi is trying to do and they were both more than happy to have the ball and pass it across the back four and at the right times, playing it into Tansey and Draper who were always dropping deep to ask for the ball. Raven and Shinnie played noticeably higher up the pitch (which suits them both) almost as wing-backs which pinned the Hamilton wingers back and allowed the centre halves time on the ball. This was particularly noticeable from goal kicks when the below formations was adopted. The ball was very rarely punted long due to Meekings and Warren splitting to the side of the box and allowing Tansey/Draper to drop deep and receive the ball. Occasionally, Christie came deep to pick up the ball with Vincent and Williams dropping inside. This allowed space for Raven and Shinnie to get up the wing. From Goal Kicks Brill Meekings Tansey Warren Raven Shinnie Draper Christie Vincent Mckay Williams One of my worries with Yogi has been the lack of a 'Plan B' however, there was definitely a change of style once the subs (in particular Watkins and Doran) were brought on today. Although possession was still the main focus, the supporting three stuck to their positions, provided width and we saw the end of the inter changing positions. Although this isn't a change of formation I'd certainly class it as a 'Plan B' and it fills me with confidence that we seem to have more than one system. Introduction of Watkins, Doran & Ross Brill Raven Meekings Warren Shinnie Draper Tansey Watkins Ross Doran Mckay Overall, impressive performance today but there is a long way to go and still a lot of work to be done. Hamilton were very poor today and against a stronger team we may need to raise the speed of our forward play. The key to this style of play is patience and realising that when we choose to go back to the keeper, rather than go forward, we are choosing to place a higher emphasis on possession to stop the opposition having the ball. We killed the game today by keeping the ball which worked a treat. Today was great to watch and the players looked delighted at full time and long may it continue. Top 6 and cup final is still very much achievable. Bring on Dundee4 points
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
3 pointsExcellent - well done lads! Tricky opening, comfortably negotiated. I will say this - if the Hughes style works out, it'll be the tastiest humble pie I've ever eaten!3 points
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
3 pointsFor goodness sake the first game of the season, we are winning two nil. Do you think you can hold back on the sarcasm just for a wee while ?3 points
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
2 pointsI think maybe he did! He definitely did and I'm glad he has, just hope it carries on this way2 points
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Hughes comments
2 pointsastounded by negativity before a ball is kicked. 1st priority every season is enough points to stay up. I hope and dream we win a treble this season but if it's not to be (and it's highly unlikely) I'll shrug my shoulders and settle for still being in SPL in 38 games time to regroup and go again. Just as long as we've given it a right good go.2 points
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
2 pointsDespite being generally underwhelmed by JH's tenure so far (with the exception of keeping the squad together and signing new deals) if our next 75 halves of football are just like that one I'll start the fund to build a statue in his honour.2 points
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
2 pointsWin: The team is doing really well! Draw: We should of won that one. Lose: HUGHES' STYLE OF PLAY DOESN'T SUIT OUR TEAM! :)2 points
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
2 pointsIain Auld @auldyboy 8m Happy new season. Join me on MFR 2 for live commentary of @acciesfc @ICTFC on 1107am, DAB digital or http://radioplayertwo.mfr.co.uk/live/ Auldy boy just posted this on twitter.2 points
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What position would be acceptable this season
Acceptable for me is seeing the lads going out and giving 100% every week.....and it's been a long time since we failed in that regard. Do that and, other than the odd dodgy decision by the ref, we'll get our just rewards. Can't ask for more than that, IMO.2 points
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Hughes comments
2 pointsstorm in a teacup IMHO .... What Hughes says to the press and what he says to the players are two different things and most of it is open to interpretation depending on your particular viewpoint. What really matters occurs on that big green space in front of the dugout and that's what I will judge him on ........2 points
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AWAY DAYS - TRAVEL THREAD
1 pointThe first bus of the season will depart for Hamilton at 08:45 from The Caley Club in Grieg Street and 09:00 from Tulloch caledonian Stadium. Pick up in Aviemore and a stop at Broxden. Price is still an amazingly good value £15 per person so phone John on 07951309504 to book your self on the bus. Please do it soon, so that we can get a good idea of numbers. Remember that we can only keep running buses if you keep using them. Thanks for your continuing and brilliant support.1 point
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
1 pointA win, a clean sheet, 2 well taken goals, and a controlled performance. Cant ask for much more than that on the opening day. I will admit I was disappointed Marley and Doran were dropped though while Vincent was pretty woeful on the wing I thought Danny Williams had an excellent game. Got some good crosses in and was unlucky not to score himself leading up to Ryans goal. Was really impressed at how quickly we got at Hamilton. Christie wasted a good chance right at the start but within 10 minutes we were already ahead. Suicidal defending from Devlin but Billy was quick to react and his lob was expertly executed. Accies couldnt get the ball off us. It may not have been the most exciting but we played the game at our own temp and at times the boys seemed to make it look effortless. The 2nd goal was well worked. Draper played a lovely ball through for Williams whos shot was saved and left Ryan Christie with the simple task of poking it over the line. 2-0 up and in total control. Redmond skied a glorious chance just before half time and then Deano made a terrific full stretch save from him just on half time. Watkins came on 2nd half and smashed the bar and called McGovern into a great stop late one while earlier Tansey had seen a decent free kick palmed away. Accies sent on Curier who was the first player to make it in behind our back line but again Deano thwarted him with an excellent stop. Was really impressed with the shape today. As said we never really looked out of control. Accies were very poor and the gulf in class was clear. Mckay and Christie linked up well and Williams and Shinnie provided a potent threat on the left and Marley and Doran came on to stretch the game later on and did just that. I thought the back four looked as tight as it has looked in recent times. With the exception of maybe 2 or 3 occasions we were rarely troubled and Accies eventually resorted to desperate pot shots. The only worrying aspect for me today was Vincent. I feel for the guy because he is being played in a position he looks totally lost in and everyone seems to see it but his manager. The guy is much better suited to the middle of the park and he wont get any better on the wing. Was nice to be back in the away day swing of things. Was good fun. Looking forward to more of the same. No better way to start than topping the league - roll on 14/151 point
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
1 pointI couldn't disagree more with post #65 if I tried, but it's all about opinions I suppose. If you found that 1st half boring, I don't know where you want to watch your football, but I'd suggest it aint the SPFL. Anyways, the first half was hugely impressive and we had something around 75% of possession. Hamilton didn't know how to cope with us and couldn't have complained if we'd put 3 or 4 past them. I know, one of their Directors told me. Vincent was responsible for at least three or four break up tackles that resulted in us pouring forward with a purpose that was a joy to behold. Christie was quite brilliant in that first half and linked well with Billy. With a bit of luck he could have had a hat trick. The second half was never going to be easy to sustain the same level of threat and didn't chane until Doran and Watkins came on. Marley had their entire back 4 on toast from minute 1, and Doran very nearly won us a penalty. Overweight? think not. A great start t the season and on this display, I'd fully expect 6 points in the bag by thursday. Right, I'm off - my grandson's just woken up and I'm babysitting.1 point
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
1 pointExcellent win to give has a great start to the season. It's a good position to be in when you have players such as Watkins and Doran on the bench who can come on to make a big impact.1 point
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
1 pointEasy win and clean sheet against a newly promoted team away on astro turf. Not bad.1 point
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What position would be acceptable this season
10th or better. I used to be 11th or better but the play offs threat has raised my expectations..1 point
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
1 pointYes, a great start from what could have been a really tricky opener for us. I'm looking forward to seeing the comments/reports from our fans who were at the game. As TBB said above, the table looks very pretty this evening. Long may it continue.1 point
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
1 point
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Hamilton v Inverness CT
1 point
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Summer transfer targets
1 point
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Hughes comments
1 pointNot going to judge Hughes till I've seen how things pan out this season but I have my own interpretation on the quoted statement. One that could just as easily have been misquoted for press sensationalism. "I'm a great believer in that you'll always finish where you deserve to finish and I think we'll win more games than we lose next season. "If we stay up then we'll be happy and anything else is a bonus. That's playing down our chances, we'll let everyone else tell everyone what they're going to do." The statement in bold is one I've heard our fans say on more than one occassion in the past so lets say that Hughes actually said ---- I've heard people say if we stay up then we'll be happy and anything else is a bonus but thats playing down our chances. Lets all give the guy a chance and judge him on results at Inverness and not on results at other clubs.1 point
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Summer transfer targets
1 pointPretty uninspiring stuff to not pick up at least one attacking player, for another option if nothing else. Even if it was a loan to give Billy some competition1 point
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Hughes comments
1 pointAre you seriously suggesting that if he said the things you mention, it would encourage more people to attend matches. In my opinion, the people of Inverness just do not want to come out in numbers to support the team each week. Even when we were plating really attractive football, scoring goals and at the top of the league at the start of last season, the crowds did not pick up. Unless people start coming along on a more regualr basis, we will have more seasons outwiith the top 6 than within down to purely financial issues that could be helped if more supporters came through the gates.1 point
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Hughes comments
1 pointIf anyone has read any of my posts about Yogi you may be surprised by my take on this. I think his interviews can come over very differently when written down than in the way it was actually said. It's hard to show a smile or a tongue in cheek remark that has been implied when in the written press.1 point
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Hughes comments
1 pointIm sorry but this is turning into a witch hunt of Hughes. The majority have been against his appointment and then since then anything that he can be criticised about they have got there teeth stuck in. So what if he says that a lot of people said the same thing before last season who assumed our first finish in the top 6 was a one off. Im sure Hughes knows we are capable of better and I remember him saying he wants to take us back to the final after last years so i'm sure he does have greater ambitions.1 point
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What position would be acceptable this season
We have a quality and hard-working squad. Top six should be a minimum. Any less than that should fall at the manager's door.1 point
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What position would be acceptable this season
Heart says top six, head says avoid relegation. Should always be the first target of our season to stay in this league1 point
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Supporters Bus for Hamilton
1 pointHearach, there will be a bus as per usual for each away game, including Hamilton. John will post details asap.1 point
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