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I'll be renewing. I'll support the club first and foremost, regardless of stupid managerial decisions.

Brilliant result, one of the best this season. Dundee are no mugs and have a higher budget than us, as well as some really good players. People calling for Hughes' head need to wake up. You may not agree with some of his decisions and I'm disappointed that Raven is leaving too, but the man has given us the most successful spell in our history and this season has actually been pretty decent considering the mass exodus of all our best players and the massive injury list. There's been 8 replies to this topic. If we had lost this game, there would no doubt have been page after page of people complaining and calling for Hughes to leave. Nonsense.

This decision is bigger than David Raven and the affinity that the fans hold for him and for what he has given the club, it's about the way the manager is running the team at the present moment and brings with it more questions than answers. Yes eventually the club will move on, as clubs always do, however we currently have a manager who is clearly intent on pulling in one way while the board, fans and players want to pull in another. Someone has to be wrong and something will break. I along with many others do not see this as an over reaction, it could well be the straw that breaks the camels back. Progress is made gradually and built on, success comes from progress but sitting with 8 signed up players for next season is not progress, it's a sharp decline. Has JH got the ability to bring in and retain 10-12 players of equal or better calibre than we have currently or are letting go, I think not. Would someone else have the ability to do the same if the board lose their patience in a relatively short space of time, I think not. My biggest fear is we'll end up with quantity and not quality ............................ we have to at all costs avoid becoming another St Mirren!

POY poll and other threads will be late as I will be at game.

I could not make today, but great way to end season. Good that David Raven got his chance to say farewell. After last season, I predicted 8th this season, so we beat that. A tough year in many ways, but overall probably as good as we could have expected. If anything, our home form was the let down, as 7 defeats was far too many. I saw four of them, Motherwell twice, Hamiton and United, and generally came away thinking "how did that happen". We had successes. Polworth made the breakthrough, Storey was a godsend, Draper became our key man, Tremarco has shone. Unlike some, I would give pass marks to Devine and Vigurs. Without the injuries and if Cektic had let Christie stay, top 6 would have happened. On the downside, some signings were poor, and we really need Hughes and the Board to get on the same wavelength and get players signed up. It was a real shame that some players seemed to fall out of favour, especially Raven but also Vincent and Roberts. Looking forward, I will get my season ticket and be there as often as I can, and hope we build a top 6 team and have another cup run. Most of all, we need to get back to unity, Board, Manager, players and fans all working together to make our football enjoyable and successful. But, let's not forget, I'd have taken 7th if offered in August!

Great way to round off the season. Could have been two down at the break but we were superb after the half and thoroughly deserved our goals, could have been five or six. Neat to see Raven get a run and he almost contributed to a goal and missed a header right at the death. All the best Dave, the fans have voted for you above the gaffer, says a lot about you as a person and Caley Jags player. It also said all there is to know about about Yogi.

I wish him all the best, I will always remember his winning goal in our Cup semifinal and I don't think a player will get such a warm farewell for a good few seasons if that's any concellation. The only way it could have gone any better was for him to score to make it 5-0. Just to kill off any chance of a comeback from Dundee.

If he is to be released the least the club could do would be to organize a testimonial against Liverpool, or even a Liverpool "legends" team with Dave playing a half for each side. Plenty of ex teammates would be eager to take part I'm sure.

A great result which certainly couldn't have been predicted after 45 minutes...or even after 59! The first half was reminiscent of much of our season - lots of possession and barely any clearcut chances. Dundee played on the break and had five decent opportunities, all of which they spurned. Storey's goal came from a wonderful Polworth pass in behind, the first piece of quality we'd come up with in the final third. It was a great finish, showing composure even as the keeper forced him wide. It sounds from the postmatch interview like we're working hard to convince him to stay, which would be terrific. The decision immediately afterward to replace Storey with Foran was bizarre...but I suppose the outcome justified it! Foran's lovely front post flick laid on Devine to bundle home a second, and then immediately afterward Drapes mugged Nick Ross 20 yards from goal and killed the game off with a fine finish. The pen came after some great skill by Polly, who was our best player today. I think Draper suggested to Raven that he should take it, but Raven seemed to shake his head. I don't think Foran was giving the ball up in a hurry anyway! For those who weren't there, it's worth pointing out that Dundee looked so much more likely to score at 0-0. But it's a great result and a great way to finish the season. It may have a very positive effect on season ticket renewals too...

Great result to finish off the season, 4 wins out of 5, (and how do we lose that Dundee Utd match) so we were clearly better than bottom 6, we just cocked it up with a couple of home games in March (at the same time as falling short on the Scottish Cup). Considering the horrendous start to the season, the loss of Christie and the injuries in many respects not bad. However it seems as if Yogi has used up quite a bit of credit with fans (and the board?), with some unrest over Ravens departure and perhaps Foran...although if those two events actually allowed us to sign Storey permanently and extend deals for Roberts and Mutombo, would that compensate?? I do also think he has done well with a miniscule budget, even if some tactics and comments have grated on people. Lets hope that deals get done as quick as everyone seems to want, and the summer is peaceful, from my point of view the missus is now a fan and wants to come up again, so that cool!

David Raven fans player of the season Ross Draper players player of the season I cant argue with that one

Sadly, this is the tough part of football, saying goodbye to olde friends and great servants of the club. I was devastated when Bobby Mann left. Same when Rooney, Hayes, Shinnie, Shinnie, etc etc. However, we have replaced them and went on to have our best finish ever and won the Scottish Cup. Shoot me down here, but I believe that Meekings could offer more goal threat than Raven ever did. He is powerful, he is quick and can skelp the ball.That's not to say he is my preferred choice at right back, but unfortunately he is also a better central defender than some playing there. I'm not on the Danny Devine is rubbish train as I think he has something to offer and gets overly criticised on here just because he is playing and others are not. Not many are willing to credit him when he does something good. Sadly, this is not really about one player, and about the team. If Yogi fails to better what he had, then that is the time for the long knives. Players move on for various reasons, I'm sure the truth will come out soon. All the best Dave, you have been excellent for your club and you can leave with your head held high. Others are leaving of their own choice. Get them to flip out of the side and let's look forward.

Don't think your grasping the real point being made here. I haven't actually seen anybody moaning about the league position on here it's more to do with all the crap in the behind the scenes stuff thats the real problem. No loyalty shown to players who are desperate to stay. Permanently talking down the clubs finances the area etc from the manager I could go on but it is definately not the league position that is the focal point.

Well said. I will be renewing and urge everybody to do so

No contest !!

I wonder who will get most vocal backing today, the Manager Of The Month or the right back deemed surplus to requirements.

But we all knew deep down Grant Munro was past his best. Not so David Raven

Got Dave the raves hat today it's got a little number 2 in the diamonds. Well chuffed thanks david and good luck for the future

All the best David

were you at the game??? 1st half was a bore with only 2 long range hits by tansy straight to the keeper. we started with 10-12 passes across our own 18 yd box not moving an inch forward ending with devine passing to the opposition. other moves later ended the same way. far too slow getting the ball forward I am probably quoting hughes by saying " we dominated, were the better team and BOSSED THE BALL" but no excitement for the fans in the 1st half unless you admire possession football in your own half once we got the 1st goal Dundee took off a midfielder and it changed the game, with them not as tight with their 2 banks of 4 and allowing us more space to play. nice flick header from foran for devines tap in and a **** up by Dundee on their 18 yd line gave draper a free run in on the goalkeeper to slot home. at half time never saw 4 goals coming that's for sure ravens 1st attack was a cross that tremarco should have buried at the far post, in fact he did more attacking and getting to the by line than meekings has done the last few weeks. what a plonker keeping him on the sidelines when the guy was fit. maybe a top six would have been achieved if he had played him with foran given the penalty looks like that's the last we have seen of him as well yet again on the way out heard a couple of people saying they are not renewing season tickets next season as they were bored with the style of play. no criticism of players but the managers tactics. hope he has signed steve marsella as a scout as this season showed he certainly does not have an eye for a player himself.

Many will also remember the harbingers of doom who believed that there was no life possible beyond David Bingham. Football clubs are resilient things and, hydra like, tend to produce fresh heads in abundance if any are cut off.

I'm unable to travel to this one. As a season ticket holder, can someone vote for me in the player of the year poll? A vote for David Raven, please.

He has shown he is no judge of quality. Quantity is another matter - having heard his numerous interviews over the years I believe he can count to ten.

Or another Falkirk who are only now beginning to recover from JH's mismanagement towards the end of his period in charge.

Last game of the season and seventh place and with it vital place money at stake. Some of us might not be enamoured with the manager, others are critical of the board but we are all behind the team. Let's get there in numbers to show our appreciation for the efforts of the players some of whom we will likely be seeing for the last time.

Yes

I think through time people have mistakenly merged the performances of Munro, Duncan and Tokely into one. Now Duncan and Tokely were coming to the end while McBain and Golabek were finished at this level, but Munro not so. The season prior to him leaving us he wasn't in great form but the season after (when he was no longer captain) he was a lot better. Munro could've been a big part of our squad for another couple of seasons, he didn't decline until his final season with Ross County. This belief as well that we replaced him well initially needs nipped in the bud as well. He was replaced by Tom Aldred....TOM ALDRED! And even after his hissy fit that sent him home our defence was a mess. It wasn't until signing Gary Warren a year later that Munro was truly replaced.

I am having a large Beinn Dubh relaxing after my last working day yesterday

I will as well and just hope we get some more players signed soon.

Although I am disgusted with what has happened I agree with Fraz. We support the club no matter what. Managers come and go and hopefully this one will be gone soon. Shoes off.....

Dumbfounded! We have just 8 players contracted for next season (and even one of those is suggesting he may have to leave!) yet we're not offering a contract to a proven defender that has publicly stated he wants to stay !

In tomorrow's P&J Yogi confirms Raven will be released. An absolutely repulsive decision.

Goodbye and our very best wishes, Dave - we'll never forget your goals - away to Ross County (1 yard) and the unforgettable semifinal winner (4 yards)! Sometimes, it's not the quantity that counts! Delighted he was given the send-off he deserved. The victim of a manager who would prefer to play one of our class central defenders as a makeshift right back ahead of a class right back. Go figure... You'll be missed and not forgotten.

The first half the usual dull and boring The second half just a great performance and result from the whole team A great send of for David Raven as well

That will keep your head warm at the games next winter

The thing is that Hughes is quite right with his comments. BUT - on previous history it is debatable whether he is the man to either retain or recruit the quality of player he is talking about. Also, had it not been for questionable tactics, we could have had one, or possibly two, cup finals this season.

A great result which certainly couldn't have been predicted after 45 minutes...or even after 59! The first half was reminiscent of much of our season - lots of possession and barely any clearcut chances. Dundee played on the break and had five decent opportunities, all of which they spurned. Storey's goal came from a wonderful Polworth pass in behind, the first piece of quality we'd come up with in the final third. It was a great finish, showing composure even as the keeper forced him wide. It sounds from the postmatch interview like we're working hard to convince him to stay, which would be terrific. The decision immediately afterward to replace Storey with Foran was bizarre...but I suppose the outcome justified it! Foran's lovely front post flick laid on Devine to bundle home a second, and then immediately afterward Drapes mugged Nick Ross 20 yards from goal and killed the game off with a fine finish. The pen came after some great skill by Polly, who was our best player today. I think Draper suggested to Raven that he should take it, but Raven seemed to shake his head. I don't think Foran was giving the ball up in a hurry anyway! For those who weren't there, it's worth pointing out that Dundee looked so much more likely to score at 0-0. But it's a great result and a great way to finish the season. It may have a very positive effect on season ticket renewals too... Mostly agree with this but Dundee created very little and were only given the half chances to score by poor defending by us. At half time, this looked a 0-0 banker but we did seem to step up a gear in the second half. Dundee have had a lot of plaudits this season but were very poor today and when they were last hear as well. Maybe we are due some plaudits after all by the central belt dominated media.

Fantastic reception for David Raven. I wish him every success in the future. Hope he gets a team - he certainly deserves to. Whatever is going on at the club - and there is a lot - they have two months to sort it out. Hope we see Raven back here again playing for another club.

Today's win means our home record for the season matches our away one: W7, D5, L7, so 26 points both home and away. Home GD slightly better than away now, having both been +1 prior to today's game, Despite this emphatic win, though, we still scored 4 more away goals than home this season. I'm great fun at parties, honest.

Of course football is different. Supporting the club is almost in the DNA. Managers come and go, success comes and wanes but true supporters don't stop going but that is all the more reason for clubs, managers and boards to take the views of fans into account as one of the factors in making any major decisions.

Yeh - the courier article today stated £3,570 per day over a period that starts two weeks before the tournament to the day after the team's last game. A minimum of £89,250. Hoping therefore we get him signed up and Wales make the final

...and our recruitment has been no better..

Yes we must vote for David Raven as player of the year just to show Yogi what we think. Mind you he was going to get my vote anyway.

Disgraceful and short sighted decision by a manager rapidly losing the plot but given Yogi's history at Falkirk and Hibs, sadly no surprise. The fact that this thread is now ten pages long without a dissenting voice is clear evidence that all but one think that the club's fortunes will be improved by Raven being offered a new contract. Unfortunately, that one person is the person with the ultimate say so. Dave's only crime is not having been a Hughes signing.

Just bring them along tomorrow, the Raven young team looked like they were enjoying themselves.

You should be free to express any opinion you want about the Queen or Religion in a free country without fear of imprisonment. No exceptions. Football Clubs as private institutions should be able to set house rules and kick you out for breaking them. But the Police and Courts should have absolutely nothing to do with it.

and dont forget that our wage structure has always relied on a fairly modest wage but good bonuses so cup winning money for example wont be straight into the coffers without first getting a decent slice split between the squad so the net amount will be a lot lower. No idea whether or not KC and KT are drawing a wage, but I know in the past that many of those who ran our club did not. If they are then I would say its likely deserved given our on and off field performance over the last few years.

In fairness to Hughes, April was solid (at least on paper) - good victories against Dundee United (a), Kilmarnock (h) and especially the elusive Partick Thistle (a) result, justifies the award, with only Celtic doing better. I would argue that the syle of play in some of these games was more direct, which might have been seen as a realisation from Hughes that the tikki-taka style is a non-starter, but the other 3 results would suggest that he will not budge from that philosophy: the Hamilton, Motherwell, Hearts and Dundee United (h) displays were horrendous on the whole - against DU, we went more direct after going 3 down and it worked...but too late! The message is there, JH: tweak your tactics to go a bit more direct and you get the rewards: play slow, turgid football to solely retain possession and we're scuppered.

The above sums it up excellently, however the more time has passed and I've thought about it and seen how Raven has been out of the picture rightly or wrongly for the last few months, I do want to see more of Horner. I've been critical of him at times defensively especially when he made the 2 mistakes when we drew 2-2 with DUtd earlier in the season, but he does contribute well going forwards and gets into the box and dangerous areas. Devine while making mistakes has been overall steady, he is prone to the odd error but I do wonder if this is partly due to the changes around him, we have played Horner, Warren, Meekings, Termarco & Williams in various combinations this season and I'm not convinced that Fon Williams commands and organises the defence like Brill used to - last year Devine came in with a settled Raven, Warren, Meekings, Shinnie combo around him and I think its fair to say looked very comfortable at this level. I'm not sure of the solution going forwards as Meekings isn't the best at crossing and definitely performs much better at CB alongside Warren, but then where does Devine fit in - as above he is young and a player I think has shown enough that we should keep to try develop - perhaps having a settled configuration around him will help? Not having enough cover around the park is a concern though and if Raven is a high earner and his salary can be better used to bring in a couple of youngsters as cover or shore up the top end of the park then its a means to an end hopefully. We do have a lot of under performing players or those brought in who haven't stepped up but these were gambles and cover for injuries - with the budget next year reverting back to 'normal' levels then trimming is inevitable - its a shame as I think Raven can do a job for the next 2 years and play at this level but Horner/Meekings/Devine are at an age where they will only get better whereas sadly Raven will inevitably fade. I'll be disappointed to see him go but I do hope that Yogi appreciates what he has done at the club and gives him a game on Sat so the fans can show their thanks - its the least he deserves.

There seems to be a consensus here that:- a) Josh Meekings is a better central defender than right back b) David Raven is a better right back than Josh Meekings c) Josh Meekings is a better central defender than Danny Devine d) Garry Warren looks a better player when playing alongside Meekings rather than Devine and that therefore - e) David Raven should be playing at right back and Josh Meekings should be playing in central defence. Having said that. it has rather slipped under people's radar that we have the 5th best defence in the league. We may not be able to understand the reason for current selection policy but the fact remains that our defensive record is pretty decent this year. I think some people are being a bit harsh on Danny Devine. Sure he has made some errors, but who hasn't? He has also done a lot of good work. He has started in more games than any other outfield player this year and the fact is that we would not have the defensive record we have if he was as much of a bomb scare as some would have us believe. He's an important and valuable member of our squad and it is unfortunate, to say the least, that he is being given the stick that he is in order to support the campaign to keep Dave the Rave. The fact of the matter is that we have very little defensive cover. Williams can play at left back but he is off to Dundee. A back four of Raven, Meekings, Warren and Tremarco would leave only Devine and Horner as cover. Draper and Polworth can play in defence (albeit out of position) and after that we are down to un-tested youngsters. The bottom line is that regardless of where Meekings is better or whether Raven or Devine should start, we really need both of them in the squad. The Board's recent statement indicated that the budget for next season is similar to last season's initial budget which, in turn, was significantly more than any previous manager has had to work with. Unless Hughes has something a bit special up he sleeve, then I cannot for the life of me see any reason why he isn't doing all he can to keep both these players at the club. And remember, Garry Warren is 31 and Devine only 23. Looking to the future, a central pairing of Meekings and Devine could be a very useful central partnership for years to come. The manager clearly wants to keep Devine at the club and I would certainly support that. But we need Raven too. Come on Yogi - it's a no brainer!