starchief

:017: :017: :017: But on our presumed budget, could you do better? I'd be more confident in Wilson and Deuchar than Dods and Dargo before they signed. Mensing's better than Duncan. Snodgrass is a decent player that will only get better but nowhere near the current quality required (maybe in 3 years time!). But, I ask, can you do better on our budget?

Been having this debate over on the Scotsman's site where a Hibs fan asked me to describe Rankin: "Technically gifted left-sided midfield attacking player with a rocket for a shot. Expert at set plays. Sometimes gets criticised for not putting in enough effort but that's b@**@cks. What they mean is he doesn't tackle back much but so what? Russell Duncan does that all the time but never gets forward. Different type of player. Was signed by Manchester United as a youth. He's maybe similar to someone like Buffel at Rangers, though not as good (but, then again, I rate Buffel a lot higher than Walter Smith does!). Bit like your Boozy or Zammamma but more 'Scottish/British' if you know what I mean (not so much flair, bit more controlled aggression)." Assuming Duncan and Rankin leave (and our purchases are to be cheap cheap cheap), my team would be: Fraser, Tokely Munro (Scott Wilson from Dunfermline) Hastings, (Mensing from Motherwell) Cowie Black (Owen Morrison from Dunfermline or Robert Snodgrass from Livingston), Niculae (Deuchar from Gretna) Subs: ?, Proctor, McGuire, Hart, Barry Wilson, Paateleinen, Bayne, Wyness I think Paateleinen is more cover for Niculae rather than Rankin myself. (and I'm not overly pleased with those midfield purchases either but lets face it, that's the level we will go for)

Chants of the week "We couldn't sell you on ebay!" Grimsby Town fans to ex-keeper Anthony Williams. Pretty sure the Man Utd fans tried to sell Darren Fletcher on ebay at one point :024: Yep, for one pence! A chant about that was also pretty popular. BTW, I don't think you can blame John Rankin for preparing to leave by selling his house after his boss basically said "Prepare to leave, I don't want you anymore - get yourself a new club." I wouldn't be hanging around in that position either. Especially when, no doubt, my new employer would probably offer me more money and better prospects. And in my book "we would be willing to listen to offers for Rankin come the transfer window" is the same as "we want to sell him". Has Brewster anyone in mind to replace him? Markus has still to prove himself at this level so I hope we're not relying on him (though he looks a decent player).

Deuchar only returned to Gretna last month after scoring a hatful for St Johnstone. His one goal makes him Gretna's joint second top scorer! Besides that, he's regularly scored in all the divisions, plus for my old haunt of Northampton. So, as I said, he has scored at every level and I think would be Gretna's top scorer had they not fallen out with him. :016:

I'd like us to sign a pre-agreement with Kenny Deuchar. Proven goalscorer at every level (when Gretna have stopped falling out with him).

I think we are a bottom six club until we get to the top six. I know it sounds obvious but really we are just hoping to go a bit higher rather than expecting it. And I must say, I like that we don't have unnecessarily high expectations and appreciate what we have. I'm proud of what ICT has achieved on a modest budget with small crowds. Compare that with Peterhead, Brentford, Livi or even Newcastle. Chris

Bit unfair surely. As far as I can see, he was told he was going, rather than requested to leave. For my money, he's our most dangerous midfielder and we'll really miss him. Let's hope the likes of Arbroath or East Stirlingshire have got someone tucked away, as I can't see us going for anyone even in the First Division, never mind the SPL (though knowing us, we'll still have to wait 'til they are on a Bosman)! Chris

From that article, it sounds to me like all the Saints need to do is match the price we paid for a 1st Division footballer, who's now an established SPL player. :33:

Grew up a Rangers fan but, when I moved to England for University, realised just how disgusting the bigotry was. Supported St Mirren then as they were my closest team but they never really did it for me. I had moved to Inverness and liked Clach but when the merger happened, ICT became my main team. As it was, ICT's first match was against St Mirren, so had to declare my allegiance straightaway. Living in Egypt, I also support Ismailia. They're like the Aberdeen to the Old Firm of Zamalek and Ahly. In England, I've also flirted around the teams. Notts Forest (success) and West Ham (family) as a boy, then Everton as they seemed full of Scots. Also, follow some teams due to their players or manager (e.g. Matt le Tissier, Paul Sturrock's Plymouth) Chris

He's on good money at the moment and I'm sure could renegotiate his contract too. He's probably enjoying competing in Europe and for titles. Something he won't do at Spurs. If he continues to play well, then he'll get at least that deal offered to him again. If he goes backwards (I'd suggest unlikely), then he's still playing for one of Europe's biggest clubs. To me, he just can't lose. I'm still shocked Hutton's playing at right-back. Move him into a rampaging midfielder and he's be worth even more! Chris

Seems to me he's been temporarily promoted. Never really understood the criticism Frail got considering his lack of power and influence. Chris

Missed them myself but....um, mininova....? Chris

1. Celtic 2. Rangers (the real battle now) 3. Aberdeen 4. Hearts 5. Hibs (these three could be in any position) 6. Dundee Utd (Levein's got them going now) 7. Kilmarnock (I think 8-10 in any order - couple of games can make all the difference) 8. Inverness 9. Motherwell 10. Falkirk (and the battle for relegation...) 11. Gretna 12. St Mirren (sorry Saints - my nearest team but you just don't have the players this season) Chris