starchief

Phil Bardsley has been called up. I thought he looked pretty good when he was at Rangers for that loan spell (although not as good as Hutton who he replaced). His career stalled a bit after being sent home for 'tackling' during practice (imagine a defender wanting to practice his art as well ) but seems to be settling down now with Sunderland. I think the international arena is completely shot with Brazilians etc playing for the likes of Germany but a Scottish father doesn't seem to bad. That can still be a very strong bond.

I know some will say a step down but, bloody hell, Malta! Great place. Been there a couple of times. I'll take a step down if I get to live over there.

Today I had this amazing hot cinnamon and walnut, um, bakery thing. I thought it was going to be just a small little muffin-esque but instead it was a huge mass of sugar, dough, syrup and nuts. Absolutely delicious. And my blood sugar was, well, actually, it was huge

I honestly think Bell is the most exciting keeper we've had since Gordon. I expect great things of him. Good call on Naismith. I never thought he'd get back to form after the injury he got a couple of years ago. Perhaps all he needed was to play regularly. He's certainly the in-form player at the moment.

Dumfries is a mirror image in many ways. The centre of everything in it's vicinity. No other major city that easy to get to but not that far away either (although with Dumfries that is due to some terrible transport links - a major centre in Scotland yet the train service is appalling!) Picturesque river running through the town centre. The old a stone's throw from the new. Amazing scenery on the doorstep (The Scottish Uplands are hideously under-rated). Unfortunately, whilst Inverness was growing into a bit of a cosmopolitan city, Dumfries went backwards into a bit more of a Glasgow backwater with higher unemployment and lack of interest. Shame really. It's got so much potential.

No chance of Martin but I remember a rumour about Michael O'Neill a few days ago, who is being lauded in Ireland.

I think Hughes is a decent manager but he took Hibs as far as he could. He'd do well in most other jobs but this was just too big for him. Outside of the OF, I think Hibs have the third best team man-for-man, with only really Dundee United able to rival that (Hearts a step behind). They need someone that can take full advantage of the talent they have. Jimmy Calderwood is probably the man. Took the perennial relegation candidates of Dunfermline into Europe, same with Aberdeen. For some reason, he gets a hard time from some fans but I think he's a real talent. Mowbray would probably be a fans favourite but I can't see this backwards step. Anyone else spring to mind?

I take it that's it's a political decision to leave out McGregor? For me, he has to be in there based on his form for Rangers and the last Scotland game he played in. And I'm not a journalist, so sticking two fingers up to Jim Traynor and his ilk doesn't offend me in the slightest (and yet, you have Weir in after what he did to the Scotland team). There's no way Gordon is fit enough. Dorrans would also struggle to last 90 mins at the moment. I wouldn't have Scott Brown as a defensive mid. He can't read a game or pass a ball. His strength is in box-to-box, hence why he played well alongside genuine def mids like Hartley and Thomson. So mine would be: McGregor Hutton - McManus - Berra - Whittaker McCulloch Robson - Fletcher - Adam - Morrison* Miller *although Derek Riordan deserves to be in the squad at least.

You also have to remember we are more likely to sell than buy in the transfer window.

McGhee was constantly slagging off his players last season. Looked how that worked for him? Why would the ones today want to play for him when his attitude is of one that basically says they're only in because there's no-one else. That may be true but I don't think another manager would say it. His man management is extremely poor as is his relationship with supporters. I'd hate Mr Negative to be in charge of my club. The Dons never knew how lucky they were to have Calderwood. Top 6 and Europe every year instead of the struggle with relegation before and after his reign.

Apparently Mark McGhee is "not in the least bit worried" about 1 point in 15 as he doesn't have his full squad available. I actually think the SPL should take that into consideration if they finish bottom. Poor little Dandies with those big boys hurting them

Who was it that scythed down someone but only got a ?

Oh, and anyone know the formation? I'm guessing: Esson Duff - Tokely - Munro - Shinnie Duncan - Ross Hayes - Odi - Foran Rooney

BBC working fine for me. Try going to the Radio Scotland or Radio Nan Gaidheal page and listening from there (maybe because I'm abroad it defaults to OAM mind you)

Derek Riordan and Cammy Bell should be in it. Shame there's no Hartley* on the form that he's on. *just to add, I know he's injured

But there's a big difference with us, most other clubs (certainly in the SFL and outside the OF/Hearts) and Dundee. We are all struggling on a shoestring. Wages have gone up, costs have gone up, so we're finding it all difficult to manage. If that was the case with Dundee, then they would have my sympathies - after all, even budget sides like Cowdenbeath, Clyde, Stranraer, Stirling etc are really struggling with current financial climate - but it's not. The Dundee Board should have been asking "How can Dundee survive in the SFL whilst owing over quarter of a million in tax?" Instead they're thought was "How can we get promoted soon as?" So they get more loans in to buy expensive players on top wages (weren't they the highest spending club outside Celtic last year?). They spent more than an SFL club should have if it was being prudent. Dundee aren't struggling due to the lack of tv revenues or away support. They're struggling due to simply spending too much money, believing the SPL will beckon with revolution, rather than evolution. And the big word that negates any feelings of sympathy... ...AGAIN!

'Original Poster' - the one who started the thread

Sheez! Democracy doesn't work in politics, what we need are more dictators. Spoken like the true loathsome individual he is.

The Highland Curse strikes again?

Ross County! So that's why he's so keen for us to offload Adam Rooney and get Nogoals in. I can't see any reason for an RC fan to speak to a St Mirren player. Maybe he was on his way to Clyde Thistle, Dumfries United or whatever those little teams are called that they play in the minor leagues.

Does he not want to be here? Is it he or the Board that's being unreasonable? Does Butcher think the demands are excessive? Is there even a conflict or just a rumour? Seems overly negative with such little info.

Do we know about the injury status of McCann, Proctor, Golabek and Innes yet?

A good win considering we now only have Tokely and Munro as established defenders (I don't think we can count Shinnie as 'established' yet)

Got it wrong anyway (not sure how) - 6th at the moment. I'll settle for that