OK - Here is how I responded to my mate's learned coach friend:
I feel that we were brought up on the attacking principles of Pele when we went to win games first and foremost. Those were the most entertaining days but we would probably be a forever mid table Division 1 club for the rest of our history if we stuck to those tactics. Then along came Robbo and built in a more defence minded concept and we became harder to beat and score against but retained an attackin aura. And it paid dividends.
The fact that we could not survive in the SPL using such a response began to seep in very quickly and we developed the hit on the break philosophy. Along came Brew and added the fitness element which made us harder to beat.
I feel that we are now stuck in that mould and crave for players like Blobby Mann, Bingo, Juanjo, a younger Bazza, Robson - who could excite and turn a game with a single pass or a piece of skill. SURVIVAL is and always will be our first and foremost target - only when we hit safety can we relax - and that is usually close to the end of the season.
When this season have you seen a "magic" moment or a touch of class that took yer breath away? The second half at Killie had some good football without that killer touch and the last 20 minutes against Falkirk is the most stirring I have seen for almost a year.
And that was a lot to do with Rankin, Sutherland and Rory. Our "ball" players or skill "men" are all learning their trade. Rankin, Zander, Rory, Munro and Ian Black can only improve - so we survive until they blossom. If only we had a fit 30 year old Bingham or Robson or Juanjo or even Blobby mixed in there we would be a team to scare the pants off the present SPL crew. I just hope that when safety is looming this season that we go to a more attacking formation and go for the team for the future.
What we need in the "window" is a cultured defender to replace Dods.