Stirling Observer

You need the right players to play formations. Doran and Cole as wingbacks is not going to work. The two of them both really struggle with defensive duties further up the park as it is. Polworth could be a wingback and maybe tremarco but that would mean dropping draper to centre defence or bringing in Brown, an unexperienced player. I think leaving polworth right back would be more sensible than shifting every one else around. But also means its more likely Foran will stick with Vigurs which is eternally frustrating. As someone said, the team will hard to predict, depends who is fit. A fully fit squad would cause for some debate. I dont think I can ever remember us having so many strikers. I wouldnt drop Doumbouya, he scored in the previous game (confidence) and his physicality could rattle an inexperienced Keown or Barton who is naturally a midfielder it seems. These next two home games are massive

As Richie said in his interview most of the team are proven at this level. For a few season the core of the team has been Warren and Meekings with Draper and Tansey in front of them. Go back to this. Punt Vigurs. Sure, technically he is possibly our best player but a central midfielder needs mobility when he severely lacks (or the motivation to be mobile). Even putting Vigurs as an attacking midfielder is a problem as he wont make runs beyond the striker. The whole point of the 4-2-3-1 formation is the 3 have the freedom to make runs beyond the lone striker which has rarely happened this season. Draper was successful in that role because he would make those runs. I have generally agreed with most of Richies team selections and I am positive for the future despite our position but for me the main issue is Vigurs. Drop him and I think it will improve the team greatly.

Always pretty tough making an impact after joining half way through the season. Don't think he's any better than what we have already so not overly excited by it. From what I remember he could play out wide or up top. A winning goal at BB would go down nicely, last minute preferably!

Question with so many variables...luck probably the most important one.

Due to the nature of the league now, the positions of teams does not really matter. One win or loss can catapult you up or down. I believe at the moment with the current number of injuries and suspensions it is time to change the style and dig in, play as a defensive unit and get points, draws are fine (a point doesn't sound like much but it stops the team we are playing gaining on us, an odd ugly win is more than welcome as well. Once we have our full squad back then we can change to a more attacking style. I don't necessarily mean change the players - because we cant really but change to roles of each player in certain circumstances. I fully expect to be bottom by the turn of the year due to our injuries. However as long as we are in striking distance of a pack of 3/4 teams I will not be too bothered and would expect when we have our best 11 fit, we will pick up enough points to climb the league again.

Good thread. I think injuries have contributed to some extent. Our full backs have picked up lots of injuries which affects the cohesion. I agree that we miss drapers steel in there. Although his performance against Aberdeen was below par, perhaps he's become used to playing further forward. Vigurs and tansey tactically don't protect the defence enough. Agree one of the defensive two in midfield must include draper or Polworth. The worrying thing the games iv been too the Fonze has made some cracking saves to keep the scores at only 2/3. League is going to be the closest it's ever been I think. Every win will be crucial. Every injury or suspension will affect our squad. (See County-Boyce)

I didn't think it was a foul at the time and still don't watching the replay. I was frustrated at the ref not stopping play after a meaty challenge and a player writing on the ground as a result after he had stopped play for Maddison after his horrific, bone breaking bump with one of our players. His job is to protect the players, he messed up these incidents badly. The only ones booing Shinnie were probably the young ains, he was probably there first love football player wise, and the first one to break your heart always hurts the most. I was the same when Wilson went to Livi. Most others can accept it's part of the game, especially for the small fish like us. As long as they gave their all for us, left us respectfully then they don't deserve any abuse in my opinion.

You need to remember these guys are human (and normally a long way from home). I wasn't at the game but if he applauded the travelling support then I would have no qualms with him having a brief chat with friends or family from the other end, perhaps people he has not seen in a long time. Different story if he applauds the green brigade and ignores the away support due to allegiances.

I don't feel particularly comfortable wearing ICT co!ours in Inverness. Strange but just the vibe I get.

Decent window. Richie has brought in players in the positions we the fans have been asking for. I remember when Hughes signed Vigurs and it seemed more of a convenience signing than a methodical signing, as a result we have 4 similar centre halves trying to squeeze into the team. Now we are looking a lot more balanced. Now it's whether the new signings are quality or not. If they are and the squad stay free of injury it could be an exciting season ahead. If not...a struggle awaits.

Very well done! I won't be able to go, but I hope plenty others can make the trip. £7.50 each way to Hamilton, nae bad!

Pep had an awful start at Barca, he turned out nae bad.

After some yogi bashing over performances and raven-gate I still wanted him in charge next season and was willing to give him a chance to rebuild but now he has gone I'm not really bothered. He deserves credit for taking butchers team, changing the style of play and reaping the benefits (3rd and cup winners). He tried to play the same way with his replacements and with key players out injured and it didn't work. I am pleased the board has been strong. All this lack of ambition chat is tedious. We had our most successful season ever last season, what was the increase in attendances? To have a bigger budget will involve years and years of engaging kids in Inverness with the club so they get hooked and so do the next generation. Adding a few more hundred or thousand onto the gate won't happen overnight it will take decades. Get used to better players and managers moving on, it's football.

I remember him as a winey youngster with a lot to learn coming from Rangers. Could have easily dropped out the game soon after. He showed glimpses of talent but a bad temperament/attitude. Came back from a loan deal Fofar I think a much improved player. Continually improved throughout his career winning international caps and trophies. Apparently he was a great trainer. Lot of respect for Barry, worked his way to the top and deserved the success he earned. A great example for young players released from big clubs who drop down the leagues

Plagued by injuries, lack of width, disappointing but acceptable

It's been a problem all season trying to fit 4 central midfielders into the team. It was okay to play Vigurs and Polworth out wide when we had no natural wide men available. But it's a questionable decision when you have on form wide men available and you play players out of position ahead of them. Still, we won.

The red dot distress #firstworldproblems

Just seen the goals, two nice assists from mutombo. Tremarco showing some composure in front of goal, at last. Awful defending from the corner, for meekings to side foot in a corner from 7 yards out with noone near him is really amatuer stuff. Good cross and finish for the 4th. Let's finish the season strong and seal 7th spot...with more points than county!

Apparently Dunfermline have make a very very generous offer. I imagine that's us out the running before even anyone else bids.

I would be keen if no one else wants it

Ah, missed the Doran comment. I would hope Doran will be signed on a reduced wage. Big gamble given his injuries. Can't see many clubs after him for this very reason

My interpretation of yogis comments is Raven may be a high earner at the club and Hughes feels he wants those wages freed up. If true, I doubt Doran will be offered a new contract. Just my take on it

Iain MacArthur? Did he play right back or more centre half. Memory is getting foggy

I would like him to stay. Devils advocate though means I cannot be outraged because I do not know the full picture. As fans we only get a glimpse of things on a Saturday afternoon, we do not know the financial situation of contracts, attitudes at training, personal relationships amongst players, potential replacements available. David has said he would like to stay, im glad this is case. I don't know the club reasons for not offering a new contract but I presume there will be one. We may find out we may not. This is the way football is. If we are struggling next season then fans can blame the manager/club for poor decision making, if we have an excellent right back and a successful season noone will talk about the decision to release Raven. If I'm honest I think the first scenario is more likely but time will tell.

The reason we have to pick from England is they are largely unknowns and will see the SFPL as a stepping stone. Promising Scottish players from lower league clubs generally have other central belt clubs offering the same as we can and the players don't have to uplift families/move ALL to way to Inverness, middle of nowhere etc etc.