AJS

Im losing patience and optimism fast. We should have been hammered yesterday by a team that is seemingly supposed to be on the same wave lengths as us skills wise and yet we all know we should have been dead and buried at half time. We may not be adrift but we certainly will be if we produce more performances like yesterday. I disagree with the comment that the sqaud will be more confused once its at full strength. For one we will be able to introduce players like Hayes and Doran into the team that are alot more dangerous and i dont think size will be an issue as i expect Chippendale and Golobart to be gone in January, freeing up some space. I get the feeling that Terry will have a fair idea what his best team is, its just a case of waiting for the rest of the crocked players to come back.

Is this supposed to mean something?

I'd like to ask Euan Norris that question? He seemed to get off scot free after his performance up here.

I suppose we can add Buchanan to the list of players that got away. If i recall we were keen when he was at Cowdenbeath, always thought he was a decent player and he has been a thorn in our side everytime he's played us.

Cant really sat much more that hasnt been said already. Dunfermline should have been gone by the time Tade hit the back of the net. Defensively we look more lost than the dark days of Djebi-Zadi and Phil McGuire, we're feckin useless there right now. Esson deserves credit, he did what he could to organise and made some terrific saves to keep us in the game, at half time he look very discontent with our display...get a feeling any new offer he is given will be rebuffed. Also plaudits to Tade and Davis who both gave tireless displays. 2nd half started with an improved display, Tade, Ross and Davis all coming fairly close but at the same time there were moments where Dunfermline looked threatening, paticuarly on the left hand side with Piermayr carrying a booking. Thought young Meekings looked solid when he came on, settled into the game very quickly and made a terrific challenge on Cardle towards the end who was looking to shoot. No qualms about the penalty, more dire defending, G. Shinnie not getting back quick enough and Proctor being far too rash in the challenge, didnt have to be made and was executed poorly. I symapthise with Richie Foran, he had a poor game today i agree, despite setting up the goal but the booing directed at him at full time for acknowledging our support i felt was out of order, imo he shouldve gone instead of Tade, Foran was done after about an hour. I get the feeling that many showed up today just waiting to jump on the backs of players...i know folks get frustrated but it dosent help, especially against such a young team which we are now.

I hear Martin Hardie's out so im feeling a bit better about it.

He was in Inverness a few weeks ago. Friends of mine saw him at a concert in the Ironworks.

I love The Stone Roses as a band but i will just come out and say it cos no one else will.....Ian Brown you cant sing anymore, in fact not convinced you ever could! Some of their songs are amazing though, it inspired me to pick up a guitar and play anyway.

Most important game of the season so far, anything less thant a win is unacceptable so we cant afford to go defensive.

Chippendale and Golobart will be gone by January, of that i have no doubts. Davis seems to have done enough to impress Terry though so i can see his loan being extended. I agree a defensive aspect is needed in the middle but with Tudur Jones and Cox coming back i dont see it being a priority In defence a center half is an absolute must. If i were to suggest a player it would be Darren Barr, he has fallen way down the pecking order at Hearts and im sure would relish an opportunity of first team football, much like Hogg did when he left Hibs. A loan deal till the end of the season would suit both parties i think. Up front is more of a tricky one. One things for sure, Tade and Foran together isnt working, they are both to similar. However its not easy for a club like us to go out and sign a proven scorer. The type of player we need is a penalty area player, bit smaller, someone who plays off the shoulders of defenders. Too often have Tade and Foran both come in field to collect the ball then when they play it they wonder why no ones there.

The man is running on empty and has been for months. There is no doubt that the captaincy is taking a strain on him but courtesy of Munro and Duncan being ousted that leaves Foran, Rosscoe and in some capacity Hogg as the only real experienced outfield players floating about the squad that can nurture these youngsters on the pitch. I agree that maybe a rest is in order for him but not till we have more players back from injury....and i would give McKay the nod. Im fed of us persisting with 2 battering rams up front. He balls at the players cause he wants results, any captain would, his approach may not be right but i suppose its all he has to be familiar with. I agree he shouldnt be captain but it is too difficult to judge who should replace him, especially in such an inexperienced squad. I said it on Saturday and i will say it again, we need some experienced heads through the door in January.

He's not going anywhere, the board have made their intentions clear by shelling out a new 2 year deal.

Usually between 10 and 11 for me - cant really complain apart from when the signed packages are delivered, they usually interrupt the lie in.

Esson Piermayr, Tokely, Golobart, Gillet Ross, Davis, Tansey, G. Shinnie Foran, Tade Subs: Tuffey, Proctor, Cox, A. Shinnie, Hayes, Sutherland, McKay

I also feel that letting Munro go is a decision that in my eyes has not been justified. Bringing Hogg back does not count, Hogg was already at the club last season and imo he and Munro would have been a formidable partnership for this season. What Munro and Duncan lacked in skill they made up for with spirit, endeavour and a real love for the club. Im not calling into question the commitment of the players we have just now but it was clear Duncan and Munro were here for more than a mere pay cheque or an avenue to which a move to the Championship was beckoning. Butcher had spoken before about the ugly side of football and how we needed to play a certain way to win games sometimes that wasnt so pritty to watch. They were both key players in this set up and while its been quoted that we aimed to play a different style this season theres no question that the ugly approach suited us well at times and gave us some vital points on the board last season. But really what more is there to say? We can rant about it all we want but they aint coming back. I think the only real answer to the situation is to bring in some real experience in the january window in the heart of defence and midfield. What we need are players who like getting stuck into the nitty gritty side of the game that are capable of shutting out teams and arent bothered about playing the perfect pass or the perfect ball from the back.

When was the last time we kept a clean sheet? Still plenty time to go i suppose.

Esson Piermayr, Tokely, Proctor, G. Shinnie Tansey, Davis Ross, A. Shinnie, Foran Tade Subs: Tuffey, Golobart, Gillet, Morrison, Chippendale, Sutherland, McKay

Suppose Butcher would be looking to change as possible just now. Unfortunately for Billy he was injured at the start of the season and up front has been somewhere that we have been ok in terms of keeping fit and whats also unfortunate for him is that Tade is now top scorer and Foran is captain so they'll get first dibs. He will just have to be patient and wait his chance, he wont be the only player in this situation come the end of the month.

I'll chuck one in to the ring 1. 3-1 against Celtic, 2000 2. 2-1 against Rangers, 2006 3. 4-3 against Raith, 2010 4. 2-1 against Clyde 2004 5. 3-2 against Celtic 2011

I always enjoy this one.... Brown Tokely, Teasdale, Mann, Golabek Wilson, Sheerin, Christie, Robson Wyness, Stewart Subs: Esson, Dods, McBain, Cowie, Hayes, Foran, Ritchie

What Starchief said.

1. Mann 2. Munro 3. Tokely 4. Dods 5. Teasdale

1. Wilson 2. Robson 3. Christie 4. Cowie 5. Sheerin

1. Wyness 2. Ritchie 3. Rooney 4. Foran 5. Dargo

And just how often have you seen MacKay play to come to the conclusion that you would far rather see him playing upfront with Tade than Foran? Never - but I've seen enough of Foran in that position to convince me ANYONE would be better. Did you go to any games last season? Or the season before that? Foran may not be the most talented, most prolific or the most level headed but the man is hard as nails and he has a real get up and go about him that other players dont have. Never gives up on lost causes and is a player that fights to the end. These traits have seen us pick up points that looked less than likely during a game and at times he's been the main reason why. Yes he hasnt been firing on all cylinders this season, same could be said for everyone.