AJS

Make them battle it out Royal Rumble style with Richie Foran as guest referee

What seasons were these? As for those saying the expectation this year was avoiding relegation, I'll repeat myself and point out how close we were to the UEFA Cup last time out, our expectations were much higher this year as they should've been. Butcher had his rocky spells, lets not forget during our "transitional" season that saw the influx from down south and the departure of the old guard we spent a large chunk of time bottom of the table and struggling to win and keep players on the field...no matter how well we played. Some people wanted him gone for what he was doing and the board backed him by giving him a new 2 year contract and after that season he never looked back. Under Butcher we climbed our way back up, held our own and beat some odds but it was probably a full 3 seasons before he got us anywhere near to fulfilling our potential. Im not saying its gonna be that long under Yogi and tbh after seeing this team at there best there would be no excuse for taking that long to get them playing like that again but patience really is necessary at a time like this. The only extensive time Yogi will get with the players to implement ideas and strategies without the pressure of the league is pre season, as well as recruiting some new bodies. Only after this has been should we really judge him. Where have I ever said I was a fan of Butcher? The transitional season you're talking about had Dunfermline in the relegation spot for the entire season unless my memory has failed me, we were never in any danger of going down. Our first season back in the SPL had us challenging for 3rd right up until the new year, so its not as if it took 3 years for Butcher to turn it around. I don't dispute the transitional season being a downer but necessary, when he was questioned on his approach, he had already earned the right to do what he wanted with the squad having gotten us straight back up in one season imo, Hughes has nothing in his track record to automatically deserve the fans respect. Survival was only confirmed with 3 games to go and there were several occasions that year we fell to the bottom of the table. So yes we were at times in danger of going down. Im not saying Hughes automatically deserves fans respect...but he does deserve support, and a bit of patience within a realistic amount of time, its only fair.

What seasons were these? As for those saying the expectation this year was avoiding relegation, I'll repeat myself and point out how close we were to the UEFA Cup last time out, our expectations were much higher this year as they should've been. Butcher had his rocky spells, lets not forget during our "transitional" season that saw the influx from down south and the departure of the old guard we spent a large chunk of time bottom of the table and struggling to win and keep players on the field...no matter how well we played. Some people wanted him gone for what he was doing and the board backed him by giving him a new 2 year contract and after that season he never looked back. Under Butcher we climbed our way back up, held our own and beat some odds but it was probably a full 3 seasons before he got us anywhere near to fulfilling our potential. Im not saying its gonna be that long under Yogi and tbh after seeing this team at there best there would be no excuse for taking that long to get them playing like that again but patience really is necessary at a time like this. The only extensive time Yogi will get with the players to implement ideas and strategies without the pressure of the league is pre season, as well as recruiting some new bodies. Only after this has been should we really judge him.

Brill Raven, Meekings, Warren, Shinnie Draper, Tansey Ross, Christie, Williams Foran Subs: Esson, Tremarco, Devine, Vincent, Doran, Watkins, Billy Im not dropping Billy cos I think hes been poor. Its purely to give him a rest.

We are playing through a major back log of games with the smallest squad in the league. Is it impossible to think that fatigue and the mental drain of playing such a massive game just 3 days before could be a reason? I knew this subject would come up if we lost the final, I just didnt think it would be almost immediately. He needs time. Time to get back to a regular routine with the players, to get over the cup final, and to try and establish a formation and style that is to his liking. The players dont seem to have a problem with him. Since his appointment 4 players have committed to long term contracts...that says to me that people want to play for him. I would urge fans to show patience. He needs to get to the end of the season. Re group in the summer, build a solid long term plan, bring in a few signings of his own and as many have said get a chance to put his own "stamp" on the team. Regardless of what was thought of his appointment that has all been and gone now. Hes the manager of my team and unless we are bordering on past the point of no return him and Russ have my full support. Top 6 is secure for another season. This season will play out and only after that should we start keeping a more watchful eye on the performance and progress of our managment team.

I would only be concerned about Yogi putting his own "stamp" on the team if players were leaving. Since his arrival 4 players have committed to 2 year deals, If they are happy to stay then that suggests to me they are happy with Yogi. Im delighted to see Draper commit to more than a year this time round as well, he wouldnt do it last season. With a few decent additions over the summer I'm hopeful we can continue punching high up the table next season.

Cup...its less expensive.

Christie we must keep. Evans, Pepper and Cooper I'd be happy to see stay. Not too bothered about Greenhalgh, he's never going to establish himself.

Hes about 100 years old, hes probably deaf and blind...and just bitter about it, prat.

Absolutely fantastic news! Team is now set. Well done to the board for getting this sorted. Will be a refreshingly quiet summer I think. Striker and maybe a winger of sorts over the summer and I think we should be fine.

I thought he was dead...

Thought Billy led the line superbly yesterday, Anderson and Reynolds struggled to contend with him at times but he is not getting the service. If he dosent get service he wont score...simple as that. Defensively we look solid though, Aberdeen were really limited in chances and we moved as a unit, no one really seemed to get pulled out of space, something I have noticed more under Yogi. It is imperative that we finish the season now as strongly as possible, Europe I feel may beyond us but we are under no pressure now and the cup will no longer be on our minds. As TS says it would be nice to see more of the youngsters get blooded in...apart from Polworth, sorry but I think he's guff.

A fantastic experience for me personally being at a final...the only disappointment being that we lost out on the cruel lottery that is a penalty shoot out. Neither team deserved to win over the open play. Aberdeen for all the quality they had on paper had very little to show for it. We set out to hit them on the break while containing them defensively, the latter was well carried out. While we defended well enough we offered very little going forward. We seemed nervous in the final third, and some players seemed nervous just to be on the ball but dont get me wrong for the way we set out we did well. Despite his lack of chances I thought Billy led the line really well. Anderson and Reynolds arent the biggest of centre halves and he won his fair share both in the air and on the ground. The penalty miss marred his day...overall he was our best player. Shootouts are a lottery, we got the rub of the green in the Semi final but we didnt get it yesterday. Im extremely proud of what we have achieved by just getting there and while it means little right now Im confident in knowing that our time will come. With top 6 already being secure it almost felt like the season was over but we can still climb the league and finish strongly. With the final been and gone climbing that table has to be the sole focus between now and the end of the season...would also be nice to see youngsters like Evans and Christie get more time on the pitch, both look very promising. It was a real step into the unknown and while it was a defeat I'm not disheartened...I am and always will be a very proud ICT supporter.

We need them, the derbies give us that extra incentive in a league campaign, as well as serving up fond memories such as last week. They may be our rivals but lets be realistic here... Id want Adams to get sacked more than County to get relegated.

Im delighted someone brought up the bouncebackability cos I was sitting thinking about this last night. Im hoping the pattern continues.

Tescos...it wouldnt surprise me it were them.

Both derbies have been rather telling in terms of what a full strength team can do. We were very much down to the bear bones when we played County on New Years day. Foran and Vincent were both injured, Watkins only lasted about half an hour and Tansey hadnt rejoined by that point. Tansey has brought a different dimension to the midfield, he sees passes that no one else can pick out and I dont know if its just me but he seems to have beefed up a bit during his time away. Foran's leadership was dreadfully missed during his spell injured, he lead the line like no other on Tuesday. Vincent and Watkins were probably the best 2 signings of the summer next to Brill. Vincent has offered a great go between for midfield and attack while Watkins has proven himself to be the best of the 3 wingers signed over pre season. You add all that up and it comes as no surprise that the return of these guys has seen a major change in form. We are chocca with quality and the last 2 games have been a huge step forward under Yogi and Russell's tenure...hoping that there will be more to come.

He has used his bench to full effect on several occasions since coming here. Butcher never used his bench nearly enough. Its been quite refreshing to see Yogi put it to full effect with last night and the semi final being prime examples.

Tactically immaculate with plenty of fight to add to it...as well as a special moment for Dave the Rave. We just bossed them from start to finish and with the exception of one great save from Deano we limited them to few chances while exploiting their dire backline. Every time Doran, Shinnie or Foran got down the flanks they looked like causing problems and the sly finish from Dave just added to what was a great night. Got to give credit to Yogi. Got it spot on and just mopped up any pressure while getting us to make the most of counter attacks. Also brought on Watkins at the perfect time, emphasized by his easy run and finish to kill the game off. Another terrific derby atmosphere that added to the occasion as well, from start to finish it was a wall of sound. From back to front everyone played their part but Foran definitely takes it for me, he may be pushing 34 but he still leads the line like no other. Won plenty in the air, covered every blade of grass and more than deserved his ovation as he was subbed. Overall a top notch performance and a night in Dingwall I will never forget.

Wallace is absolute rubbish and Whittaker isnt even a left back. Shinnie has been pushing for a call up and any that arrives will be long overdue.

Looking over the highlights it seems like Deano had some firm stops there, very impressive display. I really hope weve turned a corner on this one. Performances of recent have been good and despite the lack of wins we havent actually lost that many games since New Year and our record of clean sheets looks good too.

Im happy, I just found my ticket stub

Pile up of games with a small squad of players...its not negative its realism.

Hope they both get done for match fixing and betting irregularities and get sent down 3 divisions

Not too fussed about Greenhalgh, he can be easily replaced. Draper needs to get sorted asap and that will leave our midfield looking as strong as it has been in years.