AJS

He could be waiting for the Sevco post with a promises of billions to spend as they storm their way through the Championship next season... I think Malky Mackay is waiting for the Norwich job...Hughton will be lucky to keep it at the end of the season.

Cant we just go to the Winchester, have a pint and wait for all this to blow over?

08/09 is a tricky one. Morais, Mihadjuks, Kerr and Foran all arrived in January and all established themselves as regulars as well as Cowie leaving...quite a different 11 to that one.

Brill Raven, Meekings, Warren, Shinnie Draper, Tansey Watkins, Christie, Ross McKay subs: Esson, Devine, Pepper, Vincent, Williams, Foran, *Doran *If hes still injured stick Evans on the bench

What a wonderfully refreshing topic, well said E4C. The man deserves a summer to work on his own approach and get his own idea across to the boys, as well as bring in a few of his own signings, the latter shall be watched with great interest. Point 7 is the one that has hit home with me in particular. Vincent spoke to Hibs and Draper im sure would have had interest from other teams and both have committed their long term futures to be here. Having worked under Yogi since November I cant help but think he must have had some influence in their thinking.

Would like to second Roughi's comment. I thought Williams was really good today...mainly cos he was played in his natural position, on the wing! Good pace and a decent cross, only drawback is he is very one footed but still another who there could be more to come from. We have the luxury of having 4 quality players to play through the middle and Yogi seems to be struggling to pick who to cut from the starting 11. While he may have been poor today I wouldnt drop Foran. He is still far too influential to have out of the time. For me Id keep him in midfield and stick Tansey just off Billy or put Vincent back there, he will NEVER be a winger. Alternatively with the season more or less over it would be great to see Ryan Christie get a longer run in the team, think he is perfect for the role just off the striker.

First half was a complete non starter. The only player going in at half time with any credibility was Deano, 3 fantastic stops from Taylor, 2 from open play and one from a free kick. We could barely get out of our own box at times, let alone our own half. Tansey did have one ambitious effort from distance when it bounced up nicely, was unlucky with his effort. Boys came out fired up for the 2nd half. They were fighting for the ball more in midfield and Billy was starting to get in behind their defence some more. Before breaking the deadlock we passed up a couple of guilt edged chances. Tansey going clean through and lobbing it over Gallacher...and the bar, the next up was Billy who was found at the back post with just the keeper to beat, he took the touch, steadied himself but put it well wide when it seemed easier to score...even if it was his weaker side. Well taken set piece for the goal, struck in by Shinnie, knocked down by Draper and headed in by Billy. Rest of the game seemed to peter out. Partick had a few set pieces but Deano seemed to be on hand for most of them. Christie got on again and again looked tidy on the ball, we need to see more of him. To sum it up a win, a clean sheet, a goal and a home win Yogi...cant ask for much more than that after the week we have had.

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.