Renegade

Of course the long ball has it's place - it's worked for other teams, Egil Olsen's Norway and John Beck's Cambridge United to name but two. The problem I have, is that I think the long ball should be, in the majority of times, the last option, but some people seem to think it should be the first option. On the last part, would I like to see ICT go down playing tiki-taka? Of course not - I would rather see them stay up playing tiki-taka -and there's no reason that they can't have success by playing positive, attacking football, just as was done by Mixu's Kilmarnock last year,

From the TV coverage, I could hear them booing Tade AND Gillet every time they touched the ball (even a few when the latter was getting stretchered off!). They were doing the same to Nigel Hasselbaink the other week.

The long ball has never worked for ICT and probably never will. It's a boring and unimaginative style of play that should never be played by this club.

Thought not. I rated him last week yes, but if you'll read my other posts you'll see I described his performance yesterday as a donkey. Make of that what you will.

He was quite good last week. Were you there Dougal?

From the coverage I saw, Proctor seemed to have an ice pack on one of his thighs after being taken off. In times like that and other important moments, I wish the gaelic channel would put up English subtitles to help those who can't speak it to understand what is going on.

Even though Nick Ross did well when he came on, I wonder if that is his place in the team. ICT's version of Ole Gunner Solksjaer if you will - perhaps doesn't make much of an impact when starts, but changes the game when he comes on. And that's a role that's needed in every team - the super sub.

Esson Piermayr Tokely Aldred Gillet* Ross Jones Tansey Sutherland Foran Hayes * - If Gillet is injured, then a straight swap with Graeme Shinnie. Subs - Tuffey, Tade, Hogg, A. Shinnie, Doran, Proctor, G. Shinnie

Well I just watched the game as live on the Alba channel. I didn't even know the score before the start and deliberately all TVs and radios so I could enjoy it as if I was there (I even shouted at the TV like I would in real life!). Oh dear - not good at all. Another late goal, a defence that looks terribly weak and Tade in an ICT kit! And what happened to this supposed passing football that was going to be played this year? Hoof after hoof after hoof. There's no way that team will get top six at this rate as that performance was just not good enough. From the defence, aside from Esson, only Piermayr to me looked a good player (though Aldred looked better when he came on). What's happened to Tokely? Way off the pace yet again. All this chopping and changing at the back will do no favours. When Gillet came off, why didn't Graeme Shinnie come on? Where was Graeme Shinnie anyway?! Tansey looked good in the middle, but Foran seriously needs to calm down. Arguing with everyone under the sun will do no-one any good whatsoever. Tade looked a right donkey too. Improvement in all corners is desperately needed. BTW - did anyone else hear a lot of booing from the coverage? Now Tade I can understand because he's ex-Raith, but Gillet as well? What lovely people.

The last question is a bit of a funny one. IMO Grant Munro is just as good as Aldred and Hogg. If Tansey is a replacement for anyone it's Ian Black - and it's long overdue. I would say though that from the one occasion I have seen him, Owain Tudor Jones looks to be a better, stronger and taller version of Russell Duncan, so that position has been improved - Jones also looks like he's capable of passing the ball to a team-mate, which is more than can be said for his predecessor!

I see this post got mentioned by Butcher in his pre-match interview last week!

Those sorts of prices and that mentality work well on the continent - the German league in particular.

While it is commendable that ICT have topped this list, football in Scotland (and the whole of the UK for that matter) is still widely overpriced.

I disagree. BTW - how did that Greig get on? I was impressed when I saw him against Clach.

I see Sergio has been confirmed. Might be a good appointment actually. Can't help but think the whole Thomson saga had something to do with giving JJ the boot though.

I was actually going to mention that actually. People around me were shouting for it, but from what I could see, the Hibs' man started pulling Foran outside the box, thus meaning it should of been a free kick, just outside the area. The folk round me actually were saying that they saw one more penalty claim, as late on Sutherland seemed to be being held when the ball flashed across the box, but again this didn't make the highlights reel. It was reported last week that Tansey's going to take them. He seems to be taking free kicks as well.

Apparently the rumour going round is that Jose Couceiro, the current Lokamotiv Moscow manager is going to take over. Used to manage Kaunas and the Lithuania team (unsurprisingly!)

Do remember though did they did qualify for the last World Cup and did win the Euros in 2004.

What's Tansey done to warrant losing his place?

Mmm I'm not so sure. I seen back a few times now and while it is tight, using Foran's foot and the line as a guide, I think he's just off and no more. A couple if inches maybe, but I think he's JUST off.

Just watched the highlights back and would say that ICT were perhaps hard done by in not getting at least one penalty - 1. First half tackle on Tade - That might be a penalty actually, as he does perhaps get a slight clip from behind. Seen them given. 2. Second half hand ball - Definitely hits the Hibs' players arm, there's no doubt about that and I did see the referee look at his linesman for quite a long time before making his mind up. Don't think it was deliberate though but then again, I have seen them given. 3. Second half tackle on Foran - Definitely doesn't get the ball and goes clattering into Foran. He was the last man as well, so would've definitely been off. Stonewaller in my opinion. So there you go. IMO the last claim was definitely justified and I think was a penalty. The other two are in the "maybe" category, but I have seen similar incidents been given.

Dear Laurence, I'm very disappointed to hear that you won't be attending games or visiting this site again. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that the Caley Stadium will feel somewhat empty without you there and this forum won't be half as interesting without your fantastic and intelligent input. Hopefully one day we'll all be able to move on from this terrible news and eventually find a reason to live again. I don't know about you, but in my and many others opinion, supporting a football team is about getting behind them rain or shine, winning or losing, no matter how big or how small. Some may say that Celtic have the best fans in the world - but they are wrong. The best fans in the world are the ones who support their local team, and get behind them no matter what their size or circumstance. ICT have had a great journey to get to where they are now, and that journey will continue on - this season and beyond. It's just a shame that you won't be able to join us. I'm going to have to stop now, as I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes. Goodnight and God Bless Renegade

It's a sickener! ICT seem to awfully susceptible to the late goal, ever since they were formed, but on the whole, despite the defeat there was noticeably some potential in that team. I was impressed by the all the new signings myself. Piermayr looked strong and composed (and miles better than Proctor!) and Tansey seemed confident on the ball a la Ian Black, but taller, stronger and without the violence! Jones is the big man in the middle that was needed and looks a real find. I must say though, that I thought Aldred looked really good. He was strong and good on the ball. I was also really impressed with Tade. He reminds of Graham Bayne in some ways - maybe won't score that many, but works hard and will always will always be a pain to the opposition defence. It's also nice to see a player who is not just fast, but strong and tall as well - something we've never really seen at this club. Hayes, Tokely and Gillet all seemed a little rusty but their time will come again. Foran started quiet but came into it more as time went on. I have to disagree though with those who say he's better out wide - he isn't - I much prefer him down the middle. As mentioned previously, Nick Ross was rubbish and should of been hooked at half time - Doran made the world of difference when he came on. One thing I will say though, was the only mistake I think Butcher and Malpas made was taking off Tade for Sutherland. While Sutherland is a good player, I thought Tade was playing well and the team were perhaps more likely to score with him in it. All in all, disappointed at the defeat, but one win and I think ICT will be up and running again. There's potential in this team and it could turn out to be a very big season indeed.

Does anyone else remember my long running campaign to get Lionel up front? Looks like its finally happened!