CELTIC1CALEY3

Stevico, Marius had it cracked and I suspect he is tonight tucked up at home with his new wife. The fans here were good to him so does he have a new year's message or better still some mates who play centre back or score goals and in need of regenerating their careers whilst Nessie spotting?

Scotty Eddie Thomson cared passionately about Dundee United. He was amazingly loyal to Brew given Brew's appalling results at a significantly higher salary than we pay. He got rid of him in sufficient time and indeed with dignity. He had the resources to refloat the Club and finally made the right choice of manager. I am increasingly of the view as I survey different posts that as you say, George Fraser has been relatively invisible. He has so far appeared the least effective Chairman we have ever had. At some stage he has to do something such as tell Brew he is not really cut out to be an SPL Manager. Vacillation by both has not helped this deteriorating situation. I think both are playing a game of dare and not outwardly panicking....it will sort itself out in the end. The players have mentioned panic which is unfair on them although whenever a club is in this position players always seek to shoulder some of the blame. They will be desperate to stay in employment but as we are seeing some are being forced out or appear to be seeking pastures new.

Esson Rossco Munro Hastings McBain Black Duncan Imrie Barrowman Wood Rooney Let's go down fighting and going forward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If Brewster is to be sacked or the Chairman forced to resign we should go back to basics. Nobody gave us a chance at Parkhead on that great night but when every player rose to the occasion and Celtic had a rare off day, the tide turned. It's time for Grant to play a blinder along with 10 others to demonstrate that Barry has gone but his and that of the club is not to be extinquished yet.

Ian Black, according to reports, was genuinely unwell. We need to be factually correct and fair. However, returning to George Fraser's appointment, it is possible that Brew was allowed to go in a certain direction and therefore a straight sacking of him may seem to be unfair by the Board. The leadership crisis may be elsewhere. George Fraser ''This summer Craig Brewster has the opportunity to build further to place his own imprint upon the squad.'' Following his appointment, in the interview with Charlie Bannerman, he states ''I really look forward to working with the fans.'' Charlie asks him ''What role will George Fraser play in the months ahead, diplomat?'' to which George replied ''Absolutely''. A leading question, but not a leading Chairman surely? As a shinty man maybe he has taken his eye off the football role allowing others to manage. This is not yet the biggest crisis this Club has faced, but by the end of January it could be. The optimistic statements by management and some players about a top six finish, as Hamilton, Falkirk, Motherwell, and St Mirren went quietly about their business, may well be the Fraser Legacy or inprint on the club.

There was little criticism of Hitler before his demise. Opposition to Sadam was regulated or crushed. The players would play better if they had respect and trust in the management. Grant is heavily restricted in what he can say. I think in general the supporters are 110% behind the players.

From http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools...utd/6096438.stm 'Brewster ousted as Tannadice boss Craig Brewster has departed as Dundee United manager and BBC Sport understands that Craig Levein will be announced as his replacement on Monday. But Brewster could make a quick return to management with former club Dunfermline Athletic. Brewster might have saved his job had the SPL's bottom side beaten Falkirk on Saturday, but they were hammered 5-1. United, though, insisted on Sunday that the player-boss had left "by mutual and amicable agreement". Assistant Malcolm Thomson has also left the club, the pair having led the club to just two victories in 28 league games during their 10 months at Tannadice. United director Derek Robertson said: "Following detailed discussions, it was agreed that it was now in the best interests of Dundee United, Craig Brewster and Malky Thomson to part on amicable and mutually respectful terms. "We are hugely disappointed that Craig Brewster's latest spell with the club should end in this way. "However, the future of Dundee United is dependent on securing a position based on results. "And all parties recognise that results and performances have been less than acceptable and less than Dundee United supporters deserve. "Craig Brewster leaves the club with his integrity intact and we would like to take this opportunity to wish him and Malky every success in their future careers." And from http://nothing-if-not-critical.blogspot.co...01_archive.html ''Just when I thought that the press puppies were writing rather weary copy and in need of a mid-season sunshine break, or at least a decent walk, along comes a weekend where crisis abounds in the SPL - and there's nothing like the prospect of a little villification to get the pack snapping again. One fox they certainly have by the tail is Dundee United manager Craig Brewster, whose side were humbled 5-1 at Falkirk, and the collective opinion is that his time as manager of United is over. "Craig Brewster?s fate as Dundee United manager was sealed with this most humiliating of defeats," raged Neil White in the Sunday Times, where Falkirk "dominated the game with sweeping passing moves, picking at the United lines like vultures on a carcass". YES!!! YES!!! That's what we've been missing in recent weeks - crass, inappropriate cliches with a zoological bent; the backbone of football writing. Wait a minute...here's another from Gordon Wadell in the Sunday Mail, sadly without any animal references: "Craig Brewster wrote his own death warrant with his after-match speech last weekend. And he signed it the minute he handed in his teamsheet yesterday." BRILLIANT!!! I didn't even realise we had "death warrants" any more, nevermind managers opting for a bit of "hari-kari" just before kick-off. No wonder the Sunday Herald's Natasha Woods thought the second half "was just carnage". Sadly, Martin Hannan in Scotland On Sunday opted not to sink his incisors into the bloody mess, but he did start his report with this pearl: "The first thing that must be said is that Falkirk hugely deserved this win," reckoned Hannan, just in case the reader thought United had been cruelly dazzled by five breakaway goals. However he did recover his senses to note that United "were utterly dreadful....rubbish, pure and simple".'' All too familiar?

A drowning person clutches at straws. The Club certainly need the fans and yes someone or some people have misjudged the difficulty this Club has got itself into season. The pundits now appear spot on. The club operate on the basis 'it's our turn to go bottom but we can get out of this mess philosophy'. Can we not give Brew 4 weeks notice and see if morale reaches sky high again and whether everybody will put all hands to the pumps? Or do we have more warring factions than Iraq? The fans were not responsible for a series of mistakes this year. These were not defensive errors. The players and fans did not want Donald to leave. They rated Rankin. They did not want Wilson to be elbowed out. They did not want Bayne to go. They did believe Bannerman was more capable and competent than has been the case. They have craved a big stopper since Dodds left. They questioned Lionel's rescue from oblivion. Some did not feel replicating the very unsuccessful management failure team from Dundee United was prudent. Many were upset at Denzil's loss. The fans continue to question whether Procter has the strength, skill and height to be an SPL Central Defender. Many fans believe Black is a better footballer and brighter than the Manager and perhaps suffered for this. Many fans do not buy into Calderwood's support for his ex-player when 100% of the Dons fans and management do not want Brewster any where near the management of Aberdeen FC. I believe the fans and players are 100% behind the club and relishing a fight for survival. There is just something missing, performance in most walks of life is well paid and rewarded but failure is normally not rewarded and despite weeks of listening to debate on these boards and in the city I cannot quite work out where the problem lies. I think that is the problem for the Board. Brew clearly cannot see the reason why we are not pulling together. Sooner or later......he will be the only one with that view.

Inspirational leadership quotes of 2008 ''everything just collapsed'' 27th December "I'll be long gone before some smart person ever figures out what happened inside this Oval Office." --Washington, D.C., May 12, 2008 ''I was really pleased despite losing the goal'' Reflecting on defeat at Celtic Park. "And so, General, I want to thank you for your service. And I appreciate the fact that you really snatched defeat out of the jaws of those who are trying to defeat us in Iraq." --to Army Gen. Ray Odierno, Washington, D.C., March 3, 2008 ''We only seem to get one wee sniff a game'' The Gaffer's thoughts after handing Dundee United three points "I think I was unprepared for war." ?on the biggest regret of his presidency, ABC News interview, Dec. 1, 2008 ''I changed back to 4-4-2 today as I wanted to try and put pressure on the St Mirren back four which we did once or twice' ''The long term future of this club is safe'' ICT Chairman appeasing the fans before going on holiday .

3-0 defeat at Hamilton might bring some sanity to the leadership. It's their jobs at stake. Quite a few of them at that.

Who on 26 December said "We have had too many losses at home and, although we have been difficult to beat at home, it can't be allowed to continue.?''.............................................................. .................................................................. . .................................................................. . .................................................................. . .................................................................. . ..............Colin Calderwood....and look what happened to him when losing to fellow strugglers!

He's worked hard for us in adversity. He's learned from some strict coaching. Hopefully he has earned the first of his dream moves and what better way to celebrate than helping us scrape something against Motherwell. Vigurs will be chuffed.

Conspiracy theory number one Brew (on mobile) Hi Jimmy, any chance of a favour? Jimmy - What's the problem? Brew - I'm in the sh**e Jimmy - OK Give us three points and I'll help you. Brew - Tremendous Jim. I'll get Procs to lay off a pass early on so no one will notice, then let me see, I'll get Dougie back for corners and he'll head a few across the box and I'll get one of the full backs to slip and let one of your guys through on goal Jimmy - OK. Now give me a press release and I'll fight your corner. By the way, keep Tokely under control when tackling Sone. Brew - FFS my problem is controlling the whole team so getting Tokes to obey orders is impossible. I'll give the press release to Procs as well. Jimmy - Thanks Brew.

I expect a second news release today pointing out 'our current Manager who has won virtually no games at home since hanging up his boots a year ago knows the transfer budget we will make available to our Manager in January, 2009'

Winning anywhere is not easy so perhaps Motherwell might just put up a fight.

Rankin scored an amazing goal against Celtic recently but was not good enough for Brew. Brew tells us 'Look at St Mirren they have just won 9 points ' but he fails to point out that one Dennis Wyness scores the winner in one, makes two against us, and lays a cracker on a plate for their win this Saturday. We have had a problem in the back four for two years yet Brew invests in Lionel after saying farewell to Watt. Ian Black is playing brilliantly against the odds at present but we may lose him. Cowie last season was a revelation - we may lose him. Mike Fraser is an SPL goalkeeper who needs a positive offer to stay. These issues need resolved before we search for a big competent centre half and goal scorer - must clubs need these. In a crisis experience is important but Barry was ditched probably because he was a threat. Surely if we have a fortune to spend we will attract mercenaries and demoralise those who currently work their socks off for the team? Unless the more active fans have got their perceptions very wrong, the problem is not with the playing staff although as earlier pointed out, the Chairman does not name the Manager being tasked with resolving the problem. Mind you he does state the Manager knows his budget which rules Robbo out. Football management involves more than the ability to play golf or supp in the Heathmount so it will be interesting to see if the lure of cash before Brew's eyes turns him into an ace motivator. The long term future of the club is safe based on the emphasis on sustainability but playing 2 Division football might be the result. We have to believe that all the small group who selected Brew in the first place know one hell of a lot more than we the fans do. Having witnessed the world banking system collapse over night following the breaking of most of its own rules of prudence and stewardship I am optimistic our board know what they are doing handing Brew a wad of hard earned cash to invest in football results. After all, his record speaks for itself as Grassa announced to the Courier Friday.

Brew said himself he was returning to complete unfinished business. Somebody should ask him what this is. From http://www.football.co.uk/inverness_caledo...ey_251534.shtml on 27/08/07: 'Brewster's first stint at the Caledonian Stadium ended in January 2006 when he left to take over at Dundee United, but the 40-year-old lasted less than ten months in the Tannadice hot-seat and has since resurrected his playing career with Aberdeen. Thistle had been on the lookout for a new manager following Charlie Christie's decision to step down earlier in the month, with Brewster agreeing a two-year deal with the Highlanders. "I am pleased that we have been able to sort things out quickly," director of football Graeme Bennett said. "We have had to change our manager quite a few times over the last five years and it has been more difficult this time in relation to speaking to people. "We are happy with our decision." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...-Inverness.html 28/08/07 "Not too many people are lucky enough to be given a second chance in this business and I'm hoping I can be successful here again."

One good bit of news for Brewster is that Aberdeen will re-employ him. Not sure what use he will be advising Aberdeen on 4 home victories in 12 months but as Saint said 'It's a funny old game Greavsey' Sunday Mail 'JIMMY CALDERWOOD last night urged Inverness to keep faith with gaffer Craig Brewster - despite cranking up the pressure on his old pal with a thumping win. Brewster's strugglers slumped to joint bottom spot after strikes from Charlie Mulgrew, Gary McDonald and Darren Mackie inflicted more home misery. And while Aberdeen's clinical demolition job delighted Calderwood he was quick to offer Brewster his backing. Jimmy is convinced his former player will lead Caley out of trouble and warned the board not to bullet their boss in a panic.'

Inverness Courier 19 December 'It is a difficult run of fixtures for Caley Thistle, but the club's director of football, Graeme Bennett, is confident that only a united front will help overcome recent adversities. "Craig Brewster knows himself as a manager that he will ultimately be judged on results," he said. "We are where we are in the league because results haven't been good enough, but it's important that we turn things around soon to pull away from the relegation zone. "At the moment, it seems that around 40 per cent of the managers in the SPL are under scrutiny ? that's just the way football is. "However, we are coming to a Christmas and New Year period which is crucial for us, especially with three out of the next four games being at home. "The supporters who have come along to the home games have had a poor season and while our away form has been good, our form on our own pitch has been dreadful. "It is no secret that we are not where we want to be in the SPL, but it's important that every one connected to the club now pulls together to get us out of the situation we are in ? starting on Saturday against Aberdeen."

Brewster seems to have got us into the biggest hole ever. Jock brought warring factions together along with others and against the odds we survived. David Sutherland has been our saviour on more than one occasion and when we moved to Pittodrie Ken Mackie and others were brave. Then the team from Tulloch built us two stands in remarkable time. All Managers since the very beginning have worked tirelessly. Marius provided us with invaluable experience last year. Charlie did the honourable thing and resigned. Brewster waited and waited for the big payoff at Dundee United. It seems unethical to wait to be rewarded for running up a remarkable string of defeats but hey ho that's what happened. Mark McGhee has described himself as the worst Manager at present. That is unfair but also tactical. McGhee knows we have the worst Manager in Britain who has dug us into the biggest hole possible. He knows three points for them next Saturday will leave us bottom if Hamilton draw at St Mirren. If we are humped because the players are getting desperate for a decent leader then we may go bottom on goal difference.

The body language of our players said it all as they came off. Brew the Ship's Captain, ignored most of them and they he. He then proceeded to take his inflated ego around every single Aberdeen player and official. Magnanimous or just milking the hero worship of days gone by? There is no turning back for him because he has the worst record of any club manager in Britain. He cannot turn things around and his trusty Assistant is now resigned to pleading with the fourth official for fairness. The icebergs loom in front of the once mighty ICT Titanic whilst the Captain sits afront the ship ignoring the vociferous advice of the diminishing number of customers. The music is sombre but then the band strike up 'I did it my way' which seems to re-energise the Captain. He stands up and places one leg on the table in front of him. Then he hears the words 'and now its time to face the final curtain' which seemed to rattle him. Down below DJS Guggenheim is thinking very seriously. His Valet Victor Giglio Bennett sinks into his eighth pint. 'What crisis?' he asks, 'I see no crisis!' 'We'll still reach safety he mutters' with a cheeky smile. Chief Executive Mike Smith is busy dealing with protesters. The third class passengers have paid good money but in his eyes they are a bunch of peasants. Captain Brewster's loyal Assistant Thomo, tries to lift spirits with a series of pranks and jokes. Nobody laughs. Tommy, the ship's DIY man, comments that the night is cold and he fears for frozen pipes which could be disasterous. His warnings about doom and disaster are put down to the influence of a recently passed full moon. Guggenheim's other Valet the very quiet George Fraser is trying to contact his boss for new instructions. He turns to a passenger and asks 'Do you believe in icebergs?' The passenger is clinging to a lifeboat and says 'did you not hear our warnings? DJS Guggenheim senses the need for action. He has no plan to don his best suit and await the inevitable. He tells himself that he has never in his long and distinquished career felt a sinking feeling. ... until now, and then he orders the Captain to his room.

Quelle dommage! In this case I think Stuart Garden's advice was not the best. However, unless Grassa takes all the decisions on signing players, Brew should perhaps acknowledge that this did not help Lionel's career. Virtually everyone who has posted under this thread seems to have made a better judgement on the player than Brew.

Bobby Brewster Charlie Brewster Terry Brewster Ivor Brewster Angus Brewster Nobby Brewster Ego Brewster Ted Brewster Wally Brewster Fred 'Magic' Brewster Archie McBrewster Subs : Tim O'Brewster, Mike MacBrewster, Larry Brewster, Chick MacBrewster, Malcolm Thomson, I B Clueless (TRIALIST)

We have tended to give Tangoman credit for mind games - but hey, Brewster is not bright enough to realise this so it's ineffective anyway.

The tragedy of the Brewster reign is that within the club we have some very talented players. We have a never say die spirit. The problem is Brewster does not inspire players. Nobody seems to want to play for him let alone the shirt. The fans appear to be the problem as Brewster continues down the road of arrogance and denial. On Saturday's showing we will struggle in Division 1 next year. We laughed at the pundits predicting we would be relegated this year. We hear noises from the players that we will get to the top 6. We lack leadership and experience. I fear for this club unless action is not taken sooner. The message is clear, Brewster at Dundee United and ICT second time around, has been an unmitigated disaster. Change the Manager now and try and get out of the mess pretty soon. There is no return once you go over the precipice.

Historically we have caused the demise of quite a few opposition Managers. We have never got rid of our own. We have laughed with Ayr supporters who sang 'we're sh...e and we know we are' and we have never denigrated our own...until now. I recall the magic of joining the SPL and it is that we seek to protect. If Craig reads this he has to do the thinking if we lose to St Mirren and on this occasion the honourable thing to do is resign without the hassle of the Club doing it for him. Watching Craig Conway and Jon Daly each week will keep him happy.