bdu98196

TBH, I'd have preferred to see us play at Hampden, afterall if the other semi is there we should also get the national stadium. If they played the other semi at Ibrox and left Hampden only for the final it would be better. If its Easter Rd, then so be it, smaller stadium and will be full hopefully.........and not any further for us to travel than if it was Glasgow anyhow.

Apologies perhaps it was poorly worded, I know Billy Stark is U21 manager and is supposed to pick the squad, although I was referring to the level of influence Craig Brown has in the selection process of players in that squad.

Did the SRU not let Hearts play Europa league games there a few seasons ago? Therefore providing there is no clash with rugby or the most common use of a music venue then why not play national games there? Sadly I think we all know it will be a mix of Parkhead and Ibrox depending on who plays and in the event of a final being between the two it will be decided by the toss of a coin as to which ground is used. Was that not the process when Hampden went through the refurb in the early 90's?

Excellent, lets hope these guys see what is happening around them and decide to sign and stay for a few years - afterall TB took a risk to sign them and staying will return the loyalty as all of them can and will be destined for bigger things in the future.

Equally shirt sponsors shouldn't be betting companies as that encourages gambling, drink manufacturers as that encourages drinking etc but football is a business and if they don't take the money for advertising these companies will still advertise somewhere else. There is a thing called individual responsibility and people need to get back to accepting that its down to individuals and not the state to police everything. Just because a product or service is advertised nobody is forced to use it.

While CB had a decent record, he seems to have and carry a lot of influence with the SFA, I wouldn't be surprised if he has some input into the next manager also. In the P&J he is citing Billy Stark as sound choice, which is understandable based on the info I have been given regarding him influencing the selection of players in the U21 squad.

Not really the draw I was hoping for, but we are on a good run of form so lets hope it continues into that game. Should be a cracker and must be worth the TV showing after the last derby - yet another chance to advertise the hospitality and football in the highlands.

I'm happy with what we have, would rather see any money that is aside (if at all) for Jan signings put into the pot for getting players on longer term deals. We need to keep all or at least most of what we have. Also want to see early scouting to pick up some freebies in the summer, especially for positions we know we could be left short after the summer. Sad to have to think about players leaving and the squad for next season but given the financial state what choice do we have - hopefully a cup final will boost the funds for next year ;)

When I see the names listed it makes me shudder - when those that are touted are considered maybe Avril was just as good Kenny Dalglish - Too long out of the game and managed to spend £100M+ at Liverpool in 12 months to make them worse Graeme Souness - Too long out of the game Joe Jordan - Great assistant to Harry, but terrible record on his own Gordon Strachan - The only real choice IMO Walter Smith - Respected, good record but Levein was criticised for negativity - we will see much more of the same, plus hasn't got much of a record with younger players Alex McLeish - Another option, did well before and will be desperate to rebuild his reputation Billy Stark - Good with U21's, not sure about going alone at that level some others for me Lambert - poor start at Villa and might see this as a way out, plus has played in Europe in the past so understands continental football Collins - Again foreign playing experience Steve Clarke - Good start at W.Brom and has worked with some of the best in the game Paulo Sergio - I think he would have done a good job had he not just went to Cluj For me it should be WGS or Big Eck.

Dont want TB to get it, anyone outwith Celtic always collapse in form when the manager wins the award. Give it to Fenlon at Hibs ;)

On current form, right now I'd take anyone. Sadly the games wont be for 3 months so who knows what our form may be like, best draw would be Celtic V Hearts, then us V Midden, with the hope Hearts can produce a shock and thus provide the 'easiest' route to a trophy - but overall I'd say we have the potential on our day to beat all of the teams left!!!

No idea as to what exactly the OP is referring, but I'd suggest that ICT fans are not bigoted although can't say the same for some fans when they visit. Although I'd suggest that all ICT fans are united in despising tax dodgers and cheats.

Being more patient than some other fans, I was always 'keeping the faith' and waiting to see how things transpire. Hopefully this is just the start. Believe in Terry & Mo!!! We need to consolidate with a good result at the wknd then its the biggest game of the season IMO - chance for a cup final and against a team who on weekly performances look awful yet will undoubtedly raise their game to match the players 'abilities'.

If so then that's VERY short term (potentially) - the orcs could be back in 3 years taking that 2nd place, so in theory the Dons could only be one of the big 2 for that time - very short-sighted if that's the case. This could be one of few opportunities to revolutionise the system - longer it takes the further Scottish football will fall behind IMO.

he is an attacking creative player so should be allowed to play like that, this is what Arsenal produce for wide players. Obviously if he can gain some more defensive traits from TB then it will be a benefit as long as its not to the detriment of his natural game.

Apparently during the voting process to determine whether the voting structure of 11-1 should be overturned or not, it is reported that Aberdeen & Celtic voted against. It's obvious based on the distribution of money etc why Celtic want the status quo - but what is the motivation for Aberdeen? Am I missing a fundamental point as to why the Dons like the other 10 teams would benefit with a new structure in place?

Hope we do secure a full season loan, especially if the guy is enjoying his time in Inverness and living in the city. Sadly I think some Championship clubs may want him after Jan, so lets hope he likes the Highland life to tell Arsenal he'd like to stay a bit longer.

Maybe an unemployed manager who needs to rebuild his career such as McLeish, Strachan or Coyle may consider it but they would have to reduce their wage demands that they have for club football. I'd accept either of the first two. Most likely option - unemployed, decent record, low wages - Tangoman.

^ true, whatever happened to post match manager interviews - thats so the Beeb can keep the program short as possible, cutting costs and not infringe on EPL highlights schedule? SPL coverage has been getting poorer year-on-year - hate to say it but the days of Jim White and Scotsport would be a welcome return

After looking at the ICT V RC thread post match, and after last wk it seems this thread has died, so does this mean all the haters now accept that TB is building the foundations of something very positive - although still a long way to go, but we have the potential for a very strong season ahead. As a poster and fan who has taken some battering on this thread along with others for being 'happy clappers' its ammusing how after positive performances and results nobody reignites this thread to respond 'yes' and possibly admit they were too eager to call for TB to get replaced - although I still expect after the next poor result the anti-TB brigade will have it back at the top of the 'new posts' list ;)

Same team as last wk, same formation and same palyer attitude. Lets make sure we play Robertson the left wing and ensure he has plenty of the ball so he can give Rossco a very hard time!!!

Woop woop - trip to castle greyskull to play the third division team. Pressure will be on us to firmly avoid another SPL embarassment after Motherwell.

'lower leagues in England' - the majority of players in both squads are in either the English Prem or Championship with the rest being SPL, this is a much better state than the likes of N.Ireland and Wales who actually do go into the lower leagues. Looking at the senior squad all of the following players have played in Scotland then won moves to play at what can only be argued a higher level - Adam, Berra, Caldwell, S.Fletcher, Hutton, MacArthur, MacGregor. Maloney, Marshall, Miller, Naismith, Snodgrass - thats 12 (of that 12 only 1 plays outside the top level in England and 9 are EPL regulars), plus the others who are still based at home Webster, Mulgrew, Brown, Forrest is another 4 - that seems a decent representation of SPL experienced players IMO.

Well now Levein has made the 'bold' decission to call up Fletcher perform a U-turn based on the statements made in the media before and after the last games, I hope he continues on this positive thinking pattern and starts with SF up front whether be it lone striker or with Rhodes, Naysmith, or a.n other to support and not opt for the usual Miller alone with all the fire power on the bench until the last 5 mins.

Is it premature to think that number will be 13 after Fri when Rossco kicks lumps out of Roberts?