Dawn of a new era now?

[hallamblue]

http://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/failure_to_ ... _1_4679394

Cos I think there's a lot of truth in this article. ....

[Bluemike]

That is saying exactly what I said to you the other night, IF MM changes the way we play then yes we have a great squad with bags of ability that can really do something this season, if however we revert to the direct way and hoof it forward we will be stuffed, I can't believe he would be so stupid tbh.

[supershred]

I have not posted for a while as I have become a bit disillusioned despite attending a few home matches. Or maybe it was because I attended a few home matches...(!). The new and recent signings have again whetted my appetite though and I am now really excited about the season. I am glad we haven't replaced Murph (legend though he was) as I want too see a new style of football exploited by our new wider, faster, hungry players and Pitman/Sears to be given a proper chance in their proper positions playing a style Pitman certainly is more adept at.

[herforder]

Great that your spark's been reignited, Supershred! Hopefully a few more of the 'disillusioned' might feel the same following this transfer window's activities, and the potential of more progressive and entertaining football to boot. Something I believe MM was intent on achieving even before Murphy's departure.

I think there's genuine reasons to be positive, and that the overall quality of the squad's been improved. As a minimum, it should allow us to be more competitive when facing those who have spent significantly more; at best, the blend of youth, experience and team spirit might prove that's it's not just about money, come May! MM/TC's challenge is now to get the very best out of the much improved options available - but that can only be good.

I think we do have to retain a degree of perspective - we're in an increasingly brutal and uncompromising league, with the gap between those with huge spending power and those on more modest budgets, increasingly larger. But, with Jan's window still to come, we're giving ourself a fighting chance.

[Frosty]

I have not posted for a while as I have become a bit disillusioned despite attending a few home matches. Or maybe it was because I attended a few home matches...(!). The new and recent signings have again whetted my appetite though and I am now really excited about the season. I am glad we haven't replaced Murph (legend though he was) as I want too see a new style of football exploited by our new wider, faster, hungry players and Pitman/Sears to be given a proper chance in their proper positions playing a style Pitman certainly is more adept at.

Good to see you back on here mate, like you I am quite excited to see how we go from here on in

cheers Dave

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

The fact that MM was seeking a direct replacement for Murph suggests to me that MM's Plan 'A' was very much to continue the hoof ball over the top to a big powerful striker. For whatever reason, that replacement was not forthcoming - so I just hope that MM has and is prepared to use a Plan 'B', one that utilises the skills at his disposal and relies on passing the ball around on the deck.
Whatever plan he uses though, there will still be a certain amount of hoofing as long as he continues to play Berra in the team - the guy is just not capable of any sort of ball play.

[marko69]

Re Berra; if he's busting a gut trying to close people down, and blocking shots like I've witnessed him do during the ITFC Live games, then he stays in the starting 11 as far as I'm concerned. He's the only one in that back 4 (inc TS) who'll risk injury to clear an attack, with the exception of maybe Chambo, but he's no doubt 3 weeks late in many instances.

[herforder]

If we're able to better retain possession and use the ball more effectively in midfield and forward areas, then the pressure on our defence will be eased; perhaps even allowing the likes of Webster to play out from the back!

It will take time to move away from the big striker option, and get the team playing a quick, pass and move game - first challenge for MM is to work out the best mix from the suddenly increased options he now has! But having a big target man available, allows the ability to change things around within a game. The more options the players become comfortable with, the better.

[patthegimp]

Excited by the new additions and like everyone else hope that the style of football will change. Glad we did not get Washington as not convinced that he is good enough to make a difference. Only one minor issue-all this talk about adding in the January window. Good strikers that will be available will be few and far between and at a massive premium.

[supershred]

I've tried to ignore that MMcC was trying to get in a direct replacement for Murph, but I agree with others that with the players he has attracted here and the style of play at times this season there has been a positive change in style of play. I even remember seeing Bart roll the ball out to a defender in the Naarich match rather than lumping it upfield into the lottery of a tight cluster of players all in the centre of the pitch! It appears to me we will now have to more football and less hoofball, even with Berra in the team. Thats definitely a good thing.

[hallamblue]

..and then of course we have the usual moaning minnies ...

http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/today_is_the ... _1_4681190

[barmy billy]

..and then of course we have the usual moaning minnies ...

http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/today_is_the ... _1_4681190

I read this earlier Hallam and I thought it was a fairly well put together letter probably expressing the feelings of many other fans. Had it been written earlier I think it would have carried a lot more weight.

However, in view of all the transfer activity in the last couple of weeks I think the writer was ill advised in sending it to the EADT. We are certainly going to see a different team in the weeks to come and even pessimistic me is feeling enthused. I am looking forward to hopefully seeing some skill at PR again after a dearth in recent seasons. Fingers crossed.

[herforder]

..and then of course we have the usual moaning minnies ...

http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/today_is_the ... _1_4681190

Amazed that MM chose to burst into print, using a clever alias! Things are never that bad.

[Bluemike]

Answered this piece of nonsense elsewhere.

[J4ck22]

Re Berra; if he's busting a gut trying to close people down, and blocking shots like I've witnessed him do during the ITFC Live games, then he stays in the starting 11 as far as I'm concerned. He's the only one in that back 4 (inc TS) who'll risk injury to clear an attack, with the exception of maybe Chambo, but he's no doubt 3 weeks late in many instances.

That's the thing with Berra. Excellent defender, but a poor footballer and very limited on the ball. I can definitely see why Mick keeps him around.

[arana peligrosa]

Took in some fan response from the link provided and a significant number weren't slow to show their displeasure. Maybe the decision not to replace Murphy with adequate cover will go in our favor and a new enterprising system will emerge but until sufficient time has passed, few will have better understanding of what lies ahead.

Any presence the new additions may bring will be made ultimately redundant if the manager remains insistent with high-ball play and not creating enough opportunity.

[marko69]

Re Berra; if he's busting a gut trying to close people down, and blocking shots like I've witnessed him do during the ITFC Live games, then he stays in the starting 11 as far as I'm concerned. He's the only one in that back 4 (inc TS) who'll risk injury to clear an attack, with the exception of maybe Chambo, but he's no doubt 3 weeks late in many instances.

That's the thing with Berra. Excellent defender, but a poor footballer and very limited on the ball. I can definitely see why Mick keeps him around.

I actually don't think he's that bad to be honest. Seen enough of Berra over the years for the opinion to be viable. He's obviously getting older, but I genuinely believe a high percentage of his "hoofs" out from the back are due to the fact that he's surrounded by hesitating fuckers who p*ss about on the ball; clear all danger. He was doing Webster and Knudsens job (while Chambers looked on) for Jerome's goal in the derby. I'm with Mick on this one, and he'd be one of the first on my team sheet.

[J4ck22]

Re Berra; if he's busting a gut trying to close people down, and blocking shots like I've witnessed him do during the ITFC Live games, then he stays in the starting 11 as far as I'm concerned. He's the only one in that back 4 (inc TS) who'll risk injury to clear an attack, with the exception of maybe Chambo, but he's no doubt 3 weeks late in many instances.

That's the thing with Berra. Excellent defender, but a poor footballer and very limited on the ball. I can definitely see why Mick keeps him around.

I actually don't think he's that bad to be honest. Seen enough of Berra over the years for the opinion to be viable. He's obviously getting older, but I genuinely believe a high percentage of his "hoofs" out from the back are due to the fact that he's surrounded by hesitating fuckers who p*ss about on the ball; clear all danger. He was doing Webster and Knudsens job (while Chambers looked on) for Jerome's goal in the derby. I'm with Mick on this one, and he'd be one of the first on my team sheet.

Yeah that could well be the reason why. Our midfielders haven't exactly been great for receiving the ball from the defenders without passing it straight back to them. I do like the contrast that Berra and Webster offer though with the latter being more controlled and composed on the ball while Berra does the gritty, all out defensive work.

Also agree about Jerome's goal, Knudsen was no where to be seen while their full back dicked Sears on our left in the build up.

[number 9]

Berra: I just thought Scottish players hoofed because it's in their blood.

[marko69]

Dode Burley, John Wark and Alan Brazil are all gonnae boot your effin erse if they read this, 9.

Actually, no......, Brazil will laugh is fat a$$ off and buy you a pint. Then he'll sit on you.

[herforder]

Dode Burley, John Wark and Alan Brazil are all gonnae boot your effin erse if they read this, 9.

Actually, no......, Brazil will laugh is fat a$$ off and buy you a pint. Then he'll sit on you.

Did you mean 'sit'?

[number 9]

Dode Burley, John Wark and Alan Brazil are all gonnae boot your effin erse if they read this, 9.

Actually, no......, Brazil will laugh is fat a$$ off and buy you a pint. Then he'll sit on you.

Warky hoofed it in the net! Of course, most of his goals were headers.

[marko69]

To be fair, I remember when I played football. I'd hoof from the penalty area and be lucky if it reached the 18 yard line. Such is the mud in Scotland. I remember a Scottish Cup game in Stevenston, Ayrshire......., the entire centre circle was a deep puddle and the coach saying, "No way is this cancelled, we hired a bus for this trip!" LOL.

You lot down there would no doubt cancel weeks of fixtures.

Or, have any of you got decent memories of playing the game whilst being battered by the weather?

Not making excuses for Jambo bstd Berra or anything, but he'd have spent many a Sunday afternoon knee deep in mud at the Saughton Road pitches.

[number 9]

Not weather related, but I remember player on a pitch that was basically on the top of a hill...so if you stood at one goal line, you couldn't see the other goal! It made for some great through balls though...once it crossed the half way line, the ball would almost roll in the goal lol!

[Bluemike]

Marko, I think the word up their is Quagmire !!!! After today Raith are firmly stuck in one LOL, 'Mon the Loons !!!!

[marko69]

Yes, was a very good win for the Loons today. And it's also excellent to see the Celtic U20's being gubbed 5-1 at half time v Livingston. Interesting to see how that second half pans out.

[ipswichtownNo1]

To be fair, I remember when I played football. I'd hoof from the penalty area and be lucky if it reached the 18 yard line. Such is the mud in Scotland. I remember a Scottish Cup game in Stevenston, Ayrshire......., the entire centre circle was a deep puddle and the coach saying, "No way is this cancelled, we hired a bus for this trip!" LOL.

You lot down there would no doubt cancel weeks of fixtures.

Or, have any of you got decent memories of playing the game whilst being battered by the weather?

Not making excuses for Jambo bstd Berra or anything, but he'd have spent many a Sunday afternoon knee deep in mud at the Saughton Road pitches.

I remeber a game cancelled due to bad weather one sunday, wind was blowing so strong we saw a leaf fall from a tree and the drizzle was so hard you could only see for 5 miles.

[marko69]

To be fair, I remember when I played football. I'd hoof from the penalty area and be lucky if it reached the 18 yard line. Such is the mud in Scotland. I remember a Scottish Cup game in Stevenston, Ayrshire......., the entire centre circle was a deep puddle and the coach saying, "No way is this cancelled, we hired a bus for this trip!" LOL.

You lot down there would no doubt cancel weeks of fixtures.

Or, have any of you got decent memories of playing the game whilst being battered by the weather?

Not making excuses for Jambo bstd Berra or anything, but he'd have spent many a Sunday afternoon knee deep in mud at the Saughton Road pitches.

I remeber a game cancelled due to bad weather one sunday, wind was blowing so strong we saw a leaf fall from a tree and the drizzle was so hard you could only see for 5 miles.

.

Had that as well ITNO1, but translated, it meant the ref was still reeking from the night before.