Wilbur Posted June 6, 2014 Report Share Posted June 6, 2014 Everyone will have their own opinion about tactics, team formats, and how to approach each individual match against specific opposition. However, one constant that seems to flow through the most successful teams is a strong backbone that allows the rest of the team to play their own game and create an attacking force. Is that Tommy Craig's template for St Mirren in 2014-15 and beyond ? I certainly hope so ! Four critical positions must be sorted. GK - Kello and Ridgers (and maybe dilo ?). IMO this is a great start. Centre back - at the moment it looks like McGregor will be a deserter. That leaves McAusland - is he strong enough to fulfil this key role ? The jury is out - some terrific MOM performances last season but consistency and outright blunders blot his copybook for me. I see him as the 'support' centre back, we need a more dominant figure in that pivotal role. Who can fill that role ? Perhaps Naismith who has been absolutely excellent this season but who would be a loss at attacking right back. Let's hope TC has someone in mind already. Centre midfield ? Can Jim Goodwin be relied upon ? Back-up required. Centre forward - we have an ageing front man who encompasses everything from sublime to ridiculous. There has to be someone younger coming through to fill this role very soon, Help ! Suggestions anyone ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ McG Posted June 6, 2014 Report Share Posted June 6, 2014 Everyone will have their own opinion about tactics, team formats, and how to approach each individual match against specific opposition. However, one constant that seems to flow through the most successful teams is a strong backbone that allows the rest of the team to play their own game and create an attacking force. Is that Tommy Craig's template for St Mirren in 2014-15 and beyond ? I certainly hope so ! Four critical positions must be sorted. GK - Kello and Ridgers (and maybe dilo ?). IMO this is a great start. Centre back - at the moment it looks like McGregor will be a deserter. That leaves McAusland - is he strong enough to fulfil this key role ? The jury is out - some terrific MOM performances last season but consistency and outright blunders blot his copybook for me. I see him as the 'support' centre back, we need a more dominant figure in that pivotal role. Who can fill that role ? Perhaps Naismith who has been absolutely excellent this season but who would be a loss at attacking right back. Let's hope TC has someone in mind already. Centre midfield ? Can Jim Goodwin be relied upon ? Back-up required. Centre forward - we have an ageing front man who encompasses everything from sublime to ridiculous. There has to be someone younger coming through to fill this role very soon, Help ! Suggestions anyone ? Dilo is offski, he's agent has filled his head with nonsense. We need atleast 8 or 9 new signings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sm74 Posted June 6, 2014 Report Share Posted June 6, 2014 Early stages, no need to panic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isle Of Bute Saint Posted June 6, 2014 Report Share Posted June 6, 2014 McGregor might still sign for Saints according to the BBC will make up his mind over the weekend. Even if McGregor signs on we still need to bring in a good centre half would leave Naismith in the same roll as last season tremendous player so hope he is on a long deal. Midfield need a few signings here as well as the forward like. Like the names we are after but will they sign is another question ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drew Posted June 6, 2014 Report Share Posted June 6, 2014 Thommo - ridiculous? How VERY dare you!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ McG Posted June 6, 2014 Report Share Posted June 6, 2014 McGregor might still sign for Saints according to the BBC will make up his mind over the weekend. Even if McGregor signs on we still need to bring in a good centre half would leave Naismith in the same roll as last season tremendous player so hope he is on a long deal. Midfield need a few signings here as well as the forward like. Like the names we are after but will they sign is another question ?[/quote Gunning was rangers 1st choice target and his medical has fallen through at Sheffield Wednesday? I wonder if that could change the McGregor situation? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mearns Saint Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 I think in reading tommy's interview on Ridgers signing we will be playing the passing football that we seen 3 seasons ago. He says about Ridgers that he can play the style of football we want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pod Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 I think in reading tommy's interview on Ridgers signing we will be playing the passing football that we seen 3 seasons ago. He says about Ridgers that he can play the style of football we want. Well I hope that's winning football. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TPAFKATS Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 Calcium=strong backbone. That is all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TopCat Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 (edited) I think we have a strong back bone already: Kello Cheesy Goodwin McGinn Thompson How many hundred top flight appearances they have the old yins have between them? Them and meatball make for a back bone that every other bottom 6 team would love to have. Throw in Wylde who's my prediction for a break out big season next term, our young full backs going into their first full season and a few more selected signings and I think we're in for a fantastic season ahead. I don't think I've been as optimistic at this stage of a preseason since 2006, can't wait Edited June 7, 2014 by TopCat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluto Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 I think we have a strong back none already: Kello Cheesy Goodwin McGinn Thompson When I saw cheesy in there I thought this was another knocking post about a back none, then I read the rest of your positive post and realised it was a pleasing typo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
towercrane bud Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 Jury out on McAusland. No I don't think so IMO the guy is a liability and anybody with a football brain should be able to spot this a mile away. Will be gutted if McAusland is a first team starter next season,ball on the deck hopeless makes stupid rash clearances and switches off IMO would love it if we sold him released or gave him away Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
towercrane bud Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 Cheesy and strong back bone lol this is why we were in the bottom 6 relying on players like this #notverygood Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vambo57 Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 The jury IS out on Cheesy. Some have a vendetta against him - no matter how he plays. All Centre-backs in our league are prone to ocassional stupid mistakes, except maybe for Celtic and even then, have you seen Ambrose? So. if not Cheesy, who are the available contenders? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevo_smfc Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 I think we have a strong back bone already: Kello Cheesy Goodwin McGinn Thompson How many hundred top flight appearances they have the old yins have between them? Them and meatball make for a back bone that every other bottom 6 team would love to have. Throw in Wylde who's my prediction for a break out big season next term, our young full backs going into their first full season and a few more selected signings and I think we're in for a fantastic season ahead. I don't think I've been as optimistic at this stage of a preseason since 2006, can't wait Thats the spirit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuddieinEK Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 The jury IS out on Cheesy. Some have a vendetta against him - no matter how he plays. All Centre-backs in our league are prone to ocassional stupid mistakes, except maybe for Celtic and even then, have you seen Ambrose? So. if not Cheesy, who are the available contenders? That is for the manager to decide or else he will follow his previous head coach on the road to ruin. Danny made a stand and publicly defended the Mair / McAusland defensive partnership. Admirable attempt to try and encourage them to greater performances... but ultimately the sword he fell on. I must confess to wanting a big no nonsense hairy arsed defender who will go through a brick wall to claim and clear a ball.... TC's comments so far have me fearing that he wants defenders to have the tactical ability of Messi! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TopCat Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 Jury out on McAusland. No I don't think so IMO the guy is a liability and anybody with a football brain should be able to spot this a mile away. Will be gutted if McAusland is a first team starter next season,ball on the deck hopeless makes stupid rash clearances and switches off IMO would love it if we sold him released or gave him away Jury's still out? He's played over 120 top flight games and in a national final, when does the jury come in? He's improved every season since he came back and last year was his best for the club. He was the leader of a young defence last season, a defence which ended up being the 7th best in the country. What more do you want? Not only is he a proven and experienced top flight level defender, he's a fan and I believe he'a future St Mirren captain. I hope and think that Tommy will build the defence around him next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FTOF Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 I must confess to wanting a big no nonsense hairy arsed defender Aye, but what about the Saints defence? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bud the Baker Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 I have a hunch that JG would like to move back to CH however that would require finding someone with the requisite qualities to replace him in midfield...................... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shull Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 (edited) Oops Edited June 7, 2014 by shull Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DLBud Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 The jury IS out on Cheesy. Some have a vendetta against him - no matter how he plays. All Centre-backs in our league are prone to ocassional stupid mistakes, except maybe for Celtic and even then, have you seen Ambrose? So. if not Cheesy, who are the available contenders? I have no vendetta against McAusland but IMO he's just not physical enough. That, allied with a lack of pace and inability to concentrate for 90 mins mean he's simply not good enough for me. I look around at the teams we should be aspiring to be like (St Johnstone/ICT) and see no-nonsense types at the back who give them a strong, stable back line. That's the type of player I want. I'd be more than happy to keep him as a squad player but not as a starter. Whilst McGregor was also prone to regular howlers he had a bit of pace that would get him out of trouble at times. If he goes we need to bring someone in with a little bit of pace at the back or that will be a weakness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TopCat Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 How many mistakes did Cheesy make last season that directly resulted in a goal against? And which matches? I'm thinking at least 10 the way he gets vilified on here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmac Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 Got to agree with DLBud, McAusland is not good enough to take the team forward. If TC is saying we're going to play football from the back, I can't then see where McAusland fits in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isabella Duke Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 Wy do we need to sign so many new players? With the incredible youth system and the never ending stream of quality players that have come through during Longwell's decade plus in charge, surely we can just use the youngsters? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints0 Posted June 8, 2014 Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 Wy do we need to sign so many new players? With the incredible youth system and the never ending stream of quality players that have come through during Longwell's decade plus in charge, surely we can just use the youngsters? Change your picture immediately,i do not wish to be reminded of the fact that we are governed by rich public schoolboys ,or reminded of the systematic rape of my countries women nor the forcible eviction of my people from their own lands.If you are so proud of the union jack there are season tickets still available at ibrox,c**t Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.