Magic Monkey Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 I reckon it'll be three up top. Thommo or Ball through the middle, two from Wylde, Marwood, Reilly, Caldwell in the channels. First choice midfield three of Goody, Kenny and McGinn. The only other player we've had who could play that wide forward role recently (aside from GW last season) was Isma. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Froggie Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 FFS. On the flip side, what if we signed someone from the lower Scottish divisions? McQuade or Wardlaw or Robertson? There'd be enough folk on here saying 'why the f**k can't we mine the lower English divisions - other teams do that well, there must be loads of talent plugging up the English Championship squads who can't get a game or a contract...' Or why don't we sign some foreign guy that NONE of us have ever seen, such as Bahoken? Being negative is the f**king easy option because if we have a great season you'll be jumping around with everyone else, but if we f**k up then you'll be on here claiming you were right all along. For me, it represents a bizarrely pessimistic outlook on life that must be a serious drain on your energy levels and on those around you. If there is anyone left around you, obviously. Just f**king cheer up man. Please dont be so patronising. I merely stated it was MY opinion.My energy levels are very substantial, as are circle of friends, dont worry about me. I agree about the signings from Cowdenbeath, but remember it was lennon who signed them, and his judgement of a player was a good as his media skills. I was also not entirely negative, pointing out that we have a nucleus of very good players who have vastly underperformed for a couple of years now.Time we got cracking, remember no Rangers,Hearts and Hibs. No excuse for a relegation scrap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magic Monkey Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 I was also not entirely negative, pointing out that we have a nucleus of very good players who have vastly underperformed for a couple of years now. Not entirely negative, indeed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil McCracken Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 I reckon it'll be three up top. Thommo or Ball through the middle, two from Wylde, Marwood, Reilly, Caldwell in the channels. First choice midfield three of Goody, Kenny and McGinn. The only other player we've had who could play that wide forward role recently (aside from GW last season) was Isma. It'll be interesting to see what TC does. I would have thought that Marwood & Caldwell would be better suited through the middle with Ball or Thompson. I also wouldn't discount Thompson & Ball up front together. The midfield is then interesting as you would assume that either McGinn or McLean would operate in the centre with a defensive midfielder. That may mean McGinn wide left with Wylde on the right or it could be McGinn in the centre with McLean wide right. McLean wide right would an interesting option for me, sort of in the Andy Dorman role. He likes to get forward and playing wide would make it difficult for the opposition to put a marker on him. It would also allow him to come inside and also allow him the freedom to shoot as he's got a fantastic strike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ulysses Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 I have to say I like the idea of a 4-3-3 with Goody, McLean and McGinn in midfield and Marwood, Thommo, and Wylde up top. Marwood could play on the right but slightly narrower, allowing him to support Thommo whilst also leaving room for Naismith to break forward. I agree with Phil, it'll be interesting to see what Tommy does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil McCracken Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 (edited) I have to say I like the idea of a 4-3-3 with Goody, McLean and McGinn in midfield and Marwood, Thommo, and Wylde up top. Marwood could play on the right but slightly narrower, allowing him to support Thommo whilst also leaving room for Naismith to break forward. I agree with Phil, it'll be interesting to see what Tommy does. That midfield and forward line excites me. Its not quite Stark, Richardson, Bone / McDougall, Somner & Weir... But its one of the best on paper that we've had in a long while. I have a feeling though that Callum Ball is going to make a big name for himself this season! Edited July 30, 2014 by Phil McCracken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pod Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Dreaming now of 2nd place and a Cup win. Why, do you think Aberdeen's going to win league. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magic Monkey Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 +1 for the 'it'll be interesting' vote. This may have been more down to the poor standard of opposition than anything else, but there were long spells against Blyth and WB when, in possession, we almost had a back three. In both cases it was because the right back was pushing on so far, the other three would readjust and spread across. I personally suspect there will be a lot of pressure on the full backs to provide width again this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil McCracken Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 +1 for the 'it'll be interesting' vote. This may have been more down to the poor standard of opposition than anything else, but there were long spells against Blyth and WB when, in possession, we almost had a back three. In both cases it was because the right back was pushing on so far, the other three would readjust and spread across. I personally suspect there will be a lot of pressure on the full backs to provide width again this year. We have an out and out winger with real speed this season however in Wylde. This is the best line up of attacking players we've had in many a year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ged62 Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Not posted for quite a while, it being the close season and most of my previous posts being reviled, even though they were unfailingly accurate. I have already opined that as part of a very poor management team the last few seasons, I was unhappy that Craig was promoted. I will give him the benefit of the doubt in the meantime.Having gotten rid of quite a few sub standard players I had hoped to see some decent replacements. I dont consider re-signing players we already have as new signings incidentally. Thankfully the trend of signing loan players does not seem to have materialised....yet.One thing I do despair of, however, is the notion some people have (Craig obviously among them)that players from the lower and non league system in England can come here and do well.Furthermore, even if they DID manage to succeed, they would be off like a shot back to their own country. Sorry but I cant see how this new chap, who has at best played briefly in the English second division, and appears to be of Rubens-esque proportions, will succeed in the SPFL. Perhaps I will be wrong in my assumption, but the prospect of these new unproven and unheard of players does not excite this fan. There are some really good players at the club presently (Kello, Thompson,McLean,Goodwin,Teale etc)I just hope the ship isnt going to be spoilt by a ha`pworth of tar. Frog. Be a good idea if you didn't post for a wee while again mr negative...........got to give everybody a chance, like the club gave Danny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevenston saint Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 (edited) Look, its just my own opinion, I`m not asking anyone to agree with me.Ive never heard of, or seen this player but I do know that "championship" is the second division both here and in England. Celtic paid a lot of money for Hopper who was highly rated, not given a free or loaned out to minnows. At least with lower league players here, they do not constantly have their eyes on moving back home. Yes so we don't really have that much to lose then do we? We could have a bargain . Lower league players are normally sent home because they don't make the grade. Edited July 30, 2014 by stevenston saint Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
div Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 The lad was offered terms by an English club too, but decided to he wanted to come North having settled in really well with the team over the last few days. Came to Saints through the Gary Teale Derby connection albeit he was only a kid when Teale was there. General feeling is that if we can get this lad into shape he could be a great signing. Welcome to Paisley Callum ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dakota7 Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Well said Div. This guy will be a real quality signing once fully match fit. He will give us the same type of presence Boyd gave Killie and has an eye for goal. With 2 more additions to the first team we could have an interesting season ahead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pozbaird Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Definitely plan to play 2 up top this season, and that is what is so exciting for our support. Let's send out a real positive message to the team at our first away game against Motherwell. Bring flags, scarves and plenty of songs to Fir Park. #FlagsforFirPark get it sorted Div! Motherwell will have an advantage over us as they already have played some competitive games, but we need not fear them. An opening game flag day? Bring flags and banners? One of my better ideas at Inverness that was! The PDE picked up on it and phoned me to do a piece in the paper. As Div 1 winners we should have had a home game to raise the flag, but we were strangely sent to Inverness. I therefore explained to the PDE that my idea was to have our own flag day to create an atmosphere and give the team colourful support on our return to the top flight.... They ran the story, and used terms like 'disgruntled Saints fans' and 'marching on Inverness'. I then received a phone call from the big cheese chief of polis' up in the Inverness area which went like this.... 'Mr Baird? This is big cheese polis chief fae' Inverness speaking. I believe you are the ringleader of this St Mirren fan protest in Inverness?' 'Erm, not really. There's no protest and I'm not leading anything.' (I then explained the reality of the flag day). 'Well, our information is that you are leading a large group of supporters who are planning to use the opening league game in Inverness to march upon the stadium armed with flags and flagpoles to make a statement about not getting a home match. It is my duty to inform you that flagpoles or large sticks are banned in the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium. If any St Mirren fan causes injury to my officers, fellow fans, or uses any such flagpole as a weapon, then we will hold you personally responsible as the ringleader of this organised protest.' (Shites pants and the smell wafts towards Inverness)... 'Erm, eh, there really is no protest, there's no angry fans marching on the Highlands, really there isn't.' 'That's as maybe Mr Baird, you have been warned though'. Moral of the story. Don't believe a word you read in the papers. Not a single word. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drew Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 (edited) Maybe I'm a dreamer.......but I hope I'm not the only one.....COYS I hope some day, elvis, froggie, and gstretchuk will join you.... But until then they can fuck off! Things are shaping up nicely, and like many, I've got a really good feeling about the coming season. Okay, we might not win a trophy, or finish in the top 6, but there is freshness about the squad, and a sesne that anything could happen. That alone brings an element of excitement. All is well.... ETA: remove elvis from that equation, I've just read the speculation thread (and was then brought back to consciousness by smelling salts and a firm slap in the jaw). Edited July 30, 2014 by Drew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drew Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Right it's official - we shall just say it is Div McDonald's idea.....he is a very naughty boy! I'm DIV. No, I'm DIV! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pozbaird Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Today is gonna be the day, that he's gonna score a goal or two... ....and after all, he's our Callum Ball. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Zo Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Delighted with the signing of Callum Ball. An exciting young prospect with a decent goalscoring record and demonstrated he has the poachers instinct in a couple of friendlies. We had Josh McGennis here for a few months last season and you never really got the feeling he had the look of a natural goal scorer. I just have this good feeling that Callum Ball will do well for us. Welcome to the club Callum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pozbaird Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Derby-County-striker-Callum-Ball-joins-Scottish/story-22018529-detail/story.html The one comment from a reader is encouraging. I assume they've seen a fair bit of the player to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Pityme Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Derby-County-striker-Callum-Ball-joins-Scottish/story-22018529-detail/story.html The one comment from a reader is encouraging. I assume they've seen a fair bit of the player to know. The poster forgot to sign off.. "all the best son, your da" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ McG Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Heard the club worked through the night to get the deal done as other clubs were sniffing about. I'm delighted Gary Teale is on the management side of things now, I heard he was a huge influence in persuading Kenny McLean to stay at the club. Absolute f**king buzzing for the new season. The Ball is going to score a barrel load. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isle Of Bute Saint Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Gagging for the season to start and absolutely delighted Ball has signed , we need to give this lad time to get properly into shape which will not happen over night once fit I feel it will be all systems go. Also should take some pressure off Mr God Thommo. Do you think we will ever see the two of them playing together ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintargyll Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Why does he need to lose a few pounds?????????? get match fit...yes !! but stay bulky and be a penalty box specialist after all thats all he needs to be with Thommo and Wylde providing the service for him to knock the ball into the net Welcome to the club Callum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faraway saint Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Why does he need to lose a few pounds?????????? get match fit...yes !! but stay bulky and be a penalty box specialist after all thats all he needs to be with Thommo and Wylde providing the service for him to knock the ball into the net Welcome to the club Callum How long before this, and other nice posts, appear along these lines? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markovanhaddock Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 No reason why Thommo and Ball can't play together. Worked for Lavety and Yardley. Best of luck Callum. 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.