Jump to content

Punt or Keep - Summer 2018 edition


Recommended Posts


Eckersley shouldn’t be first choice, but definitely kept for the squad.

Also I’d ask Ross Stewart (st) and Josh Todd back for pre season.

Todd has the ability and got unfortunate with his injuries, and a 6’7 mobile striker is a great option for the tough away games at Parkhead, Ibrox, Pitodrie etc.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, bazil85 said:

Agree with most of the above. We need a better keeper to challenge Sammy (I'd even go as far to say as we need a new number 1 for the SP) 

Eckersley seems like a very strange one. He has a year left and been fantastic. 100% keep. 

Reilly deserves a new deal, I think he must feel hard done by with Mullen playing so much. I think they'll both do a job but rate Reilly higher.

Hippolyte isn't match fit and had a bad injury, seeing hints of what he can do when back to his best. Punt would be extremely harsh and costly. 

Flannigan apparently hasn't been doing great on this loan or the last one but he might be worth an extra year to see. Given what will likely be low wages, I might be tempted to give him a new contract. 

I agree 100% with everything you said.  I would  also add Todd ( Maybe ) I think the boy has something

Link to comment
Share on other sites

GK: Keep Samson. I'd release Ross Stewart as we haven't seen if he's capable of dealing with the Championship yet. Don't mind if a replacement is better or worse than Samson, as long as it's someone who can challenge him.

LB/RB: Keep Eckersley. Keep Demetriou unless we can get 3 adequate full backs in. Would love to get Liam Smith back but I think Hearts would be silly to release him. I'd release Irvine.

CB: Keep Baird, he's young and been through a lot with us already, and he is a decent player. Davis is a must to keep. Would happily see Gary Mack stay. However, I would want a new CB who would go straight into the starting lineup. Defence hasn't been a strong point so new, better replacements would be ideal. Donati could stay in a coaching  role but not as a player.

CM: McGinn - must keep. Magennis - must keep. McShane was decent to begin with until Flynn arrived and took his place. I'd keep McShane unless we can get two good CMs in. Hill will go back to bigots, no point chasing a deal for him.

LM/RM/Wingers - Cammy Smith is a must keep, he's been excellent. I'd keep Hippolyte but ideally one or two good wingers coming in would be important, especially with Morgan gone. I would like to see us try and get Morgan back on loan, I don't see him getting game time at the bigots right now. Release that Kirkpatrick guy, and Flanagan too if he's not doing much for Elgin.

ST: Would be very good to keep Reilly. 22 goals in a season is a great return. Can't say much on Mullen, his goals record is not great and needs to improve but some on here think he's alright and they will have a better idea than me if they can go to games unlike myself. We need to get someone in who is ideally better than these two or can at least provide good competition, we don't know how these two will cope in the top flight. I'll sadly say Sutton should go, shame as he's been a good player in his two spells but I don't think he's going to be good enough now. Ross Stewart like the other Ross Stewart didn't do much for us this season and hasn't proven himself above League One so preferably release him.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Samson - Keep

Ross Stewart GK - Punt

Gary Irvine - His reaction of the end of the Falkirk game suggests he has played his last game

Liam Smith - Keep if we can

Harry Davis - 100% keep

Gary McKenzie - Keep

Jack Baird - Keep

Massimo Donati - Punt

Adam Eckersley - Keep 100%

Stelios - Will be sad to see him go but punt :(

Ian McShane - Punt. Although I do like him as a player, just doesn't fit into our style

Ryan Flynn - Hmm. Keep but would like to strengthen in this area of the park

Stephen McGinn - Keep 100%

Mark Hill - Back to Celtic

Cammy Smith - Keep 100%

Lewis Morgan - No chance of keeping, but best of luck to him, except against us

Kyle Magennis - Keep, but need to strengthen in this area too. May have to make way if we sign a really good centre mid

Jordan Kirkpatrick - Punt, not quite good enough 

Ross Stewart (st) - Punt. Good League 1 or lower Championship level

Nathan Flanagan - Keep, think he still has potential, could use going to the gym with Magennis

Miles Hippolyte - Meh

Josh Todd - Punt to QOTS perhaps

Danny Mullen - Punt. Don't think he's quite Premiership level

John Sutton - Love the guy but will be on high wages, thanks for your time at the buddies JS!

Daryl Duffy - Punt, not offered enough

Gavin Reilly - Keep. Think he's really underrated, although we need to bring in a top quality striker

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, Alba said:

A few mentions about the need to bring in new central midfielders. Surely everyone realises that Jack is going to announce Wee Stevie Mallan signing back on for the season? B)

I wish... He would do a job IMO

 

Him and a fighter (Goody style mid fielder) as well as another winger  for Morgan take priority.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

45 minutes ago, Drew said:

We need 2 right backs, though. I wouldn't write off the chances of Smith staying just yet.

Don't like naming players....that's the managers job. Not one I would like this season in particular.

Ideally  we need cover for each position in order to create competition for places.

Position wise  then a definite need to replace Smith if he is going back to hearts. Definite need to bring in a replacement for John Sutton if, as seems likely he is going. He has been a good professional. A replacement for Morgan ..not easy.  A defensive midfielder in place of Hill who will return to Celtif. That makes 4.

I believe, perhaps wrongly, that Donati will join as a coach/player coach for a season. That makes 5.

That leaves 2...4 places to reach the 7...9 mentioned. Anyone's guess.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, St.Ricky said:

Don't like naming players....that's the managers job. Not one I would like this season in particular.

Ideally  we need cover for each position in order to create competition for places.

Position wise  then a definite need to replace Smith if he is going back to hearts. Definite need to bring in a replacement for John Sutton if, as seems likely he is going. He has been a good professional. A replacement for Morgan ..not easy.  A defensive midfielder in place of Hill who will return to Celtif. That makes 4.

I believe, perhaps wrongly, that Donati will join as a coach/player coach for a season. That makes 5.

That leaves 2...4 places to reach the 7...9 mentioned. Anyone's guess.

You don't name names, Ricky ?

:D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, St.Ricky said:

Don't like naming players....that's the managers job. Not one I would like this season in particular.

Ideally  we need cover for each position in order to create competition for places.

Position wise  then a definite need to replace Smith if he is going back to hearts. Definite need to bring in a replacement for John Sutton if, as seems likely he is going. He has been a good professional. A replacement for Morgan ..not easy.  A defensive midfielder in place of Hill who will return to Celtif. That makes 4.

I believe, perhaps wrongly, that Donati will join as a coach/player coach for a season. That makes 5.

That leaves 2...4 places to reach the 7...9 mentioned. Anyone's guess.

I can see McGinn being more the holding midfielder in the Prem with the focus being on more attacking midfielders in the summer. I kinda agree McShane and Reilly may well be offloaded not saying they should be but I get the feeling they will be. Stellios 100% no way keep - poor decision maker and most of the fringe men can go with little impact. Eckersley I think has been excellent and is hardly ancient definite keep for me and I don't see how we will offload players signed in the January window on contracts into next year. JR must have signed them with the Prem in mind regardless of their performances so far.  Pre season will be those guys make or break.  The rest of this seasons core keep where possible.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

42 minutes ago, Cornwall_Saint said:

GK: Keep Samson. I'd release Ross Stewart as we haven't seen if he's capable of dealing with the Championship yet. Don't mind if a replacement is better or worse than Samson, as long as it's someone who can challenge him.

LB/RB: Keep Eckersley. Keep Demetriou unless we can get 3 adequate full backs in. Would love to get Liam Smith back but I think Hearts would be silly to release him. I'd release Irvine.

CB: Keep Baird, he's young and been through a lot with us already, and he is a decent player. Davis is a must to keep. Would happily see Gary Mack stay. However, I would want a new CB who would go straight into the starting lineup. Defence hasn't been a strong point so new, better replacements would be ideal. Donati could stay in a coaching  role but not as a player.

CM: McGinn - must keep. Magennis - must keep. McShane was decent to begin with until Flynn arrived and took his place. I'd keep McShane unless we can get two good CMs in. Hill will go back to bigots, no point chasing a deal for him.

LM/RM/Wingers - Cammy Smith is a must keep, he's been excellent. I'd keep Hippolyte but ideally one or two good wingers coming in would be important, especially with Morgan gone. I would like to see us try and get Morgan back on loan, I don't see him getting game time at the bigots right now. Release that Kirkpatrick guy, and Flanagan too if he's not doing much for Elgin.

ST: Would be very good to keep Reilly. 22 goals in a season is a great return. Can't say much on Mullen, his goals record is not great and needs to improve but some on here think he's alright and they will have a better idea than me if they can go to games unlike myself. We need to get someone in who is ideally better than these two or can at least provide good competition, we don't know how these two will cope in the top flight. I'll sadly say Sutton should go, shame as he's been a good player in his two spells but I don't think he's going to be good enough now. Ross Stewart like the other Ross Stewart didn't do much for us this season and hasn't proven himself above League One so preferably release him.

If a new Goalkeeper is worse than Samson, then we are in major trouble. 

Goodbye Premiership 

Hello again Championship. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, TopCat said:

 

 

 

Obviously a hugely important transfer window coming up for the club. With us losing our best player and moving up a division I’m sure we agree that there needs to be a lot of inward activity should we want to be competitive in the premier league. But who in our current squad should we keep?

 

Samson - Keep. One of my players of the year. The paisley panther, the ginger ninja, the legend that is Craig Samson. Expect and hope he will continue as first choice next year.

 

Ross Stewart (GK) - Punt. I think we need a new goalie in the summer. Someone with experience who’s capable of pushing Sammy for the number 1 jersey. Young Ross is clearly nowhere near the first team so unless he wants to stay on as third choice he should be punted.

 

Gary Irvine - Punt. Forgot he was still here until the other night. After that performance it’s no wonder he struggles to get on the bench most weeks.

 

Liam Smith - Keep. Obviously won’t be our decision, but I’ve been really impressed with Liam this year. Listening to Hearts fans they seem keen to have him back as right back has apparently been a bit of an issue for them. However we should be certainly asking them if we could either extend the loan or sign him on a permanent basis.

 

Harry Davis - Keep. No doubt about that. Only issue with Harry is that he’s had several bad injuries over the last few years. If he can keep himself fit I’ve no doubt he’ll be a solid performer at Premier League level.

 

Gary McKenzie - Keep - Similar to Harry in many ways. Clearly he is good enough for the Premiership, the question mark is over his fitness.

 

Jack Baird - Keep. Given the injury problems of our two first choice centre halves Jack has played a lot of football this year. He’s been excellent, that performance at Dunfermline where he scored the winner and made several game saving blocks will live long in the memory. Suspect he will play a big part next year too.

 

Massimo Donati - Punt. He looked all of his 37 years against Falkirk, no way he could cope in the Premier League. Not sure if he will be kept on in a coaching capacity but he’s certainly got nothing to offer us in playing terms.

 

Adam Eckersley - Punt. Tough one but Adam looks like his legs have went. Often felt that full back is a young mans position with the amount of running that’s required. Adam just can’t get up and down the line effectively and this will be even more exposed at Premier League level. He’s 33 this year so I think his time with us up.

 

Stelios - Punt. Easy one. Not sure if Stelios is even a Championship player, he’s certainly not a Premier League one. His performance against Aberdeen was a horror show. Was at fault for a goal against Falkirk. Expect he will sign for Dumbarton or Ayr.

 

Ian McShane - Punt. He’s struggling to get in the team in the Championship. Flynn has been a significant upgrade and I don’t think McShane is Premier League standard.

 

Ryan Flynn - Keep. Think he’s been good since he came. Plenty of experience at a good level. Expect he will be a big player for us next year.

 

Stephen McGinn - Keep. Not entirely convinced McGinn is up to it at Premier League level. He was terrible against Thistle and Aberdeen and even last week at Tannadice he struggled badly. I can’t see him being a regular starter but I do think there’s a place for him in the squad.

 

Mark Hill - Punt. Looked out of shape against Falkirk. And rubbish.

 

Cammy Smith - Keep. Cammy clearly has a bit of quality about him. He’s one of a very few players we have who I think will make the step up to the Premier League seamlessly and be a regular starter next year.

 

Lewis Morgan - Keep. We should be going to Celtic with the begging bowl asking if we can extend his loan for another season. Or till January at least. That would be signing of the summer if we pulled that off. Doubt we will, but we can but dream.

 

Kyle Magennis - Keep. Kyle’s obviously completely unproven at a level higher than The Championship, but he’s certainly earned the chance to go there with us. As with many of our players, he’s going to need to step up his performances a level if he’s going to have an impact in the Premier League.

 

Jordan Kirkpatrick - Punt. Another one to add to the long list of part time players we’ve signed who’ve not been good enough for full time football. Wasn’t surprised to see him shipped out in January and surely we won’t see him again.

 

Ross Stewart (st) - Punt. See above.

 

Nathan Flanagan - Punt. This promising youngster is the same age as Lewis Morgan . Doesn’t appear to have done much at Elgin so it’s puntsville for him.

 

Miles Hippolyte - Punt. He’s never been a Premier League player and he never will be. Thought scoring the penalty aside he was rubbish against Falkirk.

 

Josh Todd - Been here a long time now and he’s never managed to hold down a place. Not done enough to get a new deal.

 

Danny Mullen - Keep. Not been entirely convinced by Danny since he’s came in, but I do think he’s been an upgrade on Reilly. And so does Ross clearly as Gavin’s been punted out the side to accommodate him. 2 goals in 12 games for a striker in a team top of the league isn’t exactly setting the heather alight though. That will certainly need to improve if he’s going to be anything more than a bit part player next year.

 

John Sutton - Punt. Obvious punt, best of luck to a fantastic servant and can see him doing a job for Dumbarton/Ayr next year.

 

Daryl Duffy - Punt. What a strange signing. Did he ever actually play a minute of football for us?

 

Gavin Reilly - Punt. Probably the most controversial of choices, but I just can’t see Reilly doing it in the Premier League. His goal return has been good this season, but if you look at who the majority of his goals have came against it’s no surprise that Jack signed Danny Mullen and stuck Gav on the bench. I would hope we sign at least 2 proven Premier League standard goal scorers in the summer. The fact is that Reilly can’t get a start just now, I can’t see how he’s going to be of any use among a stronger pool of strikers next season.

 

 

Oh and Ross and Fowler - Keep. Done a fantastic job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

absolutely agree with everything you said there bud,100%

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest cribfather
Reilly had been carrying a knock for the last two months and that’s why his playing time has been limited. 

Now now, don’t let facts get in the way [emoji41]

Not sure why the OP wants to let Reilly go, but keep Mullen. Mullen maybe tougher, although he falls over with a gust of wind, but Reilly is far more intelligent with his over all game play.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Of the players that are ours I reckon the below, and added in the undecided category until we know who else is being brought in. I reckon we need 1 GK, 1 RB, 1RB/LB, 1 CH, 1LW/RW, 2 CF

Keep (accepting that some may not want to stay if they are to become/remain squad players)- Samson, Eckersley, McKenzie, Baird, Davis, Magennis, McGinn, C Smith, Flynn, Hippolyte, Mullen, Reilly

Leave - R Stewart (GK), Irvine, Stelios, Donati (assume that will retire and join coaching staff), Duffy, Sutton, Kirkpatrick, Whyte

Undecided - Flanagan, Todd (looked strong and decent before second injury), R Stewart (ST - very raw, but had promise and wonder if full time football adjustment has happened in loan spell), O'Keefe, MacPherson

 

Not addressed the other younger players out on loan or in youths as don't know enough about them

Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 minutes ago, Isle Of Bute Saint said:

100% agree Drew good player. Players do read the forum that should not be forgotten.  

So what if they read the Forum.

The players are not being abused. 

Just Saints fans giving honest opinions. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Samson - must stay

Eckersley - must stay

Liam Smith - would love to keep but looks like he's returning to Hearts.

Stelios - love his enthusiasm but not reliable enough for Premiership, I'm afraid.

Irvine - should probably let him go.

Baird, Mackenzie, Davis - must all stay

McGinn - must stay

Magennis - must stay

McShane - should probably let him go.

Flynn - should stay

Hill - let him return to Celtic

Donati - only keep in a coaching role

Sutton - should leave with thanks for his contribution

Cammy Smith - must stay

Reilly - must stay

Mullen - should stay

Hippolyte - could let him go, I think

Todd - should return from loan. Has done well at Queens.

Don't know the other younger players well enough to comment.

 

 

 

Edited by pondsman
Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, TopCat said:

 

 

 

Obviously a hugely important transfer window coming up for the club. With us losing our best player and moving up a division I’m sure we agree that there needs to be a lot of inward activity should we want to be competitive in the premier league. But who in our current squad should we keep?

 

Samson - Keep. One of my players of the year. The paisley panther, the ginger ninja, the legend that is Craig Samson. Expect and hope he will continue as first choice next year.

 

Ross Stewart (GK) - Punt. I think we need a new goalie in the summer. Someone with experience who’s capable of pushing Sammy for the number 1 jersey. Young Ross is clearly nowhere near the first team so unless he wants to stay on as third choice he should be punted.

 

Gary Irvine - Punt. Forgot he was still here until the other night. After that performance it’s no wonder he struggles to get on the bench most weeks.

 

Liam Smith - Keep. Obviously won’t be our decision, but I’ve been really impressed with Liam this year. Listening to Hearts fans they seem keen to have him back as right back has apparently been a bit of an issue for them. However we should be certainly asking them if we could either extend the loan or sign him on a permanent basis.

 

Harry Davis - Keep. No doubt about that. Only issue with Harry is that he’s had several bad injuries over the last few years. If he can keep himself fit I’ve no doubt he’ll be a solid performer at Premier League level.

 

Gary McKenzie - Keep - Similar to Harry in many ways. Clearly he is good enough for the Premiership, the question mark is over his fitness.

 

Jack Baird - Keep. Given the injury problems of our two first choice centre halves Jack has played a lot of football this year. He’s been excellent, that performance at Dunfermline where he scored the winner and made several game saving blocks will live long in the memory. Suspect he will play a big part next year too.

 

Massimo Donati - Punt. He looked all of his 37 years against Falkirk, no way he could cope in the Premier League. Not sure if he will be kept on in a coaching capacity but he’s certainly got nothing to offer us in playing terms.

 

Adam Eckersley - Punt. Tough one but Adam looks like his legs have went. Often felt that full back is a young mans position with the amount of running that’s required. Adam just can’t get up and down the line effectively and this will be even more exposed at Premier League level. He’s 33 this year so I think his time with us up.

 

Stelios - Punt. Easy one. Not sure if Stelios is even a Championship player, he’s certainly not a Premier League one. His performance against Aberdeen was a horror show. Was at fault for a goal against Falkirk. Expect he will sign for Dumbarton or Ayr.

 

Ian McShane - Punt. He’s struggling to get in the team in the Championship. Flynn has been a significant upgrade and I don’t think McShane is Premier League standard.

 

Ryan Flynn - Keep. Think he’s been good since he came. Plenty of experience at a good level. Expect he will be a big player for us next year.

 

Stephen McGinn - Keep. Not entirely convinced McGinn is up to it at Premier League level. He was terrible against Thistle and Aberdeen and even last week at Tannadice he struggled badly. I can’t see him being a regular starter but I do think there’s a place for him in the squad.

 

Mark Hill - Punt. Looked out of shape against Falkirk. And rubbish.

 

Cammy Smith - Keep. Cammy clearly has a bit of quality about him. He’s one of a very few players we have who I think will make the step up to the Premier League seamlessly and be a regular starter next year.

 

Lewis Morgan - Keep. We should be going to Celtic with the begging bowl asking if we can extend his loan for another season. Or till January at least. That would be signing of the summer if we pulled that off. Doubt we will, but we can but dream.

 

Kyle Magennis - Keep. Kyle’s obviously completely unproven at a level higher than The Championship, but he’s certainly earned the chance to go there with us. As with many of our players, he’s going to need to step up his performances a level if he’s going to have an impact in the Premier League.

 

Jordan Kirkpatrick - Punt. Another one to add to the long list of part time players we’ve signed who’ve not been good enough for full time football. Wasn’t surprised to see him shipped out in January and surely we won’t see him again.

 

Ross Stewart (st) - Punt. See above.

 

Nathan Flanagan - Punt. This promising youngster is the same age as Lewis Morgan . Doesn’t appear to have done much at Elgin so it’s puntsville for him.

 

Miles Hippolyte - Punt. He’s never been a Premier League player and he never will be. Thought scoring the penalty aside he was rubbish against Falkirk.

 

Josh Todd - Been here a long time now and he’s never managed to hold down a place. Not done enough to get a new deal.

 

Danny Mullen - Keep. Not been entirely convinced by Danny since he’s came in, but I do think he’s been an upgrade on Reilly. And so does Ross clearly as Gavin’s been punted out the side to accommodate him. 2 goals in 12 games for a striker in a team top of the league isn’t exactly setting the heather alight though. That will certainly need to improve if he’s going to be anything more than a bit part player next year.

 

John Sutton - Punt. Obvious punt, best of luck to a fantastic servant and can see him doing a job for Dumbarton/Ayr next year.

 

Daryl Duffy - Punt. What a strange signing. Did he ever actually play a minute of football for us?

 

Gavin Reilly - Punt. Probably the most controversial of choices, but I just can’t see Reilly doing it in the Premier League. His goal return has been good this season, but if you look at who the majority of his goals have came against it’s no surprise that Jack signed Danny Mullen and stuck Gav on the bench. I would hope we sign at least 2 proven Premier League standard goal scorers in the summer. The fact is that Reilly can’t get a start just now, I can’t see how he’s going to be of any use among a stronger pool of strikers next season.

 

 

Oh and Ross and Fowler - Keep. Done a fantastic job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agree with virtually all of this. I would keep Eckersley and I think we will but I get your point about his legs at Premiership level.

McKenzie for me is smashing player but also a major doubt legs wise at Premiership level and injury prone. McKenzie is the one that I think JR will possibly let go if he can replace, might not be easy on our budget.

Got to agree 100% on Reilly and McGinn. Nice to see it being said instead of the usual nonsense.

 

 

Edited by lenziebud
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Samson - must stay
Eckersley - must stay
Liam Smith - would love to keep but looks like he's returning to Hearts.
Stelios - love his enthusiasm but not reliable enough for Premiership, I'm afraid.
Irvine - should probably let him go.
Baird, Mackenzie, Davis - must all stay
McGinn - must stay
Magennis - must stay
McShane - should probably let him go.
Flynn - should stay
Hill - let him return to Celtic
Donati - only keep in a coaching role
Sutton - should leave with thanks for his contribution
Cammy Smith - must stay
Reilly - must stay
Mullen - should stay
Hippolyte - could let him go, I think
Todd - should return from loan. Has done well at Queens.
Don't know the other younger players well enough to comment.
 
 
 
Todd? Not according a Queens fans on P&B.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...