Hilly86

True, but that might be more to do with Wallace having McKay playing in front of him? In the absence of other players with the same obsession for getting into the box and trying to shoot, let alone score, I'm all for encouraging Tavernier to play the way he does. A proper defensive midfielder will make a difference at the other end, though given the example of the Motherwell game, it's a decent calculated risk to take when the opposition aren't up to much.

How dare you! Take that back!

Sure, but he's obviously being encouraged to get forward a lot, understandably so when he's been so productive. It's making allowances for that in other areas of the team that's been more neglected I think?

I'm all for keeping possession as we do, definitely not advocating more long balls into space (flashbacks just typing that). I'm just not sure where O'Halloran's strengths fit in when we play in front of nine defenders for so long, passing it from one side to the other and back again.

Being fast and direct is a bit of a waste in this team, think he'll be one of those the manager feels more comfortable in leaving out.

Indeed - it has to be a conscious decision by MW given how long it's been apparent. Even with the obvious limitations of our central defenders, they're on a hiding to nothing when the rest of the team aren't busting a gut to close down and stop better quality passes being played into dangerous areas.

Similar theme of it confirming lots of obvious things and exposing a few others that we're not tested often enough to see. Our defending is the most obvious one; trying to do so with two players is a risky choice, unfair given other frailties in the team, I think. But when they look so lost, particularly in basics like marking and tackling, their ability needs to be questioned. Rossiter needs to play as a holding midfielder. He obviously knows the position better than anybody else we have, brings an energy that might help to remind us how much better we are when we remember to close the opposition down quickly. With a team so set up for having possession, we need to have much more of a threat. The choice of centre-forward role should be between Waghorn and Dodoo. Wide-right is a position lots can play before Waghorn has to.

Like they've never been away. Not enough control or chances made for the number of players sent forward, far too many chances given away when defenders left on their own.

The clamour to talk away those scenes should be example enough for why the club should not engage, let alone pander to some pitiful excuses for supposedly impartial journalists and media organisations. And any doubt about how the SFA will punish Hibs should be removed as a concern - DW and each assaulted player should report individually to the police.

Yes - MW must see the obvious reasons for falling short at the end of the season. Going from the shambles of Motherwell last year, to winning the league with ease and with a new, hastily assembled squad and way of playing, was brilliant.

The subs bench has always shown MW's 'lean squad' at its most extreme. Two central defenders guaranteed to play today, no other defensive player anywhere near the squad. Plenty of room for even more new players than last summer, given the need to get some out.

Indeed. The lack of any defenders on the subs bench at times is a bit strange - we only seem to have two full-backs worthy of being anywhere near the first team. It's probably as simple as what MW says often, that he wants the first team squad to be involved as a group, given game time when possible.

From the starting line up on Sunday, I think only Zelalem and Miller won't start. Waghorn in the middle, O'Halloran on the right and a shiny new defensive midfielder.

I think Warburton thinks the same way, but it's obvious he wants them to be good enough and seriously apply themselves to making it as a pro. The occasional lack of a full compliment of subs, combined with the likes of Clark being retained in the squad over Hardie, suggests to me that he's not yet been convinced. A slight concern given it's Scotland they're playing in.

I've read it three times now and still can't rise above laughing at them for the foreseeable future.

Keep it coming - the longer they continue to obsess about us before clubs they can actually compete with, the better. Potential derbies with Peterhead next season, silver linings lads!

Yep - all except us. I can't make it that day, sorry.

That mindset when you're chairman of Dundee Utd and see the opportunity to weaken Rangers as the last step before a glorious future... hope the delusion is feeling all the more painful tonight.

Very timely. The stupidity and opportunism in having that fly kick and thinking it wouldn't come back to boot them before long...

Haha! But they're a massive club and part of the thriving renewal of scottish football annat...

They were louder and more obnoxious than anyone. Brass necks all round, they chose to try to take advantage of our weakness. And now they've officially fucked it. Fantastic!

There's sure to be interest in this - can we have a match thread for the Utd v Hibs games next season?

Agreed. He has been the one dictating our successful play all season with his composure and willingness to take the ball in all areas and pass it on. On the other hand, he doesn't have, or hasn't had to learn, the discipline to hold his position and defend when necessary. Not surprising given his inexperience in the role and Warburton's stated need for a proper defensive midfielder, and not helped by the limited midfielders around him. I'm sure we'll have someone in place for next season, with Halliday still the main playmaker in midfield.

Agreed, he wouldn't be near the first things I'd want to improve on.

For all that it's Hibs, I now have no idea how we'll do in the final. I wonder if Warburton does with any confidence?