Truth_is_out_there

This. And I'm inclined to agree with you regarding the "pitch fork" comment too. The one thing that worries though is that we were not beaten the better team over the two legs - we were beaten by a coach who deployed better tactics and got it absolutely spot-on. That does not bode well for the season ahead.

Agree. I was backing that guy to the hilt last season due to his injuries, but that was fucking appalling from him the other night, when he came on. As soon as he conceded that daft foul outside the box, I knew they were going to score. Dreadful.

Agree about Hill. And he was one of the few players we had who can actually score with a header! Not too sure about McKay though; his body language in the last few games of the season suggested to me he would rather be elsewhere.

I must admit, the more the game went on last night, it did have a 'Deja vu' feeling to it thinking back to McCoist trying to negotiate getting us through some early cup rounds. Same story: we wait until about the 75 min mark, and staring defeat in the face, before we decide to step up a gear and start loading the opposition box with players. Awful.

Not sure about that, but playing TWO holding midfielders tonight was a big no no for me - it played right into their hands; It slowed the game down to a snail's pace, which is exactly what they wanted. We fell for their tactics line, hook & sinker.

This. Plus the fact it was his fist competitive game playing with Dalcio just in front of him. As they get to know each other's attributes, I'm sure there will be a big improvement by him as the weeks go by, and vice versa.

Spot on. I was saying the same to my mates after the match on Thursday. Don't get me wrong, he was worth the admission money alone with his performance the other night; Niko will always look different class against part timers, but against the scum, where the game is played at 100mph, I'm still not convinced.

I was wondering about that myself mate. A lot of so-called experts are lining up in the media, ten-a-penny stating: "foreign players don't settle well" etc. But what if all of our signings do really well here from the start, including our two new strikers, and end up scoring for fun immediately? It then might come down to the four OF games again, where the margins of error are very, very slim. Those bastards identified Tav as a weak link last season; sinclair and that rat griffiths tore Tav a new one. So if there's any money still available for new signings, I think this position (RB) is the most worrying one for me - if Tav does actually survive the cull !!

He's said his piece. It's had the desired effect: taigs foaming at the mouth and green tinted journalists all banging their hoofs off the keyboard in a rage. Now is the time for the team to get their heads down and do all their talking on the park - hopefully starting this week in the first round of the Europa league.

Good post OP. I can see where you're coming from, but if there's anymore monies available to strengthen the first team, then it's a new right back for me thanks!

Meh, nothing more than a training exercise for both teams so no need to panic. Just a chance for our new players to get to know their team mates and vice versa, and also to blow away the pre-season cobwebs. Anyway, even if the reports are true, and Waghorn is resorting to type, we will still have more than enough in our locker to get through the first round...with a bit to spare! And once Morelos and Herrera get up to speed, (which they will), Waghorn won't be anywhere near the first team starting 11. Guaranteed cert!

This is excellent. Add this to a photo in the back pages of our two new signings on route (Pena & Herrera) to sign officially for us, whilst the bheasts are hogging the front pages for the wrong reasons, and it sure makes for a brilliant day!

Very interesting post mate. And the problem is that a lot of our new signings are going to be playing in the euro qualifiers alongside guys who have been told to find themselves a new club. The "For Sale" players are either going to use the chance to put themselves in the shop window...or play as if they couldn't give a rat's arse if we win or lose. Hopefully, it's not the latter.

Spot on. And as for Jack? I agree too - I watched him closely in the cup final and he certainly held his own. He showed strong character with some good play, and is definitely a step-up from what we've currently got in midfield.

I disagree...Dorrans can play left midfield as can Niko. They are not wingers. Herrara has won caps for Mexico and got to be better than Garner? Hope so. And I also think Jack should definitely start, and is better than what we've currently got, but just my opinion. From what I've read, Dalcio mostly gets played as a striker, but he's a work-in-progress, and not the finished article.

Certainly feeling a lot better than this time last season. Some good calibre of players in already. A definite step-up than the players we brought in from the lower leagues of England last season. I know it might be wishful thinking, but would be great to see the following: Fod/Alnwick ? Cardoso Alves Wallace Rossiter Jack Candeias Pena Niko / Dorrans Herrera / Dalcio That's a good team, but we will probably lose out on some the players being quoted. Make it happen Pedro!

Very good article @The Dude ...On a slightly different note, how is the young lad Atakayi developing? He looked a terrific prospect when he signed! I noticed he was involved with the first team squad towards the end of the season which is good news. Any news on him? Cheers.

Nah, got to disagree mate. This guy is the real deal. He's still involved in the international scene, and even at 35, he's a top defender. He's a leader with exceptionally strong character who takes no prisoners; exactly the type of player we've been crying out for. If we were having this discussion this time last year with a player like Senderos for example, then I would probably agree with you, but not this guy!

Superb signing. Looking forward to watching him booting the lego muncher up into the air already! Will be even better if we can get that other defender, Cardoso to play alongside him too. Guys signing with very, very strong character is exactly what we need!

I was wondering that myself mate and if we manage to get the names in that we've been linked with, I'll be well pleased - certainly looking a step-up in the calibre of player we've been signing the last few seasons. Make it happen Pedro!

A terrific player at his peak, but just another bizarre signing for us The fact that almost every comment I read on here when he first signed for us had a part which stated: "if he can stay clear of injury" said it all for me. His body simply can't cope with the physical demands of our premier league now. Time for him to go back to semi-retirement in the States, and his high wages to be put to better use!

Haha...I just love it when all those twat like nobodies like sutton and nicholas come crawling out of the woodwork to stick the knife into us with their two bob's worth in the media. It shows Pedro's getting right under their skin already. Brilliant - keep up the good work Sir!

I just couldn't figure out why it took him almost an hour to actually run at the Aberdeen defence, which resulted in a very good goal by Waghorn. He should have been doing that from the start. As a player, he just looks completely ill at ease in this league.

The young players tonight can all hold their heads high - Barjonas in particular looked terrific when he came on; the only positives for me. Oh, that and Waghorn actually taking one of his chances tonight too!

I quite liked him in the Championship tbh. Sadly he's been unable to make the step-up this season - like a few others! The guys all around me today were going ballistic when he missed that sitter (again!). His confidence looks totally gone, and I think Pedro should not play him again for the last few games - for his own good!