Good news for Wee John

[TheBigCheese]

Not so hot for the rest of us...

clicky! (http://www.stjohnstonefc.co.uk/newsitem~NewsID~1558.asp)

[Kevin]

To be honest, i think this is a isaster for our midfield despite everything WJ says, Seridan is the most prolific worker we have and I do not see who is going to take his place, as effectively. Three crunch games and we are without our midfield dynamo.

John, if you have been using witchcraft here I just hope it doesn't backfire on you :twisted:

[Broggy Man]

This is a major blow. However it may be a blessing for Janny and Kieran so heres hoping they take the opertunity

[wee john]

If we do not perform in these 3 matches then I will admit I'm wrong, I think we can now concentrate on creating thru midfield and I am looking forward to seeing it.

I hope I'm correct because we need those points badly.

[Broggy Man]

If we do not perform in these 3 matches then I will admit I'm wrong, I think we can now concentrate on creating thru midfield and I am looking forward to seeing it.

I hope I'm correct because we need those points badly.

We hope you are correct to John but somehow i would say that in games where we are under the cosh a bit we will miss him he protects the back four very well

[Kyle]

Wouldn't want Hannah any where near the team... but I think we're gonna have to play him unfortunately. He's rubbish... but the only player who can actually tackle of the remaining fit midfielders.

Actually, why not try someone like McManus... he HAS to be a better option than Hannah, surely?

[blueheaven]

This is a major blow. However it may be a blessing for Janny and Kieran so heres hoping they take the opertunity

I can't really see either of those two players coming into the team in Sheridan's absence. Has to be The Davester for me - the only other guy in the squad who can play that role. He's picking up a wage here so I don't see any reason why we shouldn't call upon him.

I also think Sheridan could benefit from the rest - if he comes back rejuvinated and on top form, the scenario could work out quite well for us.

[Broon]

I would be happy to see Stanic given a try in the Midfield or maybe even Mensing. I don't want to go down the road of getting Hannah back in the side. What about McManus?

[Broon]

Mensing would maybe be a shout. Don't think we should muck about with Goran, leave him where he's best. McManus, like the others doesn't have enough dig IMO. Mensing is a good idea though, I'm sure he's played there for Clyde. It would mean playing Anderson at right-back though. :(

Good point. However, Ando is decent at centre back so we could move Rusty to the right back position to cover.

[blueheaven]

Mensing would maybe be a shout. Don't think we should muck about with Goran, leave him where he's best. McManus, like the others doesn't have enough dig IMO. Mensing is a good idea though, I'm sure he's played there for Clyde. It would mean playing Anderson at right-back though. :(

I haven't seen the tackling, grit or vision in Mensing to suggest he'd be a viable option in such a vital position. Stanic is an interesting suggestion (particularly if Fotheringham's fit and can go to left-back), but to be honest I can't believe anyone would even consider filling the gap with anyone other than The Davester. It's not that long ago he was the forum's player of the season. He's the obvious choice by miles - and hopefully he'd also come into the team with something to prove. I think the only other possible option would be to get someone from elsewhere on a short-term loan to cover until Sheridan comes back - but I see little point in adding another wage when The Davester's already here.

[Cagey]

Hannah is history. I don`t know who we should play in that position but McManus may be worth a shot.Mensing should not be in the team never mind holding midfield.

Wee John. Who would be better in there than Sheridan.

[Kevin]

to be honest I can't believe anyone would even consider filling the gap with anyone other than The Davester. It's not that long ago he was the forum's player of the season. He's the obvious choice by miles - and hopefully he'd also come into the team with something to prove. I think the only other possible option would be to get someone from elsewhere on a short-term loan to cover until Sheridan comes back - but I see little point in adding another wage when The Davester's already here.

Hmm, given his propensity to miss his targets with passes and his dead ball work being virtually non-existent, plus his attitude towards his team-mates, I do not think this would be a really good idea Gary :?

[lethamsaintee]

we will certainly miss wee shezza in those 3 games, and i cant think of anyone else capable pof playing the holding role. and dont even mention hannah.

[HeronAddict]

I'd put Janczyk in that position myself. From the little we've seen of him he does seem to have the passing ability to play there, but obviously the main question mark would be about his ability to tackle. But to be a successful midfielder at this level, he's going to have to learn to add that to his game, and he should be determined to do all he can to take his chance and gain a regular place in the team.

As for bringing Hannah back, this would be a bad move in my opinion. Ok, he was player of the year last year, but he could only be considered to have been the best of an extremely bad bunch, and he's a player with extremely limited technical ability. While he does get 'stuck in', this for me isn't enough to warrant a place in the team. His attitude also doesn't seem to be the best, so if the OC didn't think that Janczyk was up to the role, I would'nt be against giving McManus a chance. We need to look forward rather than back to a guy who was captain of probably the worst saints team i've seen.

[HeronAddict]

Generally no, but then when he has played its been mostly at right back. The one time I remember him playing in the centre of midfield was against Hamilton in the cup, and he was pretty ineffective and got subbed. We all know what Hannah is like as a player - workmanlike, but pretty ordinary - and that's why I think it would be better to give Jancyk the opportunity to play and show what he's capable of. He came with a good reputation from Hearts, and you can't deny that he has much more potential than Hannah?

[HeronAddict]

I feel we need more bite in the midfield. This league isn't really conducive to slick, passing football and if Darren is missing, Hannah is the only player we have that can mix it up IMO unless we try Mensing there.

If we didn't already have Stevenson, Sheerin and Henry in midfield, I'd be less against the idea but those three are all sand-dancers as well and I fear we could get over-run and bullied like we did on Saturday.

That's a fair point, but equally I feel the major problem the team's had this season is a general lack of creativity from midfield, and it's possible that bringing Jancyk in, while a risk, would be a more positive move. Hannah's the safe option, but I just don't feel he would add anything to the team. You can't claim he was a fantastic player for us last season? My abiding memory of his contribution was committing a load of stupid, reckless fouls and blaming other players for his own mistakes. Given the gap between us and St. Mirren, I don't feel we have much to lose from giving Jancyk or even MacManus a chance

Also its surely not too much to ask of Sheerin, Henry and Stevenson to give a bit more to the team in terms of putting in a few more tackles, tracking back more often etc, given Sheridan's absence?

[Cagey]

I feel we need more bite in the midfield. This league isn't really conducive to slick, passing football and if Darren is missing, Hannah is the only player we have that can mix it up IMO unless we try Mensing there.

If we didn't already have Stevenson, Sheerin and Henry in midfield, I'd be less against the idea but those three are all sand-dancers as well and I fear we could get over-run and bullied like we did on Saturday.

That's a fair point, but equally I feel the major problem the team's had this season is a general lack of creativity from midfield, and it's possible that bringing Jancyk in, while a risk, would be a more positive move. Hannah's the safe option, but I just don't feel he would add anything to the team. You can't claim he was a fantastic player for us last season? My abiding memory of his contribution was committing a load of stupid, reckless fouls and blaming other players for his own mistakes. Given the gap between us and St. Mirren, I don't feel we have much to lose from giving Jancyk or even MacManus a chance

Also its surely not too much to ask of Sheerin, Henry and Stevenson to give a bit more to the team in terms of putting in a few more tackles, tracking back more often etc, given Sheridan's absence?

We needed them to do that against St Mirren but it didn`t happen so if they can`t do it in the biggest game of the season then I can`t see it happen.

[blueheaven]

Hannah's the safe option

...which is exactly why we should play him. These are some massive games we have coming up, including a big derby match. We need someone in that position who can get stuck in during these matches and isn't going to be out of position or learning the ropes. Someone suggested McManus, but I'd be amazed if Coyle put an inexperienced, largely untried youngster into such an important position over the next few games. This is not the time for experimenting.

[wee john]

Has Hannah let the side down when he's played this season?

YES

[TheBigCheese]

Has Hannah let the side down when he's played this season?

YES

Very constructive John. :roll:

I can see what people have against Hannah - he's a bit of an arse - but I don't believe he's not good enough, or comitted enough to do a job for us.

[David]

Has Hannah let the side down when he's played this season?

YES
Turning it around, name me a player who hasn't let the side down, at one point or another?

[Saintkev]

Stanic is an interesting suggestion (particularly if Fotheringham's fit and can go to left-back)

Surely Fotheringham in a straight swap would be better if the big yin was fit?

[Cagey]

Stanic is an interesting suggestion (particularly if Fotheringham's fit and can go to left-back)

Surely Fotheringham in a straight swap would be better if the big yin was fit?

Cocked that up , didn`t I.

[Cagey]

Stanic is an interesting suggestion (particularly if Fotheringham's fit and can go to left-back)

Surely Fotheringham in a straight swap would be better if the big yin was fit?

Yeh Kev but who could we swap him for. I don`t think Ronadinho would drop down a couple of divisions.

[Cagey]

Wee John, we`are stiill waiting to hear who you will play in place of Stumpy.

[Saintkev]

Stanic is an interesting suggestion (particularly if Fotheringham's fit and can go to left-back)

Surely Fotheringham in a straight swap would be better if the big yin was fit?

Yeh Kev but who could we swap him for. I don`t think Ronadinho would drop down a couple of divisions.

I meant if Fotheringham was fit he could play the holding role in midfield, leaving Stanic at Left Back, rather than, Fotheringham to Left back and moving Stanic up!

[chopper]

According to a Saints fan on P&B, it'll be Mensing that's given Sheridan's role, possibly as soon as this Saturday.

Do we have a bounce game or is that when OC announces Mondau's team? :P :roll:

[stanley saint]

how about playing a centre half as a defensive , hard tackling midfielder type role

[Saintkev]

how about playing a centre half as a defensive , hard tackling midfielder type role

Rustybits might suit this role, but i wouldn't want to take him out of what he's been doing?

[Saintkev]

how about playing a centre half as a defensive , hard tackling midfielder type role
Rustybits might suit this role, but i wouldn't want to take him out of what he's been doing?
He played it up in Dingwall against Caley last season. I honestly think Mensing will do a good job in there.

I don't disagree Radford.

[David]

Rustybits might suit this role, but i wouldn't want to take him out of what he's been doing?
If Rutkiewicz hadn't been playing so well at the back this year, I'd genuinely give him a run as the 'big striker' we've lacked at times this season.

[stanley saint]

Rustybits might suit this role, but i wouldn't want to take him out of what he's been doing?

He played it up in Dingwall against Caley last season. I honestly think Mensing will do a good job in there.


I don't disagree Radford.

if rusty bits moved into midfield who would be the best replacement for him

[TheBigCheese]

if rusty bits moved into midfield who would be the best replacement for him
I'd give Mark Campbell another chance.

Why? After an average start against the poorer teams in the league he turned into one of our worst players IMO. He's a waste of space.

[Saintkev]

People were saying the same of Rustybits this time last year... a bit of faith and look what he's doing now.

[blueheaven]

Why? After an average start against the poorer teams in the league he turned into one of our worst players IMO. He's a waste of space.

So you're just going dump a guy forever because of a few bad games? That's ridiculously harsh. What's wrong with giving him another chance? I thought he was alright at the start of the season, then had a dip in form - that can happen to any player. He deserves another shot at it - and, as Kev says, it's not that long ago that people wanted us to ditch Rustybits without giving him another chance.

[lethamsaintee]

i happen to think sparky is a decent enough defender, perhaps he has just had a shaky start for one reason or another that no one can point the finger at, although rusty is the bette rof the 2 anyway.

[Kevin]

I am just amazed that John has not given us the benefit of his wisdom in tellig us who is THE midfielder that Sheridan is keeping out of that position. After all the fuss he has made too....... :wink:

[Shaggy Jenkins]

Sheridan is our midfield. He may not be the best but one thing for sure is any midfield that has any combo of sheerin, mccann or stevenson will win **** all

[dave mc]

I'd like to fling a thought into the ring-what about Kevin Fotheringham?,if he's fit.Can tackle,pass and would be a threat coming late from mid-field or set pieces.I know his mobility might not get him up and down the park,but he could defo play defensive mid-fielder