Hamilton Academical vs. Saints 05/04/08

[Real Madrid]

What should we do this weekend, some of the players look tired and could do with a rest before the semi final, but if we do this Dundee would be unhappy

Is it in our interest to see Dundee stay down anyway for the bigger crowds next season

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

What should we do this weekend, some of the players look tired and could do with a rest before the semi final, but if we do this Dundee would be unhappy

Is it in our interest to see Dundee stay down anyway for the bigger crowds next season


Play the best team we have.Whatever happens elsewhere is not our concern and as much as I want to see the Scumdee stay down,it would be wrong to play a weakened team.Remember those Accies cnuts laughing at us last season and cheering our agony..

Revenge, a dish best served cold........

[Radford 72]

As fun as it would be to wind up the Dundee fans by sticking out the U19s, Portly Jim has a point, that has also been brought up on P&B, about the Accies fans that took such great pleasure in Gretna's winner last April. It would be nice to gain some sort of revenge.

This also represents a hard test before the semi-final and is the sort of game that can give us a real confidence boost if we do well.

The players seem to be slowly but surely returning to fitness, albeit 8 months too late, so we have a biggish squad to choose from, although the side is beginning to pick itself. It was interesting on Saturday seeing Liam Craig playing in behind the strikers, with Sheerin and Morris sitting deeper and I thought it worked well.

Will have to be at least one change in the squad as Barry Wilson has returned to Inverness, although it could be argued that isn't much of a loss. I guess Rocco is the obvious replacement, although Hardie needs some action if he's to play a part in the semi-final.

[THE LARK SAINT]

MMM !I would say we have to keep near enough to the semi final team both in fairness to fans of all teams involved and to our players also, i think del may be tempted to start players who have been out but might be in his thoughts for april 20,IE James, Hardie,Mcbreen,im sure he will be desperate to get james in for his leadership and hieght, but thats just what i think, you may not agree.......but hey thats football!!!!

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

As fun as it would be to wind up the Dundee fans by sticking out the U19s, Portly Jim has a point, that has also been brought up on P&B, about the Accies fans that took such great pleasure in Gretna's winner last April. It would be nice to gain some sort of revenge.

This also represents a hard test before the semi-final and is the sort of game that can give us a real confidence boost if we do well.

The players seem to be slowly but surely returning to fitness, albeit 8 months too late, so we have a biggish squad to choose from, although the side is beginning to pick itself. It was interesting on Saturday seeing Liam Craig playing in behind the strikers, with Sheerin and Morris sitting deeper and I thought it worked well.

Will have to be at least one change in the squad as Barry Wilson has returned to Inverness, although it could be argued that isn't much of a loss. I guess Rocco is the obvious replacement, although Hardie needs some action if he's to play a part in the semi-final.

Hoy Encyclopedia boy !!!! Portly!!!!!! more like well built......:***:

[templeofsaints]

As fun as it would be to wind up the Dundee fans by sticking out the U19s, Portly Jim has a point, that has also been brought up on P&B, about the Accies fans that took such great pleasure in Gretna's winner last April. It would be nice to gain some sort of revenge.


Wonder how many of them will be Accies gloryhunters this time or if they'll still be flaunting their OF shirts in the home end:-)

[Thomas_sjfc]

I wonder if we will once again see the bizzare scenario of someone, sitting in the Home end of Hamilton Accies ground at a Hamilton Accies game, wearing a Rangers or Celtic top, and singing Gretna songs.

[slf]

i dunno not really that fussed.what happened to that young mclaren chap when he left us anyway?

[dee4life]

Play the best team we have.Whatever happens elsewhere is not our concern and as much as I want to see the Scumdee stay down,it would be wrong to play a weakened team.Remember those Accies cnuts laughing at us last season and cheering our agony..

Revenge, a dish best served cold........

Hope you do play your best team ghostie,but to be honest I couldna blame saints if they didn,t.Obviously a big cup game coming up and all that,I,m just hoping some are playing for places and maybe a wee payback for last season,hope being the word.

[The Kaiser]

Looks like Dundee are intent on messing it up with or without help from others ( shades of de ja vu ).

[Dundeederryboy]

We missed a great chance last night and are now relying on you guys (or livi and clyde, cant say i hold out much hope) to do us a favour. Steven Milne, Dundee fan all his life...........surely he will do it for the team he loves?:P

[541ntees]

We missed a great chance last night and are now relying on you guys (or livi and clyde, cant say i hold out much hope) to do us a favour. Steven Milne, Dundee fan all his life...........surely he will do it for the team he loves?:P

We will never do ou guy's a favour!

"savo is a saintee he hates the f...in dundee nah nah nah nah nah"

[roger moore is a saintee]

play the ballboys with the smallest one in goal, also think it would have been a lot worse for gloating had the last game been dense park last season

[Kevin]

Now you know why we have the youngsters on the pitch at half time.......... :shock: :***:

[Scobby_SJFC]

This will be a tough one to go to, knowing we cant win the league and they can, am gonna head though show some face.
Worth bearing in mind, there are some roadworks on the M73/M74 junction, which can be bad especially in rush hour but no idea what they will be like around 2pm-ish on saturdat, but give a little extra time just to be safe.

[Jamie_Beatson]

I drove through the roadworks southbound at about 11:15 yesterday and northbound at around midday and they weren't too bad at all. Southbound was almost entirely clear, and there was only a slight hold up heading north until you got past the M8 traffic.

[Kevin]

Don't forget that Gretna are playing Caley Thistle at Fir Park on Saturday as well, so loads of buses coming from the Highlands to add to the congestion :***:

[ShakespeareBar]

Let's pray Saints get something out of this, Hamilton seem to think promotion is a walkover now.

[THE LARK SAINT]

i will not be at NDP as i am in the blue toon on holiday, but my team would be 1/MAIN 2/IRVINE3/STANIC4/CRAIG5/RUSTY6/JAMES7/MORIS8/MILNE9/MCDONALD10/HARDIE11/SHEERIN: SUBS:JACKO:ANDO:MOONER:QUINN: AND CUTHBERT

[THE LARK SAINT]

:!::rolleyes::rolleyes:Don't forget that Gretna are playing Caley Thistle at Fir Park on Saturday as well, so loads of buses coming from the Highlands to add to the congestion :***:

AND HUNDREDS OF BUSES COMING UP THE ROAD FROM GRETNA!!!!!!!! OR HAVE I GOT THAT WRONG HA!HA!:):):):):rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Kevin]

:!::rolleyes::rolleyes:

AND HUNDREDS OF BUSES COMING UP THE ROAD FROM GRETNA!!!!!!!! OR HAVE I GOT THAT WRONG HA!HA!:):):):):rolleyes::rolleyes:

Spot on there Lark :***:

[Yogi Bear]

We need to go for it. As much as it pains me to say, we need Dundee to go up as Hamilton will be crap if they don't go up. They'll lose Offiong, McCarthur, McCarthey, Gilhaney, Halliwell and Neill. If Dundee go up we'll have a better shout at promotion next season.

[Tranmere Saintee]

i will not be at NDP as i am in the blue toon on holiday, but my team would be 1/MAIN 2/IRVINE3/STANIC4/CRAIG5/RUSTY6/JAMES7/MORIS8/MILNE9/MCDONALD10/HARDIE11/SHEERIN: SUBS:JACKO:ANDO:MOONER:QUINN: AND CUTHBERT

Will you please stop shouting (i.e. turn caps lock off).

[Morientes]

We should put our strongest team out there, pump them, build the momentum for the final, help Dundee get promoted.

[St Mikey]

Hamilton 3-4 St Johnstone - like last season! ***.

Cant see us winning. We are missing too many chances at the moment. Hopefully we do win or get something from the match

[saint in exile]

Would love to see us winning this one and stick two fingers up to all those Hamilton pricks who greeted the news of Gretnas last gasp goal with wild celebration as if thay had just won the title themselves.Not that i`m bitter you understand.C`mon the Saints

[Scobby_SJFC]

Yeah hope we beat them, and get it right up those wee neds from last season.
With nothing to play for now, I can see a Saints win, Typical stuff

[O'Rourke]

3 nil Saints

[THE LARK SAINT]

Will you please stop shouting (i.e. turn caps lock off).

ive only shouted my team out, for effects, close your eyes and pretend your listening to tanoy:wink::D

[THE LARK SAINT]

ive only shouted my team out, for effects, close your eyes and pretend your listening to tanoy:wink::D

or is that my first serious ticking off?MR TS!!!!:D

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Shock news.....Bert Tucuth gets a game!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Team is...

Tucuth***
Irvine,McManus,Ando,Rusty,Stanic,
Sheerin,Craig,Morris.
McDonald, Jacko.

Subs.MAIN,Hardie,Moon,Quinn and Stephen Wilson????????Who's he???

No Kevin James on the bench..Are they afraid to risk him on the plastic pitch I wonder

Come on you Saints..........................

***Well theres a ready made scapegoat if it all goes wrong for the Main apologists.....

[The Real Saints]

Shock news.....Bert Tucuth gets a game!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Team is...

Tucuth***
Irvine,McManus,Ando,Rusty,Stanic,
Sheerin,Craig,Morris.
McDonald, Jacko.

Subs.MAIN,Hardie,Moon,Quinn and Stephen Wilson????????Who's he???

No Kevin James on the bench..Are they afraid to risk him on the plastic pitch I wonder

Come on you Saints..........................

***Well theres a ready made scapegoat if it all goes wrong for the Main apologists.....


Ghost, I think we'll most likely be playing 4-4-2, with Irvine in midfield and Anderson as right-back instead. We've done that before.
Stephen Wilson is probably a mistake by Sky Sports! I would guess they are getting mixed up with Barry, but he left a few days ago, so the last sub could be Weatherston/James.

Cuthbert starting is an interesting decision, but we'll see..

Anyway, mon the Saints!

[Andy]

Sky Sports has Moon starting with no sign of Morris in the squad, Weatherson is on the bench.

[The Real Saints]

Sky Sports has Moon starting with no sign of Morris in the squad, Weatherson is on the bench.

Yep, Sky Sports changed its line-up just a few minutes ago from the one I posted in the first place! How mysterious..

[Andy]

1-0 Hamilton

[thewhorule2002]

1-0 hamilton - shit

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Feck...1-0 the Accies

It will have been Berts fault I bet

[Andy]

Morton 1-0 Dundee

[Jamie_Beatson]

Anyone in touch with anyone at the game?

[Aitchy]

Yep, just got a text from my brother after Hamilton scored, his words were Cuthbert is "crap", so you have the nail on the head Jim!

[Moray Blue]

HT 0-1.

Another miserable Saturday in front of the laptop and telly.

[Indicator]

5 ****** Minutes And Not A Sign Of A Reply !!!

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Ah well. Ho-Hum.....

[john1962]

Cuthbert flapped and goal was direct from a corner according to radio.

[Andy]

Hardie on for McManus

[David]

Hardie on for McManus

Saints coming back into it now, playing with the wind behind them... Will update if anything happens [sitting in the Accies press box just now!]

[David]

2-0 Accies - from a corner... Goran seemed to head it off the line but given by the linesman. Elebert the scorer.

[dave mc]

Saints coming back into it now, playing with the wind behind them... Will update if anything happens [sitting in the Accies press box just now!]

Kiss of death or what !!

[David]

Quinn for Moon, 65 mins. I'll try a reverse jinx and say Hamilton are on top at the moment.

[williamwonka]

this is a decoy game!

[David]

"Decoy" isn't the word I would use. "Gash" might be.

[Moray Blue]

Ross County back in Div 1 next season

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

Lets face it we are shite at the moment,but hey it matter not does it.Best get it sorted for the semi though.

The Ghost says." Bring back Main,The Cats rank....:wink:

[Finners]

hmmmm not very good looking. Better have some arses kicked before the semi Del!!!!!

[Aitchy]

Lets face it we are shite at the moment,but hey it matter not does it.Best get it sorted for the semi though.

The Ghost says." Bring back Main,The Cats rank....:wink:

As i mentioned earlier the news i was getting from people at the game was that Cuthbert had an absolute howler throughout. I would be suprised if he was still at the club come next season. Obviously a worry the way we have been playing lately, hopefully Del and the Doc will sort them out in time for the Morton game and more importantly the semi final.

[shug]

I have never seen such a lack luster display by a Saints team for a while. Comments will be made about the pitch and how if you don't play on it week in/week out it is hard to play on. That doesn't excuse such a sloppy performance. I felt that the players were very tired and their heads were not in the game. I want be attempting to select a MoM as not one deserved it.

I feel sorry for McInnes having to try and choose the team for the 20th as he would not have a starting 11 from that display

[Scobby_SJFC]

That was a horrific display today - no passion, no commitemnt and the players loked like they didnt care, with exception of Craig who was poor but looked like he cared, they players didnt seem to realise we cant win win the league but we still care.

The ref and linsman on the noin stand side were terrible, gave them a goal which was not over the line as Stanice was on the line and leaned forward to header it, shocking decision.

Peaso and Jacko are too lightweight upfront and cannot play together, mind you they had no play anyways, but when our sitting top of the tbale the luck goes with you, as the first goal showed, and for all the Alan Main haters out there, today showed why the Cat dosent play.

Really angry tonight

[Broon]

I am absolutely raging after watching that shite. Talk about not even trying - shower of lazy bastards we have at this club. I'm sorry, but we were bullied out of every tackle. The only way to beat Hamilton is to play it on the deck but no, lets just keep punting it.

A few players had howlers today. People can blame Cuthbert all they want but lets take a look at the two goals.

Goal 1: Cuthbert moves to the left of his box for an EASY passback from Stanic. What does stanic do? Just about scores an OG to the oposite side of the goal that Cuthbert was standing. The result was a corner. From the corner 4, YES FOUR, Saints players went for the header and Cuthbert was squashed in the middle. Result? Goal - straight in the net. Shit defending.

Goal 2: The ball is rolling through to Cuthbert, who is running out to pick it up. Ruti isn't paying attention. Cuthbert is just about to pick it up then BOOT - Ruti hits it out for a corner. Corner comes in, nobody goes for it, free header. Goran probably got it off the line but the linesman (who was shite all day) gave the goal. It didn't matter as we were so bad we would need 10 games to score a goal.

Cuthbert made a few good saves later but looked shakey at corners but Hamilton were a much more physical side than us. We created almost nothing and players like Craig, Stanic, Sheerin, Ruti, Irvine, Peaso all need to look at themselves after today. Having watched the last 4 games Craig can go back to Falkirk, Sheerin can go, Stanic can hang up his boots and a few others need to watch their backs. Absolute pish.

[Scobby_SJFC]

I am absolutely raging after watching that shite. Talk about not even trying - shower of lazy bastards we have at this club. I'm sorry, but we were bullied out of every tackle. The only way to beat Hamilton is to play it on the deck but no, lets just keep punting it.

A few players had howlers today. People can blame Cuthbert all they want but lets take a look at the two goals.

Goal 1: Cuthbert moves to the left of his box for an EASY passback from Stanic. What does stanic do? Just about scores an OG to the oposite side of the goal that Cuthbert was standing. The result was a corner. From the corner 4, YES FOUR, Saints players went for the header and Cuthbert was squashed in the middle. Result? Goal - straight in the net. Shit defending.

Goal 2: The ball is rolling through to Cuthbert, who is running out to pick it up. Ruti isn't paying attention. Cuthbert is just about to pick it up then BOOT - Ruti hits it out for a corner. Corner comes in, nobody goes for it, free header. Goran probably got it off the line but the linesman (who was shite all day) gave the goal. It didn't matter as we were so bad we would need 10 games to score a goal.

Cuthbert made a few good saves later but looked shakey at corners but Hamilton were a much more physical side than us. We created almost nothing and players like Craig, Stanic, Sheerin, Ruti, Irvine, Peaso all need to look at themselves after today. Having watched the last 4 games Craig can go back to Falkirk, Sheerin can go, Stanic can hang up his boots and a few others need to watch their backs. Absolute pish.

Broon am sorry but catching crosses is as much a part of goalkeeping as shot stopping, and when both goals come from crosses you must look at him.
This wasnt just it, there were about 3 or 4 other crosses whioch he either came for and missed or flapped at, granted he did make some good saves.

When your beaten for a dircet corner, you should lok at yourself, no confidence in him, I feel for him but time to move on am afraid

[Broon]

Broon am sorry but catching crosses is as much a part of goalkeeping as shot stopping, and when both goals come from crosses you must look at him.
This wasnt just it, there were about 3 or 4 other crosses whioch he either came for and missed or flapped at, granted he did make some good saves.

When your beaten for a dircet corner, you should lok at yourself, no confidence in him, I feel for him but time to move on am afraid

I'm not saying I thought he had a good game. But both corners cam from shocking defending - no danger at all. And I'm sorry, but a 6' 3" defender should not have a free header 10 yards from goal. Where was his marker? The keeper can take blame for the first one, but so must all of those defenders who went for the corner and missed also.

[Scobby_SJFC]

Your right as well, the whole team had a shocker, if things dont rapidly improve then we will be gubbed at Hampden whoever we play, very demoralising

[templeofsaints]

Temple reports up now - utter pish on display today. Easily worst performance of the season.

[Scobby_SJFC]

Temple reports up now - utter pish on display today. Easily worst performance of the season.

Debaitable along with the PT game a couple of weeks ago, but their was a garbage pitch that day.

[Steve Maskrey]

Did Main have the same bug as Savo in order for Cuthbert to play from the start? Seems a bit strange to make a change to a key position when Main hasn't been playing badly.

Did Hardie make any difference to the midfield in the second half?

[Scobby_SJFC]

Did Hardie make any difference to the midfield in the second half?


No, I was very disapointed, as at the time I thought it would be the kick up the arse that the team needed, not to be.

[Broon]

Did Hardie make any difference to the midfield in the second half?

He played up front at the head of a front three. Good to see him back, but the accies central defenders are the best in the air in the league. Only Dr Goals could unsettle them.

[SaintSam1884]

I spent nearly £40 going to that game today and feel very disappointed with the attitudes of our players, who looked like they were going through the motions from start to finish. Whatever happened to playing for some f'cking pride.

[MUZZ]

Whatever happened to playing for some f'cking pride.


dont exist hardly these days sam

[SaintSam1884]

Did Main have the same bug as Savo in order for Cuthbert to play from the start? Seems a bit strange to make a change to a key position when Main hasn't been playing badly.

Did Hardie make any difference to the midfield in the second half?

It's difficult to criticise McInnes because he's been so good since taking over from Owen Coyle but I felt the introduction of Hardie was just uninspiring. It was a substitution that implied he had decided to give in to the "football" our wannabes had decided to play - a tall man upfront to get to those high balls (something Hardie, unfortunately, didn't manage to go effectively). I felt the game was crying out for a player like Weatherston.

[Scobby_SJFC]

In general I dont understand why we play the high ball
As we saw against St Mirren and when we play our best, the football is on the ground with players like Craig and Rocco who can hurt teams with the quality of the passing. We have no recognised tall striker who will win balls in the air with jacko Savo and peaso all not target men, so why the high ball? It just seems as if the players arent intelegent enough to see this.

[templeofsaints]

It's been our failing all season tho - the only time we get results and play well is when the ball is on the deck, played to feet and we run at the opposition.

Today was typical kick'n'hope route one play or else short passing with little movement - far too easily closed down. What's worrying as well is that it's the so-called experienced players that seem to be letting us down - Stanic, Sheerin etc.

Agree with Sam though - I thought Weatherston might have been a better bet to bring on than Savo. Didn't agree with Mooner going off either since he was passing reasonably well and showed some movement in the middle.

[Steve Maskrey]

To be fair, Del probably put Hardie on to try and shake up the team and get a reaction out of them. Unfortunately Hardie needs games before he's 100% match fit.

Perhaps Cuthbert was playing his last game for us? Chances are, the team that lines up against Morton next week will be the one that lines up in the semi-final so Main will be back.

[Broon]

It's difficult to criticise McInnes because he's been so good since taking over from Owen Coyle but I felt the introduction of Hardie was just uninspiring. It was a substitution that implied he had decided to give in to the "football" our wannabes had decided to play - a tall man upfront to get to those high balls (something Hardie, unfortunately, didn't manage to go effectively). I felt the game was crying out for a player like Weatherston.

At half time I was thinking McManus hadn't won a header all day and should be subbed. I wanted Hardie to come on and go to the right with Moon and Sheerin in the middle and Craig on the left with a back four of Stanic, Ando, Ruti and Irvine. The idea being that Hardie could win the headers from goal kicks and push forward when needed as we were getting muscled out. When I saw the substitution I thought - superb, McInnes has this sorted. Then Hardie went up front. And we lost. Sorry Del, you got that one wrong.

[StDuncM]

fishal site says Cuthbert blameless for both goals.

[Aitchy]

Here is an interview with Del from the Hamilton website, good to hear he is as annoyed as the majority of people on here are.

http://www.acciesfc.co.uk/home/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

[Jamie_Beatson]

http://www.snspix.com/cgi-bin/FFIG?urn=327...AC=WM0000009928 (http://www.snspix.com/cgi-bin/FFIG?urn=327251&type=preview&pail=pail95&FFAC=WM0000009928)

Pic of second Hamilton goal. Doesn't really help. Looks like Stanic's feet are behind the line and he is leaning slightly forward into the ball.

[Radford 72]

Here is an interview with Del from the Hamilton website, good to hear he is as annoyed as the majority of people on here are.

http://www.acciesfc.co.uk/home/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
I don't have whatever you need to play the file. Anyone provide a quick summary of what was said?

I'm not gonna waste my time writing much about that yesterday though, as it would involve putting more effort into things than most of the players did. It puts us in a bad position though. We want a settled side ahead of the semi-final but most of that lot yesterday deserve to have a sweat about their places after that showing, so it might have been nice to see some other players get a run out.

Hamilton were better than us but that was secondary to the total lack of desire shown by most of our players.

[SaintSam1884]

I thought it was over the line before the linesman eventually gave it.

As for Cuthbert, I thought he played a big part in both goals unfortunately. He came out for crosses time and time again, but got no-where near them. I didn't realise he was so bad in the air but having seen Main master the art of plucking crosses out of the sky, Cuthbert was bloody woeful.

On reflection, I felt a bit sorry for him when he was getting those "What the hell are you doing" looks from his defence and even Alan Main didn't have any words for him when he was warming up behind the goal. Cuthbert looked lost and in need of some direction

I'd imagine whoever it was that freed him of blame on the official website correctly predicted the fans' reaction to his performance and wanted to go some way to flattening that. Unfortunately, he had a nightmare all day and there's no getting away from it.

[Aitchy]

I don't have whatever you need to play the file. Anyone provide a quick summary of what was said?

I'm not gonna waste my time writing much about that yesterday though, as it would involve putting more effort into things than most of the players did. It puts us in a bad position though. We want a settled side ahead of the semi-final but most of that lot yesterday deserve to have a sweat about their places after that showing, so it might have been nice to see some other players get a run out.

Hamilton were better than us but that was secondary to the total lack of desire shown by most of our players.

Radders, he was basically just saying that the performance was unacceptable, and that if we play like that in the semi final then we will get turned over. Said he thought we had turned the corner after the performance against Dunfermline, but now the team is back to square one and that he will not stand for it. Went on to say that he thought Jody was a big miss and that he felt we were a much better team with him in it. I personally have been impressed with they way McInnes talks in his interviews, dosent just use the same old football cliches, and is always very frank and honest.

[Radford 72]

Radders, he was basically just saying that the performance was unacceptable, and that if we play like that in the semi final then we will get turned over. Said he thought we had turned the corner after the performance against Dunfermline, but now the team is back to square one and that he will not stand for it. Went on to say that he thought Jody was a big miss and that he felt we were a much better team with him in it. I personally have been impressed with they way McInnes talks in his interviews, dosent just use the same old football cliches, and is always very frank and honest.
Cheers for that. He is very honest and generally doesn't look to make excuses like OC was fond of doing. The number of times OC bemoaned missed chances or poor refereeing calls was unreal.

Unfortunately for Del, he needs to follow up his words with actions but that might not be easy with the semi looming. I must've given up the ghost by this point but apparently Quinn limped off into the dug out before full-time holding the hamstring again.

[Kevin]

I was there doing the Hospital Radio commentary (or trying to!) and must say I thought the match was woeful. There was not a lot of football played unless you are a fan of head-tennis and that pitch is awful, plastic should never be allowed. Agre with everything that has been said on this thread and just hope that Cuthbert did enough to get himself signed to another club for next season (East Stirling?). Not a great fan following from Perth either, there were 163 of you, I know as I counted you all in the Spice for Life stand from my seat by the press box..........

[mainstand]

A poor game yesterday. Typical end of season affair.

Thought it was a bad show by Hamilton when they took teh balls off teh ballboys half way through teh second half. If you start off a game with the multi ball system then they should be made to finish it.

[SaintSam1884]

Why did they water the pitch before kick off?

Seemed strange.

[mainstand]

Why did they water the pitch before kick off?

Seemed strange.

You are actually suppose to water the pich on taht surface befor you play on it and if you can at half time. I assume it is so the ball does not get stuck and zips along the surface.

[st Tommy]

The only good thing to come out of that game was that the woman on the turnstyles couldnt count. 2 adults at £14 each means £12 change from £30 apparently. bonus!

[Oldmuirton]

Not a great fan following from Perth either, there were 163 of you, I know as I counted you all in the Spice for Life stand from my seat by the press box..........


Why should the fans turn up. The team didn't.

[Radford 72]

181 fans entered the ground through turnstiles 10, 11 and 12, the away turnstiles.

[101 Saint]

Agree with Sam though - I thought Weatherston might have been a better bet to bring on than Savo. Didn't agree with Mooner going off either since he was passing reasonably well and showed some movement in the middle.

I'm gonna break with tradition and kinda support the decision to hook Moon. One of his very few failings as a player is to get ever so slightly petulant when his team-mates are crap. I firmly believe he will overcome this in time, but he was guilty of head shaking and shoulder shrugging - when really he needed to accept that his team mates are not as quick (in thought or action) as he and just try to buy more time and lay on an easier pass.

He also got more and more worked up and started to jostle combatively. I'm not saying he deserved a booking, but it would have been no surprise had he been booked by the very poor officials. He wasn't gonna change the game anyway. Having said that, he is operating under the pressure of being released in a few months and seeing Morris (who won't be here next year) and Peanut (no longer deserving of a start due to age) start ahead of him must really screw his head.

I personally would have put Savo on and went 4-4-2 with the following:

Cat
Irvine-Ando-Ruti-Stanic
Rocco-Moon-Craig-Hardie
Peaso-Jacko

Craig is better in a "free" role and he could have given Mooner a lot of help if they were playing closer. They were the only two who tried to win. If Ruti put as much into the game as he put into giving the Cat the daggers, we might have kept a clean sheet.


On reflection, I felt a bit sorry for him when he was getting those "What the hell are you doing" looks from his defence and even Alan Main didn't have any words for him when he was warming up behind the goal. Cuthbert looked lost and in need of some direction.

I think we might have been on a similar wavelength. I'm sure Alan came to give some advice to the Cat but once they scored the second - he couldn't find the words.

Not sure if its been mention but it looked as through Alan had staved finger/s on his right hand. Official site states a thigh strain.

As for Rocco leaving early, I still wonder if his ankle injury is far more serious than either club or player will admit. I'm also intrigued as to the Official Line for his departure... "hamstring" Anyone able to confirm this?

http://www.stjohnstonefc.co.uk/newsitem.asp?NewsID=2465

[blueheaven]

Having said that, he is operating under the pressure of being released in a few months and seeing Morris (who won't be here next year) and Peanut (no longer deserving of a start due to age) start ahead of him must really screw his head.

The Moon propaganda machine rolls on!!!:p:***: Why do you think he's going to be released (it seems massively unlikely to me), how do you know Morris won't be here next season, and since when did a person's age dictate whether or not they "deserve" to play??

[101 Saint]

The Moon propaganda machine rolls on!!!:p:***: Why do you think he's going to be released (it seems massively unlikely to me), how do you know Morris won't be here next season, and since when did a person's age dictate whether or not they "deserve" to play??


I know he has had no contract offered. I know that the club have been evasive over his future. I know he was told (admittedly by Coyle, who genuinely thought Del was a better player:?:) he must prove himself this season and he can't do that from the bench. If he can't get the starts required to prove himself, he surely has no future here.

Morris and the club have been reasonably straight about the fact that Morris is here to keep a profile and regain match sharpness.

Sheerin's age in terms of a number is not a problem. It's simply the fact that his maximum level of performance is significantly less than it was previously. Don't you think that this is due to fitness/age. The same is true of Stanic, but we don't have promising left back who is ready to make an impact. If Craig signed for us, I think he may well be a left back next year.

[Kevin]

181 fans entered the ground through turnstiles 10, 11 and 12, the away turnstiles.

Must have been a few away at the pie stand or toilet then :p

[Aitchy]

I know he has had no contract offered. I know that the club have been evasive over his future. I know he was told (admittedly by Coyle, who genuinely thought Del was a better player:?:) he must prove himself this season and he can't do that from the bench. If he can't get the starts required to prove himself, he surely has no future here.

Morris and the club have been reasonably straight about the fact that Morris is here to keep a profile and regain match sharpness.

Sheerin's age in terms of a number is not a problem. It's simply the fact that his maximum level of performance is significantly less than it was previously. Don't you think that this is due to fitness/age. The same is true of Stanic, but we don't have promising left back who is ready to make an impact. If Craig signed for us, I think he may well be a left back next year.

I dont know what you have been smoking mate, but it must be strong. I would be very very suprised if Mooner was not offered at least another 1 year deal. Fair enough he has not started every week, but personally i think Del is using Mooner wisely by giving him occassional starts and using him from the bench. The day McInnes was appointed he made a point of stating that Mooner was a player he rated. I would hazard a guess that McInnes is trying to sort contracts out with "more important first team players" such as Hardie and Peaso first, then he will offer Mooner a deal.

Finally what makes you think that Liam Craig will be played at left back if he sign's? Surely if Del viewed him as a left back he would have played him in that postion when Stanic was injured, but this was not the case, he played Sheerin there instead.

[Radford 72]

I dont know what you have been smoking mate, but it must be strong. I would be very very suprised if Mooner was not offered at least another 1 year deal. Fair enough he has not started every week, but personally i think Del is using Mooner wisely by giving him occassional starts and using him from the bench. The day McInnes was appointed he made a point of stating that Mooner was a player he rated. I would hazard a guess that McInnes is trying to sort contracts out with "more important first team players" such as Hardie and Peaso first, then he will offer Mooner a deal.

Finally what makes you think that Liam Craig will be played at left back if he sign's? Surely if Del viewed him as a left back he would have played him in that postion when Stanic was injured, but this was not the case, he played Sheerin there instead.
101 Saint is capable of making some cracking points and putting his arguements across well but then sometimes he comes out with stuff like the post you quoted, which does indeed make it seem he's been smoking something funny!

I agree with what you've posted though, I'd be astounded if Mooner wasn't offered something for next year and even more so if we managed to get Liam Craig, only to play him at left bleedin' back!

[blueheaven]

I know he has had no contract offered. I know that the club have been evasive over his future. I know he was told (admittedly by Coyle, who genuinely thought Del was a better player:?:) he must prove himself this season and he can't do that from the bench. If he can't get the starts required to prove himself, he surely has no future here.

Morris and the club have been reasonably straight about the fact that Morris is here to keep a profile and regain match sharpness.

Sheerin's age in terms of a number is not a problem. It's simply the fact that his maximum level of performance is significantly less than it was previously. Don't you think that this is due to fitness/age. The same is true of Stanic, but we don't have promising left back who is ready to make an impact. If Craig signed for us, I think he may well be a left back next year.

I imagine Moon's not the only one who hasn't received a solid contract offer for next season yet - it hardly means everyone's about to get punted. Why shouldn't the club be evasive about his future? It's up to him to prove his worth. And you seem obsessed with him not getting a lot of games, but as far as I can see he's actually played quite a lot of games this season and been heavily involved in the first team for a player who's only just broken through.

As for Coyle thinking McInnes is a better player - I imagine that's probably because he is/was. Moon is a promising young player, but has done nothing in the game to suggest he's a better footballer than Derek McInnes.

Of course Morris is only here until the end of the season, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if he's offered something for next season - and I hope that he is. And Sheerin isn't the player he was, but he's still quality. In a game such as the forthcoming semi-final, there's no way in Hell I'd choose Moon over Sheerin if it came down to one of the two.

I also don't think you're correct about Liam Craig becoming our new left-back, although I suppose he might be used there from time to time in emergencies (if we sign him, obviously).

I really don't understand your stance on Moon. McInnes, for me, has made it glaringly obvious that he rates the guy. Under Coyle he barely got a sniff, but since McInnes has come in he's been involved in the majority of matches and has also received quite a bit of public praise.

[templeofsaints]

One other point about the contracts - until a couple of weeks ago we didn't know for certain what league we'd be playing in. That has a big influence on the money available and the expectations in terms of quality for the manager (i.e. more of the current squad might do a decent turn in Div 1 as opposed to the SPL).

I think Mooner will get a similar deal to Jacko and he should make a bigger impact next year. Morris might still stay - he seems to be enjoying it up here and while it would no doubt be a hefty wage, I think he'd be realistic on a 1yr deal.

As for Sheerin I think he's not as influential a player as in the past and lacks that extra yard or so of pace he had a couple of years ago. Whether that's enough to finish him at Saints I'm not sure but given some of his recent performances, I'm not overly keen on seeing him get the automatic start next season. Question might be whether or not he'd be happy as a backup player.

[ancientsaint]

Must have been a few away at the pie stand or toilet then :p


Pies were undercooked and their cola was as flat as a pancake - thought they had erected a marquee for us on the left touchline but didnt see the buffet.

[THE LARK SAINT]

I'm not saying I thought he had a good game. But both corners cam from shocking defending - no danger at all. And I'm sorry, but a 6' 3" defender should not have a free header 10 yards from goal. Where was his marker? The keeper can take blame for the first one, but so must all of those defenders who went for the corner and missed also.
i am afraid its time to put the cat out for the night:)

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

i am afraid its time to put the cat out for the night:)

And McManus.....Maybe Montrose will have them????

[THE LARK SAINT]

[QUOTE=
fairly sure mooner will be offered a deal as del has said he rates him. also whose to say we cant get morris at least short term, hea been average for us so who would he attract just now?premiership?nae chance.spl na! championship..mabeees aye maybees naw, if he has a rip roaring semi for us you never know ,but dopnt be to suprised if hes in the saintees photo shoot for next season:)

[THE LARK SAINT]

And McManus.....Maybe Montrose will have them????
Aye ghostie yer right son , doubt mcm. wouldve played the games he has if caff had been fit,!!!:p

[Radford 72]

To get back to Mooner, there's an interview with him in the Perthshire Advertiser (http://icperthshire.icnetwork.co.uk/perthshireadvertiser/sport/tm_headline=st-johnstone-manager-upbeat-on-season-prospects&method=full&objectid=20735188&siteid=88886-name_page.html) today. He says he is happy with the number of games he's played this season and speaks about how he's looking forward to giving the title a better crack next year. For his part McInnes has singled him out as one who didn't let anyone down on Saturday. He stressed that he's still learning the game though.

Hardly sounds like a guy who is gonna be released in a few weeks!

[Kevin]

I've given up reading Moon-oh-Moon Saint's posts :roll:

[ancientsaint]

I was there doing the Hospital Radio commentary (or trying to!) and must say I thought the match was woeful. There was not a lot of football played unless you are a fan of head-tennis and that pitch is awful, plastic should never be allowed. Agre with everything that has been said on this thread and just hope that Cuthbert did enough to get himself signed to another club for next season (East Stirling?). Not a great fan following from Perth either, there were 163 of you, I know as I counted you all in the Spice for Life stand from my seat by the press box..........


I remember they advertised looking for someone to do the Hospital broadcasts - did many apply ?

Do you get a comfy room in home and away games ?

[541ntees]

I've finally calmed down to give my views on that pile of pxsh

worst game of the season! players were as interested as the support. Hamilton fully deserved their win much stronger and first to everything.

I think our supermodel is being given a hard time. The 1st from the corner was far away but looked like the cat was crowded out by his own players. The 2nd he had no chance with. every1 is saying he should come out an catch, well if he's never going to get near it he should leave it for the defender which he did unfortunately our defender was 2nd to it.
The decision to play him must have come as a shock - i admit on occasions he looked nervy but only playing weekly will the nerves disappear.

My only defence for us being beaten to everything by hamilton is that our players were scared to go in for 50/50 challenges fearing injury would rule them out of 1 of their biggest games!

just in case our central defenders read this "TO FEET TO FXCKIN FEET!"

[Kevin]

I remember they advertised looking for someone to do the Hospital broadcasts - did many apply ?

Do you get a comfy room in home and away games ?

Got a couple applied and they are on the circuit now, takes a while to get them trained up not to get carried away (too much) when Saints are doing well :***:

At McDiarmid Park we have a bespoke broadcasting area in front of the pres box, cold in the winter but you get a good view of the game. Away grounds vary, Partick are one of the better ones with seats at the back of the home stand, undercover with desk, light and tea, coffee sandwiches/pies at half time. Dundee is at the back of the main stand with a very restricted view and nothing else. Other grounds provide a mixture of facilities.

If you, or anyone else, are intersted in taking this step then drop me a PM and I will get someone to contact you about it.