mike_gain

Only watched highlights as i'm away this weekend. We looked reasonably comfortable and created a fair few chances which was good to see with McPake missing. Reading comments it does seem the subs were a mistake, hopefully one Simo won't make again. That said the Pars are a good side with a good coach (i'm warming a little too Lennon...like how he talks about the game) so today was a tough test and we didn't look like we'd be beaten. I think this will be key to any success we have, yes win matches but not losing regularly will start to put pressure on other teams....although Thistle are realisticly the only team that looks like pushing us for the title. Need to win our next though.

To be honest, it's a fresh start for Essel. Simo and the coaching staff certainly seem to be able to improve players who want to improve. McPake is the obvious standout but there's been definite improvements in Sibideh and by the looks of it Svedberg may be beginning to turn a corner. So I'm not writing anyone off, not sure where Essel will fit in but if he knuckles down he may be a McAlear type backup.

72 points is my rough target having looked at past seasons. Very tricky for even the Pars to win the title. With 69 points left to play for they realistically need us and Partick to loose around 9 of the 23 matches remaining....and they can now only loose around 4 for the rest of the season. I don't see Arbroath being consistent enough to reach 72 points but I think us and Partick both loosing 9 more matches is even more unlikely, that's nearly half the remaining games. I just don’t see both of us collapsing. Still leaves Partick though, really need to keep the pressure on them. Big few weeks coming up.

Post Championship title winning party venue sorted....if there's darts i'll happily bring my own carry out.

Thanks for getting this off the ground Graeme. Cracking idea and a great way to get some extra funds into the club in a way that builds on the connection with fans. It's also encouraging the level of engagement from the owners. Refreshing that our board isn't some bullet proof black box anymore.

Cracking win and hopefully we've learned our lesson in Arbroath. Think Partick will emerge as our only realistic rival over the next 4 matches so taking advantage of their slip up was massive. Pressure must have been on the team to perform, glad they showed that reaction to it.

We were dominant and head and shoulders above County. Cut them open plenty times, just need more confidence in front of goal. Smith has to be ahead of Forrester, he's miles ahead in every department. Sven was also excellent. Defence looked mostly steady and Steward yet again pops up to bail them out. Diabate mopped everything up....made White look like a cuddly toy. Dissapointed to not get the 3 points but we were making chances and looked way above County's level....I think we've been way ahead of most teams to be honest. We need to start finding the net again, but as the weeks go buy County begin to look out of it and Only Partick seem in any way as consistent. When the defeat comes you feel the team that does it will have to earn it.

Really feel for the guy. Seemed like he had real potential, watched him for Scotland u21s and he looked the part. But the number of serious injuries he's had is incredible for his age. It's important for youth keepers to be taught the correct techniques early (from age 10 and up) to prevent injury as they move up the years but I'd have hoped the pro coaches he's had would have sorted any issues there by now. By all accounts he's a top guy, I know a few youth keepers he's helped coach and they loved him but with his injuries and frankly miss managed development I think his chance has gone.

Could do worse than ask Fran himself if you could borrow his. One Club, One Community and all that. Would be a great gesture. In any event hope your dad has a great 88th birthday

This may come back to bite me but perhaps being forced into something different will catch County off guard. Easier for them to prepare when they know how we'll play. But if rock up with an unexpected formation their plan may go out the window. As for today, some bits clicked but a lot didn't. Still some entertainment though. Ref seemed to do ok then get flustered at a controversial decision and start giving fouls and cards for the next 5 minutes until he'd calmed down...until the next flap Not convinced Forrester helps us to be honest. Too slow to his position so looks like chasing shadows. Offers very little going forward. But after McPake's turnaround i'm willing to give every player an opportunity to improve. Holt and Diabate the standouts, Steward quietly building his reputation.

Pretty good interview. Always interesting to listen to Simo, Ferry was good at letting him talk. Interesting he talked about "kicking' players out at the end of the season rather than letting go. Seemed a slight but deliberate diversion from his normal, positive kind of language. It's obvious his job was being made more difficult by some absolute wage theives. Simo is correctly owning the relegation but he and we were so badly let down by some. Also seems behind the scenes things are improving. Seems Gus has been instrumental in identifying possible candidates....can't complain so far. Does make me feel sorry for Macca, really became manager at the very worst time. We have to be realistic, if Simo continues to bring us success he is going to be a target for so many clubs.....but at St Johnstone we unfortunately have to have players and managers who want to be the best and attract better offers. We benefit in the long run.

Disappointed not to be there. Watching the highlights I'm guessing they show us in a better light than the reality of the 90 minutes. Both our goals were good quality though, Gullan really is a top player, calm finish from Kia and McPake taking advantage, it seems, of defenders assuming he always cuts in on the right. Season going to be hard from here on in as teams will be prepared. We'll need some new tricks.

I didn't think the keeper was their main issue. Laidlaw hasn't been that bad. Weird signing, but follows their pattern to date so hopefully as unsuccessful.

Aye, first save is outstanding. I think we've only got 1 keeper on the books capable of making that.

It's all moot as we're going to scoosh the league anyway 🤣