Radford 72

I can think of no precedent where we loan a striker out to a Third Division team (with great success) then didn't give him a chance when he returns to Perth, only for him to go on to score against us several times before winning a move to England and playing in the Premier League. Nope, I can't think of any players who have done that. Except Stephen Dobbie of course.

Before any long-term decision is made on Stevie May, he needs to be given a proper chance in the first team, in his proper position. If Lomas doesn't see that happening imminently, then maybe a loan to the First Division wouldn't be the worst thing in the world but at some point, a manager of Saints needs to put some faith in young players and give them a chance again.

Folk can point out Andy Jackson is playing part-time at Brechin but IMO, there is no danger he would be at that level if he hadn't had his troubles with illness and injury (and subsequently fitness). He scored nearly twenty goals in that 2007/08 after being given a chance, winning U21 honours for Ireland and would have gone on to have a really good career I think if it wasn't for his problems. Moon is another blighted by injury but an example that we can produce good young players, we just need to give them a chance. Writing off the guy before his twentieth birthday is mad. Without checking, I'd be surprised if David Goodwillie, for example, had featured much more for United at May's age, yet a few years later he's playing for Scotland and netting them a couple of million.

Site admin over there have been contacted by someone representing someone who is concerned about the nature of some posts on the thread in question.

I don't think it's necessary to close or delete this thread as there are questions over his future for footballing reasons and even if folk aren't allowed to mention/discuss off the field stuff, there is speculation that it exists too and that is obviously a big issue as well.

I appreciated that all the posts deleted were made in a light-hearted manner and no one wants to have to start closing threads or warning posters etc... That's especially the case on a forum where we are all (most of us anyway) Saints fans. Admin or other mods may disagree but I've no problem with the thread continuing to run.

And again, no denying that but then funny doesn't really wash with those who have spoken to the admin about the posts being made on here, does it? Surely there should be an element of respect for the two guys that fund this forum with their own cash and who give up their own time to run it for you to post on? They've asked you not to post this stuff about Lomas and playing with words doesn't mean your posts weren't doing that.

Site admin over there have been contacted by someone representing someone who is concerned about the nature of some posts on the thread in question.

I don't think it's necessary to close or delete this thread as there are questions over his future for footballing reasons and even if folk aren't allowed to mention/discuss off the field stuff, there is speculation that it exists too and that is obviously a big issue as well.

I appreciated that all the posts deleted were made in a light-hearted manner and no one wants to have to start closing threads or warning posters etc... That's especially the case on a forum where we are all (most of us anyway) Saints fans. Admin or other mods may disagree but I've no problem with the thread continuing to run.

And again, no denying that but then funny doesn't really wash with those who have spoken to the admin about the posts being made on here, does it? Surely there should be an element of respect for the two guys that fund this forum with their own cash and who give up their own time to run it for you to post on? They've asked you not to post this stuff about Lomas and playing with words doesn't mean your posts weren't doing that.

A reminder of what the forum admin requested the other day...

Unconfirmed rumours and allegations can be potentially libellous and/or defamatory and as a result we cannot tolerate any discussion of these matters on this forum.

Postings of this type could result in the forum being taken offline and legal action being taken against the site owners. We have already received contact from the representative of an individual who is concerned about the nature of some of the posts on this forum.

With this in mind, any post which we (the moderators) consider to be potentially defamatory will be instantly deleted and a forum suspension may be applied to the user concerned.

There are a number of posts which have been deleted from this thread. That's a pretty lenient approach so can folk please take note of the message above.

A reminder of what the forum admin requested the other day...

Unconfirmed rumours and allegations can be potentially libellous and/or defamatory and as a result we cannot tolerate any discussion of these matters on this forum.

Postings of this type could result in the forum being taken offline and legal action being taken against the site owners. We have already received contact from the representative of an individual who is concerned about the nature of some of the posts on this forum.

With this in mind, any post which we (the moderators) consider to be potentially defamatory will be instantly deleted and a forum suspension may be applied to the user concerned.

There are a number of posts which have been deleted from this thread. That's a pretty lenient approach so can folk please take note of the message above.

And again, no denying that but then funny doesn't really wash with those who have spoken to the admin about the posts being made on here, does it? Surely there should be an element of respect for the two guys that fund this forum with their own cash and who give up their own time to run it for you to post on? They've asked you not to post this stuff about Lomas and playing with words doesn't mean your posts weren't doing that.

Firstly, in answer to the question above, he still has two years on his contract, which probably will influence any decision the board might make at this time.

Things are stacking up against Lomas though. As covered, that’s now a dozen games without a win and Hasselbaink’s scrappy goal was our first domestically from open play (i.e. not a penalty or set piece) since Murray Davidson scored against Hearts in March! Those two stats are pretty damning. We’ve looked at times, in the first half last week and again today, like we are playing with ten men. That screams of a lack of organisation and understanding to me, maybe others disagree. The team selection and tactics generally are baffling at times as well. Even allowing for the absentees, Higgins, May and Hasselbaink are all capable of playing in a front two, so it was his specific choice to play this horrible 4-5-1/4-3-3 that the old manager couldn’t get to work either. Utterly fed up of seeing us try and fail with it at home over the past few years.

It was clear from early on today that our system wasn’t working and Millar’s injury offered him a chance to make a change and save face but instead he just makes a like for like switch. Again at half-time, he could have thrown May (or Caddis) on but instead he puts Miller on out of position. Finally when we go two down he changes it but instead of hooking Mackay (who captain or not, wasn’t playing well) he takes off Scobbie, which means more players out of position.

Another issue is his complete lack of emotion until the players dug a goal out of nowhere. He stood in the mouth of the dugout offering nothing, when on the pitch we were struggling. That’s not a good sign IMO and you could argue it’s the sign of a man who doesn’t have an answer or solution to our problems.

Whilst not a defence of him, we are only three domestic games into new campaign with a new squad though and didn’t look too hot in the first three games of last season (0-0 vs Dons, 0-2 vs Rangers, 0-1 vs Pars) but recovered. The injuries and suspensions don’t excuse the performance of those selected but surely he needs to be judged when he has his strongest team on the park e.g. guys like Beattie and Vine? It’s also widely accepted he’s still looking for a winger, which could make a difference. Don’t think his (lack of) budget can be used as an excuse for him. Guys like McCall, Shiels, Danny Lennon etc… would love to be able to bring in as many experienced players as he’s been allowed to. No other club in the league has more players over the age of 21 than Saints.

Don’t want to put a time limit on when my patience will run out with him (and I am just as frustrated with him as everyone else I suspect) but on balance, I remain prepared to let him get his first choice team on the pitch over the next few weeks and will then make a judgement. Just as sacking McInnes after three games last season (and there were fans calling for that) would have been hasty, I think the same is true of Lomas this time round. He’s definitely under pressure though.

I would just like us to produce young players, don't really mind where they come from, as long as we produce some! In saying that, we shouldn't be missing out on the talent in our own backyard. The club managed to arguably lead the way on the youth development front in the nineties with Alistair Stevenson involved, reaching the BP Youth Cup final in 1995. Is he working for a club at the moment after leaving Hibernian? Look at all the young players they brought through after he left Saints in 2002 or 2003, Thomson, Brown etc...

We've shown no faith in youth over the last few years though. Would Steven Doris, for example, really have been a worse striking option than guys like Finnigan and Oyenuga over the past few years? Don't mean the above to come across as a dig at those currently involved in youth side of things as there does seem to be some decent players there but, for whatever reason, various managers would rather give several hundred quid per week more to an experienced player, who wouldn't offer the energy or enthusiasm of a younger player.

Regards Kevin Moon, when he's fit and sharp, he's a really good footballer and I think would/should be a first choice for us. When he isn't so sharp, I feel his performance level does dip and because of his injury problems, that can happen a bit but when he is fit and available, I'd like to see him in the side.

This season it certainly wouldn't be. I never thought I'd see the day where I was expecting Saints to make the top six but with the squad we have this season, I think it's a fair onus to put on the players and manager. Don't get me wrong, if we miss out it doesn't necessarily mean the season has been a total failure but as things stand, I think it could represent a disappointing campaign.

In saying that, I don't think it's realistic to expect our current standing to last forever and the top six will never be something we can achieve every season. At the moment, we are benefiting from a poor Hibernian and Aberdeen being behind where they should be and need to make the most of that, which Lomas doesn't seem to appreciate.

This season it certainly wouldn't be. I never thought I'd see the day where I was expecting Saints to make the top six but with the squad we have this season, I think it's a fair onus to put on the players and manager. Don't get me wrong, if we miss out it doesn't necessarily mean the season has been a total failure but as things stand, I think it could represent a disappointing campaign.

In saying that, I don't think it's realistic to expect our current standing to last forever and the top six will never be something we can achieve every season. At the moment, we are benefiting from a poor Hibernian and Aberdeen being behind where they should be and need to make the most of that, which Lomas doesn't seem to appreciate.

Firstly, in answer to the question above, he still has two years on his contract, which probably will influence any decision the board might make at this time.

Things are stacking up against Lomas though. As covered, that’s now a dozen games without a win and Hasselbaink’s scrappy goal was our first domestically from open play (i.e. not a penalty or set piece) since Murray Davidson scored against Hearts in March! Those two stats are pretty damning. We’ve looked at times, in the first half last week and again today, like we are playing with ten men. That screams of a lack of organisation and understanding to me, maybe others disagree. The team selection and tactics generally are baffling at times as well. Even allowing for the absentees, Higgins, May and Hasselbaink are all capable of playing in a front two, so it was his specific choice to play this horrible 4-5-1/4-3-3 that the old manager couldn’t get to work either. Utterly fed up of seeing us try and fail with it at home over the past few years.

It was clear from early on today that our system wasn’t working and Millar’s injury offered him a chance to make a change and save face but instead he just makes a like for like switch. Again at half-time, he could have thrown May (or Caddis) on but instead he puts Miller on out of position. Finally when we go two down he changes it but instead of hooking Mackay (who captain or not, wasn’t playing well) he takes off Scobbie, which means more players out of position.

Another issue is his complete lack of emotion until the players dug a goal out of nowhere. He stood in the mouth of the dugout offering nothing, when on the pitch we were struggling. That’s not a good sign IMO and you could argue it’s the sign of a man who doesn’t have an answer or solution to our problems.

Whilst not a defence of him, we are only three domestic games into new campaign with a new squad though and didn’t look too hot in the first three games of last season (0-0 vs Dons, 0-2 vs Rangers, 0-1 vs Pars) but recovered. The injuries and suspensions don’t excuse the performance of those selected but surely he needs to be judged when he has his strongest team on the park e.g. guys like Beattie and Vine? It’s also widely accepted he’s still looking for a winger, which could make a difference. Don’t think his (lack of) budget can be used as an excuse for him. Guys like McCall, Shiels, Danny Lennon etc… would love to be able to bring in as many experienced players as he’s been allowed to. No other club in the league has more players over the age of 21 than Saints.

Don’t want to put a time limit on when my patience will run out with him (and I am just as frustrated with him as everyone else I suspect) but on balance, I remain prepared to let him get his first choice team on the pitch over the next few weeks and will then make a judgement. Just as sacking McInnes after three games last season (and there were fans calling for that) would have been hasty, I think the same is true of Lomas this time round. He’s definitely under pressure though.

If you sent a butcher to work in a bakers, he would struggle I suspect. Stevie May is a young striker who was thrown on at right wing, which isn't his position. The guy should be judged when/if he gets a chance in his proper position but if we are only going to give young players a handful of games to make the breakthrough, then we'll never produce our own young players.

He's got a bit of dig and is maybe slightly more mobile than Morris (i.e. he'll move with the ball at feet) but I just can't get excited about him I'm afraid. Would prefer to see Moon get a run.

Mannus reminds me of Cuthbert in the sense he doesn't make any glaringly obvious errors but some of the goals we concede you have a nagging feeling that a better keeper would have saved them.

Not merely talk as it's 100% accurate but I also 100% agree with you about the youngsters, although in their right position would help. Stevie May is a striker who if he's going to get a chance deserves it to be in his correct position. Disappointing to hear Lomas on the BBC saying we now have no wide right option with Millar injured, when Liam Caddis is sitting on the bench. Folk maybe thought it impossible to find a manager who showed less faith in our youth than McInnes, but Lomas has managed it!

If not their best player today, Ryan Fraser was certainly in Aberdeen's top three and he's 18-years-old.


Funny old game as I disagree entirely with this. See very little I like in Cregg and he's not a patch on Morris IMO. Takes Cregg too long to simply control the football which makes it hard for him to dictate the play as he's always in a rush. Hasselbaink looked tired to me rather than disinterested (and maybe deserves criticism for that) but he's looked our most dangerous players in all three games so far and is the only guy in the side that I feel can really worry the opposition.


Harsh IMO. He's not lone striker, we've seen that today and in Turkey but look at his performance against Bristol City, with the assist for Vine. He's a decent link player and is clever with a decent touch but needs to be played alongside someone else. A bit like Peter MacDonald with Jason Scotland, I think he could be a real foil for another striker.

Wouldn't be surprised if we didn't see him again (for a fair while at least) now though with Vine and Tade back next week.

Not merely talk as it's 100% accurate but I also 100% agree with you about the youngsters, although in their right position would help. Stevie May is a striker who if he's going to get a chance deserves it to be in his correct position. Disappointing to hear Lomas on the BBC saying we now have no wide right option with Millar injured, when Liam Caddis is sitting on the bench. Folk maybe thought it impossible to find a manager who showed less faith in our youth than McInnes, but Lomas has managed it!

If not their best player today, Ryan Fraser was certainly in Aberdeen's top three and he's 18-years-old.


Funny old game as I disagree entirely with this. See very little I like in Cregg and he's not a patch on Morris IMO. Takes Cregg too long to simply control the football which makes it hard for him to dictate the play as he's always in a rush. Hasselbaink looked tired to me rather than disinterested (and maybe deserves criticism for that) but he's looked our most dangerous players in all three games so far and is the only guy in the side that I feel can really worry the opposition.


Harsh IMO. He's not lone striker, we've seen that today and in Turkey but look at his performance against Bristol City, with the assist for Vine. He's a decent link player and is clever with a decent touch but needs to be played alongside someone else. A bit like Peter MacDonald with Jason Scotland, I think he could be a real foil for another striker.

Wouldn't be surprised if we didn't see him again (for a fair while at least) now though with Vine and Tade back next week.

Much improved in the second half, with a good impact from the subbies. Over the whole match though, I think I'm edging towards Chris Millar, although Dave Mackay was as outstanding as ever.