Northern saint Posted October 18, 2024 Report Posted October 18, 2024 I think the summer one has past. There are variables in what we expect at the moment to be our needs as we live in hope that Simo can improve the players so "their potential" is realised sooner rather than later. I'd hope that he has had the Saints out on loan in to at least speak with them to find out how to help them develop, inspire them to believe they have a future here. As for Cameron and Neilson, I hope we can return them unless there is drastic improvement. I have hope that Olufunwa and Parker can improve and be good for us. Essel may be the answer to the defensive midfielder with proper coaching. I think Sinclair can develop into a top-class goalkeeper. With budget constraints, I think centre back is still the main area of concern though I do hope Bozo is one solution. Left back as Raymond is more a wind back than defender at best. Who I haven't a clue but the fact that Saints didn't rehash the usual suspects and seem to have found a manager the fans relate to and from his record, could be the best appointment for some time, I will watch their judgement and anticipate good news. If Simo matches Thelin at Aberdeen we'll all be delighted as they were no better than us. Scott1884 1
R.B.B:- Adz Posted October 18, 2024 Report Posted October 18, 2024 15 minutes ago, Northern saint said: I think the summer one has past. There are variables in what we expect at the moment to be our needs as we live in hope that Simo can improve the players so "their potential" is realised sooner rather than later. I'd hope that he has had the Saints out on loan in to at least speak with them to find out how to help them develop, inspire them to believe they have a future here. As for Cameron and Neilson, I hope we can return them unless there is drastic improvement. I have hope that Olufunwa and Parker can improve and be good for us. Essel may be the answer to the defensive midfielder with proper coaching. I think Sinclair can develop into a top-class goalkeeper. With budget constraints, I think centre back is still the main area of concern though I do hope Bozo is one solution. Left back as Raymond is more a wind back than defender at best. Who I haven't a clue but the fact that Saints didn't rehash the usual suspects and seem to have found a manager the fans relate to and from his record, could be the best appointment for some time, I will watch their judgement and anticipate good news. If Simo matches Thelin at Aberdeen we'll all be delighted as they were no better than us. Olufunwa and Parker 😂😂😂😂😂
rik2304 Posted October 18, 2024 Report Posted October 18, 2024 I'll be interested to see what Valakari goes for here and I'm expecting (hoping) for a bit of a clear out. Hiya MacPherson and McPake, hiya pals! Havana Saint and KinrossSaint 2
Broggy Man Posted October 18, 2024 Report Posted October 18, 2024 Talk about the defence all day long but saints midfield is shocking
R.B.B:- Adz Posted October 18, 2024 Report Posted October 18, 2024 3 minutes ago, Broggy Man said: Talk about the defence all day long but saints midfield is shocking Matt Smith, Jason Holt, Drey Wright and Graham Carey are MILES better midfielders than Sanders, Cameron and Neilson are defenders. No contest. I’d be tempted to say Essel and Sprangler are too but their form is too inconsistent. Our defenders are dug meat. Bring on the Bozo!
blueheaven Posted October 18, 2024 Report Posted October 18, 2024 Updated squad list for the new thread: Goalkeepers Josh Rae - 2026 Ross Sinclair - 2026 Craig Hepburn - 2027 Defenders/wing backs David Keltjens - 2025 Sam McClelland - 2025 Kyle Cameron - 2025 - on loan from Notts County Lewis Neilson - 2025 - on loan from Hearts Oludare Olufunwa - 2025 - on loan at Hamilton Accies Bayley Klimionek - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic Liam Parker - 2025 - on loan at Cove Rangers Joe Ellison - 2025 - on loan at Berwick Rangers Scott Bright - 2025 - on loan at Brechin City Bozo Mikulic - 2025 Jack Sanders - 2026 Andre Raymond - 2026 Midfielders/wingers Max Kucheriavyi - 2025 Matt Smith - 2025 Cammy MacPherson - 2025 Sven Sprangler - 2025 Graham Carey - 2025 Drey Wright - 2025 Connor Smith - 2025 - on loan at Hamilton Accies Alex Ferguson - 2025 - on loan at Stirling Albion Arran Cocks - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic Ben McCrystal - 2025 - on loan at Berwick Rangers Jason Holt - 2026 Josh McPake - 2026 Fran Franczak - 2026 Taylor Steven - 2026 - on loan at Cliftonville Aaron Essel - 2027 Forwards Nicky Clark - 2025 Benjamin Kimpioka - 2025 Stevie May - 2025 - on loan at Livingston Jackson Mylchreest - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic Adam McMillan - 2025 - on loan at Albion Rovers Adama Sidibeh - 2026 Uche Ikpeazu - 2026 Makenzie Kirk - 2026
RandomGuy Posted October 18, 2024 Report Posted October 18, 2024 Regularly forget Kucheriavyi and Ikpeazu are still here.
Mizfit Posted October 18, 2024 Report Posted October 18, 2024 Out (of a cannon) - Macpherson and McPake In - anyone else. R.B.B:- Adz and rik2304 2
blueheaven Posted October 22, 2024 Report Posted October 22, 2024 Updated to add Barry Douglas: Goalkeepers Josh Rae - 2026 Ross Sinclair - 2026 Craig Hepburn - 2027 Defenders/wing backs Barry Douglas - 2025 David Keltjens - 2025 Sam McClelland - 2025 Kyle Cameron - 2025 - on loan from Notts County Lewis Neilson - 2025 - on loan from Hearts Oludare Olufunwa - 2025 - on loan at Hamilton Accies Bayley Klimionek - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic Liam Parker - 2025 - on loan at Cove Rangers Joe Ellison - 2025 - on loan at Berwick Rangers Bozo Mikulic - 2025 Jack Sanders - 2026 Andre Raymond - 2026 Midfielders/wingers Max Kucheriavyi - 2025 Matt Smith - 2025 Cammy MacPherson - 2025 Sven Sprangler - 2025 Graham Carey - 2025 Drey Wright - 2025 Connor Smith - 2025 - on loan at Hamilton Accies Alex Ferguson - 2025 - on loan at Stirling Albion Arran Cocks - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic Ben McCrystal - 2025 - on loan at Berwick Rangers Jason Holt - 2026 Josh McPake - 2026 Fran Franczak - 2026 Taylor Steven - 2026 - on loan at Cliftonville Aaron Essel - 2027 Forwards Nicky Clark - 2025 Benjamin Kimpioka - 2025 Stevie May - 2025 - on loan at Livingston Jackson Mylchreest - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic Adam McMillan - 2025 - on loan at Albion Rovers Adama Sidibeh - 2026 Uche Ikpeazu - 2026 Makenzie Kirk - 2026
Cagey Posted October 22, 2024 Report Posted October 22, 2024 20 minutes ago, blueheaven said: Updated to add Barry Douglas: Goalkeepers Josh Rae - 2026 Ross Sinclair - 2026 Craig Hepburn - 2027 Defenders/wing backs Barry Douglas - 2025 David Keltjens - 2025 Sam McClelland - 2025 Kyle Cameron - 2025 - on loan from Notts County Lewis Neilson - 2025 - on loan from Hearts Oludare Olufunwa - 2025 - on loan at Hamilton Accies Bayley Klimionek - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic Liam Parker - 2025 - on loan at Cove Rangers Joe Ellison - 2025 - on loan at Berwick Rangers Bozo Mikulic - 2025 Jack Sanders - 2026 Andre Raymond - 2026 Midfielders/wingers Max Kucheriavyi - 2025 Matt Smith - 2025 Cammy MacPherson - 2025 Sven Sprangler - 2025 Graham Carey - 2025 Drey Wright - 2025 Connor Smith - 2025 - on loan at Hamilton Accies Alex Ferguson - 2025 - on loan at Stirling Albion Arran Cocks - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic Ben McCrystal - 2025 - on loan at Berwick Rangers Jason Holt - 2026 Josh McPake - 2026 Fran Franczak - 2026 Taylor Steven - 2026 - on loan at Cliftonville Aaron Essel - 2027 Forwards Nicky Clark - 2025 Benjamin Kimpioka - 2025 Stevie May - 2025 - on loan at Livingston Jackson Mylchreest - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic Adam McMillan - 2025 - on loan at Albion Rovers Adama Sidibeh - 2026 Uche Ikpeazu - 2026 Makenzie Kirk - 2026 A lot out of contract at end of season. Will have to get a few contracts and a few with longer contracts off loaded , maybe even in January.
PerthSaint01 Posted October 22, 2024 Report Posted October 22, 2024 We really need a season of being safe ish by February/March so we can get out of this cycle of not being able to extend contracts till after the season is finished and we’re confirmed up. blueheaven, Saintdunc, rik2304 and 6 others 9
Linky Posted October 31, 2024 Report Posted October 31, 2024 Rae needs to go out on loan in January to get his confidence back. I think he could be a decent 'keeper in the future. Depending on their loan agreements, send either Neilson or Cameron back (or both) - bring back Olunfanwa as a back up if needed, as he'd be cheaper (how is he getting on at Hamilton?) Bring in a GK. If Bozo is good, I'm less worried about the other CB slot as I actually think Sanders is decent. The rest of the team is fine, it's more about getting players signing new contracts.
blueheaven Posted October 31, 2024 Report Posted October 31, 2024 25 minutes ago, Linky said: Rae needs to go out on loan in January to get his confidence back. I think he could be a decent 'keeper in the future. Depending on their loan agreements, send either Neilson or Cameron back (or both) - bring back Olunfanwa as a back up if needed, as he'd be cheaper (how is he getting on at Hamilton?) Every time I've looked at the Hamilton team, Olufunwa has been left sitting on the bench without being brought on. Probably doesn't say a lot for where his development currently is if he can't even get on the pitch for Hamilton. Seems such as a waste as I thought he looked promising when he first arrived. Linky 1
Cagey Posted October 31, 2024 Report Posted October 31, 2024 2 hours ago, blueheaven said: Every time I've looked at the Hamilton team, Olufunwa has been left sitting on the bench without being brought on. Probably doesn't say a lot for where his development currently is if he can't even get on the pitch for Hamilton. Seems such as a waste as I thought he looked promising when he first arrived. Is there any value in sending players out on loan. Not had any feedback on the loans this season but don't think any of them have set the heather on fire or getting much game time. A lot the guys we have had on loan have mainly sat on the bench or had any improvement to go back to their parent club better players.
R.B.B:- Adz Posted October 31, 2024 Report Posted October 31, 2024 4 hours ago, Cagey said: Is there any value in sending players out on loan. Not had any feedback on the loans this season but don't think any of them have set the heather on fire or getting much game time. A lot the guys we have had on loan have mainly sat on the bench or had any improvement to go back to their parent club better players. Loans are only valuable if they play. I’d rather have had Olufunwa at Kelty, Montrose or Arbroath playing men’s football week in week out and developing
Linky Posted October 31, 2024 Report Posted October 31, 2024 Yeah, although sometimes it’s just about taking someone off the wage bill
Graeme S Posted November 1, 2024 Report Posted November 1, 2024 15 hours ago, blueheaven said: Every time I've looked at the Hamilton team, Olufunwa has been left sitting on the bench without being brought on. Probably doesn't say a lot for where his development currently is if he can't even get on the pitch for Hamilton. Seems such as a waste as I thought he looked promising when he first arrived. In a Hamilton team where C Smith gets a game - yes, says a lot about where he is. What Linky says is also true, however, I believe Dare is on a wage that is relatively eye watering for an untested player. I suppose it shows just how desperate Macca was for players. 🤷♀️
blueheaven Posted November 1, 2024 Report Posted November 1, 2024 15 hours ago, Cagey said: Is there any value in sending players out on loan. Not had any feedback on the loans this season but don't think any of them have set the heather on fire or getting much game time. A lot the guys we have had on loan have mainly sat on the bench or had any improvement to go back to their parent club better players. I guess it can give a pretty good indication if a player is going to sink or swim? Players like May, Kane, Kerr, Clark etc all used their loan spells as a launch pad to break into the Saints first team. If a player heads out and doesn't even get a game, that probably tells us just as much about where they are, even if it's a negative rather than a positive. I'm hoping we're going to send Franczak out on loan in the second half of the season, as it feels like he probably needs that.
PerthSaint01 Posted November 1, 2024 Report Posted November 1, 2024 29 minutes ago, blueheaven said: I guess it can give a pretty good indication if a player is going to sink or swim? Players like May, Kane, Kerr, Clark etc all used their loan spells as a launch pad to break into the Saints first team. If a player heads out and doesn't even get a game, that probably tells us just as much about where they are, even if it's a negative rather than a positive. I'm hoping we're going to send Franczak out on loan in the second half of the season, as it feels like he probably needs that. Fran wanted a loan in the summer, and then him and Levein had an argument and fell out when Levein told him it was best for him to stay at the club.
Saints17 Posted November 4, 2024 Report Posted November 4, 2024 Having a think about the squad and where it needs improved. Think our strongest 11 at the moment might be something like: Rae Keltjens Sanders Mikulic Raymond Wright Sprangler Holt Kimpioka Clark Sidibeh That leaves as backup or as different options in certain games: Sinclair ??? Nielson Cameron Douglas Franczak Essel Smith Carey Ikpeazu Kirk I’d look to move on: Mcpake, MacPherson and Kucheriavyi. Possibly one of Cameron or Nielson’s loans ended if we can get an improvement in at centre half. Send one of Rae or Sinclair out on loan. Bring in: Starting goalkeeper, right back, centre half, winger and a centre mid. So that’s 4-5 out with 5 to come in during January. Plenty work to do but also the basis of a decent team there with some good options on the bench in certain areas.
blueheaven Posted November 5, 2024 Report Posted November 5, 2024 I can't help but feel there must be a reasonably good, experienced goalkeeper somewhere out there in the world who hasn't managed to get a club this season and might be willing to accept a bit less money than they're normally used to, in order to get back to playing football, especially at the level Saints can offer. Even if it's someone who has to wait a month to get a work permit, it would still mean getting them in and ready earlier than if we wait for the transfer window to open. pezza70 1
Cagey Posted November 5, 2024 Report Posted November 5, 2024 1 hour ago, blueheaven said: I can't help but feel there must be a reasonably good, experienced goalkeeper somewhere out there in the world who hasn't managed to get a club this season and might be willing to accept a bit less money than they're normally used to, in order to get back to playing football, especially at the level Saints can offer. Even if it's someone who has to wait a month to get a work permit, it would still mean getting them in and ready earlier than if we wait for the transfer window to open. That's the thing , the Jan window isn't awash with players and you also have the work permit issue.Its taking long enough for Bozo to get one. We will probably have to pay a fee to get a goalie and probably have to look at the national leagues in England or hope we can get a decent loanee. Hopefully that work is going on at the moment. pezza70 1
akuram Posted November 5, 2024 Report Posted November 5, 2024 It was a huge mistake when it was known that Mitov was moving on not to identify another of his quality as a year long replacement. Surely with the success he had getting into the Bulgarian squad due to the exposure we gave him that another keeper would not have jumped at the same opportunity we could provide.
rik2304 Posted November 5, 2024 Report Posted November 5, 2024 Our goalie coach at the time recommended Rae. The argument is that there should have been an experienced back up just in case. Or are we just unlucky that both of our youngish keepers wouldn't be able to make the step up?
Linky Posted November 5, 2024 Report Posted November 5, 2024 Yes, Rae was scouted as a replacement, but Levein also spent the whole summer courting Gordon as GK and coach. I do wonder how different our season would be looking now if he'd have managed it.
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