Jute

Would expect team to be very similar to one that started against Livingston with maybe Clarkson coming in for Nilsen or Shinnie. Motherwell seem to score a few but also open at the back so this might be the game that there is space for the inverted wingers to work. In Pub Y Beers in town 2-1 Nisbet and Clarkson

From what I have read and heard Gunn’s role was more an administrative role than a football role so if we are going down the European style sporting director role that was recommend in the review carried out I think it would be a different role to the one Gunn had. I suspect you and Orlando are right in saying that with manager already in place we won’t be looking at changing the approach so as I said it is likely that anyone brought in will be someone who is willing to work within the current approach to recruitment and playing style.

Only draw back with appointing a sporting director now is we already have a manager in place. Usually (in Europe) it’s the sporting director who is responsible for setting the long term approach/style of the club will take then selecting the coaching team to execute that plan. We already have a manager in place so you are probably looking with getting in a sporting director who agrees with his approach so maybe reduces the checks and balances effect.

Statement season starting early this year.

Cannot comment on Saturday as wasn’t there but my general impression from other games is Shinnie and Nilsen slow the play down when together. When teams sit in against us we need to move the ball quickly to try a create space. Nilsen especially seems to slow the game down. I think one of them with Clarkson is probably way to go.

Think we have to give manger and team time to get up to speed given how many changes there have been to squad. Most of new signings made recently were not starters for their clubs will need time to get match fit. There were no doubt mistakes made in the summer like lack of friendlies (manager now talking about playing some) and around the recruitment. We were definitely went into season underprepared. One thing that will have to change is the stubbornness around tactics. Thelin will need to realise that in Scotland we are going to face teams who will pack the middle and be happy not to have the ball which means there won’t be the space to play in on the counter. Thelin needs to change the approach to suit the oppositions set up. Oh and not play Shinnie and Nilsen in the same team.

A game we really need to be winning. I would expect Lazetic to start with Nisbet being on the bench. As Manc says it’s unlikely that the Armstrong or Karlsson will be fit enough to be involved in this one. Gyamfi got minutes against Buckie and Frame got off bench for Scotland U21s so one of them may make the bench. Will be disappointed if Yengi is even on the bench. Not sure I will be heading up to this as loads of work on just now. 2-0 Dons Keskinen and Nisbet

Finished 2-0. Ryan One and David Watson probably best for Scotland.

Mitchell Frame off the bench for U21s

Portugal 2-0 up but down to 10 now. Scotland in to game a little more now but only couple of half chances since red card.

Portugal 1-0 up after 30 minutes.

Link to game if any wants

Under 21 team for game now that Zia missed was a 7pm kick off

Ange Postecoglou appointed at Forrest. I can see his relationship with their crackpot owner being as interesting as the previous managers was.

Nottingham Forrest become first club to sack manager this season in premier league. Surprised this didn’t happen over the summer as Espírito Santo’s relationship with the nut job owner seemed to have completely broken down.