LA-Don

While I'm not a Jack fan, has he confirmed he's joining Rangers or is it still all rumours? He's getting dogs abuse for something that may not happen.....

Any comments on Liam Lindsay given we just put 6 past thistle??? Worth a look? I know thistle had a patchwork team out there today so not the best game to judge.

Sent my opinions on the u20 league before. Waste of time. The reserve league was much more productive at helping boys become men and preparing them for the first team. Back to the initial point - I was not suggesting we give youth a chance, that's a totally different issue. I was saying I'd rather see us spend money on younger players that can develop and shine for years, much like Shinnie and McLean. Maloney is not Barry Robson who can sit in the middle of the park and spray passes, his game is based on speed and creativity - does he still have speed at his age? He's also a little guy who will get beat up at times and that takes its toll. How much will we get out of him and for how long? McGinn was here for 5 years, I'd like him replaced by someone who'll be here a while too. Guys like Mallen, Lindsay, Devlin, Christie, Mackay Steven etc. are a better investment to me. A different type of risk to Maloney but a much bigger upside.

I don't see Maloney being a cheap signing if there is any truth to this. As a club with limited finances I'd like us investing more wisely in younger players who can play longer and may also bring us future transfer fees. Just my opinion!

I have to assume Maloney would be an expensive signing. Maybe we go for Kenny Miller and Clint Hill too? There's no question there's ability and experience, but we're not an inexperienced team. I'd rather we spent the money on Devlin, Lindsay, Mallen, Christie, Mackay Steven etc., guys who are improving and maybe sold on for a pretty penny down the road. If Maloney comes on the cheap as a squad player then that's fine but he's not going to replace McGinn, too old, fitness will be an issue, and on the downward side of a strong career.

Noooooo. 34, past it, and has barely played in a year. I'd rather we spent the money on up and coming players who will potentially be with us for years and/or we can move on for some decent money. I'd take Gary Mackay Steven before Maloney.

I hear your point Rico, and from where we were 5 or so years ago until now, it's night and day. However, we appear to make things so much harder than they need to be. Would love us to use our strengths and push on for a second or third goal and put opponents out of sight rather than letting opponents back into the game. We rarely seem to have the killer instinct (as shown vs Motherwell and Dundee.) Had we two much better central defenders I'd feel a bit better about this holding a lead approach but it does seem we put ourselves under unnecessary pressure at times.

Well, a win is a win but another game where DM tried to be defensive and manage the game out? Our strength is attack, why play counter attacking football when we're not a solid defensive team?? Great to win but we make things so much harder than they need to be in my eyes. If we're going to play this way against Hearts who are so shite, what should we expect against the Huns and Celtic twice?

Stopped working midway through the second half?

A little surprised Shinnie isn't getting much/any recognition. We were piss in midfield early season and he's established himself in center mid, and a big reason for our strong season. Without him in the middle we struggle in my opinion. Very consistent and a true leader.

Didn't see the game but according to red tv we started with considine in the middle and Hayes at left back. Then maybe shinnie moved to left back. Driving from LA to Vegas so commentary was on and off so I'm not sure. McGinn and Christie started so not sure of the shape in midfield either. I don't get it, if Reynolds is fit go back to the line up that gave us success. Today was the day we should have sealed second with a home game, still have to Play Rangers and Celtic, plus playing Hearts is usually a struggle.

8 goals conceded in the last 4 games and we're back to tinkering again with the line up.....wtf.

Well, if MLS is the move it's a higher standard of play, he'll get more money, US is a cheaper lifestyle, plus a better climate. He'll fall of the face of the earth for Scotland inclusion so not much different from Aberdeen really.

Only saw the second half. Totally dominated and played in their half until the first goal. We missed our chances and they took theirs. I'll praise Kenny Miller, great finish on his first goal, possibly touched the ball twice in the second half and 2 goals. Rooney didn't take his chances, tale of two strikers if you ask me.

Ignoring the contract situations of Jack and McGinn, things seem to be going very well at the moment. This weekend is a really interesting game - I didn't see the ibrox loss but I thought our tactics were poor against Rangers at Pittodrie. We went one up then sat back and allowed them to dominate and get back into the game. Maddison's free kick bailed us out. I really think that if we treat this like a normal game we can give them a good thumping but I do question DMs tactics against the old firm - he gives them far far too much respect. Rangers are very average, I hope we have a real go and smash the fuckers. Will DM give them too much respect???

Poor guy. Zero confidence and he needs an extended run in a team to get over the hump, score, and rebuild a career and reputation. We don't have that time to give him, he has to move on for all parties concerned. I was happy with his signing, it just didn't work out. I do think he's a useful chip to throw in to a transfer.

I'd like to see youth given a chance by being squad players, replacing a Pawlett, Miles Storey, or a Christie, but replacing arguably one of if not our best player with youth isn't acceptable to me.

If I recall O'Connor started in midfield here and that's why he was signed but was absolutely gash. Really struggled for pace in midfield and got caught out of position. He played there early season when our form was inconsistent to say the least. Shinnie became a permanent midfielder and O'Connor then got moved to central defense and our form improved. He was then the scapegoat for the cup final and hasn't been seen much since. Just my opinion but I don't see him as a midfielder at all.

McGinn is the one player I do feel we have to spend to replace. At our best Hayes and McGinn run riot from wide areas and that's what makes us good, we can smash you from either wing and this will be a loss. Any recommendations on a replacement??

Welcome aboard! Don't get to see Caley play but he's one we hear quite a bit about and he's got a goal in him. We're lightweight in center mid, hope he's not the only midfielder we sign. Either keep Jack too or, ideally, sign a true and proper holding mid.

I know it's the The Sun so take it for what it's worth. Being linked with Mikey Devlin from Accies, is he any good? Central defender, right? Not that it means much but I do prefer us signing and developing Scottish players rather than some English guy from league one or two.

This is the biggest window for us in years with us most likely losing influential players. We do need to add younsters to the squad and give them opportunities which is not DMs style but the young boys should replace Pawlett. Would like to see Rogers stay and push Lewis and maybe given a chance in some cup games BUT we are not Man. Utd where the back up plays every cup game. We still need to field our best 11 to win trophies. Taylor needs to go and needs to be replaced by a commanding leader type central defender, not some young guy with potential. Perhaps a central defender with a similar background to Joe Lewis who may have lost his way a little. I'm being realistic to what we'd be willing to spend. No clue if Devlin or Lindsay are any good. McGinn needs replaced by a stud. Arguable our best player for the last 5 years. He has produced every season and will be a big loss. I'd say we need an internationalist to replace an internationalist. Jack is an established first team player and club captain. Needs replaced by an established player and leader. I'd assume Shinnie will be central midfield and club captain but we need a strong addition here.

I'm not saying Reynolds or Considine are good enough. My point was that there are so many midfielders playing at a higher level than our boys that's it's tough for them - with the lack of defenders by default there's arguably more of an argument for our defenders being selected.

I hear you Caat. But is he any worse than Martin or Hanley???

The Scotland squad is rammed full of midfielders who arguably play at a higher level than the SPL. Saying that I think it's only fair to take McLean, Shinnie, or Jack before John McGinn. I also think Considine and even Reynolds have more of an argument (and I don't think they are our star Scottish players) as the Scottish defense is absolutely shocking. Hayes, Rooney, and McGinn all play/were selected in squads for teams who qualified for the Euros. There's no logic in not including any dons in the Scotland squad.