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The Big 2018-19 Squad Thread


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And Russell has regressed hugely from the player once scouted by major English clubs. Wouldn't be the least bit bothered if we lost him now, but I also wouldn't be surprised if he recovered his career elsewhere because we know he can play.

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Oliver and Jai are good. McHugh and Thomson are not.

 

Jai needs to show he can play regularly or whatever promise he has will be headed to the seaside league. McHugh can only be a last 10 min sub at best and Thomson really needs to demonstrate that he's more than a wage thief. As for Russell, he's been drinking in the last chance saloon for far too long. No point being excellent in training when you consistently fail to deliver when it counts.

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A fit Quitongo is certainly worth keeping.

He is a natural crowd pleaser and doesn't give opposing defences a moments peace. As yet he lacks composure both in front of goal and in his propensity to pick up silly yellow cards. If he stays and Ray sorts out those weaknesses he could yet either be a very valuable player and/or move for a good sum.

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As he is mentioned on the official site as being part of the first time squad, I'm adding him to the original post.

Also says it brings our first team squad to 14. Most of us would see it as 11 really (12 at a push, but still really class Strapp as a development player).

 

I hope Armour, Langan and Strapp are included but as part of the 4, not the main 18.

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Russell taking an age to decide.

 

Not performed consistently enough since League 1. We need an upgrade if we're to challenge.

Russell played consistently well in our first season back in the Championship (winning a couple of fan poty awards I'm sure). He got off to a very good start to the following season as well. So it's not true to say that it's been since League One. A patchy 18 months though, certainly.

 

Messing with his position has been a big problem. He's been terrible at left midfield (and cente mid!), and I don't think that helped his drop in form. I actually think he played pretty well at left back over the last few months, but never got a decent run there. In his last game at left back he was excellent - it's easy to forget that when he's then played in three different roles in his next three matches.

 

We've got Iredale so it would be tough for him, but he's a good left back at this level. I'd actually say his only really poor run at left back was over the end of the 16/17 season, and patchy form there at the start of last season.

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Russell played consistently well in our first season back in the Championship (winning a couple of fan poty awards I'm sure). He got off to a very good start to the following season as well. So it's not true to say that it's been since League One. A patchy 18 months though, certainly.

 

Messing with his position has been a big problem. He's been terrible at left midfield (and cente mid!), and I don't think that helped his drop in form. I actually think he played pretty well at left back over the last few months, but never got a decent run there. In his last game at left back he was excellent - it's easy to forget that when he's then played in three different roles in his next three matches.

 

We've got Iredale so it would be tough for him, but he's a good left back at this level. I'd actually say his only really poor run at left back was over the end of the 16/17 season, and patchy form there at the start of last season.

Didn’t see enough of the season just past to comment but I agree about the season’s previous to that. He’s an underrated defender I think, which can be lost when his confidence going forward takes a dip.

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His body has changed quite a bit in the last couple of seasons as well which never seems to get mentioned. His pace and mobility appear to have suffered as a result of any weight he's added.

 

I wonder if the new sports science stuff could see an improvement in him.

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Russell still deciding. Interest from other clubs.Commenting on the fact that Duffy didn't seem to know his best position and wasn't keen on being moved around.http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/morton/16297090.Morton_star_takes_time_to_weigh_up_options/

Bit in last nights Tele, (haven't read it) but headline is saying that McKinnon is putting a deadline in place for players still to sign.

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I'm fully in agreement with SpoonTon's view on this: Russell's decline started 18 months ago when Duffy moved him to midfield, it killed his confidence and he's never really recovered. If he can get a full pre-season knowing he's going to be a left back followed by a run of games there I'm hopeful we can see the same player return, but with Iredale and Strapp signed up it wouldn't be a massive surprise to see him go. The only way he's going to fit in as a first choice left back is if McKinnon decides to use Iredale at centre back, where we've rarely seen him.

 

His comments about taking his time over an offer don't bother me, it's just realistic honesty which every player will think about and is hardly comparable to O'Ware's admission that he thought he was too good for us, which explains why his attitude was so appalling throughout last season.

Brian Wake my Lord, Brian Wake

Brian Wake my Lord, Brian Wake

Brian Wake my Lord, Brian Wake

Oh Lord, Brian Wake

 

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Bit in last nights Tele, (haven't read it) but headline is saying that McKinnon is putting a deadline in place for players still to sign.

Good to hear, some players really need to realise what they have at Morton. Am I right in thinking Stef McCluskey spent too long considering his options for Duffy? now playing for Pollok juniors.

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The other issue is, of course the compensation which we would be due. That could affect the offers he might get from others.

 

Ray has said he wants competition in every position and Russell at his best would certainly merit staying. Interesting that he doesn't have a preferred position.

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