Pre-Season

[port-ton]

3 minutes ago, dundeeton said:

Could obviously be completely wrong but I’m sure I heard someone shout “Marcel” when the right back was on the ball. Possibly Marcel Lavinier? At Forest green last season, former spurs and Chelsea youth.

Marcel Oakley maybe? Was released by Birmingham in the summer. Hard to see on the stream but the trialist is a black right back so could be him possibly. He seems like the sort of player we’d sign without trialling though.

[port-ton]

First 10-15 mins of half were decent as we passed ball about well. Reynolds with our best chance but he looked to fall over his feet almost when he had a tap in from 6 yards out in to an open goal. 
 

Rest of the half was a non event as we lost our way with the way we were trying to play. Defenders and midfielders resorted to safe passes and our tricky flair players couldn’t get in to the game. That’s exactly what is going to happen in games as a new group of players get used to playing together along with the old players learning a new style. 

[Jamie_M]

11 minutes ago, port-ton said:

He seems like the sort of player we’d sign without trialling though.

Which could still be the case.

Going by Delaney's interview, he wasn't really on trial but rather the deal was already on the table amd he was in getting a feel for it.

[Ferguson]

1 hour ago, Jamie_M said:

Would assume that to be a pretty valid assumption.

 But who...

I'm hearing it's Morgan Boyes, and that that's a correct assumption.

[Ferguson]

Looked much more threatening second half so far, Moffat and Davies both did really well for the goal. Lyall been more effective since the changes were made as well. Trialist at right back doesn't look interested.

ETA: Another well worked goal from Davies with some smart play from Lyall to set him up chopped off just as I sent the post, looked onside to me.

[Mr.Blue]

7 minutes ago, Ferguson said:

I'm hearing it's Morgan Boyes, and that that's a correct assumption.

Was impressed with him last season when he was with caley. He's been very composed on the ball. Would be delighted if he's signed.

[port-ton]

Having a progressive left footed centre back signed would be lovely. I’ve liked the look of the other trialist centre back both games he’s played but can’t imagine he will get a deal if Boyes is signed. 

[Ferguson]

You obviously can't take much if anything at all from pre season friendlies but that second half was quite an enjoyable watch, some exciting attacking options this season. Both centre half trialists looked very good and I'd be pleased to see them both kept on. Tuesday will be a good gauge of where we're at before the real stuff starts next weekend.

[The Bewilderedbeast]

35 minutes ago, Ferguson said:

 Trialist at right back doesn't look interested.

 

I thought he did well, considering he's just arrived and probably doesn't know anyone etc.

[Ferguson]

1 minute ago, The Bewilderedbeast said:

I thought he did well, considering he's just arrived and probably doesn't know anyone etc.

Aye I'll concede that one, thought he looked quite lazy and slow first half but he grew into it and ended up looking OK.

[port-ton]

Second half was decent. Will be interesting to see how we do with our full strength team playing 90 minutes together. We seem to have options all over the park even at this stage though which is great to see. Garrity seems to have come back looking fit and with an extra yard about him. It could hopefully be a big season for him. 
 

Davies doesn’t look the most clinical yet so far but he presses well and seems to get a decent amount of chances. Hopefully he puts more of them away when he’s completely up and running. 

[Mr.Blue]

2 minutes ago, The Bewilderedbeast said:

I thought he did well, considering he's just arrived and probably doesn't know anyone etc.

Agreed. He took time to settle but did well overall. Happy to get forward and worked hard to track back whe  out of possession. Would like to see him again on Tuesday.

I liked the other trialist cb too but can't see us signing him and boyes.

[The Bewilderedbeast]

30 minutes ago, port-ton said:

 Garrity seems to have come back looking fit and with an extra yard about him. It could hopefully be a big season for him. 
 

 

A couple of guys sitting behind me who were obviously scouting for someone. They were with another couple of guys who were Annan fans.

 Even prematch, they were raving about Garrity and how much they wished he go back to them.

They were pretty uncomplementary about Baird, Ballantyne and Mullen.

They said that they thought Mullen looked out of his depth, nervous and not up to it!

 

 

 

[port-ton]

6 minutes ago, The Bewilderedbeast said:

A couple of guys sitting behind me who were obviously scouting for someone. They were with another couple of guys who were Annan fans.

 Even prematch, they were raving about Garrity and how much they wished he go back to them.

They were pretty uncomplementary about Baird, Ballantyne and Mullen.

They said that they thought Mullen looked out of his depth, nervous and not up to it!

 

 

 

Hopefully more scouts as useless as them show up to watch Mullen then

you could tell Baird was uncomfortable running with the ball up the pitch in to space that Imrie was asking him to do. The few times he did do the would then stop the ball and pass it back. 
 

He’s been one of my favourite players the past couple of years and he may be able to adapt with a bit of time but out of all the central defenders we’ve had play in pre season so far he’s the one that has struggled the most.

[Chicken_Soup]

Second half was fantastic today. Sinclair, Boyes and Wilson moved the ball so much quicker. Davies movement was brilliant and great finish for the goal (and the offside goal). Moffat and Garrity were excellent. Not sure what our best 11 is but pre season has given cause for optimism. 
 

On the right back - on the front foot he looked excellent. Quick, aggressive, with some nice interceptions, passes and crosses. But he was dribbled past on a worryingly regular basis, by players of quite a low standard. 

[tondaft1874]

Agree with statement above on Baird. He looks so uncomfortable on the ball, unsure if he's going to be able to adapt to this play style.

[Gmfcrg]

I agree. I think with everyone fit we’re going to see a back four of:

ballentyne corr boyes Delaney 

with broadfoot and Baird used as backup, depending on how corr recovers from his injury but corr and boyes are certainly here as first picks I reckon. I like Baird as a defender but he definitely struggles to pass the ball forward and not sure he suits this new style.

[Mr.Blue]

4 hours ago, The Bewilderedbeast said:

A couple of guys sitting behind me who were obviously scouting for someone. They were with another couple of guys who were Annan fans.

 Even prematch, they were raving about Garrity and how much they wished he go back to them.

They were pretty uncomplementary about Baird, Ballantyne and Mullen.

They said that they thought Mullen looked out of his depth, nervous and not up to it!

 

 

 

Tha Annan fans behind me were absolute cocks. Moaning about every decision against them and I'll be relieved of I never hear 'C'mon Tommy' being shouted again.

[DaftTon74]

Anyone heard of how ticket sales are doing for tomorrow’s game? Can’t imagine it will be as well attended as last years or how they will have liked. Hope I’m wrong of course. 

[Mr.Blue]

15 minutes ago, DaftTon74 said:

Anyone heard of how ticket sales are doing for tomorrow’s game? Can’t imagine it will be as well attended as last years or how they will have liked. Hope I’m wrong of course. 

£18 a ticket for an adult will put people off imo.