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wellyboot · Joined: 14 Jul 2008 Posts: 2567 Location: Aberdeenshire

Onto the first league match of the season away to Patrick

Unbeaten pre season and in the cup. Positive vibes around the team just now.

Let’s hope it continues

Heilan Rover · Joined: 24 Dec 2018 Posts: 600 Location: Lorient

I second that WB.

Interesting to find out later in the week who will be available from the walking wounded?
More interesting will be IM's decision as to who he will pick in the starting line-up?

Let's say he had the possible services of a fit Brown,Murray, and Millen. All three would normally slot straight into a starting eleven. However, as WB says, the current line-up remain unbeaten and possibly as such, deserve a starting place?

I would think if this were a scenario, Millen would almost definitely start given there is a slight weakness at right full back, but surely given Brown's excellent performances last year, and the fact he is (I think) still the first choice for Captain he ought to be played? However who from the mid field would you drop to accommodate that decision? Possibly Murray ought to be gradually introduced from the bench due to match fitness??

Now I understand this scenario may not even present itself this week, however some time soon it will, and along with Connolly and Matthews hovering on the horizon it's going to give IM one serious headache. I agree these may be good problems to have, but IM's decisions are going to be of greater importance for this campaign given he has far more team selection choices than he did last season.

Who would be a Manager?

embow · Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2023 12:44 pm Post subject:

Franco · Joined: 10 Oct 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: kirkcaldy

It's very unfortunate that ,the way the last two games went, that Euan Murray has not been eased back into playing. Dylan Corr has talent but is one for the future , since we need to get off to a good start in the league campaign , and, regrettably , giving young lads experience comes at a price.
It's a similar situation of Millen over McGill ( although there is a difference, as Scott McGill's future is not as a RB).
As soon as he's fit, Scott Brown will be back, because his defensive qualities in midfield are essential if we are to be top four.
More intriguing to me is whether or not Ross Matthews and Lewis Vaughan ( my two favourite players )will be nailed on starters this season, or if we will see a changing of the guard.
One thing ( subject to players being fit ) seems likely: there will be a realistic chance of being able to alter games by using a strong bench ( although we are not at that point yet, sadly).
A draw away to Patrick , then a home win against Morton would not be a bad beginning, all things considered.

Heilan Rover · Joined: 24 Dec 2018 Posts: 600 Location: Lorient

StarksBarmy · Joined: 03 Apr 2010 Posts: 4025

Decent time to get Thistle I’d have thought. Lost half a dozen of their 1st team starters over the summer, no Tiffany which is a massive positive.

Once again we find ourselves worrying about who is or isn’t fit to take part, really frustrating as with a full squad to choose from we look pretty strong and I’d fancy our chances strongly here…

Need to just wait and see, hopefully one or two are ready to return…

embow · Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2023 4:57 pm Post subject:

Strathallan Rover · Joined: 29 Nov 2014 Posts: 652

A tough match to start with, but i suppose there's no easy fixture in this league.

I hope Euan Murray starts as i think Dylan Corr is a long way from being a regular starter. As the recent matches against Killie & Annan have shown, he's got a mistake in him and i fear Brian Graham would dominate him. I can't see Ross Millen being fit as he's not played for a few weeks now, but Scott McGill is still a decent stand in. If we can Broony back that will help protect the defence too, he's the driving force of the team.

PT are a bit of an unknown quantity due to losing a few key players, but they'll still prove difficult opponents.

Good luck Rovers.

TxRover · Joined: 02 Jun 2018 Posts: 3511 Location: North Texas, USA

WillieKirk · Joined: 08 Feb 2014 Posts: 1956 Location: Portobello

Five across the back for this game I think might work.
McGill Watson Corr Murray and Dick
We seem to be losing goals and scoring too - so that old philosophy - score one more than the opposing side rings a bit true at this stage of the season.
Good luck to the Rovers team and all who sail.
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wellyboot · Joined: 14 Jul 2008 Posts: 2567 Location: Aberdeenshire

WillieKirk · Joined: 08 Feb 2014 Posts: 1956 Location: Portobello

Support for Corr who has looked a little shaky and we have looked vulnerable on a few occasions where a player with more zap (like Graham) would have punished us. Simple as that.
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Cuparman · Joined: 12 Jul 2008 Posts: 1873 Location: Irvine

I have seen highlights and live games thus far and been impressed by the team so far.

I have thought they have played really well and wondered what particularly was different to last season,and eventually the penny dropped.

The team is no longer getting two thirds up the pitch then come to a stop, what they have been doing is moving the ball forward very quickly and effectively been passing and moving with purpose.

The interchangeable nature of many players sees them moving quickly and pressing hard wherever they are on the pitch.

For this system to work properly every player has to buy into it. From what I have seen so far this looks to be what IM is drilling in to them.

I have loved watching it.
If they carry on playing like this I can see them winning many more matches than last season.
It also helps greatly to have players fighting for a starting place.
We certainly have a stronger squad.

Hopefully Lady Luck isn’t going to crucify us regarding injuries.

😁🤙, COYR.
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Burnside · Joined: 28 Apr 2012 Posts: 749 Location: East Neuk

Seems Glasgow is gridlocked for those going tomorrow.

https://news.stv.tv/west-central/shambolic-second-day-of-uci-world-cycling-championships-sees-glasgow-gridlocked

Cuparman · Joined: 12 Jul 2008 Posts: 1873 Location: Irvine