Rousseau

I feel faint...

Murty introduced the 4-4-2 (diamond), so I see no reason why he'd suddenly ditch it; it suits us well, considering the number of midfielders we have. I agree about Martin. (I was only speculating about the 3-at -the-back; it is an option, if not perhaps very likely.) He would be an underwhelming signing, but as I said elsewhere, he should be good enough for this league -- even if he has been poor for Scotland.

Yes, I agree. I think he's young enough to have time to improve upon those things. The former will help the latter!

I agree with you: Morelos is probably better, and in a 4-2-3-1, Cummings would make way. (Good option of the bench, though!) I was thinking with regards to the 4-4-2 (diamond), where a twin strike-force of Cummings and Morelos sounds rather potent. That is assuming we continue to play that formation on occasion, which I think we will with more central midfielders being signed. Also, if we're going for another CB, then a 3 at the back would allow for a 2 up front too. At the very least, we'd have 2 superb forwards; something we've not had in a good while.

I think Cummings would be a good signing: he improves the first-team instantly, but also has that potential. Docherty I'm also happy with, but I don't think he quite becomes a first-team player -- perhaps just improves squad depth, which is necessary --; however, he also has that potential. TheSPFLRadar rates him highly, especially for a player in a lower-league team. It'll be interesting to see if he can step up.

Great attitude indeed. I think he's young enough to be given more time. I think he's OK technically, but he needs to be better with the physicality, and the 1-on-1's.

We've got the quantity, but perhaps not the quality.

Touche. I will trust Murty in this regard. I'm underwhelmed, but I do think he should be solid enough for this league, considering the level at which he's played (PL for several years, and the CH, which is not easy).

I'm always looking at players from a universal perspective: are they actually good players in the grand scheme of things, but perhaps we just need players -- as JohnMc has said -- that can do well now, in the Scottish game. I've not watched Martin at all really -- not even Scotland games -- but surely he should be strolling this league, considering the level he's played at? I think Alves strolls it, without being spectacular: wins every aerial duel, clears his lines, can pass into the final third accurately etc. Underwhelming, but maybe it's what we need?

I find this is an appropriate response for most underwhelming signings:

18:00 hrs. The full-game highlights are on Sky Channel 424 at 16:00 this evening.

An apt alliterative abstract.

I read that we at least share the cup. It's just a friendly, but any trophy is pleasing.

Oh, well. I got my hopes up there...

That sounded like a superb comeback -- can't wait to watch it back. And... is Dalcio realistic option?!

Well...

Kranjcar is playing as one of the two in the 4-2-3-1. It may suit him playing deeper, allowing him to pass the ball more, and without needing to put in as much of a shift defensively; he's still technically superb with the ball at his feet.

It's strange listening to a positive commentary of our club.

If that's the case it's a 'no-brainer' that this deal should not happen? It's basically owners picking the team. If the football department don't fancy him, then that should be the end of it.

Perhaps. We can't influence it either way, and I can opine until my fingers bleed. In this case I really don't know; and I can't see how so many can be so sure he's a 'no-brainer'; there are too many assumptions. However, as buster. said, I may as well complain about the rain.

Just that if we're in competition with Hearts for him, there's only one choice -- I would hope! And, like Frankie said, if we really wanted him, he'd be here. The fact that Hearts look to be in pole position suggests he isn't an option for us. My wording was messy.