Have We Improved The 1St 11 Yet ?

[mavv1903]

So with 6 new players in so far I think it is, have we actually signed anyone that will be a starter in 1st 11..

 

Probably the only one will be Lewis in goals as #1.

 

Will DM play 2 up front ? Rooney and Stockley ?

 

I just think if we are to improve year on year we need to sign players to go right into team, better than what we have already....

 

I understand we need a decent size squad also...

 

Can I not edit the fucking title to correct the spelling FFS haha

[WA_Don]

We've improved the bench, which was our main problem in the last 10 games, we had no plan b and no real options off the bench, so first 11 got used extensively and thus burned out.

 

As for the first 11, if rumours are to be believed there's at least one first 11 player inbound in the next fortnight

[mavv1903]

Sounds good, would like to see a 1st 11 midfielder come in before season starts.....

[Poodler]

Rumoured Davie Truscott is on his way to the club, tonight on twatter.

[Chewie37]

We've signed what appears to be decent players. If they push the favoured 11 and can provide decent backup that's an improvement on last season. Everyone sees now that our squad tires having good 12/13 players then too big a gap between the rest. Very positive for me, but then I'm always overly positive

 

Inprovement imdeed

[reekie_dock]

Rumoured Davie Truscott is on his way to the club, tonight on twatter.

Aye big in the throwing shit game...

[Tord31]

Lets say we end up with 9 new signings I do wonder if I'd rather have just had three...

 

goalkeeper, centre half and centre mid of the quality to become instant first picks.

 

McInnes is going for quantity over quality and will be praised or criticised depending on how it goes.

 

We are relying on Reynolds to be back to his best for us to improve/maintain last seasons levels though imo

[Bamber]

Problem last season was we didn't have quantity - we had no real option if Mcginn, Rooney and Hayes were taken out of the game. We had no real option if our Right back or right sided central defence were off form injured or suspended

 

no point in getting quality again if we cant change it if they are unavailable or suspended

 

We can be a stronger team with less quality by having more options

[vanderark14]

Buying starting 11 players increases the squad size too by relegating current starters to the bench. Time will tell whether any of these lads will push for starting positions or not but I hope they do so we can step up and put in a proper scrap against Celtic.

[The Boofon]

Rumoured Davie Truscott is on his way to the club, tonight on twatter.

He's always been fucking shite.

[BWG]

It's too early to tell, but I'd say both our goalkeepers strengthen our starting XI. O'Connor possibly does as well but I can't really comment as I haven't ever seen him play. Morris is a shite signing and I think will be a complete dud unless McInnes can get something out of him that Utd never could. Time will tell on Stockley and Storey but as others have said this window was more about adding depth to our squad and improving the bench which I think we've definitely done.

 

I do agree that we need a Greg Stewart type of signing though. Someone that will get the fans excited, sell a few more season tickets and be a real statement of intent from AFC.

[Red Dragon]

Obvious improvement from the second half of last season is in the goalkeeper from which an improvement in the defence will follow.

[strachanmcgheegoal]

This

We've signed what appears to be decent players. If they push the favoured 11 and can provide decent backup that's an improvement on last season. Everyone sees now that our squad tires having good 12/13 players then too big a gap between the rest. Very positive for me, but then I'm always overly positive

And this

Obvious improvement from the second half of last season is in the goalkeeper from which an improvement in the defence will follow.

[V for Vendetta]

Yep, I'm quite positive now too.

 

Previous seasons we have be quite conservative about the squad development, bringing in 1 or 2 good players and maybe a couple of loan gambles (which often turn out to be not good enough anyway).

 

Some people might argue the best 11 isn't stronger, but keep in mind that most weeks at least 1 or 2 players are not available for selection or need a rest.

 

There is also a greater opportunity to adapt the style of the team to suit opponents with this squad.

 

So we have more variety and better back up options. If McInnes can master utilising this bigger squad I think we will be stronger week to week.

 

EDIT: forgot to say that I also think we needed a freshness in the squad to lift everyone after a couple of long hard seasons, easiest way to achieve that is to allow one or two to move on and bring several new faces in. We can benefit from the bounce within the squad. (one reason that our January transfer window failures the last couple of seasons have let us down - to sustain form to the end of the season I think we need 2 decent signings in January, even if they are quality loans, just something to life everyone)

[spamspamspam]

Buying starting 11 players increases the squad size too by relegating current starters to the bench. Time will tell whether any of these lads will push for starting positions or not but I hope they do so we can step up and put in a proper scrap against Celtic.

 

I doubt McGinn, Hayes, Rooney, Jack, McLean, Logan or Shinnie would be happy spending a prolonged period on the bench due to a new signing.

We have hopefully made a major improvement between the sticks.

We've signed 2 defenders to push or replace Taylor and Reynolds. If of the 2 new guys end up being better or take the best out of those 2 again then thats also a big improvement on last year.

 

I'd like to see a good standard of central midfielder taken in and an attacking midfielder that could play either side or through the middle. Ryan Gauld on loan and/or Greg Stewart.

 

I al;so think its time to move Considine on and look for a young left back to give us more options with Shinnie and to cover if he gets injured.

[vanderark14]

 

I doubt McGinn, Hayes, Rooney, Jack, McLean, Logan or Shinnie would be happy spending a prolonged period on the bench due to a new signing.

We have hopefully made a major improvement between the sticks.

We've signed 2 defenders to push or replace Taylor and Reynolds. If of the 2 new guys end up being better or take the best out of those 2 again then thats also a big improvement on last year.

 

I'd like to see a good standard of central midfielder taken in and an attacking midfielder that could play either side or through the middle. Ryan Gauld on loan and/or Greg Stewart.

 

I al;so think its time to move Considine on and look for a young left back to give us more options with Shinnie and to cover if he gets injured.

 

I don't doubt this either, I doubt anyone wants to be on the bench but if someone else is playing better or forces you out thats tough shit

[boboisared]

We have a brilliant first XI. Whether that's better than Celtics is up for debate but we pushed them all the way. Where they had an advantage was their massive squad. Although the manager has to try and balance that, they were able to replace most of their players like for like.

 

I would like to see us improve our first XI where possible, but our players are so much better than what we have had in recent years that it's hard to do it without the board releasing some funds.

 

I'm happy to let it play out, ith word of a 'name' player signing it's going to be interesting to see where we are after the first round of league games.

[buchanskii]

What would people here say our strongest XI is?

 

Does it contain Taylor/Reynolds/Flood?

[V for Vendetta]

What would people here say our strongest XI is?

 

Does it contain Taylor/Reynolds/Flood?

 

Hard to call at the moment and does depend on form doesn't it.

 

I think Flood has had his day and needs a fresh start somewhere else imo.

 

Taylor and Reynold more than capable of being in that first 11 if playing to their ability, but if not they may be pushed out by others.

[strachanmcgheegoal]

What would people here say our strongest XI is?

 

Does it contain Taylor/Reynolds/Flood?

To play who?

 

Hamilton - yes, although I haven't seen O'Connor yet to argue his inclusion instead. Taylor is twice the player with a strong keeper behind him <insertfingerscrossedsmiley>

 

Celtic - no, but then wage for wage we've no right to be beating them anyway. But we do...

[spamspamspam]

What would people here say our strongest XI is?

 

Does it contain Taylor/Reynolds/Flood?

 

Taylor and Reynolds, for the moment.

No idea how good the 2 new defenders are, I'd guess Morris is back up and O'Connor is there to challenge for a place.

I think Storie will get a lot more game time this season with Considine filling in for Shinnie when Storie is given a rest.

Storey will be used as back up for the front 3.

 

[boboisared]

 

Taylor and Reynolds, for the moment.

No idea how good the 2 new defenders are, I'd guess Morris is back up and O'Connor is there to challenge for a place.

I think Storie will get a lot more game time this season with Considine filling in for Shinnie when Storie is given a rest.

Storey will be used as back up for the front 3.

 

You're missing the big name signing mate.

[spamspamspam]

You're missing the big name signing mate.

 

Until he's in the broom cupboard trophy room its nae happening.

[Guest]

 

Taylor and Reynolds, for the moment.

No idea how good the 2 new defenders are, I'd guess Morris is back up and O'Connor is there to challenge for a place.

I think Storie will get a lot more game time this season with Considine filling in for Shinnie when Storie is given a rest.

Storey will be used as back up for the front 3.

 

 

Sorry, but Taylor is an utter bombscare, or at least, proved to be for majority of the season, particularly the last half. His distribution is honking. When he arrived, he played the ball to feet, to one of either Robson, Jack or Flood. Now he just hoofs it diagonally right, which more often goes out for a throw or is easily defended.

Reynolds was a liability at times last season. Regardless of whether he had a wonderful season in the Cup winning season, is old news. What is important is current form, and in both cases, I'd drop the two of them in favour of Considine/Morris/O'Connor.

 

Storie - I think we're making this lad out to be something he's not. He had one good game against Ross County, and then was largely average. Got in about, but come on, we're looking to boss teams... not keep our heads above water. He may come into his own with a more experienced player in there (a Robson), but him and Jack? Recipe for disaster that one. More experienced sides will tear us apart. Heck, just look at how Hearts did a number on us.

 

I think Hayes/McGinn are no brainers, as is Shinnie/Logan and Rooney. But I'd rather have Jack as the holding midfielder and McLean just in front, with Stockely partnering Rooney.

 

Who is this stellar signing you guys speak of? We need a Bisconti in there.... a big player to mould our team around.

 

[Scotty_Toronto]

 

Sorry, but Taylor is an utter bombscare, or at least, proved to be for majority of the season, particularly the last half. His distribution is honking. When he arrived, he played the ball to feet, to one of either Robson, Jack or Flood. Now he just hoofs it diagonally right, which more often goes out for a throw or is easily defended.

Reynolds was a liability at times last season. Regardless of whether he had a wonderful season in the Cup winning season, is old news. What is important is current form, and in both cases, I'd drop the two of them in favour of Considine/Morris/O'Connor.

 

Storie - I think we're making this lad out to be something he's not. He had one good game against Ross County, and then was largely average. Got in about, but come on, we're looking to boss teams... not keep our heads above water. He may come into his own with a more experienced player in there (a Robson), but him and Jack? Recipe for disaster that one. More experienced sides will tear us apart. Heck, just look at how Hearts did a number on us.

 

I think Hayes/McGinn are no brainers, as is Shinnie/Logan and Rooney. But I'd rather have Jack as the holding midfielder and McLean just in front, with Stockely partnering Rooney.

 

Who is this stellar signing you guys speak of? We need a Bisconti in there.... a big player to mould our team around.

 

 

I too have Considine ahead of Reynolds.

 

Storie did really well against Celtic (even when we went down to 10 men).

[OddJob]

 

Sorry, but Taylor is an utter bombscare, or at least, proved to be for majority of the season, particularly the last half. His distribution is honking. When he arrived, he played the ball to feet, to one of either Robson, Jack or Flood. Now he just hoofs it diagonally right, which more often goes out for a throw or is easily defended.

Reynolds was a liability at times last season. Regardless of whether he had a wonderful season in the Cup winning season, is old news. What is important is current form, and in both cases, I'd drop the two of them in favour of Considine/Morris/O'Connor.

 

Storie - I think we're making this lad out to be something he's not. He had one good game against Ross County, and then was largely average. Got in about, but come on, we're looking to boss teams... not keep our heads above water. He may come into his own with a more experienced player in there (a Robson), but him and Jack? Recipe for disaster that one. More experienced sides will tear us apart. Heck, just look at how Hearts did a number on us.

 

I think Hayes/McGinn are no brainers, as is Shinnie/Logan and Rooney. But I'd rather have Jack as the holding midfielder and McLean just in front, with Stockely partnering Rooney.

 

Who is this stellar signing you guys speak of? We need a Bisconti in there.... a big player to mould our team around.

 

 

He was fantastic against the Tims in February. Put Brown on toast and wound him up big time, something our captain didn't have the balls to do

[boboisared]

 

I too have Considine ahead of Reynolds.

 

Storie did really well against Celtic (even when we went down to 10 men).

Considine is the biggest bombscare of the lot.

[Scotty_Toronto]

Usually only against Celtic, but Reynolds drop in form is really concerning.

[RUL]

The biggest position was goalkeeper. We badly need a centre half and a centre mid.

[spamspamspam]

What would people here say our strongest XI is?

 

 

 

 

 

Just to save you heading off on some 3 day, 4 page rant that has nothing to do with the original post I thought I'd highlight it above for you.

 

 

 

Sorry, but Taylor is an utter bombscare, or at least, proved to be for majority of the season, particularly the last half. His distribution is honking. When he arrived, he played the ball to feet, to one of either Robson, Jack or Flood. Now he just hoofs it diagonally right, which more often goes out for a throw or is easily defended.

Reynolds was a liability at times last season. Regardless of whether he had a wonderful season in the Cup winning season, is old news. What is important is current form, and in both cases, I'd drop the two of them in favour of Considine/Morris/O'Connor.

 

Storie - I think we're making this lad out to be something he's not. He had one good game against Ross County, and then was largely average. Got in about, but come on, we're looking to boss teams... not keep our heads above water. He may come into his own with a more experienced player in there (a Robson), but him and Jack? Recipe for disaster that one. More experienced sides will tear us apart. Heck, just look at how Hearts did a number on us.

 

I think Hayes/McGinn are no brainers, as is Shinnie/Logan and Rooney. But I'd rather have Jack as the holding midfielder and McLean just in front, with Stockely partnering Rooney.

 

Who is this stellar signing you guys speak of? We need a Bisconti in there.... a big player to mould our team around.

 

 

 

While all of this post may be true (its over exaggerated IMO...) it has jackshit to do with my post.

 

Enjoy the rest of your day.