United after the transfer window.

I'm not sure I fully agree with you old shed boy.

I do partly agree, in that I think we need a settled defence. The back four for me picks itself and I'd like to see the four you mentioned playing when fit. They need that understanding that comes with playing games.

I'm already really impressed with McGowan. I think he looks a terrific signing.

I also agree to an extent about the two "pivot" players and it certainly looks like Paton and Butcher are the two men in possession of the jerseys and as much as I'd like to see those two getting a good run, I also really like Charlie Telfer in that position so I'm slightly torn on that. I should also point out that I'm impressed at the way Jackie has converted Butcher to that role and, although he's always a tackle away from a yellow card, I think he's doing a very good job in there.

Further forward though I disagree, and I think Jackie is right to regularly rotate. With the young boys inconsistency is always a worry and I think Jackie is right to judge them on how they're doing in training. It keeps them focused and they need that at that age.

On Ciftci I prefer him up top too, but I also think he could do a fantastic job in the deeper role. I thought the movement and interchanging of positions was very good on Sunday and I'm hoping to see more of that going forward. As much as I'm unconvinced by Anier as a goalscorer, I thought he made quite a few unselfish runs to create space for others, notably Dow. That bodes well.

Is Butcher a young player or did you sign him from someone?

Incidentally Ivan, I wonder if you will be looking to snap up a boy I used to play with, Darren Miller at Queens Park, terrific footballer and still only 22, 23 in August

Butcher is an English player who was on the Spurs book as a kid then dropped to play non-league after leaving them. He was a CB when we picked him up and he played that position last season (although not very often). I'm not sure how old he is...21, 22. Something like that.

If he's at Queen's Park then we'll already be well aware of him mate. We love signing Spiders players.

Speaking of them, young Jordan Moore had a great debut for them on Saturday. Two goals and two assists. Really hoping he makes it at Tannadice after all he's been through.

Yeah he got on the score sheet along with wee Dazza

Another boy I know, Meggat from Alloa will make the step up to full time next season, he has a few clubs interested

Ivan, I hear what you're saying about the young players and I wouldn't expect Telfer, Spittal and Connelly to play at the same time.
Dow I think will be given the opportunity to establish himself and possibly Erskine.
Don't know anything about Anier but I wouldn't move Ciftci just to accommodate him.
Forgot about the new guy Longmuir.
Where will he fit I'm.

comment by NNH - SCENES (U10730)
posted 17 minutes ago
Is Butcher a young player or did you sign him from someone?

Incidentally Ivan, I wonder if you will be looking to snap up a boy I used to play with
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lauders

Muirhead is the new boy.

He said in his interview on the newsletter that he's came here because he's been told he'll play in his preferred position. I assume that means up front, although Jackie did say at the weekend that he can play up front or in one of the three in behind positions so we'll wait and see.

I think Erskine will continue to play most weeks and certainly Dow needs to step up now. He's not had a great season so far, but has played well the last two games.

We might see Coote get some game time before the end of the season. Only 16 but highly rated and been on the bench a few times now without playing.

The only concern I have now is that there isn't any real pace in our forwards, and nobody with the ability to burst away with a quick change of gear.

I'm also concerned that we'll have noone to get on the end of Dixon's fantastic crosses. He was probably the best crosser of the ball in open play in the league when he was last here and we don't really have a Daly-type to capitalise on that. At least Anier plays on the shoulder so might try to attack the crosses, whereas Ciftci invariably drops off to join in.

Just to hark back to yesterday's game and another inane remark from the commentator.
Dillon fouled by the Stranraer player so the ref whistles for the free kick.
According to him 'United got the break there'.
Sometimes I wonder if Sky, BT and BBC have a competition for the worst football commentator on Scottish football.
Fortunately we had Walker to add his incisive comments to proceedings.

Ivan, what we need is a player who can make runs from deep and attack the ball with deadly accuracy:
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47532000/jpg/_47532914_robertson-goal_466b.jpg