DUFC Review

So we're 13 games into the season and, while that's not the ideal time to do a review, I have some spare time this morning and I'm a little bored so I'm going to do one.

We'll start with the overall league performance. I've got to be honest and say I'm very pleased with where we are in the league. I consistently said at the start of the season that I was looking for us to finish in the play-off positions and, while I would like a title challenge, I felt that may be beyond us. So far we are very much shaping up for a title challenge and being only one point behind Hibs is very impressive. We're also 8 points ahead of 5th place which is a very good place to be.

Now the players - I'll give them ratings.

Bell - He's done well. I still think there are issues with him coming for cross balls but he's been a very good signing. His triple penalty saves will live long in the memory. 8

Toshney - I'm not sure of him to be honest. He's not the greatest on the ball and he's been unconvincing at right back after a bright start. He can do a job in the midfield so he's been a decent enough signing. 6

van der Struijk - The opposite of Toshney in that I thought he looked suspect at the start but he's shown himself to be fairly solid. Still needs to improve at stopping crosses but he's done well. 7

Edjenguele - The Edge has been a fantastic signing. Not the fastest but he's brought experience and strength to a fragile defence. He's also contributed a few goals. 9

Durnan - A revelation. Last season he was utterly hopeless, this season he has show himself to be a solid Championship performer who has found his shooting boots too. Being surrounded by solid performers has no doubt helped him immensely rather than the bombscares he had around him last season. 8

Donaldson - Speaking of bombscares....I hate him. 0

Dixon - Much better this year. Sadly injuries are impacting him but when he has been fit he's been solid and reliable, which was not the case last season. 6

Robson - The youngster has had plenty of game time this season with Dixon's injuries and is likely to stay in the team now until at least the new year. He's not let anyone down and keeps improving. 6

Flood - A terrific signing. His energy is fantastic and adds experience to a relatively young midfield. 8

Murdoch - I like him. Sadly injuries have hampered his season but I think he'll do a good job for us over the season. 6

Telfer - He's lost the puppy fat and he's actually starting to look like a player again. He's playing deeper now and it seems to suit him. I'm hopeful his career is being turned around. 7

Fraser - A player I unashamedly like. He splits opinion due to his softness in the tackle and his hair issues, but even last season he has never hid and has always tried to get on the ball and make things happen. I think he's much improved this year and there's no surprise a few English clubs are tracking him. 8

Van der Velden - I can't make my mind up about him. I like him. He's got lovely touches. He's slow as a week in the jail. He definitely shouldn't play as striker. 7

Obadeyi - Oh Topi, what are we going to do with you? The only player with genuine pace in our side, yet he constantly moves inside and rarely runs the fullback. For me he's an impact player off the bench. 5

C.Smith - I like Cammy and feel he should get more starts. I think he's got something and he's a terrific number 10. Ray seems to like him as an impact player though, and to be fair he is very good at impacting off the bench. 7

Andreu - He is so dreamy. 8 in 11 goals since he signed makes him even dreamier. That French accent makes him even more dreamier. I still feel that he could offer more, and when he's not scoring I'm not sure what he offers to be honest. I feel he's hampered by not having a decent front man to play off. 8

Murray - Fast, aggressive (often too aggressive), a good instinctive finisher and hard-working. Lacks intelligence, has a poor touch, isn't great at linking the play and panics when he has to think about his finishes. 4 in 12 is ok, but ultimately we need better. 6

Ray McKinnon - He's done a terrific rebuilding job. He's brought in experienced players in key positions, he's addressed the defensive deficiencies to the extent that we're now keeping clean sheets regularly and he often makes the right subs. Very happy with the work he's doing but I'm sure he knows there is still work to do. 8