Good afternoon fellow Arabs, I've been an avid reader on the old 606 forums and thought with the launch of a new site, as well as a couple of months with little footy on TV, it would be a good time to get involved with some United/football-related chat.
How are we feeling about the summer signings so far? Obviously we know what Flood can do, haven't seen an awful lot of Rankin, but I'm really hoping Houston can pull something out of the bag as far as replacing Conway is concerned, I was never a big fan of his but the last 2-3 seasons he has probably been our most dangerous thereat, particularly from midfield.
I see Gary Mackay Steven looks like he may be signing, have only seen a couple of glimpses of him, looks decent enough. Any other possibitlities? I'm living out in Spain so relying on you guys to keep me up-to-date with the latest chat!
New season optimism?
posted on 13/6/11
Welcome to the boards. McKay Steven is the likely replacement for Conway and it seems he has good potential. There was talk of Grant Hanley on loan, however it has been stated that players will need to leave before further deals can be done.
posted on 13/6/11
I'm totally comfortable with having lost Conway Bauben and Gomis (not happy, but not distraught either). If we'd brought in a couple of journeymen in their place that would be a worry, but Flood was a huge player for us before, and will be again, while Rankin has the makings, he does the simple things well and is just what we need.
I'd like us to hang on to Goodwillie til Xmas, but, again, if he does go, it's no disaster as Russell also looks like he's already quite a player.
posted on 13/6/11
Thanks Arabian Knight. I saw that Hanley had been linked, I like the idea of this, he's looked quite solid anytime I've seen him. Although Dillon did a good enough job at CB last year, with a more reliable CB we would've finished 3rd easily.
I guess to generate funds for new players it is most likely one of our top players would leave ie. Goodie, Pernis. I agree with you BarcelonaNil about Russell, if Goodie left he might be able to flourish even more in a central position. Hopefully Swanson can still fit (and on the park!) a bit more, he's going to be a big player for us going forward from midfield this season with Conway gone IMO
posted on 13/6/11
I think the departure of Gomis, Buaben and Conway will allow other to stake their place in the side, still believe in 4-4-2 and the 4 across the middle could be Swanson - Robertson - Severin - Flood, possibly not as good as last season but still a strong midfield.
Still disappointed by the departure of Kovacevic as I feel we're really short in defence and he was certainly one for the big games.
Can't understand how 6 first team players leave, we bring in 2 and there isn't any money available for wages, surely McKay Steven won't demand that much in wages?
posted on 13/6/11
Wandering, the money is tight due to the pay increases which certain players had built into their contracts. This was unavoidable and has reduced the available budget. I am pleased to see the club being run in the correct manner.
Agree about Kova, he was young, versatile and quick. I guess we'll see what un-folds.
posted on 13/6/11
It is a bit strange though as like Wandering says, someone like Mckay Steven wouldn't demand much in wages. Know about the pay increases but even then- I can't imagine that these are huge increases. I'm pleased that we're not trying to live beyond our means but if no other players leave then I hope we haven't put all our eggs in 1 basket by going for 2 centre mids.
As good as Bauben and Gomis are on their day, I think we'll see a rejuvenated Scott Robertson this year. If he can get back to the kind of form he was showing before his injury a couple of seasons ago then I think he and Swanson will be the heartbeat of the team this season.
posted on 13/6/11
I agree that with Buaben and Gomis going it should mean more games for Robertson and for him to become the main man.
I also understand about the pay increases, but how much would Dods, Kovacevic, Conway, Buaben,Gomis, been on? A wild guess would say that between £10,000 and £15,000 was freed up, surely Flood, Rankin and the pay increases wouldn't amount to that much.
Mackay Steven would only be able to demand about 1k in wages? Along with performance based insentives?
posted on 13/6/11
I see Dods has gone to Falkirk.
We're a bit short of defenders are we not?
posted on 13/6/11
I too am hoping that Buaben and Gomis leaving will be a good thing for Scott Robertson.
If Dods is off then we really are going to have to strengthen that area, wouldn't want to have to rely on only Kenneth and Dillon (and Daly) for a whole season at CB, especially with our injury record!
posted on 13/6/11
I personally am happily surprised by the signing of Flood & Rankin, as I believe they are better players than Gomis & Bauben and if Scott Robertson can find some of his form he lost we will be even stronger than we were over the last 2 seasons.
Conway's departure is a huge loss for us, but with Russel a first team regular, he will not be so greatly missed unless Goodie also follows him out of the door.
At least if Goodie leaves we may get a bit of cash to play with in order to bring in a bit of depth to cover, as we will have to give youth a chance.
I fear for us at the back, I would love to see us add to our ranks in this area, but I doubt it.
I was disappointed by Severin last season, I thought he would offer more and I hope this season he steps up to the plate a bit more and plays like the seasoned professional he is.