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[idol_wild]

Originally Posted by Marsh

The best laugh of all is that he played narrow in midfield on Saturday to "allow the full backs to get forward" - what a joke - that never happened once!

I stated before that the narrow midfield was a poor decision - but the fullbacks did try to press forward, especially in the second period. Michael Hart in particular looked as keen to go forward and beat men as I've ever seen him. In my opinion, he consistently delivered accurate deep balls to the back post, unfortunately Gary Kenneth and Darren Dods were well drilled. They soaked up everything with ease. We didn't even have anyone at the edge of the box looking to pick up the scraps...despite the 879 centre-midfielders we played with. Deep balls from the by-line were never likely to be effective against any Craig Levien side. Clever, fast flowing counter-attacks were needed, but we couldn't do that after Willo Flood was dismissed as we had to take the game to United.

It was just a tactical shambles. I do, however, have faith in Calderwood. We'll be top four or five this season.

[Shaki]

Originally Posted by idol_wild

I stated before that the narrow midfield was a poor decision - but the fullbacks did try to press forward, especially in the second period. Michael Hart in particular looked as keen to go forward and beat men as I've ever seen him. In my opinion, he consistently delivered accurate deep balls to the back post, unfortunately Gary Kenneth and Darren Dods were well drilled. They soaked up everything with ease. We didn't even have anyone at the edge of the box looking to pick up the scraps...despite the 879 centre-midfielders we played with. Deep balls from the by-line were never likely to be effective against any Craig Levien side. Clever, fast flowing counter-attacks were needed, but we couldn't do that after Willo Flood was dismissed as we had to take the game to United.

It was just a tactical shambles. I do, however, have faith in Calderwood. We'll be top four or five this season.

That about sums up my feelings. I'm not quite on the CALDERWOOD MUST GO band wagon. Hart could have pinged those balls in all afternoon to no avail.

Another thing JC said was that too many of his big players didn't perform. Bit of a buck pass and if that's the case surely it's up to him to make them perform.

[Diesel]

Just back from my lunchtime game at Strikers and the Dons first team were training on the big pitch just before our game.

When I got there, they were doing Beep Test running, which involves the team running in a line back an forth between points (appox 20m apart), the object is to get to each end just as the time goes "Beep". The timer is on a decreasing frequency for up to 21 cycles (or until everyone is fecked), so it gets expotentially harder.

I was shocked to see some young loon drop out before 10 and most of the others drop out before 15, leaving....................40-odd-year-old Craig Brewster and another couple of youngsters to finish it up.

Having said that, I have no idea what kind of beasting Tangoman and the crew had given them beforehand. I know we used to do Beep Test last at training - coz you wee fit for feck-all else after it!

[idol_wild]

Originally Posted by Shaki

Another thing JC said was that too many of his big players didn't perform. Bit of a buck pass and if that's the case surely it's up to him to make them perform.

Thing is; he considers Chris Clark to be one of his big players. A man who has little more than sheer workrate in his locker. In fact, I'd say Chris Clark is the most limited player in the Aberdeen first team. And given what I have against Michael Hart, that's really saying something.

For some reason I'm quietly confident we can play well against Hearts on Sunday, though.

[get lost]

A performance would be a start, Hearts are poor so a home win will be assumed

[Jake Wifebeater]

Originally Posted by Clav Divs

At least Dunfermline lost. *ducks*

I'd keep the head down a wee while yet if I was you, cunty.

Christ, we're in the relegation play-off! Hope that's a wake-up call, as if we needed any reminder why they call the Firstie Alcatraz...

[Jake Wifebeater]

Originally Posted by Larsen B

Tut tut, racist.

Touchy wee Tim.

[Marsh]

Originally Posted by idol_wild

Thing is; he considers Chris Clark to be one of his big players. A man who has little more than sheer workrate in his locker. In fact, I'd say Chris Clark is the most limited player in the Aberdeen first team. And given what I have against Michael Hart, that's really saying something.

For some reason I'm quietly confident we can play well against Hearts on Sunday, though.

To clarify, I did mean any kind of productive move forward. In all honesty, I was beyond pished so I won't argue with anyone on the details. But I do remember Hart getting forward and it all breaking down due to having no support. Kind of pointless pushing the defenders forward if the midfield and strikers aren't going to a)Support or b) follow up.

Anyway, far more importantly, are you seriously saying that Hart is second worst only to Clark? I agree Clark is a waste of time, but Michael Hart? One of our best, most important players? Can you explain what you mean before I blow a gasket!

We'd better come out all guns blazing on Sunday or I'll go even more skeppy than I did on Saturday, which would take some beating, but I'd give it a go.

[idol_wild]

Originally Posted by Marsh

Anyway, far more importantly, are you seriously saying that Hart is second worst only to Clark? I agree Clark is a waste of time, but Michael Hart? One of our best, most important players? Can you explain what you mean before I blow a gasket!

Heheh, don't worry - your response to my prejudice against Hart is very common. I've just never fancied him as a football player in all honesty. I know, by and large, I'm wrong about him. Hence how I phrased it: I never said Hart is pish. I just have issues with him as a footballer. I've come to realise, slowly, that he's an important exponent of our defence - he's steady, consistent, and rarely makes errors. In fact, I can admit he's the best right-back we've had in many years. But everyone has players they're not keen on: Michael Hart is mine. I really didn't like what he was spouting off to the local press before the game at Iprix last season. We were always going to fall flat on our face after that, especially after the Glasgow tabloids got a hold of the story and twisted it. Hopefully he's learned from that!

And fear not - I'll always support him at games etc, and cheer and clap when he does something effective. And actually, I'll admit he was one of our top three performers on Saturday (along with Severin and possibly Soutar).

[Chris]

With regards to Hart's comments before the Rangers game I think if you read the article it was actually the Evening Express and that prick Charlie Allan that twisted it and plastered the sensationalist headline all over the back page. Arse.