So, now most (but maybe not all) of the transfer activity has died down this pre-season, what will the first team be for the 1st competitive game of the season on Saturday at Love Street?
Goalkeepers -
Gonet, McGurn, Stark
Defence -
Greacen, Harding, Keenan, MacGregor, McCluskey, Weatherson
Midfield -
Adam, Finlayson, McAlister, McLaren, Millar, A. Walker
Forwards -
Lilley, McLean, Templeman, Walker, Williams
Plus youngsters
Gonet - Not seen play as yet - only appearance of note in pre-season friendly at Altrincham he saved 2 penalties in 3-1 win - 1 for the future.
McGurn - Shakey start after taking over from Craig Coyle last season but seemed to grow into the position - could be more commanding of area but excellent shot stopper.
Stark - Hasn't played for the ton yet - loaned out to Juniors last season
Greacen - Standards slipped in the 2nd half last season (may have been rushed back from injury too quick) On his day is commanding and uncompromising.
Harding - Shored up a leaky defence while on loan last season - signed in the summer and hoping for more of the same.
Keenan - Somewhat of a utility man without really excelling in any position. Always commited to the tackle but needs to be more controlled at times.
Macgregor - just returning to 1st team action after long term injury layoff - could be a few wekks into the season before full match fit. Has been a target of boo boys but has shown promise if he can recover pre-injury form.
Mcluskey - Looks to be on his way out of the TOn after disagreements with Manager - if forgiven could do a job as back-up centre half or at full back.
Weatherson - Seemed to be destined for a bit part role as striker until reverting back to defence - now seems to be our 1st choice right back. Positioning at times could be better but solid in the tackle and good distribution.
Adam - Has good composure and passing range but needs to improve his all-round game to win a place in the 1st team.
Finlayson - Signed from Stranraer in the summer - Always made a nuisance of himself when playing against us - combines skill and industry to good affect.
McAlister - Most improved player last season after looking like he wasn't going to cut it as a striker - made the left mid position his own. Could benefit from playing fewer games and competition for places this season. fast & skilful but a little on the slight side.
McLaren - Made a big impact on loan last season showing he was a class above the 2nd Division. Could also benefit from being used more sparingly this season.
Millar - My Player of the Year last season - all action midfield who will hopefully get more support from his fellow midfielder this season.
A. Walker - Signed from Rangers in the summer. Bit of an unknown quantity due to conflicting reports from previous clubs.
Lilley - Signed in the summer from Livingston - One of my heroes in his 1st spell with the club developed from clumsy foward into goal machine under Allan Mcgraw. Still young and fit enough to do the business outwith the SPL.
Mclean - taking from the Juniors by Cowboy shortly before he parted company with the club - has yet to show anything close to 1st team form.
Templeman - Hefty price tag weighed heavy on his shoulders last season - Should benefit from better supply and more support this season. Target for the boo boys who wanted immediate results
J. Walker - Played a bit part role last season not really given a run of games in the team. Has shown in pre-season that he is hungry. Has lot of pace and wins a lot in the air despite his height.
Williams - Another on his way out of Cappielow - Darling of fans in his early career but a number of misdemeanors have resulted in Alex using up all his 9 lives - Still a capable striker who could do the business if nurtured in the right way.
We at present appear to have a decent group of around 14 players who could do the job at this level - however beyond that we dont seem to have much back-up and may struggle if hit by injuries.
In defence - We have a solid enough 4 out of 5 positions but seems to be lacking a decent left back - this may force Jim to revert from his favoured 4-4-2 formation to a 3-5-2.
In midfield I think we all hoped he would sign a good quality central midfielder in the Veira, Keane, Gerrard mould but this doesn't seem to have happened. Last season our problem seemed to be that our midfield was often too light weight with too many ball players and none willing to get their hands dirty tracking back. Alex Walker has been signed and hopefully he can
provide the defensive cover to allow the other midfielders to create.
Up front Derek Lilley has been added which should take some of the responsibilty off Chris
Starting 16 for the season (4-4-2)
---------------- Mcgurn -------------------
--------- Greacen --- Harding -------------
Weatherson-------------------- Macgregor
--------- Millar -----A Walker -----------
Mclaren -------------------------Finlayson
--------- Lilley --- Templeman -------------
Subs -
Gonet, Mcluskey, Keenan, McAlister, J Walker
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