1 | Dundee United » United vs Celtic - Sunday 22nd December - NOON » 19/12/2024 4:48 pm |
- Finn Seemann
- Replies: 19
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We are sitting on one of the few positive goal differences in the league. That could be the equivalent of a point at the end. One which may be very important. I'd like to see us keep it tight and try to be positive on the ball by retaining possession and countering where we can. A humping just won't do us any good.
| Dundee United » January Transfer Window » 19/12/2024 4:43 pm |
- Finn Seemann
- Replies: 81
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Slotbadger wrote:Jort has played 16 times this season and hasn’t scored once.
Don’t know how many times stirton has had a chance - is it only 1 and he has scored?
His development is being hampered by a striker that doesn’t score goals and is often not even in the box. Whatever people think of the rest of his game a strikers job is to score goals.
I would much rather Stirton or another young Scottish lad is brought on instead of a striker that isn’t going to score.There is a lot to agree with above, but ultimately bringing in lads that aren't ready yet is only going to result in negative outcomes - we saw what happened when we gave Rory MacLeod game time - it set him back and his expectations then overtook his ability. Hopefully he'll come good (as I am sure Stirton can) but this is not the league to be putting undue pressure on young shoulders. Personally I think VDS has a positive impact on the team when he plays and I think we have scored goals because of his input, but I can't deny he's a forward player that hasn't scored and that has got to be a consideration for the manager. Best thing would be for him to break his duck and get on the goal trail.
| Dundee United » United vs Celtic - Sunday 22nd December - NOON » 18/12/2024 4:37 pm |
- Finn Seemann
- Replies: 19
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I actually thought Celtic looked poor in the middle of the park at the weekend. McGregor seemed to have it all to do himself. Hatate had a poor game by his standards and Engels didn't do that much when he came on. So I'm less worried about the middle of the park and more worried about the wings. Also think they may go Idah up top rather than Kyogo so pace at CH slightly less of an issue. However defend like we did last weekend and Walton will be getting a sore back...
| Dundee United » January Transfer Window » 18/12/2024 1:50 pm |
- Finn Seemann
- Replies: 81
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Stirton is nowhere near ready. He'll need a well thought out loan spell and weekly football to get up to speed in the match ready sense and if that loan isn't available then he stays and gets the odd 15/20 minutes here or there.
We could do with left wing back cover and something different (and more experienced than Stirton) up front. Otherwise concentrate efforts on next season.
| Dundee United » United vs Celtic - Sunday 22nd December - NOON » 18/12/2024 1:46 pm |
- Finn Seemann
- Replies: 19
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Right wing their strongest attacking option, left back our...
This is a 'from behind the settee' watch for me. Anything at all from this will be a huge bonus.
Update: Forgot Ferry is back! 0-0!
| Dundee United » January Transfer Window » 11/12/2024 3:39 pm |
- Finn Seemann
- Replies: 81
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David_Blunkett wrote:
Levitt used properly is a real game changer.
Doyle-Hayes can suck a fart out my arse.
Newell is a fucking liability, and a helmet, and not that good.
I'm assuming it is one or both of the first two. D-H has been out injured for a long time. Would be a strange one to bring in a player to get fit for another team. So maybe Levitt more likely. There's also the boy Amos who I understand is a decent player but Easter Road politics means he's not getting much of a chance.
| Dundee United » Motherwell vs United - Saturday 14th December » 11/12/2024 3:27 pm |
- Finn Seemann
- Replies: 22
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I'd play Holt and go to a back 4. Sevelj, Manny or Docherty to sit on Lennon.
Walton
Strain Gallagher Graham Holt
Manny/Docherty/Sevelj
Stevenson Babunski Middleton
Dalby Moult
| Dundee United » January Transfer Window » 11/12/2024 2:42 pm |
- Finn Seemann
- Replies: 81
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Newell wouldn't be considered peripheral.
| Dundee United » January Transfer Window » 11/12/2024 1:42 pm |
- Finn Seemann
- Replies: 81
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More than one under consideration apparently
| Dundee United » January Transfer Window » 11/12/2024 9:42 am |
- Finn Seemann
- Replies: 81
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Heard we may be taking a look at the Hibs midfield peripheral players.
| Dundee United » January Transfer Window » 06/12/2024 2:00 pm |
- Finn Seemann
- Replies: 81
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Conway11 wrote:Finn Seemann wrote:Conway11 wrote:
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I see where you’re coming from, but I have to push back on a few of your points. Yes, the 3 CH system with wing-backs is working well for now, and I agree that Gallagher and Holt have been playing beyond expectations.
However, that is precisely why planning for their eventual decline—or injury—is so important. We’ve seen how quickly players in these positions can fall off, especially in a physically demanding setup like ours. Waiting until they’re no longer performing isn’t good enough. Recruitment in January is key to ensuring we don’t lose the momentum we’ve built this season.
You mention we shouldn’t be telling guys they’re "goners" until replacements are lined up, but I’m not advocating for binning them mid-season. Gallagher and Holt deserve credit for their performances, but we need to find top-level experience that can slot in when they can’t keep up. Depth and forward-thinking recruitment are non-negotiable if we want to sustain success.
On Babunski, you say he’s been given freedom, but I strongly disagree. This system is stifling him. He’s our most creative player, yet he’s being played in a way that doesn’t maximize his abilities. Yes, the wing-backs have done well so far, but what happens when they’re pinned back by better opposition or injuries? Babunski’s flair and vision should be the heartbeat of our attacking play, not a secondary option reliant on a system that prioritizes width over creativity.
As for the attack, I agree that speed is the glaring issue. But you dismiss JR too quickly. No, he’s not a long-term solution at 34, but his experience and ability to complement Dalby could be invaluable in the short term. It’s not just about pace; it’s about having a player who can make the runs and open space for others, which JR could do while Stirton continues to develop. It’s a short-term solution, yes, but one that makes a lot of sense given whereDundee United » United vs Killie - Saturday 7th December » 05/12/2024 7:00 pm - Finn Seemann
- Replies: 33
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Tough game. Same team as last week.
Dundee United » January Transfer Window » 05/12/2024 6:58 pm - Finn Seemann
- Replies: 81
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United Arab Emarite wrote:
Adaptable is the key. We have an adaptable squad. Even upfront. Goals come from all corners (incl corners).
I wouldn't like us to be getting in a forward just for the sake of it. Free goalscoring ones are like hens' teeth anyway. Even Simon's goals have dried up.
Work away with Moult, Dalby & Van der Sande & Stirton off the bench.
Man City have a big lad that might fancy a run in our league to refind his touch.
Dundee United » January Transfer Window » 05/12/2024 6:56 pm - Finn Seemann
- Replies: 81
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Tangy wrote:
United don't usually do big business in January- they always seem to say it's a horrible window to get quality into the squad - so doubt we will do too much.
Big handsome has his way of playing and I'm pretty sure we are adequately covered in most positions. For instance, ferry out, holt goes in and graham comes in at cb.
If I was playing football manager, I'd want more cover but united are operating on a budget build on winning the championship. They MIGHT widen the budget after our good start but it's not going to be massive, surely.
As to some of the previous points, squad building is an ongoing thing. I don't think a team is ever 'built' and every year, players will come in and go out.Spot on
Dundee United » January Transfer Window » 05/12/2024 6:55 pm - Finn Seemann
- Replies: 81
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lifesanocean wrote:
Cleall-Harding most likely to be next season's replacement for Adegboyega.
We still have Graham to come back in plus Gallagher and Holt. Likelihood next summer we'll deffo sign another centre half. The budget is not unlimited. Succession planning is all well and good if you've got the money. I reckon we're in more of a hand-to mouth situation and any January signings will be on a needs must basis.
Our top priority is surely a striker with pace and mobility. This, imho is the missing link in that team.
Second priority is a (young) back-up left back for when a) Ferry gets suspended (which will happen in the next month I reckon) or b) Gets injured or c) Gets signed by an English club, simply because we've got no direct replacement in the squad.
I do fear that Graham will have his suitors so it might need more than a couple of new defenders in the summer.
Dundee United » January Transfer Window » 05/12/2024 6:54 pm - Finn Seemann
- Replies: 81
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Conway11 wrote:Finn Seemann wrote:Conway11 wrote:
Yes - we have a very limited way of playing that will catch up with us eventually, it is going great just now but IT WILL fizzle out. Recruitment in January is key, Gallagher is 33, Kevin Holt is 31 - we need to have someone waiting in the wings with top level experience to take us that extra step forward. I believe Cleal-Harding will come good and think he may dislodge Holt soon.
Babunski is being hung out to dry in this system - he is the most creative player at the club and is being shunted out from this position
JR is 34 but would be perfect foil for Dalby - would be reminiscent of a Daly-Goodwillie/Russell partnership, a short term spell while Stirton gets up to scratch would be ideal.
Not sure I would agree with this. We've solidified from the back with the 3 CHs (even with Graham missing) and wing backs approach. Granted we'll need to find two longer term CHs to play alongside Graham as Gallagher and Holt are clearly at the wrong end if their careers. However, having never been a particular fan of either, I have to concede that both are playing beyond themselves at the moment. We therefore shouldn't be telling guys they're goners until we know we can replace them.
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We've managed to slot Stephenson and Vicko into the Sibbald and Docherty holes. That system is currently serving us well and allows Babunski a little bit of freedom (which to be fair he hasn't really excelled himself in) to express himself, but if the wing backs aren't pinned back (as they haven't been for a whole game yet) that doesn't matter quite as much.
Up front we are missing a bit of speed and that has to be the focus for the January window. JR is not that man. We need to see a bit more of the attacking play from the derby and a bit less route one (Dalby doesn't hold it up that well), but I can't say that I don't expect us to score in any game. I do. That is light years ahead of where we were with Tony W
Dundee United » January Transfer Window » 04/12/2024 1:55 pm - Finn Seemann
- Replies: 81
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Conway11 wrote:redford_must_score wrote:Conway11 wrote:
Moving players on who our out of contract - I would tell the following that they are not getting a new deal
Gallagher
Moult
Holt
Docherty
Newman
Middleton
Would give Babunski another year - he would be great with a new manager in a proper system, played in his ideal position.
The ones above are not good enough if we really do want to be a top 5 side.
Would go for Stuart Findlay and Danny Armstrong (both OOC at Killie in the summer) to replace Gallagher and Middleton
Had to read that twice to check it wasn't a wind up.
New manager? Seriously?
Gallagher and Holt have been immense and one of the reasons we'vebeen so successful.
Agree we're not seeing the best of Babunski though and I agree why.
But results are everything and right now we are getting them.Yes - we have a very limited way of playing that will catch up with us eventually, it is going great just now but IT WILL fizzle out. Recruitment in January is key, Gallagher is 33, Kevin Holt is 31 - we need to have someone waiting in the wings with top level experience to take us that extra step forward. I believe Cleal-Harding will come good and think he may dislodge Holt soon.
Babunski is being hung out to dry in this system - he is the most creative player at the club and is being shunted out from this position
JR is 34 but would be perfect foil for Dalby - would be reminiscent of a Daly-Goodwillie/Russell partnership, a short term spell while Stirton gets up to scratch would be ideal.
Not sure I would agree with this. We've solidified from the back with the 3 CHs (even with Graham missing) and wing backs approach. Granted we'll need to find two longer term CHs to play alongside Graham as Gallagher and Holt are clearly at the wrong end if their careers. However, having never been a particular fan of either, I have to concede that both are playing beyond themselves at the moment. We therefore shoul
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Dundee United » January Transfer Window » 03/12/2024 6:28 pm - Finn Seemann
- Replies: 81
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Don't think JR is the answer to our questions - not that he'd come anyway.
Suspect that we are probably looking at a loanee striker from down south or another Balkan player we've never heard of before.
Dundee United » Scottish cup round 4 draw » 03/12/2024 12:29 pm - Finn Seemann
- Replies: 21
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Got to be happy enough with a draw against the wee team. Won't be easy, but they are not in a false position in the league. We are currently better than them. Might be interesting to see if they try to fill their McCowan shaped hole in the window, but even then doubt they'd be replacing like with like.
Dundee United » Dundee United vs St.Mirren - Saturday 30/11/24 » 02/12/2024 11:46 am - Finn Seemann
- Replies: 23
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I think what we need to remember here is that VAR is supposed to be getting penalties and big decisions right. I'd venture that that is exactly what it does. It is us football fans and pundits that make (often highly biased) judgement calls on whether something is 'soft' or 'wouldn't have even been a foul in the good old days'. Whether our pens that Tek mentions above were soft or not, in terms of the rules, they were pens. Some will go against us, but as long as they are the right decision can we complain? If nothing else it should take the west coast bias out of refereeing decisions.
Dundee United » Dundee United vs St.Mirren - Saturday 30/11/24 » 02/12/2024 9:52 am - Finn Seemann
- Replies: 23
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We defended very well, I think. They threw a lot of crosses in our box and we dealt with every one. They've got pace upfront and bar the Walton incident (which was a red card) we managed it. They are a decent side, but little cutting edge. Not sure if they are just a bit blunt or we defend very well but I'd say more of the latter.
Thought we were poor up front today. Both Dalby and Ferry should have squared for Middleton for tap ins. The latter had a poor game, but he was in the right position for a brace and we'd be talking very differently if he'd bagged a couple. For me Manny, Holt, Gallagher and Sevelj were the players of the game (Holt MoM about right given he managed to get forward and arguably win the game) - bar the Walton kung fu challenge, he had nothing to do, bar one easy save.
As for the pens, both soft, but both pens. Holt's one boy goes for the ball, misses and kicks Holt. Pen all day long - doesn't matter that Holt has his studs up. He's not challenging anyone. Second, Moult totally plays for it, but the boy panics, gets on the wrong side and makes contact. He's also last man, so if it is a foul then its a red. I'd be gutted to lose those but I don't think the Buddies can complain. Walton on the other hand...
Thought Robinson was very measured after the game. I think they'll be top six and that shows how good we've been.
For me Goodwin got lucky with the subs. They had nothing to do with the first pen or the second goal. Granted Moult wins the second, but that's not tactics. Moult needs to teach Dalby some of the dark arts!
Some save from their keeper for the second by the way. Ok he guessed he was going to put it in the same place, but it wasn't a bad pen.
Dundee United » John McGinn » 26/11/2024 2:55 pm - Finn Seemann
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I see McGinn has been in the press saying he had hoped to be joining us in 2015 but McNamara opted for (the non-footballer) Rodney Sneijder instead. Hadn't previously been aware of this additional Jackie faux pas in 2015 - he really did mess us up.
Dundee United » Rangers Vs United -Saturday 23/11/24 » 21/11/2024 9:16 am - Finn Seemann
- Replies: 40
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If Graham is 100% he starts. He's better than Holt. If he's a risk then leave Holt in and start with the same team.
Dundee United » Utd vs County - Saturday 9/11/24 » 11/11/2024 10:41 am - Finn Seemann
- Replies: 27
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United Arab Emarite wrote:Finn Seemann wrote:lifesanocean wrote:
MOTM was Sevelj for me. I thought he was outstanding today.
Agreed he was fantastic on Saturday. Broke up play very well, passed well and should have had a goal with that shot off the post. Drew a good save from Laidlaw too.
Would still like to see Walton command his box more. 3 CHs managed White and Hale very well. First time seeing Hale. Good player - needs to be more patient though. Won't be at County long and would work very well for us.
Ferry and Strain both played well. Luca, cracking header, but more importantly looked far more comfortable in that C/RM role than he did at Hibs (clearly worked on it over the week). Worked really well with Vicko. Babunski was better, but I still think we are yet to see the best of him. VDS needs a goal. I think he is an asset, but he needs to get off the mark. Dalby is a frustrating one. VDS is better at holding the ball up, laying it off winning headers/knock ons, but Dalby is also a nuisance and importantly seems to know where the goals are. Excellent finish from him today. Outpaced the CHs and calmly beat the keeper.
Thomson and Fotheringham not on long enough to judge. Odada, to me, looked a good option and I think he'll come good if given time.
Finally delighted for Stirton. Won the ball, shuffled into the middle well, losing his marker and slotted away his chance well. Good to see a young Dundonian living the dream - we've all had that dream....Were you nearies then Finn?
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Agree with your praises throughout the team. 2nd half there wasn't a weakness.
Could we have had a better 1st half tho? They had a chance to go 1 up & you do not want that.
Once the injured return the problem might be who to leave out.
Up til now I've been '10th place will be good enough' but now I'd put money on us being top 6, I'm pretty convinced.
We've got a wee bit of steel about us too.
The Motherwell game was a shitter, st
Dundee United » Hibs vs United - Sunday 3rd November (3PM) » 11/11/2024 9:55 am - Finn Seemann
- Replies: 63
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CA messaged me at the end of last week (didn't notice it as not many people message me). Anyway he wanted to say his reasons for quitting are not related to the discussions on this thread and he's OK otherwise, so that's a relief, at least to me.
He says he is going to read the chat now and then and I hope he changes his mind and joins in again soon. I for one always read his posts with interest even if I didn't agree with everything he said. For those like me who don't live in Dundee any more this (and it's inferior like) are a great way of keeping up with all things United as well as building a little camaraderie. It's the breadth of opinion that makes this forum the best one. We don't want it to become an echo chamber or the home of folk that think they are some sort of forum personality (like the other forums) and good posters leaving, for whatever reason, is not good.