STM

He couldn't have gone with slower players who want to hoof it, they were injured. The only option he had to change our starting line up that would have been negative was Ryan Taylor for Routledge or Simpson and that choice would have been stupid, even for him. We'll see his true managerial ability once Butt and Smith are free from injury, it will also be interesting to see what he does with Lovenkrands after last night, he should start instead of Best. I was talking about signing player with pace and attacking threat. However my biggest worry is the Smith/Nolan thing. He needs to start Guthrie, i will forgive him one of the other two alongside him.

Was delighted to see Hughton asking the players to work hard even though we were 5-1 up. Some good touchline motivation there Chris.

You have a fair point but there's nothing wrong with loosening up. It might work in our favour to have a bit of pace up front (example).

I thought his all round game was good (and to be fair I was in the Gallowgate, so I only saw the fourth and fifth goals up close) but I didn't really see him actually trying to beat the fullback for pace until about 55 minutes in. He looks promising though, certainly Simpson looked better for having a natural right winger in front of him as you say. The ball for Loven's first was exquisite too. Aye fair do's. In the first half he cut in field alot but that's part of his game and an important part of being a winger. Look at how many times Giggs and Ronaldo cut in (disclaimer, not a comparison). However as you say, he showed he can do both.

He's only gone and everything I was whining about. Well done CH. Early days, but the signings look to be decent as well. His signings could be key. So far his signings have suggested that he wants to play a more attacking formation, routledge and van legend are good examples. He could have gone with slower players who want to hoof it but he went with pace.

PILKO- Can't agree on Routledge. His all round game was superb last night. The first corner (which led to the goal) came from his running, the second was because of his through ball, the third was from Simpson (who looked better because of Routledge) and the fourth was his assist. Added to that he was constantly either coming in field and get involved or trying to beat his man for pace. He showed a masterclass on how to give your opposite number a hard time, he also could have got a goal himself.

Having two wingers is a start. He might come in to his own now. IMO he more than anyone should benefit most from the new balanced team. I've said for ages that if we are going to play big strikers up front we need to either play angled balls or play with width. Our team is begging for decent crossers.

I find it hard to judge Carroll. In some respects he played the perfect performance last night. However, in most games i just don't think he looks capable of scoring, especially away from home. I'd like to see him with a consistent partner, home and away before making up my mind on him. Strikers with aerial threat are a rare thing, that's why i think we need to use him properly.

The other day i commented on how i though Williamson's positional play might get found out, however i must say i was totally wrong. I'm so tempted to go overboard with how good i think this guy could be. He reads the game so well, is brilliant in the air and technically very sure. At this moment in time, i haven't seen a weakness but it's early days.

Don't see where the goals are going to come from with him TBH. He looks a handful and someone who will work hard, which will benefit his chances.

Harper Simpson Williamson Colo Van Legend Guthrie Nolan Routledge Jonas Carroll Lovenkrands 0-3 Needless to say Hughton may not go with this side.

New signing. None of the current lot are really good enough, although Carroll in particular could earn it. Even if one of them got the number 9 they would need a new partner anyway because we are in desperate need of at least one top class striker.

Another lucky performance from Hughton.

He was better with Guthrie alongside him. Still not excellent but better.

Spot on the whole lot. I found it very difficult to rate our individuals tonight. They have done themselves proud.

It's his room mates cousin. Yeah, you're all sad bastards. Better than being a wannabe know-it-all gobshite. Aye but you saying that makes you just as bad. Leave the lad now.

Aye

Aye lets see what effort he puts in on the pitch eh.

What makes you think he is quality? Good to see we are still trying to pick up good youngsters. What makes you think he's a good youngster? I didn't say he was, i said we were trying.

I'd prefer Kadar, he's deserved it too.

Last person we want to lose TBH.

What makes you think Colo won't make it?

What makes you think he is quality? Good to see we are still trying to pick up good youngsters.

Barton's return will be welcomed with open arms TBF. Even if some people don't rate him on here, he's still better than Butt and more productive than Nolan. IF (and that's a big if) Barton had been fit for the first half of the season, i reckon he would have got a similar amount of goals as Nolan and more assists.

Journal reckons smith is struggling with an injury. Please don't make me watch Nicky Butt.