ranger_syntax

The next manager has a few problems to deal with. I'm looking at transfermarkt and, if the information is correct, it looks like we will retain the services of most of the squad for many years to come. Some of the players that I would like to see move on: Hodson (Contracted until 2019) Cardoso (Contracted until 2020) Halliday (Contracted until 2020) Holt (Contracted until 2020) Dodoo (Contracted until 2020) O'Halloran (Contracted until 2020) Herrera (Contracted until 2020) Carlos Peña (Contracted until 2020*) Maybe a new manager could get something out of Cardoso or O'Halloran but I would rather replace them with fresh faces. Holt and Halliday can go without hard feelings from me. Both have played a part but we need better and we need to move on. A couple of other players that may be a problem Dorrans (Contracted until 2020) Rossiter (Contracted until 2020) Alves (Contracted until 2019) Dorrans does not look like he can contribute too much in the position he is being asked to play. Maybe he can contribute more when used differently. Rossiter has contributed little so far but I accept he has potential while others don't. Alves is 36. Given the difficulties that he has had with injuries I expect that he might contribute less next season. He is only here for one more though so I wouldn't be too concerned if he continued. The length of some of these contracts is quite incredible. I find it hard to believe that Warburton's decision to sign Hodson will hinder us for another year still! Dodoo is quite alarming too. He has a long contract and I'm not sure why he was awarded it. He had played only a handful of games prior to signing for us. The next manager will either have to figure out how to get more out of these players or how to move them on. We already have a large squad and we are already acquiring more players. * I'm pretty sure Carlos Peña is contracted for another two seasons but I didn't get this from transfermarkt.

Yeah, yeah, but what about the investment . . .

I'd be surprised if it was one of his ambitions to play for us. People keep mentioning him though. I have no idea why.

It's going to be very tough. Not sure why we should have any confidence in the players at the moment.

This suggests that it is effectively agreed and we are just finalising details. The board will look pretty silly if it doesn't get him to sign now.

I did this too. Judging by what I have read, and watched, I made the right decision.

Nightmare. How will we ever understand our latest capitulation without his insight? It might remain a mystery forever ...

Seems like a strange time to announce investment. I thought that sort of thing would wait until after Dave King's share offer was dealt with. I'm right to think that is ongoing, yes? Perhaps our next manager wants assurances on investment before signing a contract?

Correct. On the other hand Kilmarnock did manage to beat Celtic this season.

I hope we appoint the next manager tomorrow. The next manager may prefer to get in for preseason though.

I think you are being too optimistic. I don't think the next manager will want him anywhere near the squad for a variety of reasons. The solution is to pay him off. Any misbehaviour on his part will make that easier.

Why so much conjecture? Sad.

Is this an attempt to persuade critics to join in with Club1872?

A safe bet if you are betting on them to fail.

An unknown quantity. How common is it for someone to return to success in Europe after working in a retirement league?

Laudrup and Villas Boas have been in the Persian gulf and China most recently. Not sure either is such a good idea.

Mark Allen conducting interviews:

Does that mean 'undecided'?

If I remember correctly Souness brought Smith for his knowledge of the league. I'll be surprised if Gerrard would get that from McAllister.

The difficulty you were experiencing was about what happens when an incoming manager does not like the squad he inherits. Looks like you are talking about something else now.

Would be first choice or backup?

I think it is irresponsible to reveal McClaren during the season ticket renewal period.

Once again he can work with the director of football to get the squad that he wants. I don't understand what is difficult about this.

No kidding. He also turned down the opportunity to stay so that he could join the team he supports. That is to say Celtic. Every time he plays against us he does so with a particular zeal.