Diamond Scot
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Posts posted by Diamond Scot
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3 hours ago, Caledonian Craig said:
I am sorry but you seem intent on convincing yourself Adams has some connection to Scotland.
He elected to play for England U-20 quite obviously because he feels like how he is - English. He was born in Leicester, England and has lived there all of his life and so to think he has any desire/wish to play for Scotland is kidding yourself. I really do hope he sticks to his principles and I would pat him on the back for that. The lad is English and wants to play for England and there is no other evidence to suggest otherwise.
I'd imagine he hasn't said anything negative about Scotland - so what? That does not mean for any moment that he has feelings towards the country or any wish to represent us. He has already displayed the lack of wanting to play for us by rejecting the SFA on multiple occasions and a local Southampton newspaper report has already openly said if he were to choose Scotland it would be his second option.
As ive said previously I dont know the Adams situation but you are wrong as he clearly has a connection with Scotland or else he wouldnt be eligible to play for us. How strong that connection is neither you nor I know but just because he elected to play for England at youth level and declined earlier invites doesnt mean he wouldnt be proud to play for us.
Peoples choices change as they grow up and things in life move on.
Alot of people like English teams when they were younger but as they mature they move away from that thinking.
Not speaking specifically about Adams but we cant just form opinions on people because they didnt want to play for us when they were still growing from boys to men.
Also, being somebodys second choice is in itself a negative. Would you turn down sex with a supermodel if her 1st choice wasnt available?
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24 minutes ago, Caledonian Craig said:
There are differences though with Adams as he has already pledged his allegiance to England playing for their U-20's and has been approached by Scotland on multiple occasions and turned the SFA down. Also was born in England and lived there all of his life and would guess you could count on the fingers of one hand how many times he has visited Scotland outwith football duties ie pre-season friendlies. Seems pretty damned obvious he has made up his mind where his allegiances lie. The SFA should stop harassing the bloke and let him concentrate on his goals in his football career.
You maybe correct regardings Adams however none of us know the true feelings or the nature of the conversations.
For example its possible he was approached by both England and Scotland at youth level and elected England because a) he felt english and b) his mates all played for England. This doesnt mean he doesnt feel Scottish in anyway.
It maybe that he thought or hoped his career would take him to World class level where he could be Englands number 9 however as the years have gone on he may now feel thats unlikely and Scotland would be more his level. That would make us 2nd choice but doesnt mean he wouldnt be committed and give 100% for us.
Many a player grew up wanting to play for the Old Firm but werent good enough and then became legends at other clubs. I know Int football isnt exactly the same but life is complex. Some ppl dont fully appreciate a part of their life until a loved one dies for example.
As far as im aware he has never said a negative word about Scotland. If he wants to commit to us then I would consider him on merits the same as any other player. If his "lack of wanting to play for us, or us being his 2nd choice" leads to poor performances then just dont select him going forward.
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So many here see nationality as black and white. Its possible however to see yourself as more than 1 nationality. In these circumstances it would only be logical to weigh up your own ability with the nationalities that you are eligable for.
Dembele for example was getting touted as being a future star. With no strong feelings either way, whats wrong with him waiting to see how things play out. It may be that as he gets older and understands more about himself that he starts to feel strongly about 1 nation over others.
All that I care about is whoever plays for us gives 100% and we operate within the rules. Dykes has made us better and was a big part in getting us to the Euros. He is not Scottish in the eyes if the black and white brigade however who cares when we line up next summer.
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Tuned in to last 20 mins of Hibs game. From what I saw Hibs players have zero bottle. Every single time they got the ball they just humped it away as if it was already injury time. No composure even when Celtic players were nowhere near them.
Celtic never looked like creating anything but Hibs just handed them a point.
That being said it was never a Pen.
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16 hours ago, McTeeko said:
Shankland has struggled this season due to being in a pish United side that create fuck all. They’ve drawn four of their last five games 0-0. Absolutely no creativity.
The same could be said for McBurnie for Sheff Utd but at a much higher level.
Ive not actually formed a view on Shankland. Was just highlighting what people were saying about him last year. The expectation was that he would continue to score goals at a higher level. Whatever the reason being, so far this hasnt held up.
McBurnie hasnt been great for us but he is still worthy of a squad place until somebody does better.
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48 minutes ago, Bobby Russell's Lovechild said:
The thing about McBurnie is I could accept him not scoring many, if he was creative for others, or a ball winner, or pulled defenders out of position for others to take advantage of. I've seen no evidence of this whenever I've seen him play
Griffiths chance came from McBurnie winning the ball back and laying him in. Only for Griffiths to delay taking his shot and allowing the defender back in.
McBurnie was better tonight. Won alot in the air and linked up alot better than previously. He struggles as he doesnt have pace to turn defenders.
Ive no issue with people not rating McBurnie but what are the alternatives.
Griffiths is better but unfit to play more than 20 mins.
People were raving about Shankland. He was going to tear up the Scottish prem. People were saying judge him then. Well he has done zero this season.
Now the flavour of the month is Nisbet.
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58 minutes ago, Rich NATA said:
"Mainstream" fireworks 😄
I'm inclined to think that an organised display is somewhat more impressive; they have, after all, invested a lot more money in their fireworks... and I'm sure people are close enough.
Animals? I didn't actually refer to animals, but I certainly consider their wellbeing more important than anyones access to fireworks.
... and when I come to power, I'll ban whatever I like.
I mean, why do the Government encourage people to stop smoking??
Just stop making/selling them and that's the end of that.
But biggest and most expensive doesnt always equate to the best. The "fireworks displays" my dad put on were very low budget. A single rocket going up into the sky before a few minutes wait until he lit the next one. The joy was the intimate experience. Getting to choose the next firework to be used. The surprise at the little looking firework making a big bang etc etc.
Animals got brought up because its the common theme at this time of year. Animals get scared by fireworks. I get that. The reason im using them as an example is because their are responsible and irresponsible owners of animals. So why not call for the banning of owning animals. All the kids that get attacked by dogs or scared by dogs, all the problems caused by dog mess not picked up, noise problems etc etc. Some people dont like animals, some are content to go see them in the zoo, others hold them closer than humans in their life.
My point being that you cant just decide that you dont like something and then point to the harm some irresponsible people cause using that thing and then equate it to all users of that thing.
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5 minutes ago, Rich NATA said:
Why p*ss about with a database? Just stop selling the things.
Organised displays? Fair enough.
Joe public having access to them? Madness.
I've never understood why anyone would host a DIY fireworks night when they could attend an organised one, which would be a) better and b) safer.
Why are they better. They are more mainstream but you are a million miles away from the fireworks, theres loads of people and you are freezing cold. Our family used to have a small firework display. It taught me about fire safety etc and was a really enjoyable night. Why should that be banned because some ned decides to buy rockets to throw at firefighters?
Instead of trying to get people to justify why they want to do something. Why not punish those who act irresponsibly.
Animals harms way more people than fireworks every year. So why not ban private ownership of animals and people can go to zoo's, cat cafes and the dog equivilent?
You cant just ban stuff cause you dont personally see the point in it.
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Instead of banning fireworks why cant we just make it harder to buy them and more importantly clamp down on misuse.
Something as simple as making it law that you need to inform the shop or some central database where and when they will be used. If caught using outside that then its a criminal offence.
People buy animals and then complain about fireworks as if they come as a surprise every year. Do we ban dog owning because of the amount of dog poo left everywhere by irresponsible owners?
Clamp down on the idiots and let the adults enjoy safely.
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Depends on the game for me. If we are playing a better side than us then id go with McCrorie or Palmer.
If we are playing a side equal to us or worse than id have Matt Phillips. Big, strong, fast, can attack and defend.
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1 hour ago, gonzohiggy said:
As I said before, a dependable and experienced player who did himself proud.
Easy for me to say after a clean sheet but he was a logical call up and in the game we never looked like conceding.
Lots of improvement to come but solid foundations
Considine played well but the call up is / was still short sighted and is the kind of thing we have being doing for years. Ian Black being a classic example. Considine will / should never be near a squad again. Is probably about our 10th best CB at a push.
Tonight would have been much better to give one of the younger CBs a game as they will need to experience when they are actually required to step up.
Its decisions like this that contribute to why our average age of 1st cap is so high.
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7 hours ago, gonzohiggy said:
What's wrong with picking dependable experienced players who will do a good job for a specific game or games?
Don't particularly rate either player but they are experienced and less risky than calling up an unproven young player.
Because there is a reason why they havent received a cap by this stage.
They havent even been in consideration previously.
Bringing in a young player like Hickey exposes him to international football and also allows him to train with 1st team players and be seen by the management team. Would be so much more beneficial than caling up players who have never been and will never be international class.
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8 minutes ago, Third Lanark said:
Normally I support Clarke in his choices but I must say I'm baffled by the call-up of Considine at 33 years old. I get that he may just be there for emergency cover but why not pick Stuart Findlay who he has selected before, or Jason Kerr who is younger and been tipped for a call-up for a while?
Considine and McGinn are shocking call ups. So far off the standard required. Call ups of this nature should either be a) young boys with potential or b) older players who have had chance to push for starting places but for whatever reason have recrntly been oit of the picture. ( ie Griffiths and Phillips)
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5 hours ago, romanticscot said:
Even of the standard is lower, if you dominate and perform at a high standard with success, your pysche says you do it against people who are at a higher standard. Examine your own professional careers, you've probably said to yourself that your too good for where you work, you can go into and perform at a more rewarding company. Many players run on confidence so individual success is great, the managerial staff will say can he cut it for us and if so likely call them up.....providing there isn't a pandemic affecting the logistics
Or you think you are really good and your confidence is high but then realise that all the things that work for you at a lower level dont work against better players.
The MLS is about the same standard as the Scottish Premier. Just a general point.
If you are a defender is Scotland for example you could get away with being average as most strikers are average but go and play against a top striker and their pace, touch, speed of thought and technique will be like a whirlwind that you didnt see coming.
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1 hour ago, Caledonian Craig said:
Its a simplistic view on things though. Premier League is not like the old Division One days (pre-EPL). Now it is stacked full of foreign imports at each club and English talent and up and coming English players. It leaves little space for Scottish players to figure unlike the old days. EPL clubs are far more inclined to bother shopping in Scotland. They probably have cut back on having so many scouts even bothering with Scotland due to our recent slump. That would explain why a number of young talented Scots have ended up abroad rather than in the EPL. In all fairness to the Scots plying their trade in the Championship or ones that have they can contribute just as much to the Scotland side as our players playing in the EPL. EPL-based does not magic them into top notch at international level - we just need to look at Charlie Adam for evidence of that and others too.
My post was in responce to people saying McKenna would just use the Championship as a stepping stone to the EPL. Very few of our players have been able to do that unless their team gets promoted.
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Its very hard for fans to truly judge a player like McTominay. So much of what makes him a level up from other players, like McGregor, McLean etc etc is the speed that he sees and does things at. This isnt always apparent on TV.
An average player can receive a ball, take a touch and pass it from A to B. (Which for talking sake it the correct pass) To the fan that player has done well however of the process has taken even 2 seconds longer than what a top player would do it in then it makes a huge difference to a team and their ability to move defences around and create chances.
Its the reason why you always hear stories about the top players at top clubs like Gerrard in his day, firing passes into a new player on day 1 of training as they know within a day whether they have what it takes or not.
McTominay is levels above any other Midfielder we have. Gilmour will be levels above McTominay if he continues the way he was prior to injury.
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11 hours ago, Squirrelhumper said:
Craig Bryson, Craig Forsyth, Chris Maguire, Craig Conway, Gordon Greer, Johnny Russell, Kevin McDonald, Graham Dorrans, Chris Burke, Ross Wallace, kevin mcnaughton.
Let me know if you want any more.
Correct me if I am wrong but how many of the above got transfered to the premier league? My post was about people moving to the championship as a stepping stone.
Obviously a number have managed to stay at that level but none of the above can reasonably be considered as long term success. None of the players above went onto become 1st picks / mainstays in the Scotland team.
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How many Scots have moved direct to the Championship and become long term success?
I can remember lots of guys who many on here tipped to go to the Championship as a stepping stone but ultimately couldnt establish themselves. Guys like Liam Lindsay, Stevie May, Steven McLean, Barry McKay and Greame Shinnie etc
Trying to think of anybody other than Fraiser, Adam, McGinn and possibly McLean.
I think the step up is much more than people think. Yes there are some rubbish players in the Championship however most teams have much more quality and certainly strength in depth than anybody outside the Old Firm.
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How does the seeding work? Is it based on individual teams previous performances or something else.
I dont understand how Rangers can be unseeded given they finished 2nd in our league and got to the 2nd round of knockout stages last time out.
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I go the opposite way. Old Firm would fill their teams with foreign players. Especially initially. However over time any Scottish players bought or developed would need to be to a much higher standard. They would also be able to sell on players for way more than they can currently.
I think the rest of the league would get increased attendences from true competition. There could probably be a handful of league winners with in first 10/15 years.
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The best thing that could happen for the national team is for the Old Firm to be allowed to join the English setup.
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When did it become a problem to have two centre backs who kick with the same foot?
For years teams played with two right footed CBs. We have a bunch of left footed CBs. It really shouldnt be an issue.
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8 hours ago, PASTA Mick said:
I do also wonder whether we suffer from having a stronger league than Wale, N Ireland and Rep of Ireland. Our league is strong enough that we are happy to pick players from it, but probably not strong enough to fully prepare players for international football. I don't know for sure but I guess the vast majority of players for the two Irish teams and Wales are selected from English clubs sides. Does this have an impact?
I think this factor is majorly overlooked. We have 2 massive clubs who can pay really good money and players can become "legends", win trophys and play in Europe.
Take a player like Scott Brown or Barry Ferguson. If they were from Scandanavia they would get to around 20 and clearly be good players. They would earn 5k max at the biggest clubs, playing front of around 15 thousand fans max and would have the the choice of staying and doing the same or moving to a bigger league where they would earn much more for much bigger teams in a much more famous league in front of fans up to 50 or 60 thousand. At 20 they are the right age to develop further and "may" make the leap from good to very good or exceptional.
Brown and Ferguson on the other hand can play for the Old Firm, earn 30k per week in front of 50 thousand fans, media circus ofnan entire country making them feel like they are at huge clubs. Theres no rush to move and by the time they do they are likely to be over 25 or late 20s at which point the scope for development is dramatically reduced.
Its not the fault of the Old Firm or anybody else. Even the players. Its just an almost unique situation that is to the detriment of our game.
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Robertson is getting the same stick Darren Fletcher got for years.
People keep saying he was shite. He won most of his tackles or headers, played good balls into the box almost everytime he got down the line and won us a penalty.
How many times did he make runs only for the ball to be delayed. How many times did he get the ball only to look up and nobody was moving to receive a pass so he has to turn and pass it back to a CB.
Players like Robertson and Fletcher before him dont become worse players when they play for Scotland. Their team mates are worse players who arent good enough to allow them to perform at their normal level.
English Whores
in TA specific
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What was said when we approached him? Who spoke to him? Was it to him directly or hia agent? Did he tell us a flat out no or anything else.
You dont know the answers to any of these questions.
My feeling with regards to Adams are that he probably doesnt want to play for us but my point about eligible players is a general one.
Dykes took nearly a year to choose us and every interview he gives he never says he has always felt Scottish. It was clearly something that he weighed up against the country of his birth. He didnt join uo with squads whilst he considered his position.
I assume you dont think should be in the squad for the euros aswell?