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An Overshadowed Victory

Not often that an SPL win is a side show, but it was on Saturday.

It’s been known for a while that Del is keen to leave the club. Dundee United, Watford West Bromwich Albion and Brentford have all been tempting in recent years. In the international break, Del made it clear that he would like to take on the role of Bristol City manager. He duly went down for a chat and returned north without the job. The rumours suggested he hadn’t a chance and I posted accordingly. Then on Friday night, the Delophiles had their world turned upside down.

With commercial manager, Paul Smith, on holiday; the club bizarrely announced that permission had been granted for Derek to be “interviewed” for the vacant manager’s job. Quite why this was announced on the eve of a vital home game remains to be seen. It could have been a marketing tool, perhaps we’ll never know.

What we do know is that on Saturday night a very good fee was quickly arranged between the two clubs and Del travelled to the club for an interview. By Sunday morning it seemed that the only unresolved issue was Derek’s wages.

Monday and Tuesday saw some drama as it became clear that two key characters were split between the two candidates. Thankfully for us, the chairman wants Del and Chairmen tend to get their own way. Del will probably be unveiled later this week at Bristol City’s ground. If he isn’t, he might find that training is a bit awkward on Thursday morning. If only I could be there....

The great news is that we can now bring in a manager that doesn’t have Del’s fascination with the opposition. We can employ a manager that plays to our strengths, using sensible shapes, proper tactics and treats all players with respect and decency.

In many ways, it’s a real shame that things didn’t work out for Derek at Saints. Of course, he can boast the SFL1 title on his CV, but the accounts show the truth of that victory. In the SPL, he’s underperformed his players. Folk assure me that he learns from his mistakes but you only need to look at games against Aberdeen, Dunfermline and St Mirren (H) to see how inept he is, tactically. He won’t be missed.

Of course the speculation is all about his replacement with Jim Jeffries and Jody Morris the two names that crop up regularly. I’m not getting involved in speculation, but I will state my case for Jimmy Calderwood – excellent track record and currently unemployed. Of course he won’t get the gig, but he should. Of those that might get it, Callum Davidson would be my pick.

Turning to the game, there’s little to write about really. Inverness were very poor and we cruised, actually we crawled, to the easiest SPL win since we thrashed Hibs midweek. The gulf in class was significant; the gulf in effort was enormous. If that was typical of how Inverness play, they’ll be relegated and Dunfermline will be safe. What a thought...

The game marked the return of Murray Davidson who, in another Del debacle, replaced Kevin Moon in central midfield.

The game also saw, Cillian Sheridan pick up a hamstring strain. It’s likely that he’ll miss a couple of weeks with such an injury but Marcus Haber is a better player so nowt to fret over. Marcus impressed with his jumping and running, he disappointed with his lazy attitude – especially when applying pressure to centre halves and the goalkeeper. He needs to learn to make his own luck.

In terms of Del’s selection, Maybury and Cracks were notable absentees, Vinnie was our only defender on the bench. He reverted to Ando and Wright at centre half and Wright was bombscare stuff for large parts of the game. Callum really does have to cover his team mate far too often.

As for Inverness, they must be seen as favourites for the drop. They just didn’t seem to care at any point in the match. Any talent they possess was remarkably well hidden.

Due to external pressures, and the fact that the game was dire, the report is all but non-existant. I’ll do my media rating system this week and probably next week too. Here goes:

Enckleman – Did nothing wrong, but wasn’t worked hard at all. Only one real stop and I’m not convinced it was going in. Can’t be faulted.

Mackay – Easy afternoon. Afforded the time and space to travel all game long. Professional performance with only a few slack balls.

Anderson – Utterly dominant.

Wright – Worst performer on the pitch. Several “oh feck” moments. Davidson and Anderson had to dig him out a few holes.

C. Davidson – Struggled to get a shot away that he would have buried 10 years ago. Other than that, he was the model professional and should be our new manager. He should bring Nuts with him.

Midgie – Another curiously off-form performance. Too often showing too much caution. Didn’t link well with Haber, though perhaps that’s only natural

Moon – We’re gonna struggle to keep him. Lights up the field every week. Majestic stuff.

Morris  - Good showing under no pressure

Craig – Attitude has improved yet again, this season. Key player and proved his worth with a mighty shift.

Sheridan – Jekyll and Hyde, yet again.

Sandaza – First goal was a thing of pure skill, put in modest effort throughout

Haber – Such a brilliant player, excellent use of pace, jumping and heading but oh so lazy. Made it hard for Midgie to play him in.

Gibson – Why did we sign him?

M. Davidson – We know now that he wasn’t ready to return. Showed he’s lost none of his bravery and commitment. Fitting that he played in what looks like Del’s last match in charge.

Del – Decent shape, reasonable selection (shoulda been anyone bar Wright). Hard to find fault despite the weak opposition.