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Allan played well, beside Otoo and with Todd as well, that's a much better mixture. His set pieces have always been pretty decent but he seems to be further developing them which is good to see. It would be great to have one of the centre backs return (especially Bene or Fisher) so we could use Hamilton in the middle as well, but if Paul can keep up that level that will be a good problem for McPake to think about.

I think it's fair to say McPake needs to do better, in terms of the team's tactics and formation and also in terms of his body language during games. The injury crisis has been terrible and undoubtedly limits his options, but to just continue with the same shape and tactics at 1-0 against Queens was pitiful, given how we had also played the week before and given the opposition, not to try something else even for 20 minutes was really poor, it felt like we went down without a fight, against Morton we were just utterly hopeless throughout, but last Saturday was almost more dispiriting. Similarly, I can empathise with his frustration and disappointment in post match interviews, and even in pre match stuff, but during a game, he really has to be on it - on it with his body language and communication. His focus during a game has to be on his players, and leading them from the touchline - that might mean staying calm, it might mean being more animated, or being busy with instructions...it will vary, but he needs to look like he believes in what the team are doing. If he doesn't display confidence and ambition, there's less chance of his players showing it, especially given our form. We don't know what is going on behind the scenes and perhaps he has been dealt a poor hand by the board as well, but that shouldn't detract from his performance on a match day. As a teacher, when I am with the kids, I need to be on it and doing my best, regardless of whatever frustrations/disagreements I have with the school management. It will be the same in any leadership position, your in front of clients/customers etc, you have to still show your best self.

Raith were also a more attractive prospect for players last season as we were a league below, and most of the season before when we were bottom/second bottom for most it as well. Given the league positions, in the short term, Raith are a more attractive option at the moment. If they are not handing out multi year deals, they should have some flexibility to reduce the wage bill if they need to in future seasons. Good luck to them, except against us (they've had enough of that already this season). I get the frustration in our lack of activity, a bit more communication and a bit more evidence of some action from the board/German investors would be most welcome. The vision of the club having it's own training facilities and academy is the right for me though, difficult no doubt, but worth some short term pain/frustration. We've tried throwing excess money into the playing budget before, it was fine for a little while...