most exciting forward line in a generation ?

[worcesterhibby]

Been thinking about our attacking options, particularly now that we have a a manger who has a reputation as loving attacking football and I really dont think we have had such depth of talent and goals in our forward line for a long time.

To be honest I think our forward line could be the most exciting we have had for many, many years and I suspect it's one of the key reasons that Monty agreed to come.

Youan is already our top player for goals and assists and yet is still very frustrating, from a coaches point of view that means he still has a lot to learn and can be massively improved. Can you imagine how devastating he would be if he consistently made better choices of when to try another trick and when to pass ! Huge potential and already scoring and assisting regularly and he has the one thing you can't teach..pace. Should be aiming for 15 goals

Boyler should be coming into his prime this season as he comes back from injury but still has his lightening pace. For a wide player he scores a lot of goals as well as assisting and again due to his pace will give ANY defender in ther world a problem, let alone the Scottish top flight. Should be aiming for 15 goals

ALF has already shown us that he has brilliant football intelligence and knows how to finish, he is a class act. Might be better utilised as a sub, but what a weapon to bring off the bench once defenders are knackered from dealing with two speed merchants for 70 mins. I can honestly see ALF getting 20 goals a season if he gets the game time.

Vente we are still to see the best of Dylan, and yet he has been far from dissapointing so far. Obviously knows how to finish and has a tremendous work ethic. Might well start more matches than ALF and will do a lot of leg work, tiring defences out but his quality will show and he is another 15 goals a season striker on our books.

Doidge It's brilliant to see Christian back to near his best form, there is no one that looks more joyful when he scores and it's obvious his teammates love him. Could so easily have left the club, when he was loaned to Killi, I didn't think we'd see him return, but I'm very glad he did. Doidgey will get 10 goals and probably save us from conceding at least 5 due to his ability to defend corners. 10 goals a season


None of the above in isolation look that unbeleivable and of course it relies on them all keeping fit and getting game time..but that would be 75 goals from our front 5... that would mean a new Famous Five :greengrin

[Since452]

I maintain that we have a very good squad, especially in the forward areas. We have a lot of exciting players. Johnson's attack at the expense of defence approach ultimately didn't work. We lost some schoolboy goals under him. If we can tighten up at the back as we did against Aberdeen then we have the potential to do very well this season. Hopefully Montgomery and his coaching team can make that happen.

[worcesterhibby]

I maintain that we have a very good squad, especially in the forward areas. We have a lot of exciting players. Johnson's attack at the expense of defence approach ultimately didn't work. We lost some schoolboy goals under him. If we can tighten up at the back as we did against Aberdeen then we have the potential to do very well this season. Hopefully Montgomery and his coaching team can make that happen.

Agree that it has to be tempered with much better defensive organisation. It frustrates me that we have, Hanlon, Fish and Rocky who are all a decent size and good in the air, yet we concede so many from crosses. A shape that actually stops giving the opposition all the time in the world to cross the ball and stops them at source, would certainly make a difference, as it did against Aberdeen.

The other great thing about our front line is that it's far from one dimensional. Youan and Boyle can dribble, Alf and Vente are more penalty box predators and Big Doidge can play as a target man. It's a great balance and can be changed when we need to try something different against well drilled and stuffy opposition

[wookie70]

It is rare that bad squads score as many goals as we have done recently. We just need a coach to get a system that works for our best players and one that can make sure players give everything and understand their roles. There was a post about Scotland call offs being few and far between and I think if we start to see some performances and results that there may be a few less injuries too with players living with a bit of pain to keep in contention for a place.

[B.H.F.C]

It is rare that bad squads score as many goals as we have done recently. We just need a coach to get a system that works for our best players and one that can make sure players give everything and understand their roles. There was a post about Scotland call offs being few and far between and I think if we start to see some performances and results that there may be a few less injuries too with players living with a bit of pain to keep in contention for a place.

IMO the squad is imbalanced from a quality perspective as the majority of the quality we do have is in attacking areas.

The good thing is that’s the hardest area to get quality in. A good manager can improve the other side of the team with a bit of organisation and coaching. Longer term he’ll still need to make changes to personnel but Montgomery should have half a chance with the goals we have in the team.

[BILLYHIBS]

Still feel we have still to see the best of Vente for whatever reason LJ seemed to use him sparingly

I am sure given the service he would score a barrowload

The front three of Youan Vente and Boyle are still to gel imho and need to click more together on the pitch

Frustrating to watch

No complaints whatsoever regarding Alf and Doidge who like Vente are more than willing runners and leave it all out on the pitch

A task for Monty to find a winning formula

[worcesterhibby]

IMO the squad is imbalanced from a quality perspective as the majority of the quality we do have is in attacking areas.

The good thing is that’s the hardest area to get quality in. A good manager can improve the other side of the team with a bit of organisation and coaching. Longer term he’ll still need to make changes to personnel but Montgomery should have half a chance with the goals we have in the team.

One more in midfield and I really don't think we are far off it. Particularly once Cadden is back from injury and we have him competing for the left back role. I also hope Levitt is back fairly soon, I really want him to be part of Monty's plans..he has so much natural ability.

[jacomo]

I agree that the forward line looks good.

We need a midfield that can control games and create chances.

[Smartie]

Agree that it has to be tempered with much better defensive organisation. It frustrates me that we have, Hanlon, Fish and Rocky who are all a decent size and good in the air, yet we concede so many from crosses. A shape that actually stops giving the opposition all the time in the world to cross the ball and stops them at source, would certainly make a difference, as it did against Aberdeen.

The other great thing about our front line is that it's far from one dimensional. Youan and Boyle can dribble, Alf and Vente are more penalty box predators and Big Doidge can play as a target man. It's a great balance and can be changed when we need to try something different against well drilled and stuffy opposition

I thought Hanlon and Fish were excellent last season, there's no reason why they can't be again. I also like Rocky, who I could easily see as being part of a decent defensive unit. I actually reckon we're very well covered at CH but vulnerable for cover, loss of form and possibly attacking prowess in the full back positions.

It'll be interesting to see how we get on over the next dozen or so games. I'm still far from convinced by the balance of our midfield options and I feel the squad is paper thin, we could end up in deep trouble if one or two key players were to get injured or suspended at the same time.

As the OP suggests, our attacking options are excellent and there's potentially some exciting stuff going forward from us. I still find this season quite hard to call though, many unknown variables remain.

[ian cruise]

I thought Hanlon and Fish were excellent last season, there's no reason why they can't be again. I also like Rocky, who I could easily see as being part of a decent defensive unit. I actually reckon we're very well covered at CH but vulnerable for cover, loss of form and possibly attacking prowess in the full back positions.

It'll be interesting to see how we get on over the next dozen or so games. I'm still far from convinced by the balance of our midfield options and I feel the squad is paper thin, we could end up in deep trouble if one or two key players were to get injured or suspended at the same time.

As the OP suggests, our attacking options are excellent and there's potentially some exciting stuff going forward from us. I still find this season quite hard to call though, many unknown variables remain.

We're covered pretty well in most positions when you look at the players we have individually, however the previous regime couldn't get them to perform effectively as a unit. I'm full of hope the new management team will be able to, I suspect the same as others have alluded to, and LJ and team were over complicating things and the instructions to the team on how they wanted them to play ended up meaning we were less effective than we should have been.

[NAE NOOKIE]

Like everybody else I'm more than happy with what we have up front, though I would like to be able to see a few more clues as to why we paid near enough a record transfer fee for Vente. I know it's early days, but for that money he should look a cut above any time he steps on the pitch in my humble opinion.

But the fact is ( as practically everybody is going to point out ) that there's no point in being confident of scoring at least once in every game if you are just as confident you are likely to concede two. Get the defence sorted, get the midfield more able to feed our wide players and forwards more often and you will win far more than you will lose.

[JohnM1875]

Easily. The forward options are excellent and probably best outside the ugly sisters.

I like every one of them as well, aye Yoan and Boyle can be greedy and frustrating at times. But nothing it more exciting than watch them face a few players up and run at them. It's what I want to see. Boyle getting sharper with more game time as well.

Love Doidgy as a guy and chuffed to see him back scoring again. Honestly thought his time here was over.

ALF has shut me right up. Thought he was going to be a rank signing after a few pre-season games. But he's a brilliant player to have. Buzzes about, such an intelligent player and scores when he plays.

Vente will come good, don't have any doubt at all about that one. Still think he'll be our top scorer this season.

[lyonhibs]

Been thinking about our attacking options, particularly now that we have a a manger who has a reputation as loving attacking football and I really dont think we have had such depth of talent and goals in our forward line for a long time.

To be honest I think our forward line could be the most exciting we have had for many, many years and I suspect it's one of the key reasons that Monty agreed to come.

Youan is already our top player for goals and assists and yet is still very frustrating, from a coaches point of view that means he still has a lot to learn and can be massively improved. Can you imagine how devastating he would be if he consistently made better choices of when to try another trick and when to pass ! Huge potential and already scoring and assisting regularly and he has the one thing you can't teach..pace. Should be aiming for 15 goals

Boyler should be coming into his prime this season as he comes back from injury but still has his lightening pace. For a wide player he scores a lot of goals as well as assisting and again due to his pace will give ANY defender in ther world a problem, let alone the Scottish top flight. Should be aiming for 15 goals

ALF has already shown us that he has brilliant football intelligence and knows how to finish, he is a class act. Might be better utilised as a sub, but what a weapon to bring off the bench once defenders are knackered from dealing with two speed merchants for 70 mins. I can honestly see ALF getting 20 goals a season if he gets the game time.

Vente we are still to see the best of Dylan, and yet he has been far from dissapointing so far. Obviously knows how to finish and has a tremendous work ethic. Might well start more matches than ALF and will do a lot of leg work, tiring defences out but his quality will show and he is another 15 goals a season striker on our books.

Doidge It's brilliant to see Christian back to near his best form, there is no one that looks more joyful when he scores and it's obvious his teammates love him. Could so easily have left the club, when he was loaned to Killi, I didn't think we'd see him return, but I'm very glad he did. Doidgey will get 10 goals and probably save us from conceding at least 5 due to his ability to defend corners. 10 goals a season


None of the above in isolation look that unbeleivable and of course it relies on them all keeping fit and getting game time..but that would be 75 goals from our front 5... that would mean a new Famous Five :greengrin

I don't think ALF's own mother thinks he'll score 20 goals this season, but I agree with the sentiment.

Loads of options/combos on the pitch and on the bench up top. Shame the same can't be said for full back and centre mid

[CowgateHarp1875]

It's a brilliant forward line but I don't know about the generation bit.

2017/18 season we were breathtaking to watch. That whole era from 2014 til Lennon had a meltdown (last 14) we were class.

There's certainly reasons to be very optimistic. If youan can screw the head and stop trying to beat world he could do some amount of damage for us.

[JohnM1875]

It's a brilliant forward line but I don't know about the generation bit.

2017/18 season we were breathtaking to watch. That whole era from 2014 til Lennon had a meltdown (last 14) we were class.

There's certainly reasons to be very optimistic. If youan can screw the head and stop trying to beat world he could do some amount of damage for us.

The only (forward) player better in the 17/18 season was an on fire Kamberi in my opinion. Probably both forwards actually, Flo and MacLaren.

Boyle much better now and think Youan is better than Barker, certainly when it comes to goals and assists!

We're still not sure what Vente will offer either. Hope he turns out better than both Kamberi and MacLaren 🤞🏻

[CowgateHarp1875]

The only (forward) player better in the 17/18 season was an on fire Kamberi in my opinion. Probably both forwards actually, Flo and MacLaren.

Boyle much better now and think Youan is better than Barker, certainly when it comes to goals and assists!

We're still not sure what Vente will offer either. Hope he turns out better than both Kamberi and MacLaren 🤞🏻


Barker was unplayable at times, Murray started off great, kamberi and maclaren were brilliant bits of business by lennon but our biggest threat was our midfield that season, especially in the second half of the season.

Youan is some talent but he blows hot and cold and his decision making is mental at times but there's so much potential there. I loved barker when he was fit could beat a man for fun and had decent end product was gutted we never signed him permanently.

Aye hopefully he does mate he's definitely got something about him 👍

[A Hi-Bee]

Edwards
O'Rourke
Gordon
Cropley
Duncan
:greengrin:greengrin:greengrin:greengrin:greengrin :greengrin:greengrin

[Since452]

Been thinking about our attacking options, particularly now that we have a a manger who has a reputation as loving attacking football and I really dont think we have had such depth of talent and goals in our forward line for a long time.

To be honest I think our forward line could be the most exciting we have had for many, many years and I suspect it's one of the key reasons that Monty agreed to come.

Youan is already our top player for goals and assists and yet is still very frustrating, from a coaches point of view that means he still has a lot to learn and can be massively improved. Can you imagine how devastating he would be if he consistently made better choices of when to try another trick and when to pass ! Huge potential and already scoring and assisting regularly and he has the one thing you can't teach..pace. Should be aiming for 15 goals

Boyler should be coming into his prime this season as he comes back from injury but still has his lightening pace. For a wide player he scores a lot of goals as well as assisting and again due to his pace will give ANY defender in ther world a problem, let alone the Scottish top flight. Should be aiming for 15 goals

ALF has already shown us that he has brilliant football intelligence and knows how to finish, he is a class act. Might be better utilised as a sub, but what a weapon to bring off the bench once defenders are knackered from dealing with two speed merchants for 70 mins. I can honestly see ALF getting 20 goals a season if he gets the game time.

Vente we are still to see the best of Dylan, and yet he has been far from dissapointing so far. Obviously knows how to finish and has a tremendous work ethic. Might well start more matches than ALF and will do a lot of leg work, tiring defences out but his quality will show and he is another 15 goals a season striker on our books.

Doidge It's brilliant to see Christian back to near his best form, there is no one that looks more joyful when he scores and it's obvious his teammates love him. Could so easily have left the club, when he was loaned to Killi, I didn't think we'd see him return, but I'm very glad he did. Doidgey will get 10 goals and probably save us from conceding at least 5 due to his ability to defend corners. 10 goals a season


None of the above in isolation look that unbeleivable and of course it relies on them all keeping fit and getting game time..but that would be 75 goals from our front 5... that would mean a new Famous Five :greengrin

Wonder how much those five players have cost in transfer fees? 2.5 million maybe? Definitely the most expensive forward line! And that's with ALF being on a free!

[CJHibby]

We need to stop allowing an easy cross from out wide, especially the left hand side. The central defenders don't have a chance with a lot of the balls coming in.

[Viva_Palmeiras]

Wonder how much those five players have cost in transfer fees? 2.5 million maybe? Definitely the most expensive forward line! And that's with ALF being on a free!

I appreciate it’s an internet forum so slim chance but… as alluded do on Radio Sportsound in the discussion between Willie Miller and a pundit with regards to transparency on transfer fees paid for players (apparently Dons are stating “undisclosed fees” for the newbies - the speculation of the pundits was around £2m /per player/ !!! but didn’t want to put undue pressure on the signings.

So… as genuine supporters (it is the tinternet after all) let’s not fall into the trap of giving our players a hard time if we’re not comparing like with like… could we well be comparing ourselves against the likes of Aberdeen (basket case 1.3?)

[Since452]

I appreciate it’s an internet forum so slim chance but… as alluded do on Radio Sportsound in the discussion between Willie Miller and a pundit with regards to transparency on transfer fees paid for players (apparently Dons are stating “undisclosed fees” for the newbies - the speculation of the pundits was around £2m /per player/ !!! but didn’t want to put undue pressure on the signings.

So… as genuine supporters (it is the tinternet after all) let’s not fall into the trap of giving our players a hard time if we’re not comparing like with like… could we well be comparing ourselves against the likes of Aberdeen (basket case 1.3?)

Wow! If they've spent £2m per player they're having an absolute nightmare! They look a poor side. Hopefully that's true.