Are we finally going to start planning and setting the tone?

Are we finally going to start planning and setting the tone or just reacting and panicking as we have all season?

I didn’t drink yesterday. It was bad enough watching through raised fingers but nonetheless, the hangover of the Glasgow Derby match has brought with it a much-needed clarity.

Just to be clear, if any of us thought that this player or that player or John Kennedy was good enough after the Livingston game, reality and clarity has struck loudly and angrily.

Where to start with such a shambles? We won’t dissect which pundit was right, which viewpoint sums up things best, although Shaun Maloney’s brevity in saying plans should already be in place probably made the most sense. Looking at the whole squad, how do they shape with who stays and who goes, what’s needed for us now, what’s missing and what is realistic to expect?

We need the DoF in the door asap, right behind Dominic McKay. Ideally this week, if not by next week. If Eddie Howe follows as manager then great but even if he can’t move up until May, he can work behind the scenes for now. As Maloney said, plans should have been in place so we don’t have long to play catch-up.

The “team” could be split into who stays and who goes (and for differing reasons):

* Vasilis Barkas might have had a rum deal so far. New country, no support network, no fans, no other Greeks around. He was an investment so maybe a new manager might be able to get something more from him, especially tactically. Conor Hazard will hopefully continue to improve. We also can’t keep losing academy prospects like Angelini.

* Left Back – Greg Taylor could be the back-up but we need a combative new player here. Diego Laxalt is a busted flush, soon time for him to fly home and quarantine

* Right Back – We need this position sorted too. Tony Ralston? Not the answer.

* Defence – Kristoffer Ajer might still go, if not make him captain. Stephen Welsh, Christopher Julien. Then we have Hjelde. Connell is versatile. Hendry, would he be able to step up after his loan spell or is he gone already? Anyone else such as Duffy, not worth mentioning, not part of the future.

* Midfield – Keep Soro, Turnbull, McGregor, Forrest, Johnstone. Undecided on Elyanoussi. Need 2 wingers ideally. Henderson out on loan? N’tcham? N’ah. Good luck to Brown who overall has been a great player over the years. He must be hurting how this season has simpered over the line. But we need to focus on next season.

* Strikers – Afolabi? But seriously, this position is going to cost us money. If we sell Edouard and Griffiths, we need players here. Ajeti was bought for this purpose. Expensive if we sold him but risky if he’s rubbish. I’d argue that a new coach deserves to study his team so on that basis, he should be judged by the new guy and not by this season. Bayo? Not convinced. Dembele and Okoflex probably leaving? So we probably need 2 strikers.

All of the above points to two things – we need a big squad rebuild and we need to stop losing academy players to other teams as our up-and-coming youth options aren’t as plentiful as they were and it costs a lot more to buy someone than develop them.

You could argue if Ajer stayed and Julien is fit, that we have the bare bones of a defence with Welsh but if Ajer goes we need a new CB. Still badly need fullbacks and wingers. And strikers. That would take pressure from the midfield and maybe allow them to play with more composure and intent.

This is where our new manager and DoF (and maybe head of recruitment) will earn their salaries; building a scouting network again, building relationships with other teams, developing youth, improving overall fitness.

The professionalism that we all know the club needs and could easily manage is vital going forward. Fit, well coached, well supported players who understand their team role and a coach whose tactics allow us to play to our strengths and not have almost an air of hope and desperation. How many times in the past would we stride onto a pitch and immediately the opposition were nervous about a drubbing from us? How often does that happen now? Never.

We are all looking forward to supporting and encouraging our new CEO. We look forward to a new DoF and a manager (and whoever else in other positions) being announced soon. And we will let them know our support is given and available for the start of a new era. But in return, we need a stable team, youth retention and an upping in standards both on and off the pitch.

Paul McShane