Give me someone with a point to prove

This ‘Dundee United period’ of our history will be remembered for years, but despite Sunday’s Cup Final win, the fondness of the memory is yet to be established.  If we drop the ball tonight, the League Cup will look like little more than the consolation prize.

It’s been a while since we’ve had to play an important game without Stefan Johansen.  Add this to the fact that we are also without our two recent recruits from United and you have the makings of an experimental midfield.  Given a choice, I’d prefer to have a player with a point to prove than someone marking time.

Billy Beane has appointed official adviser at AZ Alkmaar. Former Oakland Atheltics’ (baseball team) general manager who was the inspiration for Michael Lewis book, Moneyball, will be cutting his teeth in Dutch football. Like the Oakland A’s, Alkmaar have to figure out a way to compete against teams with greater resources.

The lesson from Moneyball is seldom understood. It’s not about buying low and selling high, or imposing some-or-other financial prudence, it’s about measuring things which are really important in the game but not yet being measured.

Moneyball tactics from three years ago are not Moneyball tactics anymore, perpetual innovation is the lesson. Good luck to AZ.