What happened against Ayr was nothing short of a disgrace. We should have been able to see them off at home - if not comfortable, then at least with a professional and competent job. However, with that defeat coming on the back of Saturday's defeat to Hibs, we are in danger of wasting our decent start to the league season.
Last year we went through September without registering a single point, which pretty much ruined any chance of us doing anything constructive in Danny Lennon's first season in charge. Now we're on the verge of going through October with just a point to show for our efforts. Admittedly that is a rather simplistic view - we have had one game less than normal due to the internationals, have had just one home league game and have had to go to one of the Old Firm (which, ironically, is where our sole point this month has come from). However, if we are serious about making the top six we really have to win tomorrow.
It's not just because of our poor October that three points are a necessity. St Johnstone, like ourselves, are looking to punch above our weight to make the top six. Whether you're battling at the top or the bottom of the table (or fighting to make the top half in the crazy world of Scottish football), it is absolutely vital that you beat the teams round about you in the table. There's also the fact that a game at a place like McDiarmid Park is a must if we're planning to make the top six - and St Johnstone will have the same view about a home game against St Mirren.
This is the third time in the space of two months that we have played St Johnstone thanks to the League Cup and the stupidity of the SPL's fixture computer. On the plus side, we have yet to be beaten or concede a goal to them and in the cup we finally ended a six year wait for a win over them. We should take confidence from that and the fact Derek McInnes is no longer Saintees boss and go looking to win this one. Our side has goals, as we proved against Hibs, the problem is keeping them out at the other end.
There quite simply have to be changes after what happened on Tuesday. For starters, we have to be more direct. I'm all for the passing game, but trying to make our way through teams with 15 passes just won't work. We scored against Rangers in a move involving just four passes, so lets give that a bash. Secondly, let's ditch the 4-3-3 and go with a 4-4-2 with Steven Thompson being offered proper support up front. The big striker spends half his time drifting away from the box to get the ball - ironic considering the amount of midfielders and wide players we have on the park.
There also needs to be a shake-up in personnel. Graham Carey needs an extended run in the side while players like Gary Teale and Steven Thomson should perhaps be sent to the bench for a wee while. It would also be good to see the likes of Jon McShane and Joe McKee - the latter closing in on passing Rory Loy as the most pointless loan signing ever - giving a bash, while we could do with the pace of Nigel Hasselbaink from the start even if he's out of form. Aaron Mooy would offer something different but is still injured, as are Hugh Murray and Darren McGregor.
As mentioned earlier, St Johnstone no longer have Derek McInnes in charge after he took the Bristol City job last week. The only surprise is that it took him so long to land a move down south as he has done a terrific job with the Saintees, taking them from the first division to an established SPL side without being involved in any relegation battles along the way. Who replaces him is the big question, and it looks like being a more experienced manager than McInnes, who was a rookie when he took over. Sligo Rovers boss Paul Cook seems to be the leading candidate, but at the moment coach Alec Cleland and player Jody Morris are minding the shop.
Sadly, Morris' increased duties haven't forced him to stay in the dugout until a new manager is appointed. He's been a key player for St Johnstone over the past few years and the younger players in the squad can only benefit from his experience. He runs the show in midfield and could arguably still do a job at a bigger club. McInnes was one of the main reasons for his move to Perth and it'll be interesting to see how much longer he hangs around now that his old mate has gone.
I had a good chuckle earlier this season when St Johnstone decided the answer to their goalscoring problems was Sean Higgins and Carl Finnigan. Neither man was likely to strike fear into the hearts of SPL defenders. Then they signed Francisco Sandaza and Cillian Sheridan and the laughter stopped. The pair have gelled unbelievably well and have banged in 12 goals between them this season. Sheridan - who has a dodgy tache on his face and another tattooed on his finger - is now delivering on the promise he showed in early versions of Football Manager but his loan spell from CSKA Sofia is due to expire in January. Sandaza - who is showing his real talent now that he's fully fit - is signed up until the end of the season and whoever fills the McDiarmid Park hotseat will be hoping to hang onto him for as long as possible.
The same goes for talented midfielder Murray Davidson. Despite not replicating the goalscoring form he displayed after arriving in the SPL from Livingston two years ago, he attracted interest from Rangers in the summer. However, as they were offering not very much (not surprising considering what's going on at Ibrox these days), he stayed in Perth. He seems to be doing better this season, with Liam Craig also enjoying a bit of an upturn in form. However, the goals have surprisingly been coming from defender Dave MacKay - who scored a winner at Parkhead and also found the net in their win over Inverness Caley Thistle. He seems to like getting forward, even when he isn't scoring, while on the other side of defence the Saintees can rely on experienced fullback Callum Davidson, now in his second spell at the club.
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