Re Mackie: I still haven't quite worked out the logic that a wide player who has lost his pace is suddenly a central striker. 15 goals in his last 131 games before he joined us made that unlikely for me and others (it was said at the time) - and it has proved to be the case. I am really not sure why Robinson signed him.
As for Holmes: I'm sorry, but we aren't some kind of benevolent convalescent home for other clubs ageing knackered players. Obviously a talent, but not in his current state. Even if we get him 'fit' (which is a relative term in this case!) how long does anyone expect him to last?
If (as I suspect) we end up going down, I would rather do so having developed our own players into first teamers so we can hit the ground running next season rather than have given a few testimonial games to other club's old players. And you can add Carruthers to the list unless the medicos say he can come back virtually immediately and makes a huge difference when he does so.