January transfer window: Scottish Premiership fans have their say

Esmael Goncalves walked into our lives on 22 January 2013.

Little did we know it at the time, but the nifty Portuguese striker arguably became the best signing of last season's January transfer window.

A goal on his debut to knock Celtic out of the League Cup at the semi-final stage, before firing another one in the 3-2 final win over Hearts in March.

Add to that six other goals and all-in-all you have a pretty tidy piece of business.

Alas, Goncalves walked straight back out of our lives five months later. But it does beg the question...can that sort of coup be pulled off again?

BBC Scotland asked supporters from 11 Scottish Premiership clubs about their hopes for this January transfer window.

(Note: Hearts are under a signing embargo due to entering administration)

Celtic supporter Paul Brennan

Who do you want the club to sign?

Striker - there is a desperate need for a regular goalscorer at SPFL level, not to mention in Europe.

Defensive midfielder - we lost our best midfielder in Victor Wanyama, but have only brought a future prospect in Nir Biton to replace him. As a consequence, Charlie Mulgrew is being shuffled there or, in his absence, Joe Ledley or Beram Kayal. Big gap still to fill.

Creative midfielder - Kris Commons is carrying a huge creative responsibility. If he's off form, injured or marked out of a game, we'll struggle.

Any player(s) you'd be happy to wave goodbye to?

It looks like Teemu Pukki and Derk Boerrigter are in the wrong movie. Our two biggest summer signings and neither is commanding a reliable starting place.

Summer signing(s) who have still to prove themselves?

This is Celtic's problem. Apart from the outstanding Virgil van Dijk, all summer signings have yet to prove themselves. Teemu Pukki, Derk Boerrigter, Amido Balde and Nir Biton are peripheral to team performances. Van Dijk was a straight swap for Kelvin Wilson. Apart from that we are the same team as last season without Gary Hooper and Wanyama.

Which player(s) must you absolutely keep during the window?

Fraser Forster has proven that a lower league English player can come to Celtic and become an England international. Convincing players to come to Scotland is a challenge for Celtic, so this is an important part of the story that Neil Lennon will tell prospective signings. Forster will go to the World Cup and has an outside chance of playing if Joe Hart's form falters again.

Is there a player(s) who has pleasantly surprised you this year?

Scott Brown. I've been a long-term critic but this is his best season for Celtic by a distance, the Neymar incident aside.

If money was no object, who would you love to see at your club?

We might need to wait a couple of years before PSG are ready to cut Zlatan Ibrahimovic loose, but I'd be happy to give him his wish to play for Celtic. It would bring some badly needed box office to Scottish football, too.

Favourite signing of all time for your club?

We can debate who the greatest ever Celtic player was but there's no debate that Henrik Larsson was our greatest ever signing. After watching him at the Stiliyan Petrov charity game in September, I'd still take him.

Teemu Pukki and Derk Boerrigter are "in the wrong movie at Celtic", says Hoops supporter Paul Brennan

Motherwell supporter Keith Crane.

Who do you want the club to sign?

An experienced goalkeeper and another pacy winger. Since losing Darren Randolph and Chris Humphrey we've really noticed the hole they have left and those are now our weakest areas.

Any player(s) you'd be happy to wave goodbye to?

Not really - we can't afford to get rid of anyone as our squad is so small and each one of them, when playing well, deserves their place in the team.

Summer signing(s) who have still to prove themselves?

James McFadden - we all know he can do it but we just need a bit more fitness from him! All of our other signings have done well for us so far - especially Henri Anier, Stephen McManus and Lionel Ainsworth.

Which player(s) must you absolutely keep during the window?

Henry Anier - he's been great for us and I really hope we can extend the loan from Viking Stavanger. It's equally as important to keep Lionel Ainsworth.

Is there a player(s) who has pleasantly surprised you this year?

Maybe Henri Anier as we weren't sure what to expect on a recommendation from Henrik Ojamaa!

If money was no object, who would you love to see at your club?

I would like Niall McGinn or Charlie Mulgrew, who is a versatile player and good with set-pieces. I think as a team we have been incredibly lucky the last couple of seasons with our players and I think we can thank Stuart McCall and his scouts for unearthing some gems.

Favourite signing of all time for your club?

Davie Cooper - what a coup! A fantastic player, a sheer joy to watch and unfortunately taken from us too soon.

Motherwell supporter Keith Crane has no doubt that Davie Cooper was the club's best ever signing

Aberdeen supporter Paul Archibald.

Who do you want the club to sign?

Full-backs, as we've not had proper full-backs in years. Gary Naysmith was our only recent signing to fill that position and he spent more time injured than available. The team continually suffers from not having naturals in this position; a position that should shoulder both defensive and attacking responsibilities, but usually we are lucky if the player in that position that could fill one of those responsibilities to a suitable standard.

Any player(s) you'd be happy to wave goodbye to?

Jamie Langfield has been here now for nine years, and has very rarely had consistent performance levels. He has a good save in him, but struggles a lot of the time with communication with defenders, control of his penalty box and distribution. His nickname of 'Clangers' says it all.

Summer signing(s) who have still to prove themselves?

Calvin Zola hasn't scored enough goals and hasn't been a good enough foil for other players to play off. In our formation he needs to do one or the other. He has shown glimpses, but not enough.

Gregg Wylde barely features and rarely comes off the bench. Even when a game is calling out for pace on a wing, he isn't getting on.

Barry Robson obviously has a level of ability beyond many of the players we have seen in an Aberdeen shirt in recent years. He doesn't have the legs to do as much as he once did, and it shows in his performance, which often tails off in game. He (along with the manager) has to find a role in the team that gets the best out of him but doesn't expose his weaknesses.

Which player(s) must you absolutely keep during the window?

Niall McGinn has to be retained, at least for this year, as he is the player most likely to pop up with a bit of magic and grab a goal in our team. It is imperative for the Premiership season that he is retained as he would be irreplaceable in the January transfer window, especially since very little, if any, of the transfer fee would be available for reinvestment.

Is there a player(s) who has pleasantly surprised you this year?

I had Mark Reynolds written off as being a defender who largely depended on his pace, but he has been consistent this year, playing very well in all areas of his game and being versatile with the lack of a natural left-back in the team. If we could get a left-back in, alongside Clark Robertson, Andy Considine and Reynolds would be a solid centre-back pairing for the next few years.

If money was no object, who would you love to see at your club?

Andrew Robertson at Dundee United. There is talk of seven-figure fees for him already, and he is a left-back who possesses excellent ability, both from an attacking and defensive perspective - the kind of player that Aberdeen have been crying out for at least 10-15 years now.

Favourite signing of all time for your club?

Eoin Jess re-signing. A great player in his first spell at the club, and was over the moon to see him re-sign.

Aberdeen supporter Paul Archibald has fond memories of Eoin Jess's goals (No.8), who had two spells at Pittodrie

Inverness Caledonian Thistle supporter Colin Craig.

Who do you want the club to sign?

We have become too reliant on Billy McKay and could do with another striker, or an attacking midfielder like Dean Shiels who can bang in some goals.

Any player(s) you'd be happy to wave goodbye to?

Loanee Toby Agdestein has not impressed. He has not had that many chances, but never shows much grit and determination. Very easily dispossessed.

Summer signing(s) who have still to prove themselves?

Both Ben Greenhalgh and Danny Williams have not imposed themselves in the team. Greenhalgh showed some encouraging touches early on and Williams has come in following Richie Foran's injury, but just does not do enough for me. We need more dig in midfield right now.

Which player(s) must you absolutely keep during the window?

Simple. Billy McKay is our only genuine goal threat at the moment and we will really struggle to regain any momentum without him. We still have a real whiff of cup glory to help John Hughes build his era at the club. Our top striker has to stay to give us our best chance.

Is there a player(s) who has pleasantly surprised you this year?

Goalkeeper Dean Brill came to the club with a CV which gave little cause for optimism, but he has been excellent for us. Very few crazy moments and does a real shift in supporting our back four and giving them confidence.

If money was no object, who would you love to see at your club?

It would be great to see some more classy attacking midfield flair opening up defences to allow Billy McKay to keep scoring. Ryan Gauld could do a job for us.

Favourite signing of all time for your club?

Our defeat before Christmas at the hands of Aberdeen reminded us of the class of Barry Robson. He brought genuine flair and excitement to the club.

For Inverness supporter Colin Craig, this transfer window is all about trying to keep striker Billy McKay

Dundee United supporter David Lowe.

Who do you want the club to sign?

A central defender, as this at present is our weakest position on the park.

Any player(s) you'd be happy to wave goodbye to?

Probably some of the fringe players but only if it was going to free up cash to strengthen our weaker areas.

Summer signing(s) who have still to prove themselves?

Chris Erskine and Brian Graham. However, this is down to how well the rest of the team has been playing, which has limited their opportunities. I'm sure their time will come.

Which player(s) must you absolutely keep during the window?

This is an extremely hard question and I don't think I can single anyone out, so I will have to say all the young lads. They will definitely reap the benefits of first-team football here at Tannadice.

Is there a player(s) who has pleasantly surprised you this year?

Andrew Robertson - he has been sensational since signing from Queen's Park.

If money was no object, who would you love to see at your club?

Vincent Kompany - this would make us completely solid at the back.

Favourite signing of all time for your club?

Initially I would have gone for either David Narey or Paul Sturrock. However, since both signed from school I don't think these count. Therefore, I will have to go for Paul Hegarty who we signed from Hamilton Academical. This man, along with David Narey, formed one of the strongest defensive partnerships that Scotland has ever seen.

United fan David Lowe says Paul Hegarty formed one of the strongest defensive partnerships in Scotland

Hibernian supporter Craig Chalmers.

Who do you want the club to sign?

I'd love to see Hibs sign a pacy winger. Terry Butcher has us looking solid at the back but we could do with a little more creativity.

Any player(s) you'd be happy to wave goodbye to?

Rowan Vine, and his beard. He's really failed to impress so far after a good season at St Johnstone.

Summer signing(s) who have still to prove themselves?

I think James Collins has still a lot more to give. We paid decent money for him and hopefully the more attacking style Terry Butcher has implemented will help him. He certainly works very hard, but it would be great to see him score some more goals.

Which player(s) must you absolutely keep during the window?

It's important we hold on to Ben Williams during the window - he's out of contract in the summer. Goalkeeper has been a problem position at Easter Road for years and Ben has been solid since joining last season.

Is there a player(s) who has pleasantly surprised you this year?

Paul Hanlon has been excellent this season. He is now looking like fulfilling his promise and must be pushing for a Scotland call-up. I think Terry Butcher has given him some confidence again. Scott Robertson looks like the player we remember for Dundee United after a poor spell last season. He has put in some great performances and showing himself to be a box-to-box midfielder.

If money was no object, who would you love to see at your club?

I think every Hibs fan would love to see Leigh Griffiths back. He was a huge player for us and scored some fantastic goals. Hopefully we'll see him back in the future!

Favourite signing of all time for your club?

Franck Sauzee, although Russell Latapy was a close second. They were part of a really exciting side and great to watch. Franck was a true captain and a Hibs legend.

Hibs supporter Craig Chalmers won't stand in the way of Rowan Vine, or his beard, if he leaves Easter Road

St Johnstone supporter Jamie Beatson.

Who do you want the club to sign?

We probably need to strengthen up front. Steven MacLean has been out injured for a while now and Rory Fallon absolutely blew his chance of getting into the team with his crazy red card against Aberdeen in December. If Stevie May gets injured or loses form we don't have a back-up right now.

Any player(s) you'd be happy to wave goodbye to?

Rory Fallon can go - he's offered nothing and threw away any chance of us getting something against Aberdeen. Aside from that we're running a pretty tight squad just now. We have some versatile players who can cover many positions but not much in the way of dead weight.

Summer signing(s) who have still to prove themselves?

We made very few summer signings and for the most part they've worked out well. Brian Easton has settled in nicely, as has David Wotherspoon - with most of our other summer acquisitions being at under-20 level. The only one with a bit of a question mark until recently was Gwion Edwards - but his form in December has been outstanding and I hope he now stays until the end of the season.

Which player(s) must you absolutely keep during the window?

It goes without saying, but we really need to keep Stevie May until the summer. He'll have his suitors, but I hope he can see out the season in Perth before earning us a big fee in the summer. He's a talent - and there's no reason he can't get well over 20 goals this season - maybe even pushing 30 if his form keeps up.

Is there a player(s) who has pleasantly surprised you this year?

I may sound like I'm repeating myself - but it has to be that man Stevie May again. He was obviously exceptional at the lower levels - but now he looks like he could break his own goalscoring records in the top flight. That's exceptional, and he's got the kind of quality we've not had in a long time.

If money was no object, who would you love to see at your club?

It kind of depends what level we're aiming at here - obviously I'd love Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in a Saints shirt. Or even a guy like Darren Fletcher anchoring our midfield, he's a big hero of mine for his performances for club and country! At SPFL level it would be great to have the quality of a Kris Commons in our team - he's shown this season just how good he is.

Favourite signing of all time for your club?

One of the best goalkeepers never to be capped for Scotland - Alan Main. Signed from Dundee United in 1995 he was here for eight years in his first spell, then returned for a further period from 2007 to 2010. He played in some great Saints teams - promotion in 1997, third place in the SPL in 1999. His save in the European clinching game against Dundee - turning a net-bound header over the bar with some incredible reflexes still ranks as the best I've seen and will never be forgotten.

St Johnstone fan Jamie Beatson reckons Alan Main was one of the best 'keepers not to win a Scotland cap

Kilmarnock supporter Barry Richmond.

Who do you want the club to sign?

We could seriously do with some new full-backs, it seems to be the weakest area of our team and losing goals means losing games. A commanding centre-half would not go amiss, either.

Any player(s) you'd be happy to wave goodbye to?

I would be quite happy for all the players signed on short-term contracts and on loan deals to leave. I think their introduction has been detrimental to our progress.

Summer signing(s) who have still to prove themselves?

The majority of them; Michael Gardyne and Sean Clohessy have been decent at times, but not consistently enough.

Which player(s) must you absolutely keep during the window?

Kris Boyd - without his prowess in front of goal, we would still be down there scrapping with Hearts, despite their points deduction.

Is there a player(s) who has pleasantly surprised you this year?

I have to say I have been surprised by Kris Boyd. First of all, at signing for us again and, secondly, because of his hunger and passion for the game which seems to have returned. He could have walked into virtually any SPFL team courtesy of his record and reputation, but he returned home and his work ethic is second to none.

If money was no object, who would you love to see at your club?

Alexei Eremenko; Steven Naismith, Liam Kelly, Craig Bryson…I'd love to see any one of them back. If we are talking about players from other SPFL teams, then Billy McKay or Ryan Gauld spring to mind. But in truth I'd rather see the money invested in bringing through our own players.

Favourite signing of all time for your club?

I would have to say Tommy Burns. There have probably been players (like Alexei Eremenko) who have been technically more proficient, but Tommy was instrumental in bringing us out of a dark era and was the real deal.

Fan Barry Richmond says Killie have Kris Boyd to thank for saving them from a relegation scrap with Hearts

St Mirren supporter Dave MacDonald.

Who do you want the club to sign?

Our main problem we have is an over-reliance on Steven Thompson up front. We have already secured Adam Campbell on loan from Newcastle for the rest of the season, who is seemingly very quick and skilful, but we will undoubtedly struggle if Thommo gets injured. If we can't keep Marian Kello and Conor Newton, then they would also be big shoes to fill.

Any player(s) you'd be happy to wave goodbye to?

Most of the summer recruits haven't worked out, which is really why we had such an abysmal start to the season. David Cornell is a cert to return to Swansea, Kealan Dillon has already gone, as has Stephane Bohaken and it looks like Jake Caprice might be off too. I've been really disappointed in both Danny Grainger and Gary Harkins too, neither of whom look like they are willing to work hard to regain their starting places.

Summer signing(s) that have still to prove themselves?

As above, I think Gary Harkins and Danny Grainger have been the major disappointments. Harkins has unquestioned ability but can't be accommodated in central midfield as he isn't anywhere near as good as Paul McGowan. Grainger came with high expectations but never really got going and, frankly, young Sean Kelly who has replaced him has been a revelation.

Which player(s) must you absolutely keep during the window?

John McGinn, Kenny McLean and Paul McGowan are all central to our forward play and it would be great to keep Conor Newton for the rest of the season too.

Is there a player(s) who has pleasantly surprised you this year?

I think both young full-backs - Jason Naismith and Sean Kelly - pretty much saved Danny Lennon's bacon this season. Both came into the team at roughly the same time and the energy and positivity in their play has been a joy to behold. Naismith is incredibly strong whilst Kelly has a keen eye for goal. Both have been absolutely superb and it was great to see the club reward them both with new contract extensions.

If money was no object, who would you love to see at your club?

Although Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably now the best in the world, I think Luis Suarez would provide a better foil for Steven Thompson. He'd certainly give us that extra bite up front.

Favourite signing of all time for your club?

Although we have been fortunate to have some truly exceptional players at the club over the years, it's hard to look past Steven Thompson as being one of the great coups for St Mirren. As a boyhood fan he bleeds black and white, and his goalscoring ratio for a club our size is phenomenal. His cathartic moment in the League Cup final of 2013 cemented his place as a bona fide club legend.

Luis Suarez would be the perfect foil for Steven Thompson, says St Mirren supporter Dave MacDonald

Partick Thistle supporter Gordon McKie.

Who do you want the club to sign?

It's difficult to answer any questions about Thistle when we haven't won since October. At the moment there are problems all over the place. We've just signed Lyle Taylor on loan, which I'm very happy about. We now need to see about getting a strong centre-back and a creative midfielder. Perhaps it's time to bring Chris Erskine home from his extended pre-season at Dundee United.

Any player(s) you'd be happy to wave goodbye to?

John Baird, Mark Kerr and Henoc Mukendi to start with. They've been useless signings as far as I can tell. I wouldn't say I'd be 'happy' to let any of last season's squad go. They're young and hopefully can still develop, but I'm worried about Stuart Bannigan, Sean Welsh, Conrad Balatoni and Aaron Muirhead at this level.

Summer signing(s) who have still to prove themselves?

John Baird, Mark Kerr and Henoc Mukedi - but to be brutally honest I don't think they'll be able to prove themselves. I've run out of patience, particularly with Baird. Mukendi was never given a chance, so if he's worse than Baird then that's saying something!

Which player(s) must you absolutely keep during the window?

The only player who looks likely to leave is Aaron Taylor-Sinclair. It's disappointing, but I'm not going to cry about it. I just hope we get good money for him.

Is there a player(s) who has pleasantly surprised you this year?

I've been impressed with how James Craigen and Christie Elliot have done. They were barely involved this time last year- in fact Craigen was on loan at Forfar - but now they're starting in the Premiership and doing quite well. I'm also surprised at how Gabriel Piccolo has improved. He won a well deserved man of the match on Boxing Day.

If money was no object, who would you love to see at your club?

It's hardly glamorous, and I really hate to say it, but if we had a player like Kris Boyd then we'd be much higher up the league than we are now. I can immediately count seven or eight games when all we've lacked is a clinical finisher.

Favourite signing of all time for your club?

I remember when we signed Chic Charnley for the second time and I was pretty excited. He wasn't exactly his vintage best, though. So with that being considered, I'd have to say Kris Doolan. To come from Auchinleck Talbot all the way to the Premiership is brilliant. The only player who can miss an open goal and still have his name chanted straight away. Says a lot.

Kris Doolan's journey from junior football to the top flight makes him Gordon McKie's favourite Thistle signing

Ross County supporter John Maxwell.

Who do you want the club to sign?

It is clear that Ross County have needed to strengthen the whole spine of their team. The club have conceded the most headed goals in the league, so a commanding centre-back must be a priority.

The centre of midfield needs to be addressed, because there is a lack of balance between graft and craft, which has hindered the team's ability to create chances. The recent win against Inverness Caledonian Thistle had Graham Carey beside Stuart Kettlewell, which turned out to be a fine balance and a step in the right direction, but I still expect this area to be further strengthened.

Elsewhere, County still haven't had a league goal from any of their number nine-type forwards. Melvin de Leeuw is the club's top scorer but cannot be relied upon to carry the sole attacking threat. Jordan Slew made his debut against ICT and made an immediate impact by holding the ball up and containing both centre-backs with strength and pace. Slew and de Leeuw together might make a promising partnership.

Any player(s) you'd be happy to wave goodbye to?

I wouldn't say that I would be happy about it, but to be mercenary I think the fringe of the squad needs to be looked at. Gary Glen hasn't shown enough to prove that he is a long-term prospect at the club. I think Steven Ross would benefit from a dozen starts on loan in the lower leagues. Branislav Micic hasn't been the defensive rock that we hoped he would be. Orhan Mustafi's loan move wasn't a success.

Summer signing(s) who have still to prove themselves?

The obvious choice would be the Dutch trio beyond Melvin de Leeuw. Marc Klok and Darren Maatsen have shown plenty promise but need another year at the club before they will begin to show their best. Kevin Luckassen has had a steep learning curve as the lone striker, but this is his first season as a senior player; he will prosper eventually.

Which player(s) must you absolutely keep during the window?

I do not suppose there will be much interest in the Ross County players at the moment, but if there were any offers then Melvin de Leeuw should be kept. His first touch under pressure is comfortably the team's best outlet for holding on to the ball high up the pitch.

Is there a player(s) who has pleasantly surprised you this year?

Graham Carey's proficiency at crossing and long-range shooting was already well known, but he has consistently showed masterful technique throughout the season and is arguably Ross County's strongest weapon. He is unfortunate to have only two league goals so far, having struck the woodwork on four separate occasions.

If money was no object, who would you love to see at your club?

The homecoming of Don Cowie from Cardiff City would solve most of the problems in midfield and would prove to be hugely popular among the support.

Favourite signing of all time for your club?

It would be easy to pick any of the team who gained promotion to the top flight. Among those is Paul Lawson, a deep-lying playmaker who seamlessly tied the defence through midfield, and whose ability to vary the tempo of the match with switches in play was one of Ross County's most attractive - and effective - features in recent years. His influence on matches is still missed.

Ross County supporter John Maxwell would love to see Cardiff City midfielder Don Cowie return to Dingwall