mhk

Billy Stark steps down as U21s coach...

May be a very frustrating game to watch, as I'd assume that Stjarnan will sit in and 'defend' their two away goals. However I'd like to think we have enough quality to force a goal over the 90 minutes, however it may well be sclaffed shot/bundle over the line from a corner or freekick. Not overly confident, but reckon the squad will be right up for it now and get the job done. COYW

On honeymoon, at the beach all day, back up to the apartment to get ready for dinner, check the the score. Belter. Sounds like the boys well and truly ground it out, but that's a decent metaphor for the majority of the season. Hard fought and hard won. Bravo Stuart McCall and his team. I'll have a drink or two to them this evening!

Personally I'll reserve my judgement of MOTY until the final places are set in stone. Any other given season and McCall would be lauded across the board for the clubs current position, but I think he's unfortunate in that last year his team were magnificent, whereas this year (in more of the games) he's grinded it out a bit; which is really just a testament to his rebuilding job. But I don't think the contrast does him as a manager any favours wtr to winning awards. This, coupled with the hard on the press seem to have for Aberdeen at the minute might mean he misses out. For me though, there is no other manager in the SPFL (and none feasibly beyond it) that I would rather have as manager of Motherwell. He's far from perfect, but he's as near as we're likely to get. New contract please!

2 decent goals in a fairly dull midweek game, but a great 3 points psychologically, lets Aberdeen know we're still in the running for second. I've always admired Sutton's scoring capabilities and was happy when he re-signed, but to me he seems an even better player in this spell, just seems fitter and sharper. Not sure he'll get to Higdon's tally, but then he hasn't had the same team to play with as Higdon did. That's about 9 goals from Ainsworth in a pretty start stop campaign for him, pretty impressive. Great to see Hammell back and making an impact.

With regards to tying them down, I notice Carswell is signed up until next summer. I would imagine he's earned another extension, 60 appearances (mostly impressive) at 20 years old, in the heart of midfield is pretty impressive. Maybe thinking longer term (I know ludicrous), stepping into Lasley's boots? I thinks he's a great player, and a bit more of an athlete than Keith too (stature wise).

I see they have arrested 14 teenagers for the damage during the Celtic game... all from the Motherwell area.

I hate listening to radio commentary, constantly nervy. Sounds like an open game, however also sounds like we should have scored one or two.

I really can't see any reasonable objection to having the same rules as in England, if Millwall fans can be trusted to have a drink in the stadium why can Scottish match goers. Great additional revenue stream and added value to the match day experience (for some). Even if the pints were slightly overpriced I could still see myself buying one to nurse pre-match and during half time. I think the big stickler for this could be that the powers that be and the lawmakers (and half the country for that matter) see Scottish football as Celtic v Rangers (even still), and drinking at these matches may be a big put off for them. However, if they were intelligent about the rule making, licenses for certain fixtures could be revoked due to disorder etc. What's really needed is a sensible and well thought-out review (which hopefully it will be), the result of which should in my view recommend the same set up as in English matches. As with regards to facilities at fir park, with the promise of a considerable hike in match day revenues I'm sure the club would quickly find a solution. Might be bad for business for Chapmans mind you, do they do kebabs?

Yeah, got to take it with a pinch of salt, they might not show the other 75% of his big diagonals that end up in row Z; but I guess that's why you get these guys in for a better look.. But does look capable of making progressive forward thinking passes, which we seem to lack slightly at the minute. Additionally, his video is much better and longer than Casagolda's, which was mostly him taking a first touch and trapping the ball.

If it's this Sam Sheridan, he looks a decent player (good range of passing), but seems to play mostly at centre mid so perhaps a Nicky Law replacement (i.e. attack minded mid) as opposed to a winger:

I would love to have a look at the Atlas at UEFA HQ. Can only echo most of the sentiments on here. Certainly no fan of Celtic but making them play 3 ties and travel to the arse end of nowhere when they are the champions of a league and they made such an impact in the CL last year is ridiculous. But to then shoe horn in in the 2rd and 3th placed teams from the 'big leagues' for being champions of absolutely hee-haw is a kick in the stones for any real champions from the 'smaller' footballing nations. UEFA Corrupt and greedy certainly, however I think the sheen of the CL tournament is starting to fade and the general arm chair neutrals are losing interest. Same shite different year etc. Honestly think it would be more engaging, as some have suggested, to actually make it a champions league. Don't see it happening though.

Really disappointing approach to leave key players behind. I know the odds are stacked against us, but as others have said, it shows a real lack of ambition/belief and is a bit of a kick in the nuts for those that have travelled over; including the players, who some of which might not believe a tie is lost at 2-0 down. I find it a bit strange (ironic?) that two games into a season 3 points in the league are so vital, so much so that we send a weakened team out in European games, when the best we can ultimately hope for from the league is to qualify for Europe. Honestly would have preferred to go out scrapping (and who knows maybe scoring a goal/winning the game even if not the tie) than to marginally increase our chances of 3 points against Aberdeen. But I suppose you never know, I may have preferred to start Anier over Sutton anyway (pace on the break and all that), might be a blessing in disguise. Fingers crossed and I'm sure the fans over there will be having a blast anyway

The McFadden situation is interesting. He'll likely get offered better terms elsewhere. He has always (apparently) stated he'd want to return to Motherwell, which he has done. He returned to play a part in one of the clubs most successful seasons ever, so other than coming back to help the team push for silverware next year, perhaps he may see his involvement in last seasons success as a perfect way to 'sign off' on his Motherwell legacy? He may be tempted to go elsewhere to cash in on his last few playing years; which few would begrudge him I imagine. Although (strangely) I think if he wants back in the international set-up, Motherwell (celtic-aside) may be the best place to showcase his form, unless he gets an EPL deal and, crucially, game time.

Happy with Nielsen signing, from the youtube video it's clear that he has at least the raw talent required to be a decent SPL keeper, could come on leaps and bounds with game time or at the very least keep Hollis on his toes!