David

It doesn't happen often, but this is one of those occasions where I have to go with a null vote.

Was he not away on compassionate leave as well?

Is Carroll still unavailable tonight? Or is it league games he's suspended for?

I'm not sure a loan move would make much sense for us, as he's out of contract at the end of the season. I'll be surprised if he's not moved on in January for a small fee. Unless, of course, Gillespie attracts attention and he moves on. In that case Carson may even sign a new deal.

I think a little bit of perspective is needed here. It's worth remembering that there is less of a resource gulf between Celtic and Paris Saint-Germain than there is between Celtic and us. Let that sink in for a second. When Celtic are being absolutely handled to the tune of a 5-0 loss at home, and a 7-1 loss away to PSG our media (quite rightly) highlight the huge financial gulf between Celtic and clubs like PSG. Well, the gulf between Celtic and us is even greater. Fans asking why our players didn't measure up against their lot? The answer is right in front of you. There's levels to this game, and we're operating a shitload of levels below what Celtic are, it's as simple as that. Our season isn't defined by these games. If we're losing handily to the sides around us in the table, and our midfield look gash against them, then fair enough, there's room for discussion. It's early doors so far, the team is still bedding in. Our next five games see us play Hearts twice, Accies, Hibs and Ross County. After those games we'll have more to judge our new players on. Yesterday was a free hit, nothing more. Sad as that may sound, it's the truth. Sometimes we nick something from those games, which is amazing considering everything I've mentioned above. But the normal outcome will be a bit of a hammering. Same as it is for Celtic when they face a PSG or a Barcelona.

I suspect if he's willing to venture back over the wall to Scotland that there'll be a number of clubs interested who may catch his eye more than a return here.

I wasn't meaning you in particular, I was just speaking generally. It's a fan forum, there's going to be speculation, especially in the summer when there's nowt else happening.

It's easy to jump in a month after the discussion and claim the high ground, but back then we were all speculating as to who was coming in, who was a trialist, and who the trialists were. It's a discussion forum. Speculation is the very foundation upon which sites like this are built.

This is probably not the game I wanted as our home opener, especially after seeing how they dismantled St Johnstone at the weekend. I know it's seen as defeatist, but I honestly view games like these as bonus points to an extent. Anything we can take from Celtic will be welcomed, but I wouldn't be surprised if we're on the receiving end of a thumping on Saturday. I'd rather we went for it rather than trying to contain them, as that tactic rarely works.

Nice. Call me a glutton for punishment, but I'll end up sitting through the entire 90 minutes just to see how we got on

Has the Livi game been uploaded in its entirety on the paid service? Or is it just the highlights?

Anyone know what Tommy Coyne is up to these days? He undoubtedly has some knowledge to pass on.

I've seen a few people say they've had to go a size up.

At this stage the only facts we have are that he's got a contract with a MLS side, and that he's spoken on social media about looking forward to going out there to play his football. Maybe he's just lying, but at the moment I'll assume he's going out there.

No, what I'm saying is that it all depends on personal circumstance and the situation. If the player is in a position where what he wants to do can benefit the club, then great. I doubt Cadden is actively looking to fuck us over, but he's been handed the opportunity to play some football in England and then head over to the US where he probably hopes he can make a bit of a career for himself. Should he compromise that opportunity because the process the clubs involved are taking means Motherwell get less money? Absolutely not. As I mentioned, we had ample opportunity to move Cadden on to another club for a fee a while back, and we chose not to. And I'm not saying that loyalty is fine when you're a better player, I'm saying that someone like Turnbull or Tierney will have more choice. Was there a queue of clubs wanting to sign Cadden when his contract expired? I certainly didn't hear of many. His circumstances are obviously different. The home development club relationship obviously should mean something, but it comes a firm second to what benefits the player himself, and his family. That's only natural. It looks to me like Cadden was in a position where he could either take the route he's taken now, or he could refuse it and hope that something else comes along.