dinnae-punt-it

Kettlewell’s poor in game management and weak options off the bench once the first 11 runs its race lost us that game.

Our width is provided by attacking full backs. When they get tired and stop getting up to support attacks, we lose momentum. SK should have freshened things up around the 60 minute mark to restore greater attacking intent. Instead he hummed and hawed and did nothing. He had the chance to go for the win and bottled it. There ain’t much difference between draws and defeats with 3 points for a win. Got to be braver. Also, it’s his fault we lack attacking options. He had all of January to sort that and just signed full backs.

Whilst it’s good not to lose, drawing too many games is a recipe that will having us staying near the bottom of the table. I was really frustrated with Kettlewell yesterday as I felt he should have rolled the dice with a few subs around the 60 minute mark. I felt one of the fullbacks should have been introduced then and Halliday was done, so Miller should have been on earlier. I also fail to see the point of introducing Nicholson on 89 minutes. He should have been on no later than 75 minutes. We need to be winning games at Fir Park. We’ve still only won once in the league in 20 league games, which simply isn’t good enough. Playing for draws just isn’t good enough. Nevertheless, the general level of performance is at least a lot better. We still need to work on ball retention and meaningful shots on goal though. We must also be a team who are the least effective at corner kicks. We could take them all day long and hardly lay a glove. Frustrated!

I’m a muppet. Has that always been the case? If so, I’ve completely missed that rule. I knew it applied to throw ins but had no idea about direct goal kicks.

I’m amazed that this wasn’t picked up by VAR or the BBC pundits, but it looks like Oli Shaw is a mile offside from the goal kick.

I felt like part of the problem on Saturday was not having natural width on the left. I was crying out for O’Donnell to be taken off so Spencer could move to the right, with Gent coming on. Playing a one footed right back at left back with no less than 3 left footed players on the bench capable of playing left back was daft in my opinion, even if we got away with in Spencer’s first couple of games. O’Donnell get caught out so often at the back post and his general distribution and attacking ability is really poor. Hopefully SK start with Spencer and Gent/McGinley/Wilson in the next game, even if it is against Rangers. Won’t happen though.

What a job Stuart Kettlewell is doing for our club. 20 games in charge so far and won 14 and only lost 2. The goal difference in that time is amazing too. Hopefully found a gem in big Mika to help soften the blow of losing KVV, whilst continuing to be frugal at the back. Here’s to you Stuart.

So it is, must be my crave of new signings that’s skewing my judgement!

Who’s number 12 on the bottom right hand side of the first image posted on Twitter earlier today:

Scott Burns reporting the following on Twitter: “Hit the post on a couple. Striker a priority. Need to get fringe players out to free up budget. Money is tight.”

I reckon one of the images posted this morning by the club shows the lad Josh Fowler from Beith Juniors in the background next to SOD. Bleach blonde hair and sleeve tattoo. Could be wrong.

I don’t know about that. I sit in the main stand and in the last few weeks I have seen both Burrows and McMahon go downstairs with 15 minutes or so left on the clock, each time looking pissed. I think they know full well we are fucked and hoping for a miracle turnaround. It won’t come unless we sack the uninspiring Hammell.

Why can everyone see the problem is the midfield and yet he has signed nobody in that particular department and keeps playing Goss and Slattery, who were both atrocious today. He must know he has no other option, so why not sign anyone to play the 6 or 8 role? It doesn’t matter how many forward options you have if you have no midfield behind them to create or protect. Kerr was a midfielder, how can he not see it?

Penny has signed for Charlton, so defo not coming back.

On this, I believe he offers a fair bit more to the team than Connor Sheilds does at the moment and should be starting. Connor struggles to hold the ball up or beat his man. Wee Joe can beat his man. If he can just find the end product, he’ll be a good player at this level. Time will tell if he can keep improving under Hammell.

Unless we are going to pay up Ojala’s contract as he’s a permacrock!

Portsmouth, Hibernian and Motherwell in three way transfer battle as Danny Cowley eyes defender Portsmouth are keeping tabs on former Reading FC defender Terell Thomas but face competition from a number of other clubs for his services By Jonathan LowClub writer 09:00, 17 JUL 2022 Updated09:23, 17 JUL 2022 Portsmouth are keeping tabs on former Reading FC defender Terell Thomas but face competition from a number of other clubs for his services Terell Thomas Portsmouth are set to face a battle to acquire the services of free agent defender Terell Thomas. The 26-year-old is on the look-out for a new club having been released by Championship side Reading at the end of last season. The centre-back has taken part in Pompey's past two friendly matches against Bristol City and Gillingham as the Blues gear up for the new League One season. https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/transfer-news/portsmouth-hibernian-motherwell-three-way-7342247

Motherwell agree fee for Norwegian centre-back Sondre Solholm Johansen Motherwell have agreed a fee for Norwegian defender Sondre Solholm Johansen. The 26-year-old centre-back's club, Mjondalen, announced that their player would play his final Norwegian top-flight match on Saturday before joining Motherwell subject to agreeing personal terms and passing a medical. Motherwell boss Graham Alexander earlier outlined his aims ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline after bringing in midfielder Sean Goss on Thursday. "If we can get two more players in, I think we will have a very strong squad," said Alexander ahead of Saturday's cinch Premiership visit of Dundee. "We are talking to a couple of clubs about a couple of players. Hopefully that will progress over the weekend."

You do know that signings are usually concluded a few days before we get to hear about it. If we have signed him, there must already be agreement between the clubs and with the player, with only the official international clearance pending, which I image is all but done

https://insidefutbol.com/2021/08/16/motherwell-fail-with-bid-for-defender-considering-new-offer/523552/ Motherwell Fail With Bid For Defender, Considering New Offer 16/08/2021 - 12:15 BST INSIDE FUTBOL Next story Motherwell have had a bid for Mjondalen defender Sondre Solholm Johansen rejected, but could well return to the race with a fresh offer as they look to snap him up. Johansen is out of contract at Norwegian side Mjondalen at the start of 2022 and Motherwell have zeroed in on him as a potential recruit in the ongoing window. The Scottish Premiership side slapped in an offer for the player, but it has been rejected, according to Norwegian outlet Nettavisen. However, Motherwell are claimed to strongly want to sign Johansen and are considering going back in with an improved offer. The Scottish Premiership side though are not the only club keen on the 26-year-old. Several sides are alive to Johansen’s situation and could well make a move to rival Motherwell for his signature this summer. He has clocked 15 appearances in the Norwegian top flight this season, chipping in with one goal and one assist. Johansen is an experienced campaigner and has turned out in both the Norwegian top flight and second tier. It remains to be seen if Motherwell will win the race for his signature as he edges towards the exit door at Mjondalen.

From a quick squiz at what their fans say, they think he is the ‘worst central defender ever’; but then that’s quite common.

Motherwell sign Irish defender Darragh O’Connor The 21-year-old hasn’t had long to wait for a new club following his release by FA Cup winners Leicester City Fri, 09 Jul, 2021 - 20:48 Scottish Premiership side Motherwell are set to complete the signing of Wexford-born defender Darragh O’Connor. The 21-year-old hasn’t had long to wait for a new club following his release by FA Cup winners Leicester City, earning a contract offer from Graham Alexander. O’Connor impressed over a two-game trial period to secure a deal. Fellow Scots St Johnstone were also interested in luring him but the centre-back will stay at Fir Park. It was just over two years ago when Leicester swooped to recruit O’Connor, who had racked up 20 first-team matches for League of Ireland First Division club Wexford during his teens. He was part of Leicester’s U23 squad, regularly training with Brendan Rodgers’ first-team, but needed a move to enhance his development with competitive minutes. Motherwell have Saturday’s final friendly against Millwall before they kick the season off with League Cup fixtures next week. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-40333748.html

Hartlepool interested in resigning Carson according to Alan Nixon. As suspected, it looks like Trevor is for the off.

Sources: Motherwell agree to sign Woolery from Tranmere 22nd Jun, 2021 | 3:02pm Motherwell have agreed a deal to sign Tranmere Rovers striker Kaiyne Woolery, Football Insider can reveal. The Scottish Premiership club have swooped for the 26-year-old ahead of his contract expiring at the end of this month. James: I look after Jude in England... A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Woolery has been pencilled in for a medical at Motherwell as he completes a free transfer. The forward helped Tranmere reach the League Two play-offs in the 2020-21 campaign. He contributed 11 goals and three assists in 52 appearances over the course of the season but Rovers ultimately fell short of promotion. Born in London, Woolery has spent the majority of his professional career at Swindon Town. The Robins signed him from Wigan Athletic for a fee in the region of £350,000 in August 2017. Woolery contributed 14 goals and 14 assists in 111 appearances for the club before leaving on a free to join Tranmere last September. The versatile forward, who can play anywhere across the front line, has also spent time at Bolton Wanderers, Notts County and Forest Green Rovers. Motherwell boss Graham Alexander knows of Woolery from his time managing in the English lower leagues with Fleetwood Town, Scunthorpe and Salford City. Woolery will become the third arrival of the summer at Fir Park after Connor Shields and Justin Amaluzor. Alexander has lost Chris Long and Devante Cole to Crewe Alexandra and Barnsley respectively this summer. He will hope Woolery can help fill the void left by the forwards who scored a combined 18 goals last season.

Burrows said next week on Twitter.