Leaderboard

Probably quite a few, in broad terms. Brian McLair for example went south too early to aston Villa and ended up back with us. Alan Martin thought he was a much better keeper than he actually was and after hawking himself around English clubs he ended up at Ayr and now QoS. More recently, Fraser Kerr, came back to us from a stint at Birmingham City. Another example is Robbie Leitch - where is he now? Going back to the original question of whether its better to jump ship early for big money or to wait, a year or two, to mature, posters on this board have already answered that. Some good posts, but it depends entirely on the individual. For some, leaving early is good for others its a bad move. It depends on a young lad's maturity, character and personal circumstances. Leaving home at 16, 17, 18 or even 19 is a big move for anyone and some can't wait whilst others are very loathe to leave home and familiar surroundings. For some money is god, for others there's more important things in life. I've known several excellent and very well thought of colleagues in my career, who could easily have risen up the career ladder but had no interest in doing so because they didn't want extra responsibility, pressure or to move away. At the other extreme I've come across others, with lesser talent, who didn't care who they trampled over to gain a few extra pounds. In short each to their own. For some young lads its better to stay a year or two; for others its better to leave early for more money down south. I'll end with advice I was given and many of you may have been given also "Be nice to folk on the way up as you might meet them again on the way back down."

Respect to anyone who makes a go of it on the continent. Almost wonder why Gauld bothered coming back because I would absolutely be happy jobbing round lower league Portugal until I crashed into my 30s.

If I have to get up at some unearthly hour to watch this, the least I expect is a comprehensive win.

Six of the best please.

That brought back great memories. Texaco Cup matches, the days of the old "choir" standing at the top of the steps and ending up at the bottom of them every time we scored a goal. Happy days!! Was fortunate to get Gordon Banks' autograph on the match programme as well.

*looks at Liam Henderson*

Yes still alive, that was my 1st well game at Fir Park, my mum decided that as I had just turned 9 it was ok for me to go with my uncle, managed to find a space down at the wall so never saw much of the game, but it set me on the Motherwell roller coaster, happy days.

Not to forget he actually scored a penalty himself into the bargain

I was there but can't remember many details. I think Mike Pejic was at LB for Stoke and Jimmy Greenhoff in midfield. Older readers may also remember Bobby Moore playing at FP for Fulham and of course a star-studded Spurs team whacked 3-1 by the Good Guys. Favourite quotation from Martin Peters: "Motherwell were all muck and nettles." I believe this is an expression denoting impoverished proletarianism. It made our victory all the sweeter. As Bugs Bunny would say, "What a maroon!"

Serious question -what sort of wages would an up and coming youth at Motherwell who is just breaking into the first team be on? Presumably he's still getting paid what he's been on the last few years and it will be pretty low? I expect a proper first team wage at Motherwell would be a good step up for any of these lads, but the eyes must start bulging if a Leeds or Norwich dangle a wedge.... We would all be the same, particularly at that age. Yes, we might start weighing up opportunities, family ties, development, first team football etc but if you are a 19 year old on a couple of hundred quid a week (i have no idea if this is anywhere near accurate) and a big Championship club drop in and offer you £2000 - £3000 per week? Then it would be hard thing to knock back for anyone, let alone a 19 year old.