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Did he sit with the rest of the squad on the plane or was he kinda near them but with his bird and wearing civvies?

He’s flying out to replace Seedorf 2/3rds through the camp. :p

If players stay with us (for comparatively low wages) there is no certainty their decent form will continue and that life changing offers will come in down the line. They could even find themselves far from guaranteed a starting position and eventually released. There is always the possibility of injury ruling out further opportunities. Injured long term on £5/8k per week is better than being injured long term on £1k per week. David Turnbull for instance may come to regret not moving on instead of extending his contract. Hopefully he fully recovers and gets the transfer his ability and loyalty merits. Securing a team with a respected coaching set up, on higher wages, with a two or three year guarantee is a no brainier. It’s what every youngster is looking to achieve. And it shows ambition and self belief. Unless for personal reasons there is a reason for staying at Motherwell it’s a no brainier. Football is a short career and players need to take opportunities when and if they present themselves. As fans it’s easy for us to talk about youngsters needing to stay for development reasons/first team football. But I’m pretty sure Clubs other than Motherwell can just as readily provide that progression. And of course Motherwell’s Business Plan requires transfer income to balance the books. I suspect they are more than content with the rewards of Hastie moving on. And with the monies received when youth players like McKinstrey opt out before graduating to our first team.

Thought strikes me that they both might have ended up at that level despite early promise. So you then wonder if they made the right decision because they've 'found their level' and having the career they were destined to have but have struck it lucky by getting a relatively lucrative contract early in their career. Sensible decision by both of them? Or are we saying that by staying at Fir Park they would automatically have improved and be better players..? Just a question...

Sitting at the celtic end of the plane

I think they would both have benefited from more first team games and training with the first team in an environment that is more accommodating for young players. Ultimately they may have ended up in the same place, but I suspect they are a year or two behind in their development compared to where they might have been if they stayed. They are still young enough to prove themselves, though, so time will tell if they cashed in at the right time.

Great that we have Carson on new deal, was outstanding before his problems but Gillespie been great also. Biggest fear was both leaving but at we least we have Trev on long term deal

As you say Andy good news. If, as seems likely, Gillespie moves on that might save a decent wage if we sign/re-sign a promising keeper like Ferguson. I have the same problem as you with the Official site. It just doesn't load. I've given up trying to use it.