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From 1970 to now we have had 25 shirts with either a band/hoop. And 10 without. The hoop is dominant even during the period you mentioned.

I’m in my 58th year and yes I loved the 70s sash shirts, the other home tops from that era are in the main instantly forgettable design wise. From the cost cutting plain amber to the short lived final 70s Admiral are two low points from that era. Although I still have a soft spot for our first Admiral home. And, the white Admiral away was a design classic. However you said: “in the 50 odd years I've been following MFC I'd guess about half of our kits have had no hoop/band at all.” The historical kit evidence clearly doesn’t back that up, as the majority had a band or hoop. The separate issue is... Should the Motherwell home shirt always have a proper claret hoop? To me there is no debate on that, as our very first shirt in that style had an unbroken hoop. That top set the ground rules which remained intact until season 1969-70. It was only removed due to the hoop stitching repair issues that was mentioned on this forum. The same can be said for the colour. That 1920s shirt was bright amber and set the tone for all subsequent shirts. Sadly the 1970s let the amber slip to yellow, probably due in part to laziness within the club, and the kit providers not giving an arse about our true colour. Luckily we have people in charge now who care about our claret and amber history, and realise we don’t play in maroon and yellow.

Right, but the main argument on here is band vs hoop (and how it's the hoop that is the "traditional" style). How many true hoops since 1970? Like I said, my formative years from the ages of about 5 - 20ish were hoopless, and images of guys like Wullie Pettigrew are seared onto my brain wearing the sash kit. So while I am 100% in favour of maintaining traditions and the hoop, on a purely personal front, the memories of chipmunk crisps, kia-ora and "goal for Pettigrew" will always be emotionally tied to those other styles (even though, aesthetically I'm a big fan of the current version). It's for much the same reasons I'll never like any change kit more than a white one.

With this stream of Livi players making their way to FP I'm beginning to feel like I'm the MFC mole here in Livingston!! Watching him at Livi over a few seasons Big Dec has not surprised me in the least how well he has done for us. Next season I can see him getting better, boosted in no small way by the increased confidence he'll get from his involvement in the Scottish squad. As for Lamie, whilst not at Dec's level I do feel with a fair wind and a bit of luck he could be a useful member of squad. On the upside I refreshed my memory by watching the highlights of Livi's 2-0 win over Celtic from last season. Lamie ( without the departed Dec and Halkett) was solid , unhurried and impressive. Grounds for encouragement. Anyway , turning to White . When at the Macaroni he proved to be a decent enough striker who linked up well with others. Wouldn't describe him as pacey or lethal in the box but he will provide us with a different option. At his best he could near ( but not reach) Chris Porter levels. Whereas if he struggles -- not that I think he will-- he could replicate a recent signing from ICT namely Alex Fisher. Now where did I leave that file on Stevie Lawless??

Another one for weeyins list of players to come back and haunt us

I forgot to say I have respect for the way Airdrieonians have treated their traditional strip. Despite all the traumas they have been through, including questionable blue-hued owners, they have stuck to their identity.

Mark that up as a victory for the Record then.

I calculate my refund entitlement to be £70+. Like many others, I consider this money already spent and can regard it as a donation to the club. However, watching the news, and foreseeing a gigantic economic depression ahead, I feel one of the lucky ones. I have been able to work from home on full salary and my employment looks secure for the time being. It's alarming to see an almost daily announcement of thousands of redundancies. So for anyone facing an uncertain financial future, loyalty to Motherwell FC is one thing, but I for one would never question your need to claim a rebate on your season ticket. Good luck everybody. Stay healthy.

My favourite comment on the game was from an Aberdeen fan who said it made them forgive us for nicking 2nd place at Pittodrie the previous season.