Leaderboard

That bloody idiot Kettlewell can't even organise the weather for a big game. It's not as if he didn't know this game was coming up. It's stupid mistakes like this that prove he's not going to have long left in this job. Ooot his depth !

Aberdeen game was decent, Rangers game was good, Dundee Utd game was great. All recent matches. I've been going for 40 years and it's always been the case that if you went to a Motherwell match it was more likely than not we wouldn't win or wouldn't play well. Motherwell are a team you support. It's not an entertainment event. You have to have the stomach for it and you have to have realistic levels of expectation. If you don't, Rangers and Celtic are just down the road. And of course the standard of the game has regressed massively over the time I've been going but that's mostly down to economic factors that extend across the whole of Scottish football and most other nation's football. It's not dross every week but it is a lot. That's just how it is and it's not going to change. So you either have to accept that or move on. Every single person here would love it if Motherwell played better football and scored more goals and won more games but that's not the reason you go.

Did ye, aye ?

That's not what happened though it is? And I think you know this and not for the first time. I let all of them slide despite your best efforts to get a rise because it is pure energy vampire stuff. The constant twisting of what actually happened, needing to be at the centre of everything often devoid of any salient points, citing you don't have issues with anyone while having a long rap sheet of those perceived to have wronged you, hijacking of threads or taking them off on a merry tangent and not being robust enough to take a joke or be corrected without crying foul. All combined, they landed you in SteelmenOnline jail until recently. I'm glad you cite P&B, you rocked up in the St Mirren matchday thread a few weeks back and ... surprise surprise ... binfire. To the extent the St Mirren fans with no preconceptions or knowledge told you to take a break with the standard eyeroll. You demand anonymity yet lay out your life story in along with your name in unsolicited DM's. You cite being stalked, yet your online and real world actions fits most traits of that behaviour. You claim to be chill and water off a ducks back yet you prickle at everything. However, the most vexatious action is the twisting of the truth to fuel your grudges. Time for a long hard look in the mirror. You must also not have been paying much attention last summer, but I keep receipts. The DM's you cite were forwarded to Yabba and another moderator in their entirety because I knew I'd need to keep my powder dry because you simply can't help yourself. So get your wee rant typed up littered with the well worn victim stuff and sympathy fishing. Don't DM me, don't slander me on Facebook and don't continue to bring a sword to a gunfight. To everyone else, apologies for this, this is a football forum after all for conjecture, debate and most importantly humour. Just straw/camels back ...

Just listened to the interview from start to finish and it’s fair to say, it was a tough listen. Kettlewell has in my opinion at least, really let himself down here and in the long run, will have done himself no favours. He is clearly a very intense guy. From the day he arrived, he talked at machine gun pace using flowery words that didn’t quite fit with what he was saying. That intensity only ramped up the deeper he got into the job and his levels of personal investment increased. Of course football management is a uniquely demanding role. It demands so much of your time and energy away from the Matchday, often influenced by factors outwith your span of control and attracts critique far beyond what almost any other vocation should expect. Having coached youth, first team and held director of football roles at Semi Pro (Isthmian and national league level) clubs in England I can personally vouch (though on a much smaller scale) for the levels of pressure associated and the impact a life at the sharp end of football can have on you and all those around you. Kettlewell talked about not reading the socials and working all hours and then coming home and seeing the sadness in the families eyes and using that as a driver for quitting. Every manager has that, and given that he has a family “like the Waltons” his chosen vocation and its hours worked, will also be a huge source of pressure. By choosing to work those hours, he will be choosing to miss some of his kids younger years. His choice, his guilt, not the clubs or the fans. Fan abuse is often ill informed and when in that space, often feeling extremely unfair. However, I’d bet the mortgage that the reason Kettlewell chose to walk was because…. - He’s a naturally intense guy who’s response to things going badly is to throw himself further into his work - This then brings a “I’m working my arse off here, what more do you want?” mindset. - He was bringing this mindset home with him (he says he’s an aggressive person) and it was impacting on the family dynamic. - The family begins to resent the cause of this Gollum side to his personality (his thankless employer and fans he seems to love more than us) - The slightest bit of poor fan behaviour witnessed then gets jumped on by the family because they’ve become hyper sensitive to criticism. - Kettlewell knows he’s running out of ideas and perhaps realising that hard work doesn’t fix. The fella has one maybe two opportunities left to prove himself as a manager that can stay the pace without completely losing the nut, burning himself and his family out and resorting to the blame of others. His decision to do that interview reeks of a wounded ego that doesn’t have the self awareness to recognise just how much he has to change.

Most strikers?

Can you just get your brother to join the forum!!!!! 🤪

I was in the East Neuk this morning to collect our seafood order when another driver in the car park called me over. It was none other than Stevie Kirk, who had been doing the same. We had a good natter. He's had a few health issues of late but is now back to fitness, I'm pleased to report. He still follows all things claret and amber.

Bore off 💤

You can criticise SOD for his performances if you like, but to criticise his attitude towards the fans is way off line imho. He takes plenty stick but has never bitten back or disrespected us publicly. He has certainly had his fall outs with managers , but we have all been crying out this season for players who will challenge the manager and not just sit silently and accept what is happening. Personally, I dont think he has been great for us over the piece, but nowhere near as bad as some make him out to be. Thats not a great defence for him and its difficult to see how he keeps his place in a high pressing team, but lets keep it factual.

I think the 'abuse' bit is a convenient scapegoat. He's realised he can't turn this round so he is going now to protect the legacy of the good things he has done, unsullied by a potential relegation battle, now leaving a club that has backed him to the hilt in the transfer market managerless with only a week to go in the window. That Daily Record piece could have been written by SK himself, all the positives, none of the negatives.

This forum is exactly the type of place for these discussions to be had by fans. The whole concept of sharing opinions and information on topics of shared interest is the very reason why such fora exist. At the end of the day, this is a ‘fans’ forum, and nobody is forcing the manager or players to read our thoughts. This is not the open terracing where folk often shout unnecessary and viscous crap at people trying to do their jobs, which is a whole different story. So, if robust and colourful debate on the suitability of Kettlewell as manager is too much for some, then that’s not the problem of the forum, it’s your problem.

Ewan Wilson signs a new deal until 2027

I don't think anyone is questioning his commitment to the Club or the record of the work he's done alongside McMahon which is overwhelmingly positive. He says as much in his statement; the Club is being left in a secure financial position, setting up the WS as majority owner etc. What he neglects to mention in his statement is that he was willing to throw a lot (if not all) of that work away over the summer to bring in an investment which (blatantly, imho) was a terrible deal for the Club and would completely undermine, or even remove majority fan ownership. £300k for immediate effective control and Chairmanship of the Executive Board to someone without any previous experience of running a football club? Surely he can see the irony in that, given what he's said about the Society's sub-committee in his statement? The Society has put in triple (I think probably more) that in its time and not gotten anything other than a nod of thanks in the accounts and at the AGM. He has tarnished his good work with what happened this summer and with this final statement. I'm sorry, but you can't play down just how serious his actions over the summer could have been for the Club. The WS as majority owner has every right to interview who it wishes to appoint to the Executive Board as its representatives. The fact that he resigned as chair of the WS board because the opinion of the majority didn't agree with his own and subsequently remained in his seat on the Exec Board which was to represent the WS as a majority owner until now, is an absolute nonsense. To then to have the gall to expect he retains this seat effectively "just because" of his previous record absolutely reeks of cronyism and is everything that's wrong with Scottish football as a whole from top to bottom. There's a dignity in accepting that you've lost with grace and good wishes. This isn't it.

Hi Anja and Chris. If you can contact me on derek.watson@thewellsociety.uk, I'll aim to get that sorted for you ASAP. Looking forward to seeing you both at Fir Park in December.

Well aye, that’s also a point. An Instagram story of a Bobby Sands mural followed by one of King Billy doesn’t suggest any political leanings but that doesn’t suit the narrative. If you wanted to dig up political posts from today, they could have highlighted when I was critical of the Scottish Government on rail fares but again, maybe that doesn’t suit the narrative. If we’re going to talk about club representatives being political; Jim McMahon appeared on BBC Question Time (or maybe it was Debate Night) whilst he was in the role. He was also pictured campaigning for Scottish Labour whilst Chairman. I should add that I’ve absolutely no issue with that whatsoever, but it’s worth highlighting. Is it that we don’t want people associated with the club posting about politics or we don’t want them posting about politics that you don’t agree with?

I’ve not worded that well so I’ll try again. I do enjoy going because it’s a life long passion following Motherwell FC. I know however that I’m not always going to ‘enjoy’ the game because that’s just the way it is and always will be for a club of our stature, but I go regardless and wouldn’t miss it, even though it often has me tearing my hair out. So I’m afraid Motherwell FC are stuck with me.

I wish him all the best. A genuinely nice guy and nice speech wishing club well and thanking the fans . SK take note.....that's how you leave a club with respect

Given that fan conduct is a hot topic this week, you'd think that at least one outlet would question Celtic fans proudly singing IRA songs in a City which was the location of a high-profile terrorist incident. Not a peep though 🤷‍♂️

would be rather ironic if we did seeing as Liverpool paid for the current Main Stand with the sale of Ian St John to them in the 1960s

What a dumpster fire this thread has turned into 🤣

You’re a fucking weirdo.

I see the superiority complex and cryptic style of some continue to be boundless.

I might miss this game as it’s ANZAC day Friday long day starting at dawn for Dawn Service so up at 0400 muster with me mates after service have a gunfire breakfast an hour later getting ready for the parade then back to the club for two-up and the usual routine I have been known to be MIA for a couple of days…. Anyway COYW Lest we forget

It could be argued that its most important function has been to protect the club from the actions and desires of its executive board members last year.

Do you think a football club should live outwith its means? If not, it doesnt matter whether the club is fan owned or not. Its the job of the club board to raise and expand existing revenue streams so we have a bigger budget to work with. We have a new chairman, directors and a CEO to deal with that. Its the Society's job to generate sufficient cash reserves to ensure that should the time come we have a big enough overdraft facility to satisfy the governing bodies and deal with any shortfall from operational revenues (apologies for any clumsy terminology, Im not an business person). Any investor is looking for a return on their money, its not free cash. Thats why Im 100% against any investor having majority control of the club as they could literally bleed us dry. Nothing wrong with encouraging investment thats a win win for the club and investor, but thats a whole lot more difficult to find. I would have thought after last summer we might have put all this kind of chat to bed. Its been less than 12 months since we saw off Barmack. Look at the changes that have occured structurally at the club during that time. I think those responsible need a little bit of credit for that and maybe a bit of support in moving onto the next phase?

No Motherwell fan hates Rangers more than they love Motherwell. Some hate Rangers more than they hate Celtic though, and that seems to get up your nose, or at least under your skin enough to make comments like that. Halliday is playing better because he is being used properly in a system that he can contribute to. I think we can all unite and get behind that, no? 😘😘😘

I doubt Casey got close enough to his man for a proper bust up.

I find the perspective of some of the comments on here regarding the disallowed goal and SK reaction to the decision a little strange. We are allowed as fans to be biased in favour of our own team. It is part of the game to look at the world through Claret and Amber specs. Rangers have made an art form over decades of putting pressure on match officials so that 50/50 decisions get viewed 55/45 in their favour. They have piled on the pressure since the league cup final and it has gained traction in the press. This is designed to make it more difficult for match officials to decide against them in future games (particularly the next OF game). They do this because it works. No conspiracy, no agenda on the side of the referees, it is just human nature to balance a decision on it's potential repercussions. The question I would ask is had the roles been reversed would Oxborough have benefited from the same decision in the same circumstances when the score was 2-0 or 2-1. I don't think he would because it would have been a tougher decision for the VAR officials to make. That is just the laws of human nature and it is a law that the OF are very good at working to their advantage. I welcome SK showing the passion, the frustration and standing up for his team and his club. I find it odd that some don't seem to share his passion given the Motherwell bias that is our right as subjective, irrational football fans. In a different circumstance, the goal could have been given. You can guarantee that had Rangers been disallowed a similar goal they would make plenty of it and another strongly worded statement could have been making it's way to anybody who would listen.

Folk acknowledge and support the good things that the Bois bring to games. Long may it continue. Perth last week being a great example of the atmosphere and support they can provide. Drum included. And the community work they have driven through various initiatives over the years. I have not read one poster decrying those contributions. Quite the opposite. But what I do see are a few, no matter what is reported and no matter what people who witnessed incidents say, refusing to acknowledge that the Bois actions at times are over the top and on occasion a throw back to the intimidation and violence of years past. Any mention of the incident in Dundee (which did happen), the trashing of a pub in Kilmarnock (which did happen), the street battle in Kirkcaldy (which did happen) or the threatening of a female Well supporter at Dingwall (which did happen) are met with 'That did not happen' or ' Get the facts straight'. To be clear, I and the people with me witnessed three of those examples, and a mate witnessed the fourth. No-one can deny pyrotechnics are an issue as well. Or does that not happen either? It may well be a small minority who are causing the trouble (I genuinely believe it is) but sadly the whole group then comes under the spotlight. If some have wrongly come to the attention of the Police and the Club have been involved in that, then that is wrong and needs addressed. As a separate issue. The fact the Bois are supported by some who are in complete denial and/or have influence within the Well Society only makes matters less likely to change and provides encouragement to continue the nonsense.. And it's not an age thing either, so let's knock that lie on the head straight up.. Another tactic used to deflect from the fact that there are issues which need sorted. Back to what I understand was an incident free Perth. There was a huge Police presence around the stadium and a large number of Stewards inside. May always be the case at St Johnstone of course, but from memory it was a lot more than usual. Interesting to see what police numbers turn up at Aberdeen. Are Motherwell now High Risk?

I really dont know what this team and manager need to do to please some folk. We were far from perfect today, but we dominated the game for 60 minutes, shoulda been outta sight before Levein spun the wheel with his subs, scored and goal and gave us a nervous 10 - 15 minutes. After that we dug in, got ourselves back in the game and deservedly scored the winner. For all our faults (and the managers) this team has something. Previous Motherwell teams would have found a way to lose that game. This one found a way to win it. If you cant be happy with that you need to find a different hobby. Given our injury list and fixture schedule, I would have bitten your hand off for 7 points at this stage. We now have a couple of weeks to rest and recuperate. Hopefully one or two will be closer to a return and the manager can get some fitness into the legs of those that need it (looking at you Tony!) Overall, it was a pretty decent day out.

Also today such a great victory as tomorrow is 10 years since my dad passed away, huge well fan and reason I became a well fan even though a hamilton lad born and bred. He would have loved that today ❤️

Last home game they were singing 'Fuck the Police' when at that very moment the police were getting bricked and assaulted protecting the most vulnerable people in society from fascists and racists. Embarrassing and genuinely shameful. A bunch of daft wee boys who are entitled up to their ears and never had any adversity in their lives. The problem with these Ultra groups is their unbelievable sense of self importance when they represent a small minority of the support. For most of the time I've supported Motherwell that end section was empty and it didn't make a jot of difference to me. Support the club sure, no one has a problem with that, but if you break the law by your own volition at least be big boys about it instead of whiny kids.

Australia's pretty far away

Signing risky players is a product of the limited market SK has to shop in. Young players that show potential but have not performed yet are a risk. Bair was a risk that worked. Good quality experienced players that but for a few injuries would be completely priced out of our market are a risk. Louis Moult was a risk that did not work out for Stevie Hammell. He then did work out for Dundee Utd. Veteran players that have reached the end of their careers that we could never have dreamt of signing when in their prime are a risk. Callum Patterson may be an example of that. Andy Halliday is a risk that I still think could go either way. Remember we missed out on Robert Snodgrass a season or two back. A perfect example of a player we could not have afforded but for the fact that he was in the twilight of his career. He did not exactly set the heather on fire on his return to Scotland so even he would have been a risk that may not have worked. Look at Van Veen going to Kilmarnock. It was a risk that did not work and I would imagine it was a fairly expensive one for Kilmarnock. Let's say that Ryan Jack is training with us and SK can see in training that he is significantly better than the midfield players we have. He is gaining fitness and stays injury free The option is there to offer him 6 months/ 1 year. Would SK really be off his head to consider this? I think the problem sometimes with the arguments you put forward wellfan is that you fail to recognise the significant restraints that Motherwell and SK work under. SK has to gamble sometimes. It is the nature of being financially one of the smaller clubs in the top league.

@Mintymac, absolutely spot on. Any membership organisation is only as strong as it's members to an extent and it's more than important than ever that we all push forward collectively to grow fan-ownership and the football club. What I've been really impressed with in recent weeks and months is how many people have came forward to offer their skills, expertise and time. It's really important that we utilise our membership. We've got over 4,000 members and we need to find out what people can bring to the table. That doesn't necessarily mean sitting on a board or attending meetings every week, but it could be lending your skills to a project, giving pointers or opening doors etc. As a Society Board member (for now 😊), I'd like to thank all members of The Well Society who engaged in the process regardless of opinion. It’s been a costly, time-consuming and emotionally draining exercise, but this has been fan-ownership in action It’s energised members, improved communication and boosted numbers. In my opinion, it’s a really positive time to be a Well fan and I hope everyone can start pulling in the same direction. Attention now immediately turns to delivering, alongside the Chief Executive and a new club board, on the strategy set out in our plan. We've also got the opportunity for members to join the board with elections in the coming weeks. If anyone is considering standing and would like to discuss what that may entail if you are successful, feel free to reach out. Another reminder that our Annual General Meeting will take place on Monday 12 August 2024. I'd really encourage all members who can attend to sign up and come along. If you’ve not already, please consider joining The Well Society, or if you are already a member please consider upping your subscription. Happy to answer any questions.

No actually you sanctimonious prick.

When will people realise that Clarke and the rest of the Scotland management are useless fuds, constantly filling the squads with bang average at best non Scots just because their Granny or Granpa ate shortbread at the expense of homegrown talent like Miller etc. Its time for the whole management team to be binned and replaced.

What!!! Such lunacy, changes during a game?? Everyone knows you take at least 6 months to change midfield formation unless of course injuries accelerate that, thus enabling you to randomly place players in various positions which they are unfamiliar with. Someone needs to have a word with MW before this gets out of hand and let him know, that is not the Motherwell way. If it’s not nipped in the bud, next thing you know they’ll be clean sheets, entertaining football, goals from open play and cheering crowds. FFS get it sorted!!

I'm with you mate, been disillusioned for a long while on and off the pitch, but backed the WS and increased my subs after Barmack as I thought it might be the start of a new dawn. I am so angry at the way the club (and WS) has handled this and lost control, throwing us all under the bus, and generating huge negative publicity for the club, and the only reason the correct narrative is getting out there now is from non club channels like Graeme McGarry in the Herald, Tam Cowan, and some sensible fan interviews. But damage has been done. The Well Society have been virtually silent. Their comms was great during Barmack, and in general since, but apart from one vague statement there has been nothing. Now perhaps they decided against adding fuel to the fire, but a simple appreciation of SK, a condemnation of abuse but speaking up for the majority of a fan base that supported the manager last season during a 15 games winless run (hi Aberdeen) might have redressed the balance.

I think most if not everyone knows that there is no way the media, especially BBC Scotland would allow Aberdeen fans to be tarred with the same brush based on the actions of a few individuals and a manager using that as a convenient excuse to quit to save his reputation like as what has happened with us. The narrative has been set and this is going to run for a bit yet. People are gullible sheep who generally believe what they’re told if they’re told it enough times so the media know they can get traction with this and will keep pushing it until something else comes up. I’m pretty disgusted with the club and some of the subservient pish they’ve come out with over the last week to be honest.

Scunnered with this saga already. Media can get fucked, nothing but reptiles, Kettlewell has played a blinder in waving the "poor me" flag, sums him up, zero accountability.

For the second time in a row a manager has taken us from a relegation situation into the Top 6 and then been abused out of his job. There is no way around saying this, a lot of our fans are deplorable human beings.

I think the majority of the 2000 or so Motherwell fans who were there today would support Casey if he did actually have a go at Kettlewell. in doing so they would not be excusing Casey's own abysmal performance but holding a Manager to account for what has now been dished up in four consecutive away performances. And at other times earlier in the season. As to the future if Kettlewell does leave, any new Manager will also be called out if fans are expected to suffer what we have seen in those four matches and others....... having had two years to build his own squad.. And why shouldn't he be? Like you, like many on here and in the stands I was supportive of Kettlewell when others were not so keen. As you have said, he earned leeway. Injuries, VAR decisions, the youthfulness of some players and our league position have been touted in his defence. Valid to a degree. But enough is enough. Tynecastle was bad. Rugby Park was worse. Easter Road even worse. And then today. And by the way, every team has to deal with injuries and sometimes those injuries can appear overwhelming. That's why teams have a squad and why Boards support Managers in bringing in players as cover. Nobody can deny that SK has been supported in that manner. Again that maybe brings the focus onto the nature of players recruited. I keep hoping he will try something different in an effort to pick us up. Agreed, he does change the line up from time to time but nothing changes tactically or approach wise. If the squad is incapable of changing formation then that is down to the Management team that constructed the squad. Today straight from kick off we handed the initiative to a team adrift at the bottom of the league. A team you would think more fragile than us. I had hoped he would do things differently for once. Something that would encourage me to support him a bit longer. More fool me. Does anybody really think it will be any different next week?

Kettlewell is a decent manager for our level imo. I like the drive, enthusiasm and passion he's shown for our club and the job. He has shown that he isn't afraid to make tough decisions when it comes to recruitment in and out and also that he will stand up for our club and staff in the face of criticism. He won't get everything right but what manager does? Even old Fergie made mistakes in his career. Our league position is good and long may that last. Yes, the team can be inconsistent but that's what you get at our level and it's what keeps us coming back week in week out. Up the Well.

That's roughly 5 million civilians killed by bombing. Sounds like a great guy.

Remember when we were a bit disappointed at losing 1 - 0 to Borussia Dortmund away, and ultimately seeing Paul Lambert join them on a Bosman? At least Celtic won't have to worry about any German interest in their players.

Saw Louis didn’t celebrate at all when he scored, still a class act.

Another factor to consider is that, while most people on this forum refer to the end section as a monolithic group, I’m not entirely convinced that’s the case. Whenever I’ve ventured up to that section to soak in some of the atmosphere, there is indeed a core group of lads at the very front, but the faces I’ve seen in the middle to the back of the section, and around that area, vary considerably. They also vary in age. I’ve seen very young lads who appear to be around 15, as well as older guys doing their best to lead the proceedings. My belief is that, while there’s an element of organisation concerning the drums, chants, and displays we see within the stadium, I don’t think we can hold the collective responsible for what happens outside of that. Once everyone leaves the stadium, I’d say that everyone is responsible for their own actions. For example, the section is known to sell scarves, t-shirts, and so on to help fund the banners and displays. What’s to stop me and three of my mates from buying some of the merchandise, showing up to the game, loitering at the back of the section, and then heading out after the game wearing the merchandise, all hyped up on adrenaline from a good performance, and deciding we want to cause trouble in a pub or have a go at some opposition fans? Would the guys who lead the chants and hold the drums be held responsible for that? The above theoretical situation could easily occur without me or my mates having ever really met the group as a whole. It’s for this reason that I believe the individuals involved in trouble in surrounding pubs and so on need to be held accountable as individuals. If they break the law and are charged and found guilty, then no one can complain if and when stadium bans are issued. Comparisons with the Green Brigade are, I believe, off the mark. As mentioned above, I’ve stood at the back of that East sStand section and in the section next to it and have heard very little in terms of political chanting. I’ve never seen a Palestinian flag, and apart from some jabs at the police, I don’t really see or hear much to be concerned about. My viewpoint is that I would hold the group as a whole responsible for planned in-stadium chants and banners, absolutely. That’s something they collectively work on and deliver as a whole. Incidents outside the stadium? Not for me. And I’m not saying those incidents didn’t happen. I wasn’t there, I didn’t see them. I’m just saying that those incidents should see the individuals responsible held accountable. Surely no one can expect the end section organising group to be held responsible? Regarding the recent boycott situation, I’ll reiterate my point that I believe any fan charged with a football-related offence should be suspended by the club, and then banned if they are found guilty by the courts. If charges are dropped, then the ban should be lifted. That’s based on the club’s actions being taken on the basis of the criminal charges. If the club has banned someone for an in-stadium situation that perhaps doesn’t require police action, then fair enough. That’s a different matter. Another question that's slightly separate I have is what qualifies as a “football-related” incident? Is there a specific set of parameters that define this somewhere? If I get into a fight with someone outside a pub on a Tuesday afternoon, it seems that I’m dealt with differently by the law compared to if I do the same outside a football ground on a Saturday evening, correct? When is the cut-off point? Two hours after a game finishes? At what point does the individual causing issues shift from being a “football fan” to just being a guy?