Goggles & Flippers

I don't think it was expansion, it was mixing things up to see if it had a positive result. While there is an argument for if it ain't broken, if our ancestors felt the same we'd still be living in mud huts, chasing our dinner with spears.

Like the white one. I'm not a fan of splitting the claret band up in the home strip above, however I did like the Pony strip with the thinner stripes to the top and bottom.

North Lanarkshire is crying out for a few things: Large shopping development - At present the sizeable population of NL tends to travel to Glasgow (Centre, Fort, Silverburn, Braehead), Hamilton or EK. Cumbernauld is the only place in the county with a diverse number of branded shops, every other town centre is made up of pound shops, tanning salons and takeaways. The amount of revenue that the council misses out due to this and goes into the coffers of City of Glasgow or South Lanarkshire should be considered at stategic level by the council. Restaurants - At present, I can name 5 places in North Lanarkshire I'd happily go for a bite to eat and return to. A couple are chains which doesn't really support small businesses. Venue Space - For meetings and events, exhibitions, large weddings etc. Again, our county isn't really overflowing with them but need a significant investment in facilities such as kitchens that aren't used daily. Based on the fact a football stadium in cross section is a right angled triangle there is a lot of dead space on the ground floor that could no doubt accommodate a number of these things above and make the building itself viable outside matchdays. Not to mention a quality gym and pool that allows people to swim - unlike the Aquatec. (not running down the one in the new regional sports centre in Ravenscraig, just NL could do with an Esporta type, high end gym). I know the council got its fingers burned with Clyde, but I think many would agree there's been a host of mistakes made by both the club and the council with respect to Broadwood. Personally I'd like to see a stadium built with a large public square similar to Nancy in front of a signature main stand building. This would be used as a focus to the area and establish a centre to the new town with other buildings off the square benefiting from it. If any of you have been to Manchester, what they do there in advance of games is excellent. Viable businesses and government too could use the dormant space (thinking of the electoral register using NDP in Hamilton). Get some restaurants involved have it in their lease to provide matchday food, using their kitchens to do so and no doubt making a bit of cash to cover things, no doubt we'd have the best catering at any Scottish ground. All in I reckon the club could look at a 1,000 minimum increase on gates in the first season and a large marketing tool would have to be 6k-12k people being delivered to your doorstep 20 odd times a year.

Just out of interest, behind football and rugby what would be our 3rd and 4th most popular spectator sports in Scotland, shinty and ice hockey?

neg (verb) p. the act of giving someone negative reputation on an internet forum. 1. I see Steelboy has posted again, neg at the ready. 2. Dewell's neg's must be going up quicker than a Blue Peter appeal totaliser.

Well since you threw down the gauntlet .... At present we have a 10-12 week gap from the last competitive match of one season to the next. Why not have the culmination of one season on Boxing Day or Jan 1st (as they help get punters through the gates) and the new season starts in mid/end of March? In the summers where there are championships the league would finish up at roughly the same time as all other European leagues to let players join their international squads. Lower divisions can continue to play attracting SPFL fans to maybe filter some cash down and increasing their attendances. By the time the quarters come round in the big tournaments, the gap to the semi's and final is approx. 10-12 days to allow the teams to rest in between, our senior program could potentially start up again then as I also doubt Scotland could expect to progress from the group stages if we do qualify as our track record says that won't happen any time soon. However in World Cup and Euro years we start the league a month earlier and schedule a few more midweek evening games. (EDIT: I don't know if UEFA or FIFA place bans on domestic football during finals) TV revenues and interest from our neighbour would no doubt help put a little funds into our beleaguered game. Brazilian and co would see 3pm kickoffs more often with odd times to fit round the English teams only at the start and end of a season. Going to the match in a t-shirt on a Wednesday night and walking home in the light has to appeal and would maybe let some cautious parents consent to their kids going. Not to mention keeping the pitch ticking over in the summer with the quicker regeneration and no doubt more conducive surface to good football than a claggy or sandridden mess in early February. I accept that in summer there can be freak weather phenomenon but lets be honest the chances are much more limited than in winter. Overhead costs for club would go down, limiting the use of the undersoil heating, floodlighting, etc. however I accept we'd need to get a few chest freezers to stock raspberry mivvies and Hagen Daz (for the Main Stand). Not to mention the chances of abandoned games for whatever reason goes way down. Bear in mind a lot of places the national team and our European qualifying club teams would go to play in warmer climates our players advantage of playing in a howling Scottish winter and taming it is negated. Surely playing in summer here will better acclimatise us for competition and also, it would be nice to have our first Europa qualifier July in the equivalent of our current Jan/Feb. When the team has gelled, coming off a string of competitive matches and not Morton or East Fife in a friendly. If you were to use Gaelic football in Ireland and switch it to Summer and see how the crowds did then that would be a much better comparison as football here is the most popular sport.

Bit unfair to neg makaveli for raising a debate topic regardless of your views of his track record on here and in the general public sphere. It was valid to ask the question. For me, a country lying approx 54-57 deg of latitude it seems mental with predicted colder winters on the way not to move to summer football. Its a product readily sellable to Sky to fill up airtime down south as they have 4 channels that broadcast some amount of crap in the summer, why not our crap? That would negate the need for and use of artifical turf. However if we stick with the status quo, lot to be said for hosting all our senior and U20 games at Fir Park, being able to train in the stadium and the potential of a slight advantage over visiting teams. Some of the latest pitches sanctioned by UEFA are fantastic and improvements are increasing all the time. I'd also advocate Motherwell moving to Ravenscraig into a purpose built stadium using Tynecastle and Aalesund's ground as a datum, however, so couldn't really be put in the traditionalist camp.

I remember visiting Glasgow and seeing a pipe band in Buchanan Street, the sign beside their open case to catch the busking money exclaimed "Argyll Street Pipe Band - On Tour", raised a smile and ensured cash was deposited. If the lads were to approach the club, get their help and then at the Dundee United game speak to anyone in the first section of the East Stand, advise them of their plans and see if any fans currently sitting there could accommodate it, then move for the Celtic game and essentially be right in the middle of the Motherwell support to kick-start a more boisterous reception than that mob have been used to. I bet in that corner too they could use the first rows of the stand that is cordoned off where they currently are. Just a suggestion of course.

I was pretty happy and looking forward to the season when I saw Vigurs and Lawson come on board, Faddy re-sign and Nielsen. On paper we should have a team that can perform and compete at the top end of a poor league. Looking at the league table that is the case, however I think our league placing is quite flattering for a team that for me hasn't played anywhere near their abilities in any game I have witnessed. Writing was on the wall at Celtic, where we cowered while our contemporaries go there and give it some. Hearts needed a fairytale moment for a guy on his first start and it got it. St. Johnstone away was uninspiring and turgid and tonights game was ruined a little by the sending off however we went 1 up early doors against Aberdeen back in August and they went on to score 3 and rip us a new one. I can't see anything different tonight if our goal counted. Serious soul searching and tactical revamping is required as our best chance was early in the second half when a ball was squared low from the by line and was blocked by the keeper at close range. If that was the case then why persevere with square ball to defender 30-35 yards out, looping ball to 6 yard box, easy clearance. With a team sitting in and soaking up pressure then involvement of Faddy (who wouldn't have been required to put in the same defensive shift as in a standard game) would for me have been key. While he hasn't set the heath alight this season, he is all we have in the creative mould. Many don't rate Vigurs, I do, I think his passing can be pinpoint and our corners now have a potency that didn't exist when Tom Hateley was involved. i think he could have made a difference tonight if played ahead of Lawson. A cup semi would have secured a nice payday to the tune of one senior player that could be added next year. Blown by lack of spirit and ideas.

It just concerns me that there is a need to rest players. If Arnier, Ainsworth and co. were felt that a break was needed at this stage in their career then it's not encouraging. A few worthy comments have been made about McCall so far and while its easy to jump on the bandwagon after a lacklustre display I wonder how many games we've sneaked something due to his tactical nonse and changes. Don't get me wrong, it appear to this layman that those changes come after perseverance for too long. Something is being made of St. Johnstone's defence being makeshift. They had 2 centre halves asked to play 15 yards further right and left of where they normally sit, not a major shock to them Stevie Kirk pulling on a keepers jersey is a major shift in position. It would be novel if we did go out with a game plan and while keeping the what the other team are capable of fresh, set out our stall and let the other team worry about countering us too much rather than vice versa. Finally all the Hollis haters, maybe he isn't that bad after all. While Nielsen wasn't fully culpable for either he was instrumental, I thought the overhead kick could have benefited a punch rather than a parry and Ramsden's back pass again an example of getting the basic's wrong and immediately getting pressure.

If those career first division players had pace then we wouldn't be able to afford them. Same if Humphrey could cross a ball and last 90 minutes as well as he ran, he'd be playing at a level way above us. The first half was an absolute write off for me yet again, if we had sterner opposition then we'd be in trouble. I just wish McCall used elements of his half time team talk at 2:45. Unfortunately as has been pointed out ZFA had a poor day at the office. I can't think of any of his decisions that paid off. He came short for balls played into space and went bounding down the wing to see Hammell sidefoot a pass short. Vigurs despite a few issues generally gave us our creative spark. I can't remember the last time that corner after corner from us seemed to be delivered to a dangerous area opposed to rolling of the eyes every time Tom Hateley turned and headed back to the halfway line. Bit of a tendency to take an extra touch throughout the team. Sometimes a snapshot or first time ball is the only option. Bob McHugh must be gutted tonight. it looks like he's could be going even further down the pecking order.

Dunno, safe to say doesn't have his father in law posting on here though.

Am I the only one who is getting tired of hearing: "Ahh we didn't get off to the best start, gave them too much respect ........" Come on Stuart, universally the whole support wants you to take the Cpl Jones approach with these unwashed victims, namely "They don't like it up 'em". Next time, give them some smelling salts just before they leave the dressing room and tell them to get intae them. While you're at it, we are so much a second half team, its been the case for most of this season and the majority of games last year isn't there anything you can do to get them firing in the first 45? That first quote is on the official site preview video incidentally.

Pikeybhoi's update from Magaluf confirmed my suspicions of their inbred support

vip box now has a 2nd stream thats working. The two sycophants think Las has to be watched for dodgy challenges .......

Already have it in place, when I click the link it brings up a thing to download their player, buggered if I'm installing that on my computer

I'm using p2p4u and can't get rid of a bloody advert, any other suggestions?

Well Ainsworth is starting as he was used in the pre-match press conference.

You're the worst poster along with trafficlight

I put down a team to compete in midfield and win the ball and ultimately upset them, it was compiled partly with how I imagine McCall with think with a hint of my opinion. I thought I explained my reasons, however I go into more detail. Faddy as he's on the cusp of getting his form back and can handle the occasion and Lawson to help cover the defence as despite their perceived lethargy from Barca, Celtic still pose a major threat going forward. The thinking behind it was to soak up and deal with the early pressure and allow those goal threats you identified to have impact when they are introduced from the bench, fresh and champing at the bit. I accept there is no pace to speak of but the first half for me isn't about breaks and counter attacking. I'd love to sneak a goal but I can't help but feel scoring after 15 minutes is like baiting a wounded animal. Last 10 minutes though warms my cockles. I also considered that McCall is conservative and opts for damage limitation than inflicting damage.

Anyone think he would have stayed if the reorganisation a few months back wouldn't have happened?

You say that as if its not in their DNA to do so. They have convinced themselves they are the world's oppressed and victims to rival the Palestinian's. However by the letter of the law, Brown was right to walk, for me it was 3/4 of the way to a red. But as there is no such award I was happy the ned got a red mainly for his petulant stupidity. If they get a penalty I'd say there's a fair chance it could be a fair decision seeing some of clumsy challenges McManus has made on occasion so far. Assured and composed one minute, Lorenzo Amoruso then next. Still a great signing for us but I fear he will beat Crags OG/penalty conceded record. Most intimidating game so far and imperative we compete in midfield. For that reason I'd opt to start with Faddy, games like this are like water off a ducks back. I'd bench ZFA and look to bring him or our nippy little winger on for Lasley if the engine goes and move Carswell more central and finally go for Arnier to replace Faddy if/when he's gubbed (injuries withstanding): Hollis Ramsden McManus Hutchison Hammell Carswell Lasley Lawson Vigurs McFadden Sutton

Only teams I think could cause us problems at present are Aberdeen and ICT. If we're firing all cylinders (which hasn't been the case yet this season), I fear nobody especially as the semi's move to a neutral venue. I just hope the players take a lot from that 3-1 game. Best chance of silverwear in quite a few years. If Killie and St Mirren and some mob 2 divisions below us can win it, its nigh time we managed it.

Billy Dodds on telly: "Now Celtic's out I see Inverness doing it this year" Well Billy I doff my cap to your punditry, motivated purely by the current league table. Inspired!

Jeez, I'm guessing everyone contributing to this forum grew up in West Central Scotland? Are we oblivious to some basic facts of the environment we live in? Also, the argument of posting pictures of what goes on in other countries is pointless and adds nothing to the argument. We live in Scotland and the culture and environment here suggests that the authorities don't think that behaviour is conducive to public order and safety. Whither this view is correct is up to you as an individual. Yes we can't light flares at football matches, smoke in pubs or drink in public, however we have free healthcare, can walk the streets relatively safely at night and there is low to no level of corruption. Everywhere on the planet has its pro's and con's associated with living there. Another thing that serves no purpose is comparing us with other teams within our own country. I'm referring to the likes of the treatment of Celtic and the Green Brigade opposed to us. The Police establish what they see as easy wins. With the size of our support they can make progress/achieve targets, due to the size of the Celtic support would require a significant number of bodies on the ground to enforce the same law and no doubt result in a bigger furore. Granted its neither fair or equal but its what it is. For example, basic human nature is to go for the easiest option, despite high moral intentions, the caveman part of our brains suggests that in the case of a 50-50 a referee will err on the side of what will give the least hassle. He will encounter and interact a significant number of OF fans in the week(s) after he's officiated in one of their games and a couple of fans of other teams if at all. Consequently they will have that in the back of their head, buried deep down and will have a bearing despite his attempts to show impartial integrity. Put yourself in this scenario, you see a group of five guys loitering around your car opposed to one, you'd probably tell the one "fannybaws, do one!", with the former, you have to stop and think opposed to acting on impulse. Same thing with a large group or a small one. Like it or not, smokebombs carry a panic button status among the authorities. Personally I'm not a fan and don't think they add anything, I'd rather those buying them would chip in for another drum, I'm sure the club would too if we get hit with a fine. It simple, if the smokebombs didn't go off then the escalation during the second half wouldn't have happened. Any over zealous stewards there may have tried to find something but it wouldn't have carried the same weight. Police Scotland have to be asked about why someone there did the same as Chick and sensationalised the event. Well, as we live in a blame culture now where people constantly try to cover their arse, its evident that the police presence there decided that action had to be taken as to ignore it could have came back on them. It's evident that someone thought the stewards weren't capable of dealing with it. As a taxpayer who has recently been the victim of crime I'd rather they were out harassing the bad guys than dealing with this niff-naff and trivia.