ClaretAndBamber

I'm all for the trip, £15-20k (estimate) for the squad + others to train in some decent weather works for me. Now, if it was £150k for this I might have an issue but I don't believe the board would be that negligent. Just because the (albeit dull) subject interests me does not imply that I lack education.

Me

How does one evaluate the benefit of a pre season trip abroad - is the improvment in morale, performance, teamworking worth the cost?

He's going to be a big loss. His dead ball may have been a little wayward at times but he always seemed to put in a shift. I'll follow his career with interest unless he ends up playing alongside Law next season, in which case I hope he rots in the lower leagues.

Totally agree with this. Higdon had the chance to stay and he's chosen not to - just like Sutton 2 years ago. Our wage bill only goes so far.

McCall knows exactly what he's getting with Sutton and how to get the best out of him. Welcome back John!

Pretty sure he's just been told to find another club rather than released based on this story Jennings I'm sure Elvis knows what he's doing

Wow - some actual facts. So long Tom and Michael and thanks for all the good memories. Looking forward to more good times with whoever comes in.

Think it's changed the pot for the 3rd qual round slightly as Bursaspor have been bumped up into the CL and replaced by Kasimpasa who are unseeded. Kuban Krasnodar from Russia should now be one of the seeds.

All this speculation is driving folk insane (although some were probably heading there already). I'd imagine that SMC is looking at loads of options including some of the names mentioned here. He'll have loads of agents contacting him as they'll see Motherwell under his leadership as a route to getting their player a better deal in 1-2 years time (see Law, Ojamma, Humphrey, Randolph + Higdon possibly - note, I know he didn't sign them all but the coaching staff have been responsible for their development over the last 2.5 years). He may not sign players we've heard of but if he's looked at them and decided that they'll fit the way he wants to play next year and fit in with the rest of the team then that's good enough for me. I'd be surprised if we signed more than 2-3 players in the next 2-3 weeks.

Not only is he signing for Celtic he's also getting younger: "The 28-year-old ..." - quality journalism.

Serious question. Does anyone think the strategy for next season changes on the back of Hearts starting 15 points behind? The board have often said that relegation is one of their biggest fears, and, while it's not a given that Hearts will go down the probability that we finish bottom has been reduced. Can we afford to try and bring through some young players rather than rely so much on getting experienced players? It's a risk but the potential rewards of finding a couple of gems could be worth it. Also, if it doesn't work there is the chance to change things in January. Not saying this is what we should do, it's just a though.

That's a fair point and I have nothing to back that up. The membership ready reconer doesn't say per season, but then it doesn't say that it's for one year only. Did the season ticket discount last more than 1 year?

I think they're between a rock and hard place for this though. They could automatically post it to everyone not within a 20/50/100 mile radius but where is the optimal distance? Some folk won't be that bothered about the DVD and the society can save on costs. Perhaps it would be easier next season to make a version available to download?

They have said that they'll post it to folk who are not local but to save on costs they're asking people to pick up where possible. To quote the email "To try and save money on postage costs, if would be helpful if members could collect the DVD from the Ticket Office over the next few weeks. However, if you do not live locally, we can arrange to send it to you. We appreciate your help as this will save money directly from the 'Well Society funds." Makes sense to me, but then I just live round the corner.

Apparently there is now one sitting at the ticket office for you (and all other society members).

I agree with all you say above; however, even if the WS board members kicked off more of a fuss in the boardroom it's not really going to double membership of the society and even if it did, we'd still be a long way from the target. I realise this is a long term project though and it's far too early to get impatient. I know stability is important but I do think that the board roation policy is too slow with the first two board members retiring at the third AGM (we've not had the first one yet, have we?).

Totally agree and whoever pulls on the jersey next year will get 100% of my support, regardless of where they've come from.

Ok, so Gunnar Nielson's (mibee) coming back for Randolph, Sutton's (mibee) coming back for Higdon, Lasley, Hammy and Faddy have all come back. Who's next? Quinn coming back for Hateley? Slane for Humphrey? Bob Malcolm for Claret/Amber?

Well, that's put my gas at a peep. Forgot we're playing on the Thursday.

Home start against Thistle would suit me. Think they'd bring a decent support for their first game. As long as it's 3pm on the Saturday though I'm happy.

Has anyone seen a draft of these rules (outwith the media)? Not that I don't trust the press (ahem) but I wouldn't mind reading them myself. On topic though, I'd really like to see the Higdon, Hateley, Faddy situations resolved by the end of this week.

Pretty sure I'm not giving away much here. There was no indication of confidentiality and it's hardly a secret society. If people know what's going on perhaps they'd be more open to joining. If I'm doing harm though then I'll be sure to keep schtum next time.

Received an email from The Well Society today. Hopefully answers some of the questions above. EDIT: Email content removed.

Moving on from the sarcasm above I only watched brief highlights of Gunnar in the game against Ireland last week (where coincidentally he would have met Randolph) and he wasn't really at fault for any of Keane's three goals. He also seems to have played more football in the last 6 months (for club and country) than he did in 5 years previous. I would like to hope that he's improved since his last spell with us.