Villageman

I did not take the car last week but there was plenty of parking beside the main stand and also at end next to it. there were stewards at one entrance to the front park but I am not aware of the reason. It looked to be free parking. There is also the Lidl car park with restrictions for customers and time but not sure how or if it is "policed". There is also major construction work next to it with access restrictions. On further thought that maybe the reason for the stewards being there.

Obviously well aware it was a friendly however The starting back four looked comfortable. Watt in in his first game for me at rb was steady, distribution needs work but the wind certainly did not help him and others too. To me the centre back pair of Kennedy and Laing looked better and steadier than McManus and Laing though I doubt the experience of McManus will be left out.come the season start. If thats so then Kennedy would be my choice. Fletcher and Moult need a Skippy in there to bring them on. Although only on for 10-15 minutes I liked what I saw of Cadden, pretty well built and prepared to drive play forward. We still need a creative midfielder.We cannot rely on Johnson and Ainsworth to create all the time.

I blame the 2pm kick off.

Might be a good idea to wait and see how Caley fare in their Europa tie first. If they get through then I guess it will be moved to the Sunday.

Maybe I should wait 5 minutes more before posting.

I am probably in the minority but have never seen the great need for an U20 manager for a squad of around 40 players. Did JJ coach the U20 or was picking the team his remit?.Who has the final say on the major decisions such as who is retained, promoted etc. Can only be Barraclough. He, and Robinson who has valuable experience with youths and the new keeper coach should be able to manage a group of this size and also keeping the group together. So I would not be surprised if he is not replaced. Remember too we have coaches at every age level.

Not getting at anyone in particular but if you aim for mediocrity then that's just what you will achieve.

Received mine this morning, Grandson and I watched them this afternoon. Granddaughter (11) with no interest in football whatsoever was doing all the twist and shout actions by the end of the first game.

Not sure whether to say sad or glad for reminding me of these magic memories.

To someone used to working with players on a day to day basis I would guess this move was attractive. I believe too that he was based in England also he is from that area so plusses all round. Hope he left his notes with the club.

As posted elsewhere when asked on BT to say what one thing the manager had done to improve Motherwell, Craigan replied Stephen Robinson.

Sounds from the bits of info picked up Lawson bossed a very young and inexperienced team.

Interesting debate this on the Sutton and Erwin for and against. While Erwin does have the pace and mobility over Sutton his worst failing is his first touch, it is really poor. Surprised Moore hasn't been mentioned as an alternative. Not seen much of him but appears to be as pacey as Erwin. On the downside he may be too similar to McDonald.

Central Branch trying to run bus to Dingwall if sufficient numbers. My past experience of this trip on public transport is that unable to return the same day, had to stay overnight.

My choice would be Long in goal. Back four of Law, Kerr, Reid, Straker or Watt. The midfield would be Grant, Pearson, and Dom Thomas. Up front Sutton plus 2 others but I have not got a clue as to who they should be.My reasoning is the back four deserve to keep their place after Saturday second half and we have been crying out for a bit of skill and a box to box man in midfield all season. Although there are two youngsters there I think Pearson can be the steady influence. From the signings I am pretty sure that IB knows what starting eleven he would prefer, injuries aside, and will be working at training to get them comfortable with each other.

After the St. J game and their efforts in the second half Kerr and Reid should imho stay as the centre backs. Probably in the minority but I would also keep Law at right back. It is his natural position and where he has had his best performances.

More incentives to increase the attendance is definitely needed

Have to say I have never been a fan of Kenny Black. Also have to say his influence under McCall and Baraclough is conjecture by the people on this board. What was striking to me at least at the Hamilton and Aberdeen games was his apparent disinterest during the warm up sessions. He looked more interested in the equipment than the players while someone else ? took the sessions.

If true the signing of McFadden and Lappin by sevco would seem to fit in with their youth policy this season. Miller, Boyd, Zaliukas. I'm impressed.

Probably enabled him to identify non trying wasters like himself

I can understand the not playing very well in the last three games we have in my opinion in those games played a more defensive style where we allowed opponents possession in the middle ground. ICT especially, theirs was mostly towards their own keeper.

Are you sure thats just breakfast for two

Just another angle on the attendance argument. I live in the borders area and whilst being far from drunk early Wednesday morning I was wary of driving so having a match on a day when there was no public transport was a poor decision. How many others were in the same category.

It must be difficult for a player to go out on loan so often from his parent club. Especially when the manager of of that club apparently has said at the beginning of the season he has no need of him. In my opinion that has probably been the case prior to this season. Think about it if you were passed to one employer after another with new bosses and workmates not knowing how long you were there for it might be easy not to give 100 per cent. I prefer to believe that now he is fit AND has been given the encouragement of McCall and other staff/players to provide the incentive to perform as he can.

For " Development as a player " read wants to be a midfield supremo.