Yorkyred

I just never got picked in the first place.

Yep the full back roll has really changed, look at Carroll as an example. The game as a whole is all about athleticism, speed, never having a moment on the ball, players are closed down so quickly. The days of those old match of the day programmes in the 1970 where players had time to put there foot on the ball and pick a pass are long gone.

I also think we will miss Gillespie, Carson is a very solid keeper but Gillespie was outstanding last season. Carroll is also a big miss, one of better signings over the last few years in my view and improving before his injury. As mentioned before we really need Gallagher to stay fit, he’s absolutely pivotal at the back. Other than that McGinn and Lamie need time to settle in. I honestly don’t see a problem up front and if we have anything left in the kitty I would prefer it spent strengthening at the back.

Sadly it feels like Groundhog Day at times on here, I find it astounding that new players can be written off after 45 minutes. I just wish some would give players time to get up to speed and bed in. We played a team last night way ahead of us game time wise so yes we looked sluggish. I get that 4-0 looks poor but get a grip it’s a bloody friendly fitness session. If we lose 4-0 to Ross county in a game that matters then I will start to worry.

I suspect Lang will be seen as challenging Hylton if he signs, Hastie is nailed on for the other side.

Defence is probably the area that’s going to be up for scrutiny the most. We definitely need big Dec to stay fit and playing. I like Carroll but he looks way off as does Dunn. Without the last two we could struggle unless the likes of Lamie and McGinn get up to speed pretty quickly. Other than that we are looking at Donnelly playing centre half and the young players stepping up to the mark. Personally I would still like to see us strengthen that area but I guess it’s down to the budget.

You’ve certainly got into your rhythm early this season.

Jesus that’s absolute nonsense.

People really should not take friendlies too seriously though.

You would hope that the supporters would understand he did the right thing by the club by extending his contract, many would have refused. He’s moving on regardless, just need to get the best price we can for him, hopefully that’s from a club down south but I still think it will be Celtic for 3 million.

Well you would hope the club would use the interest as leverage with Celtic, as long as nothing has been agreed in advance which was my worry. If we have the big premiership clubs fighting it out we could gain more than the 3 millions. We all know he won’t be here next season so we might as well get the maximum we can. We should certainly not be accepting any less than the original offer.

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/newcastle-enter-transfer-race-celtic-22385757

Celtic will probably offer less in the hope we take it. But he signed an extended contract which gives the club a little more power in any negotiation dependant on any demands Turnbull made when extending. I’d like to see him getting back to his best which should see interest down south again rather than Celtic trying to jump in early and get him at a cut price.

Carroll looks like he’s miles off still.

Still no word on Lang, are we still a defender short ?

Over on pie and Bovril a poster has replied that you can sign players, just not play them or register them until the window opens.

OHara was still under contract was he not, how does that work ?

Have to say I’ve never been a massive fan of him, good in spells for sure but not sure he would have been the right fit for us these days.

Ok, fair enough, many thanks.

Maybe Long signing on for another year has seen the club step back from the deal, I know there is talk of Lang playing out wide but a large transfer fee when money is tight for all clubs ?

Yep, obvious only a friendly but it never hurts regardless.

This will be my fifth season watching Motherwell and this has to be the strongest squad I’ve seen. Midfield is miles ahead of any other and right up there as one of the best in the division. Up front we don’t have Moult but we must be stronger overall, certainly if Lang is also signed. The one area that I think you could question is maybe defence with only Gallagher and Carson the stand outs, we don’t really know how the other new addition will pan out but even then with the like of Dunn and Carroll to come back I’m probably being overly harsh. I understand that it’s perfectly possible after all the optimism that we could come crashing back down to earth with a bump and expectations will be higher but we do know the majority of this squad and what they are capable of including the returning Hastie and OHara. The likes of White may turn out to be a flop but I have a feeling he will play his part with the odd goal and he offers something different coming off the bench.

To be fair people don’t have a clue at the size of the fee or how the deal has been put together, is it tied to Kipre ? However I would agree that if it’s the right player ( and we have to trust Robinson on that one ) on a 3 year deal it could end up a money spinner. No one seems to have a bad word to say about him, every club would love to have him back, he’s young, and from the clips definitely has some skill and looks very confident.

Clearly the club are comfortable paying these fees, I take it they have calculated the losses alongside anything recieved.

I actually think within a couple of seasons down south he would be too good and expensive for Celtic. He’s got everything needed to make it in the Premier league, not just the talent but he’s mentally switched on for his age.