Gadgey

I could be wrong, but it's my understanding (mentioned previously in this thread) that Moult had the injury rolling on from last season. I'm not being combatitive so don't jump on me, but isn't it custom and practise for a player to go under the knife as soon as the season closes in order to give them as much opportunity possible to be ready for the next season? In essence, I'm just asking a question. If we didn't have competitive matches so early in the season, would we or any other team like us for that matter have taken a different approach to squad usage and injury 'management' (for want of a better word) during the months of June, July and August ? McGhee said himself in an interview (I think after the final group game) that the LC had impacted upon his pre-season preparations and eluded to the need to catch up. It's a read between the lines but to what degree of impact does such an early start to a season have upon a squad already asked to play a long season?

Begrudgingly agree with pretty much all of that. I raised the point a week or so ago about the strain on the squad resulting from the pre-season becoming more pressured and having 'must win' games so early in the season and I got kicked to bits for it. I know I got kicked for this before but would we be without Moult now if we'd had a regular pre-season? Make no bones about it, a league cup run will make a difference to club finances and the likes of killie and Ross County will be doing some early season and unplanned recalculations. Elongating the season and shortening the close season makes little practical sense to me. I have absolutely no issue with the format of the cup but IMHO it can only work and be of more appeal if it were given room to breath within a less densely populated fixture card and a more open league structure. Square peg round hole.

Skippy is carrying a knock? Has that been reported somewhere and I've missed it or was he jaded yesterday? Either way, hope it's not too serious.

Is he you?

Good luck to you Faddy!!!!

So, your logic is ???? I wasn't aware he'd had it since Christmas but even if that were so, the reasonable expectation surely would be that he'd have surgery done in the close season. Aren't you merely reinforcing my point????

Whilst I don't want to sound like a miserable sod, I can't say that I'm a fan. I've no problem with SPFL trying to spice the league cup up and I was willing to withhold judgement on this group format. However, the attendances have been poor, the prize money derisory and more to the point, given that we only have two cup competitions to enter and the potential financial saviour that a cup run can bring, there is too much pressure put on an underprepared and incomplete (not specific to Motherwell) squad with limited resources. The fact that Moult is having to play medicated and delaying surgery during pre-season is sufficient argument in itself. Yeah, it's exciting looking at all the permutations of second place qualification but it's that very pressure that in my opinion (and I'm trying to be balanced) that is unnecessary at this time of the season. The legacy of an injury to a key player may destroy a club and players season. I would hate to be lamenting the absence of or weakening of or top goal scorer in December when we're struggling for goals and in the wrong half of the league....all for that all important 4 or more win against East Stirling and Stranraer. The SPFL season is long enough as it is, yet it's deemed appropriate that teams must play in a summer cup. I just hope the January break does enough to compensate.

Fair point. Though isn't 90% of content on this forum speculation? I think given his lack of game time and signings to the roles that he can play, it's more justifiable speculation than a lot of the stuff that comes on here. I for one, hope that he gets his mojo back, he is a contracted Motherwell player and if he is going to be a good player for someone, then it may aswell be us.

Aye, I really don't understand why folk get themselves so knotted up with just how literally they must interpret the words of the team manager or club representatives. I am confident that we will have the much elusive attacking midfielder on our books post deadline day and my undergarments shall remain dry. As outlined above, the club have been given an almost impossible task of keeping momentum, balancing the books and repaying our "kind benefactor". Unfortunately, I suspect we're going to have to get used to things being done this way for the foreseeable.

I feel sorry for the lad. For any sportsman, confidence plays a huge part in their training and performance and just as it appeared that he may be turning the corner, getting a run at right back and scoring an important goal, Lady Luck screws him over. Unfortunately, I suspect his life at Motherwell is untenable and that he will be keen for a return closer to home every bit as much as McGhee will be keen to recycle a wage. It's a shame and I wish the boy luck cos if he gets his mojo back, he'll be a good player for someone.

Just a shame that warm clime has Internet

No, I don't think anyone is mate. That said, what I really like about this forum is how the site controllers (is that what you call them ?) allow the use of some colourful language and how in the main, people don't abuse that dare I say trust. There's always gonna be one who manages to test everyone's patience and at the minute, it's this guy. I mean, it takes real endeavour to continually provoke in the way that he does. Unfortunately for him, he's isolated himself and as a result, is now resorting to name calling. More to be pitied than scorned and if "everyone's oota line but oor Jock".....then I'm happy with being oota line.

on topic, it's very early doors. I expect there will be further movement in our squad. Unfortunately, the club won't be able to respend and incomes from player departures and I don't think an "inside knowledge" should be required to realise that.

Nope, you're right...you the man. All hail the CMWellfan !!! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hRH1tYD6bow

Yep, and that's why I don't respond to any of your posts anymore.

Why, where you moving to?

I do get that for the younger demographic, the appeal of looking just like the first team is important but on a personal level, I'm loving the fact that we can get hold of those shirts without sponsors. None the less, I suspect the bairns will pick a favourite in time for our holidays. Can't say I'm terribly keen on the collars of either of them (is the home Velcro or button down?), but otherwise ok. Neither, in my view as nice as last years...and not feeling the love for the amber shorts. Looking forward to seeing the away strip next week.

Oi UBH!!! You say that like you have some inside knowledge.....spill it !!!

Not long got in to find out we have 3 new players. What was that shirt they were being paraded in??? I hope it's not the new away shirt as I can't say I like it very much.

I'd buy that....but couldnae wear it lol

Don't go saying shit like that, you'll get called bad names.

You are and to be fair, I wasn't exclusively referring to your comment. Though to dismiss the actions of the club or those who run it with such inflammatory language and without any basis, is in my opinion, worthless. Agreed, it is frustrating. Agreed, we'd all like better. Cannot agree, without the facts, that it can be better.

Wow ! That's quite an accolade...thanks very much

I do wonder about the age and/or mental capacity of some folk using this forum. The truthful answer as to why we don't have one come June can only be given by those running the club. The rest is conjecture. Perhaps the other provincial clubs are willing to settle for less? Perhaps the club had a sponsor who pulled out? Perhaps negotiations have stalled because future sponsors wanted to see the fixture list before committing? Perhaps perhaps perhaps. Perhaps you should apply for the vacant general managers post and ensure that such ineptitude will NEVER happen again????