Gadgey

An interesting debate regarding the comparison between SPFL and English lower leagues. Having been to lots of English league games over recent years, I think it's fair to say that the gulf between the clubs in either side of the border is getting greater. 10-15 years ago when I was regularly going to watch gillingham in the championship, I would say Scottish teams of the time would have comfortably lived in that environment. A little later, I used to regularly watch Brentford (brother in law lived there) and Gillingham (my local club) when they were both in league 1 during the back end of the last decade and then latterly Exeter and 'the gills' when they were in league 2 (now latterly gillingham riding high in league 1) during the last six years or so. I now through work, get to see West Ham and Charlton fairly often and I think it's fair to say that during that 10 years or so, there's been a sizeable shift in standard between the English leagues. It's been all to do with money of course and for that reason alone, by default, the standard of the Scottish game has fallen behind also. But to say that Motherwell would be a lower league 1 side at best, is a little unfair. It is in itself an unlevel playing field in that clubs even at that level, have more to spend than us. But all things considered, the majority of Scottish teams would, if thrown in and given acclimatising time, would comfortably survive in league 1. Some would be able to push on to championship.

Wooaaahh!!!! You're a brave man putting that one out there. Personally, I have no issue with that as hearts have seen success from doing the same with Levein. I'm sure there will be many who will not agree or agree without McGhees involvement. Thinking it through logically though, there is that potential succession plan of Robinson and Craigan stepping up with Lasley and potentially Faddy coming through the youth system.

We won't be relegated and we will be in the top six. The big question is can we finish fourth and in a more general sense, who will be in the playoffs? At this rate, hibs might have to wait another year!!!

It's not very often that my optimism actually becomes a reality but what a result that we've been the team to put that run together!!??!! This post was way back in early/mid February and on the topic of relegation....can Utd pull it off? Are killie in free fall? Will those lucky accie bastards survive???

I would agree with much of what you say Andy but I'm with Ya bezzer. Swansea City are a cracking example of that. Managers come and go but if the infrastructure is there, then it'll be easier and more attractive to deliver their required job description and deliver the footballing side of business plan. That in itself will attract other clubs and potential talent to nurture, be it footballers or managers. Mark McGhee, Ian Baraclough or Mickey Mouse it doesn't matter, make it work and they'll look to push on for a "better" job. Also, I don't get this whole "McGhee left us in a mess" stuff. If I remember it correctly, McGhees playing budget was reduced considerably whilst with us and the majority of that squad was allowed to walk away by the then board/owner. Such decision making does not sit entirely with a manager and again (happy to be proven wrong as it was some years ago now) Gannon was recruited to source cheaper, raw talent from England and develop the youngsters. Again, I'm not entirely sure why McGhee should get the blame for that. Yes, next season will be more of a challenge than this one, it'll be stronger and we will lose talent. But none the less, the signs are promising that McGhee will can maintain our SPFL status, which should be the realists objective.

Wasn't meaning third ... But there is justifiable cause for excitement about coming fourth and Celtic winning the cup. Bloody awesome!!!

Todays win must be the one to confirm beyond all reasonable doubt that the decision to appoint Mark McGhee was absolutely the right call and that there is real justification for a sense of optimism. He's managed to turn a squad who looked clueless and heartless into a side that can fight back from behind to win and on an off day like today, grind out a vital result. What a contrast from this time last year !!??!! I sincerely hope there aren't Motherwell fans out there who are hating this present run and the security from relegation and the excitement of a potential Euro spot that it brings. But if there are, at least they're not coming coming on here and spouting their pish.

Beaten to the punch!!! I honestly don't understand why we need to celebrate the 130th anniversary via a kit or any other means.

I really really hope you're right. He's been pretty much invaluable to us and deserves much credit for his contribution towards the development of Erwin and Moult.

There's also the fact that McDonalds contract is up in the summer aswell. It's definitely not beyond the realms of possibility that neither he nor Moult will be at the club for the start of next season.

So how do you know he played as a right back as alfreton town? McCall certainly seemed to think otherwise from the outset. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/motherwell-win-race-sign-midfielder-3582155#gWA1TtQpdzPJJPAg.97

I think quite simply, ainsworth has lost his mojo. It seems to me that he's either lost all self confidence or he's simply downed tools. Either way, he's not responding to McGhees style of management and I don't expect to see him at the club next season. I actually like him, but as has been typical of the old fashioned winger, inconsistency has plagued his career, the long list of former clubs corroborates that and any potential suitor may be reluctant to be paying a fee for him. Expect a termination of contract by mutual agreement or a swap for a young lower leaguer. With regards Josh Law, I think folk need to remember that he is not a right back to trade. He was converted because McCall didn't sign one and has been a stop gap ever since. I don't see a place for him in our team in midfield so it'll be an interesting battle between him and Laing (also not a natural right back) for the no2 shirt next season. But what can't be taken away from him is he's a grafter and despite being asked to play out of his natural position, does so with conviction.

I absolutely love both of them and would drive the 864 mile round trip to buy them. How long does the present macron contract have left? Is next season the last one?

On a completely different note, if accies go down, they'll need to cut the wage bill. We will have necessity for a keeper for next season....would Michael McGovern be someone we would want to see at fir park?

Yeah Lasley and Jennings did play a lot together but that was in a different formation, with a different squad and a Keith Lasley who was five years younger. Sorry mate but not really the same thing. I like Las, he's Motherwell through and through but it's been the absence of someone who can consistently fill that now clichéd 'makelele' role that has cost us dearly in the past two seasons. Las naturally is not that player, his age dictates that he plays that role however. As pointed out, Gomis is more suited to that role and is good cover for Las, nothing more and nothing less. A sensible short term signing that, based upon the last two games alone, has justified itself without deliberation. I wouldn't fall out with signing him long term if he were to rotate with Las, but given his age and Lasleys status at the club, he neither fits the business plan targets nor is adaptable enough (like Grimshaw was) to play in the same team as Keith Lasley.

I think this thread can go to bed for another year Mon the well!!!!!

A massive massive well done to McGhee and the patched up team for taking it to them and battling a tremendous result. I think we're safe to say that we will not be relegated and we genuinely have a chance of finishing fourth...totally mental, but I love it!!!!

None are so blind as those who choose not to see

As Tommy McLean proved before McGhee, you don't have to be likeable to be a decent Motherwell manager. McLean used to get fucking dogs abuse throughout his tenure...even when challenging for the league title. I never quite understood it myself but fickle are the mob!!! Given the predicament we were in, I was pleased to see McGhee back at the club and will be pleased to see him lead us into a new season in the SPFL. I know that it's based on 'what if' but had we not lost those points to late goals (much of which were out with his control by the way), we wouldn't have been talking about relegation for some time now and this forum would've seen discussion around top 6 and the outside chance of Europe. I think at his age, he knows his career isn't going to see the dizzy heights that he had once previously hoped. This may well work to our benefit and he may just stay on and build a squad that can give some top flight longevity. It will be a stronger league next season and even the McGhee haters must question whether we'd be stronger next season with him or without him.

McDonald knew what he was doing and despite it being a half hearted attempt, he would have known he was running the risk of attracting a red card. It was a very niggly game and the officials (plural because the linesmen are there to witness and report wrongdoing also) failed to nip it in the bud early. Had some early yellows gone out for the cynical digs on the likes of Johnson and Cadden, Utd would've had little choice but wind the neck in. The fella that rugby tackled Cadden was lucky to stay on and perhaps he was the refs compensation for the McDonald decision. But Paton? That was a straight red and if I recall, he was on a yellow already? I have no issue with Utd as a football club and I don't want them gone off the back of one hammer throwing performance. The manager who sent them out to behave like that and the players responsible for that thuggery have no rightful place At a club that prides itself on playing attractive football.

First and foremost, I'm really glad that of the two, the club chose McGhee over Mixu. I dread to think where we'd be right now with Mixu at the helm. He's had a lot more financial resource than McGhee and still can't find a solid 11. To the game, Utd are a team fighting for their lives and were always gonna have a period of dominance and kitchen sink and typically of them, it came early and collapsed with a sucker punch defensive lapse. Whilst we weren't really at it in the first half, we could easily have scored twice through McDonald and Marvin. By the same measure, Ripley deserves some kudos for some vital saves in the first half and kept us in the game. As an exile, this was my first opportunity to see Gomis and once playing in his natural position, he did a good job of breaking up play and starting some good counter attacking moves. The teams work rate in the second half cannot be faulted but the front three in particular, just by their work rate, tracking back and rotation throughout, they really did drag Utds defence all over the place. Moults goal typifies this. The ref had a bit of a shocker but how often can we say that his shocker was in our favour? We were due some fortune, I just hope the three injuries aren't the counter balance to that. And finally, BT.....I dunno about anyone else, but the constant focus on the 'was it a red? Was it a foul?' Was really fuckin tiresome !!! Not one replay of the many good pieces of play or goal opportunities by either team. How Chris Sutton got that gig is an absolute puzzle and after many years of not seeing nor hearing from him, my opinion that Darren Jackson is a greeting weasel faced wee bastard bastard that makes my skin itch has once again been reinforced.

McManus wants to stay...but do we want him to? http://m.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/14325080.Stephen_McManus_eyes_new_deal_as_Motherwell_win_derby/

Yep, they're all out celebrating!!!

A massive well done to the players and coaching staff!!! I said at the start of this thread that this game would be won or lost on psychology. Accies were true to form and the team stood up to them, refusing to be bullied. A fantastic win that I believe will be pivotal in securing our place in the top flight for another year. Accies on the other hand are really in the thick stuff. A very pleasing Saturday

Three accies players booked in first ten minutes. I wonder what their game plan is? Shower of bastards!!!