Shallow Dave

All, The off-topic debate seems to have taken over this thread. For the record, Kaiser was a quality player for the club though in my opinion, not International class. He simply wasn't quick enough in my opinion. On the off-topic stuff, I find the Reynolds is better/worse than xxxxx a bit tiresome. Unlike England, there is very little TV football in Scotland, so for people to judge a provincial team's player to be better or worse is a bit skewed. If players stay fit, then the ratio is about 10:1 on actual comparison time with any other SPL player. [unless people here support other clubs, which I know is an allegation on other (OF) threads ] I can, however, compare Reynolds to previous Motherwell defenders and in my opinion, Reynolds hasn't reached the standard of Martin, Nijholt or McKinnon. None of these players were abundantly capped. Brown has made Motherwell difficult to beat and concede against, which he also did with Scotland. He's also one of the most media-savvy managers in the business. It's his job to raise the profile of his players at every opportunity. Just my 5 Rappen

I do not believe this is the case. Liverpool were fourth in the Premier League in 2004 yet won the Champions League the following season. SD

And didn't I have a dream that the mighty Man United wanted Andy Goram (who features heavily on the 'overrated players' thread) as a stop-gap? Perhaps not.

I'm surprised no-one has mentioned Pat Nevin yet. I can only recall him doing one decent thing for us in the abandoned game against Hearts; pretty sure it was him who won the penalty for Teale to score. Yet, Nevin played over 50 games for us. And whilst the likes of Porter and now Slane are getting pelters here, the manner of Nevin leaving the club was a disgrace. Yet, this doesn't seem to bother too many people here. SD

Fine. I don't watch football and judge "mistakes". I'd rather see a bigger picture. If I were to choose between a goalkeeper who instills confidence over his defence across 90/120 mins yet may have the tendency to make the odd mistake over one who is perpetually nervous, my decision is an easy one. On the evidence of a few games, Fraser appears to be in the Motherwell stereotype of being poor at crosses and commanding his box. [Albeit a good shot-stopper]. I can't accuse Ruddy of that. We're not Dr Who, cannot change things, and have different views and opinions. Who knows how Motherwell would have fared had Fraser played most of this season? Irrelevant today. If Ruddy gets injured tomorrow I will near guarantee that the ratios of clean sheets to games will substantially change for the worse. All speculation, I know. Keane- my point was Fraser had a reputation ex Inverness that (IMO) hasn't been replicated at Mothwerwell. Keane had a reputation at Tottenham that wasn't realised at Liverpool. Just because a player plays in the same league doesn't guarantee success at a new club. This reads as being patronising though it is not intended. SD

Perhaps. Fraser yet to convince me in a Motherwell strip and I would love to at least see what the young Pole (don't get me on the spelling) has to offer. On your argument, Robbie Keene would have been a good signing for Liverpool. I'm unaware this occurred. From what I've seen of Fraser this season (two games against Llanelli and one against Hamilton), he has been shocking. Whereas I consider Ruddy to have earned us vital points with his saves. Each to his/her own, though. SD

Ruddy gets my vote, however the Duke has shown massive improvement over the season. Not only is Ruddy a solid 'keeper; he also helps to stabilise the back four. SD

Buzzcocks' guitarist & (sometime vocalist), I'm sure our views are closely aligned here (and maybe elsewhere?) regarding this. With what you know/believe, would it be fair to say that there are certain senior players who have been 'let off the hook' regarding Gannon's departure? Or is that taking things too far? I would never have posted my poll on the captaincy if I had genuinely believed that Craigan was up for the job as of December 2009. Yet, the vote suggests that the masses think otherwise..... People were shocked when Gerrard replaced Hypia as Liverpool captain at the time. The fact was why have a 'club captain' who doesn't always merit a place in the starting sixteen/eighteen..... I see similarities here, though it looks like I'm in a minority..... SD

Maybe PM Decorator, mate? He points out that he posted the McGarry thing a few days before it officially blew in public and he's now mentioned something about a deal being done with the old ground. Otherwise, I wouldn't expect much to turn up here. There's always two sides to each story, though. As I mentioned before/elsewhere, Brown's and Ward's responses (of Gannon departing) were of surprise and now Reynold's has cemented this on the fishal site today. Short of any of us being Dr Who, we need to look forward; not back. I thought Gannon had the right idea/said the right things [delete as appropriate], though he's gone and we've got Jack and Victor now. They'll get my full support as long as they are in charge. Moan the Well. SD

Latest from Reynolds from fishal: http://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/index.php?op...&Itemid=133 Apologies if it has already been posted. Generally reads well, except I would question the use of 'objectionable' in this paragraph: "The former Scotland Youth International reckons that although recent form has been disappointing, a more realistic and objectionable view of progress in 2010 would most certainly be positive." Think they mean 'objective'? SD

I can't see any lawyers getting involved at all. Gannon's post-match interview is probably still on the BBC website at present and Boyle will have listened to it several times. They happen to have the internet in Australia..... Look at Ward's statement, posted on another thread. Watch Craig Brown's interview with the BBC yesterday. This is nothing other than Ferguson vs Le Guen a couple years down the line. However, I think we have to admire Boyle's decisiveness from the other side of the planet. Just the way I see things now. However, time to move on and get it right up them Jambos SD

As someone who watched Chewin' the Fat all those years back; "I smell shite. Definitely shite".

Maxi, I can't argue with that! Though, would we really appoint a newcomer and immediately appoint him captain? I think not.

All, We've experienced a period where the club captain, when fit, hasn't even featured on the bench. During that period, one of our "senior" players; Mark Reynolds, at the age of 22, has worn the armband. On this forum there is opinion that, despite solid performances for N Ireland, Craigan is no longer good enough to play in the SPL. Personally I look back to Tom Boyd and I see comparisons with Reynolds in a young defender who has a bit of versatility about him. Making Reynolds captain may even increase his profile and commercial value. So, should there be a change of captain or should the establishment previal? Vote & discuss! SD PS Not having started a thread; never mind a poll, there is a chance that I have messed up the technology here. Apologies if so

SAF will be 69 this New Year's Eve. Whilst he undoubtedly polarises opinions, I'd argue that Ferguson is still doing a very good job at the highest level in football. Brown at Motherwell should be a skoosh in comparison.

Makes sense. Also, I recall that his brother, Jock (also a TV commentator) was the club's lawyer in the past. I recall his services being required against a certain T Cowan, or the organisation he worked for at the time- Evening Times, I think. Looks like Gannon fought the establishment and lost. This is definitely an establishment response. Glad it's decisive and I think Brown will work well with the youngsters. Big question is whether Ruddy and Duke want to stay in the shop window for the next five months or not? That will determine whether we are in a dog-fight or not. As, I've said elsewhere, I don't trust Fraser at all. No opinion on the Polish 'keeper, I admit. SD

Six months isnase bad. According to the wiki link on the other thread, Tommy McLean lasted just six days at Raith......

Ward also gone; from 'fishal: http://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/index.php?op...&Itemid=133 Apologies, if already posted. SD

Indeed, though they haven't listed his SPL Manager of the Month award.

I missed that, though I've just googled it and it appears that it was an autobiographical account of Zoom Airlines. We can do the Family Fortunes on this if you like: "Name a successful business person with a high media/TV profile?" You'd get more for Susan Boyle than for John Boyle.

I guess it depends on the age of the son i.e. over 18 or not as to whether we will be singing certain songs should Gannon ever return to Fir Park..... [allegedly].

Can I change my vote, please?

+1 I'm with Burma on this one. Can you imagine either of Duncan Bannatyne, Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden or Theo Pahitis putting their company in a situation where the most important employee didn't have a contract for six months? I can see why it's the above four that grace our tellies and not Boyle. SD

Rumours from Edgeley Park is that Gary Ablett has offered to leave. So, no prizes as to where Gannon will end up.

Positives- He was John Wayne Toiletpaper- he took no shit from arseholes. Tom Hateley Could bring in some handy loans in a critical season- Juke, Ruddy Never had a player sent off (or close)- is this a record for a 'Well manager? Style of play better than punting it up the park Negatives- Loan spells & contracts not long enough Chopped and changed when ahead in games Couldn't beat 10 men SD