Shallow Dave

I've a feeling Mark Hughes may be available?

All, Whilst I sympathise with the sentiments of the OP, and I do not boo myself, the day football moved from being a 'sport' to being 'entertainment' in my opinion, gives every paying punter the right to express his/her opinions however they choose. Simples, really. However, I disagree that the 'big picture' is about booing at all. The 'big picture' hasn't changed since my first game against St Mirren in the 1970s: the 'big picture' is about where we are located. As I think I've mentioned somewhere else, we're far too close to Glasgow to be serious contenders in the SPL; or gain a regular European place. And whilst McGhee did take us to third (and on to Nancy), I doubt that would have happened had it not been for the galvanizing effect in the aftermath of Phil's death. We picked up a lot of neutral support that season which has subsequently evaporated- witness less than 5000 fans for a home game against Steaua Bucharest. It was sickening walking down to New Broomfield passing kids with Smellic tops asking "Is there a game on tonight, big man?"; though that's the situation we're in. It won't change in my generation and Boyle has already spent a lot of his money trying to prove otherwise. Whilst I, too, find some of his tinkering frustrating, Gannon isn't stupid. Despite being a fanny, George Peat wasn't being stupid with his comments on the eve of the Macedonia game. The outcome- a Scotland team that at last, wanted to win the game; and duly did. I see Gannon using a similar tactic in an attempt to obtain a similar result. We'll see on Wednesday whether it has worked or backfired. We're sixth in the league having lost several senior players over the summer and our next two games are against an indisciplined Hearts side (whom we've traditionally had a rivalry with), and a derby game with Hamilton who we recently failed to beat when they had 10 men. There's plenty incentive over the next week. But some perspective, please folks! I think I'm in agreement with the OP on this point. Moan the 'Well.

Apologies; I spotted Harvey, though not Townsley. I'm amazed there are have been ten or so worse than Del-boy, though I do remember him scoring against us for Hibs.....

All, I'm surprised no-one has mentioned Derek Townsley yet? He was absolute gash every time I saw him. Also, Paul Harvey. I remember seeing him play for Stenhousemuir, last game of the season, one or two seasons after he left us. He was rubbish at that level; third division. I don't have enough names for eleven, though these two would be in my team for sure. SD

Good point, Mevin, however that gemme was nearly 5 years ago and had a lot of goodwill around it, being the 'Cooper' Final and all that. Sadly the goodwill stopped at the ground where the Rock Steady thugs wouldn't act on the sectarian nonsense close to us. That's another story altogether, though.....

Absolute quality Also, legend has it that we wrote to the SPL for permission to wear our 'lucky' away strip at home.... I think the gemme has moved on somewhat and I can't imagine such a request would either be made or granted today..... Cheers SD

Exactly. SD

O'Brien gets my vote this time. Much that I rate Reynolds (and I did have him MOTM against the Jambos), he doesn't get my vote this time as both goals were conceded down the Accies right and that is his territory. I do find it astonishing that Reynolds has played so many games for us; mainly at centre back, yet he is not being considered for the full international squad. Talk of Driver being considered is insulting as (if recent game is representative) he simply is not good enough. Reynolds is experienced, quick and versatile, yet his face doesn't fit due to the club he plays for. Back to O'Brien, he was lively throughout, especially first half, and his willingness to run gave those Accies thugs plenty problems. Other condenters would be Duke and Hateley whom I guess was being played out of position for a half; though he seems to slot in well wherever JG allocates him. What a find by Gannon. Yes, it's dissapointing to miss a penalty and not beat 10 men. However, Cerny played a blinder and we have lost just one of our first 11 SPL games. Moan the 'Well. SD

Reynolds gets my vote. Arguably being played out of position, he did nothing wrong all match. I agree that the young centre halves had good games and Hertz were poor up front, however there were a couple of square passes across the 18 yard line towards the end that were bombscare material. Reynolds not part of that. Like others, I think Duke's touch and fitness is getting better each game. Coke played too many casual passes from 60 minutes on for my liking. His tackling is superb and he is the new Simo in this area. Overall, glad of a clean sheet and the bounce back after Paisley. With Hamilton winning, Saturday should be an intereting encounter. SD

I thought he simply mentioned the name of the host of 'Blind Date'? And I think it escalated to a court in Hamilton? And I think the judge inevitably booted the allegation in to touch? Or am I mistaken? SD

Repeating others, though I believe the Dortmund team had 15 internationalists out of 16. Sammer, Reuter, Chapuisat, Moller, Riedle listed as starts in the programme with Freund and Ricken on the bench. Seems strange that they needed our Lambert to improve them. Looking back at the programme for the 1989 under 16 World Cup, no-one notable appears. Brazil played Bahrain in the quarters at FP, though there is no-one with any profile in the Brazil squad. (Figo is listed for Portugal, though he would have played all his games in Embra and his team got to the semis, just to be beaten by Scotland ) SD [edit: under 16 World Cup].

This isn't guaranteed. I was in what would be called the Celtic end for the 5-1 CIS final defeat to the hvns. About 20 metres from their vile, subhuman 'fans'. Independent of the result & performance, my ongoing memory was of stewards who were simply not doing their jobs that day. Paying good money to listen to irrelevant sectarian nonsense is not my idea of 'entertainment'. Maybe I was unlucky with my seat on the day? Coincidentally, I was in a similar place for this year's Scottish Cup Final. (Well, I worked at Grangemouth for a while). No-where near as bad as there was a police + steward presence that day. Anyway, I agree that it depends on who we are drawn against should we be there. Easter Road for the Hearts CIS semi was the right decision at the time. SD

In no way do I want to be confrontational, though it looks like I was at a different game yesterday. I thought Murphy's first touch was shocking. In a way, I am gad that Gannon is sharing the game time, especially against 'weaker teams'. Whilst I thought all outfield players looked nervy, I'd rate Murphy as one of the least composed yesterday. I do agree that there are a few culprits who want to pass it into the net at the moment. Stating the obvious, though, we are not Arsenal.

Reynolds this week. Whilst I think that the back 4 + 'keeper all had a good game against a poor side, I saw Craigan giving the ball away too cheaply. Humphrey- possibly his strongest game for us, though I think his final ball needs to be much better at this level. Jutkiewicz- yes, he scored and I hope this boosts his confidence. However, I cannot phrase this any more politely- when I've seen him, he is a shitebag. Not fully committed in the tackle and reminiscent of Derek Townsley. Compare Coke: didn't distribute the ball at all well on Saturday, though still got stuck in. Coke is the new Valakari whilst Jutkiewicz is the new Townsley. Quite simple, really. Oh, very close to playing the null vote card this week. Hopefully everyone will be fresher after the international break.

If J'OB & Sutton are injured, I'd try ------------------Ruddy----------------- Moutakil----Saunders-------Craigan------Reynolds Lasley-----Hateley------Coke---------Hammell -----------Murphy-------Jutkie-------- Subs: Kosi/Hutch/Jennings/McGarry/McHugh (I think only 5 allowed in the cups?) We know that Gannon likes to change things and many here are critcal of Hammell defensively. If something like this doesn't work, Gannon will spot it and change things accordingly. However, if everyone is fit, I can't see to many changes for the very reasons that others have stated above. Though I somehow expect Craigan to return. SD

As always, another intelligent post, Melvin. A pertinent point regarding Slane indeed. At the moment, if he were to return from injury, I'm not sure whether he'd get a game against the Hibees. Although only five SPL games in, we seem very settled at the moment. Unless there are injuries in the next six days, I'd be inclined to stick with the guys who have deservedly reached fourth in the SPL and who might be considered to be a bit unfortunate not to be higher. And if that means a bench spot for Craigan, I'd support this. Falkirk at home could be the time to unleash Slane for maximum impact. SD

I take your point. However, haven't the sheep also had three clean sheets in a row? Not sure when Meldrum joined during that time..... SD

I think I agree with most that we would be better with Clarky around though not necesarilly the others. However, I'll add something else: We acquired Klimpl and Malcolm when we desperately needed cover at centre back. Maybe both played there last season a bit, though they ended up in midfield when the injured returned. Now, we're not missing either of these big-earners and we're even keeping clean sheets with Craigan sitting on the bench. How things have changed; for the better. Moan the well. SD

Apparently sometime last season. This lifted from the shut-out sequences part of the SPL site: 3 - Motherwell (1999/00, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2007/08, 2008/09) SD

I'm not amazed myself. The difference between Llanelli and Flamurtari at home was noticeable. In 2009, beating any team 8-1 is exceptional. I was one of the few here to know of Gannon before he arrived as I have a friend who was born in Stockport though brought up in Motherwell. The Stockport fans, remember, were very complementary to Gannon on his appointment. What does surprise me is that our early success has come about largely without some recent regulars; no need to name them as you all know who they are. What this does indicate is when some of the youngsters' form dips (and it inevitably will), we may sustain our good form by bringing more experienced players in. Keeping every player happy is the major concern I have looking forward; though when you are joint third and unbeaten in the league after 5 and played 3 away, everyone at the club should be delighted; playing or not. More surprising and perhaps amazing (albeit a little off-topic) is that the officials are finally sending Old Filth players off and awarding penalties against them. SD

Superb result. Also, we have now equalled our record of consecutive clean sheets in the SPL. Not as if it is against the likes of Falkirk, Accies and St Miren. The Sheep, The Hvns and The Arabs are all pretty decent teams in my opinion. And young Forbes may be joint top SPL scorer! Ya Fucking Dancer. SD

Know exactly how you feel. I took a load of abuse from the Sellic fans after the 7-1 defeat at FP. I think I can deal with ungracious losers. Though ungracious winners at 7-1; no. Those wnkers walking down Knowetop Avenue that night were very bitter, bitter mammals. (Can't describe them as human; sorry). Larsson was amazing that night and I guess he was consistently the best player I saw over a few years. When I later audited a factory in Landskrona, I met a girl (woman then) who was in his class at school. I kept my dignity in stating that Larsson was one of the best footballers I had regularly seen, though deliberately didn't mention that a certain percentage of Celtic fans are vermin. Apologies for straying a bit off-topic here. I can certainly sympathise with fans who avoid Old Filth matches at FP. Just my 5 rappen. SD

Goalkeeper coach? Maybe not.

Quality. Reminds me of a Daily Rangers/Sunday Sash review of a Motorhead concert at the SECC- "They played all the favourites- Ace of Spades, Killed By Death...." Except the gig got cancelled. Might have been Meatloaf; but you get my point. SD

Callum, I'm going to PM you. The jist is that the club are good regarding these situations. I've had them waive ticket allocations when I lived abroad and now they know of me as one of the Albo 10, my father gets a great reception when he picks up tickets on my behalf. If 'Flow is around, he may also wish to comment? SD