wellfan

I don't disagree with the principle of this; however, I question the footballing intellect and even the eyesight of those who sanctioned some of our most recent signings.

I think David nailed that in the first sentence of his response above.

If you read my subsequent posts above, you’ll see that this is not what I'm asking for or expecting. It doesnt have to be complete pish or a millionaire. There's a balanced middle ground to be found, but I fear we’re sleepwalking into complete pish.

My opinion is based on the fact that I was born in the mid-80s, meaning I've only ever known Motherwell in the top flight. I can see the view of older fans who think we would be better dropping down a division and doing well there. However, my opinion is that we are a top-division team who should be aiming for midtable every season, with the occasional cup run and Euro qualification every 5-10 years. I don't think that's asking for much when the other teams of a similar size around us are considered. Beyond that, I am asking for something better/different behind the scenes because it feels like we are rudderless and pissing money up the wall to fix continual (not occasional) mistakes at the moment. And this comes from a fan who vividly recalls the John Boyle and administration era, etc. I should, however, clarify that I am not seeking to shoot down the Well Society here.

Yes, that's also an issue. But what's caused Kelly's form to fall off a cliff?

I'd argue that the rot at the back is in part due to the players being completely scunnered with bursting their arses for weeks and the strikers failing to deliver. A human can only continue to put in effort on their part without reward in the other related part before the natural drop-off begins, which we're now deep into. It's a confidence game, which we desperately need up top to allow us to hit teams hard and first. Some of the defenders still need to give themselves a shake, however.

I don't, but somebody will, and we need that somebody soon, be it a CEO appointment by the current Board or a complete regime change. Moreover, I'm of the view that your argument quoted above is defeatist and stifles aspiration. That is, just because we don't know who/what that is yet doesn't mean we can't push for change. And it may well backfire, but here we are. Is that a fact, or is it a defeatist attitude because we Motherwell fans are so used to accepting the mediocrity of being a wee family club that occasionally punches above its weight? In the end, you become what you accept. I do not want to argue here, I'm merely pointing out that I wish we would aspire for something better/different, as continuing in the same way of the past few years will not be sustainable. As Kris-A-Goalda alluded to above, I do think we are prepared to accept failures on the way to achieving something more balanced, but the balance is currently off due to the constant mistakes and subsequent reactive decisions of the past few years. That suggests a regime with no clear long-term thinking in its decision-making processes, or a regime incapable of such vision due to us being skint(?).

I'm talking more about behind-the-scenes. If we get that right, we may have better luck with managerial appointments and signings.

Perhaps. However, in the absence of the magic wand solution, I'd like to see the balance swing from the reactive to the proactive, as there's been too much of the former these past few years.

To be clear, I'd be delighted if KVV returned to save our season, again. However, it would be an admission that Kettlewell has failed (in particular, with his recruitment) and that the Board was having to splash the cash again to bail us out of a hole of their making, again. This reactive cycle can't go on; we need a drastic shake-up behind the scenes, with the outcome being a proactive, forward-thinking and ambitious club.

We'd probably have to sell Kelly.

And as I said previously, some might say that it is the clowns who observe it. I also suggested that a football forum is not the place for this type of discussion.

This level of pettiness is sensational. Kudos.

And that's why I think the celtic game counts. It's not a write-off.

Fair enough. If he gets back to basics and stops putting square pegs in round holes, and we still don’t get points but at least show up, I won’t be livid. That’s what I mean about mettle. I do still think the clock is ticking, however.

I disagree. It’s a chance for him to show that he has some mettle.

And we have to trust that Kettlewell will begin to start players in their correct positions, but I don't, unfortunately. It feels like he's dug himself into a corner and is unwilling to admit he was wrong on a few things as he believes the 'togetherness' will see them through. Let's hope someone has a word with him this international break, or it'll be his last as Motherwell manager.

The same could be said about an enforced silence. And i don't think this Motherwell FC forum is the place for these discussions.

2 Unlimited.

And Larsson to score two hat-tricks.

How dare you accuse the Board of such levels of competence.

Maybe smaller in stature and history, but Roy MacGregor is minted, and we are far from that. https://www.heraldscotland.com/business_hq/23322089.ross-county-chairman-sells-energy-firm-us-private-equity-player/

And due to the nature of his signings and the players released/sold/loaned out, Kettlewell was only ever going to be able to set up one way. This is why we are where we are now. It's an extremely limited squad that can play in a particular way, albeit very well a while ago, but things have now gone to shit and they can't adapt. Kettlewell is also clearly limited by both his inexperience and due to the budget he was previously allowed. It's a recipe for disaster, but I'm sure he knew that back then and is now living it, and I don't see how he or the players can arrest this slump.

Of course he gets credit, but so would any manager if they had that player at their disposal at that specific point. KVV was the ace up the sleeve that any manager would kill for. Now, without KVV, Kettlewell has nothing. He signed complete shite and has signed his own death warrant by doing so.

Incorrect. I didn’t blame anyone. I made a point about KVV scoring a lot of goals, which saved our season.