Yir Elder

FAO mwellhighland; EastStandWellFan Might be an idea to PM someone you know to ask them to buy a ticket for you if you're a bit nervous. ps Not me incidentally, won't be able to get to the office myself!

Welcome to Motherwell Jimbo and Pedro! It is a big job, but I think things could be about to get all twisty and turny on our rollercoaster ride! Mon the Well!!

It won't feel right seeing Clarky play for someone else, thought he'd be a Motherwell player for longer. However his form in the last two years has brought him international international recognition, and obviously attracted attention down south. He does deserve the chance of a crack at the big time, and his attitude on the field and manner off it means we will all wish him nothing but success. Clarky, you were a fine ambassador for Motherwell, go and make your name and your fortune down south. All the luck in the world mate.

I think most folk would agree with your thoughts on the friendly game, but we have no other options available for Thursday and the concern is justified in my view. If we do go out to Llanelli it'll be solely down to taking over a fortnight to appoint a gaffer and letting two top players leave when we had a very threadbare squad as it was.

It is possible we'll have more at the away game than the home game! Hope we can get a decent support for the first leg though, will be tough considering how poor the squad is, certainly in terms of numbers.

The first thing I will say is that Jon Page isn't a right back, surely Saunders would be the obvious choice if Coach's move goes through? Its only a bounce game and a lot of youngsters got a run out by the looks of things, but as it stands that is our whole squad! Not sure we'll be able to play much better on Thursday, but we'd better or folk will be asking some serious questions about why we let two players leave when we only had thirteen first teamers left!!

However you think the club should be run, it is crazy to be operating with a squad of 12 first team players a few days before a big match. What if we get injuries in training? This situation shouldn't have been allowed to develop and we CANNOT sell anyone else until we make signings, and we need at least 6 to be competitive.

I have no problem whatsoever with Clarky moving south for more money and to (arguably) a bigger club, not to metion a prestigeous league. He has always given his all for the club and served us well. I will enjoy watching his progress for the Robins and hopefully Scotland too, and he leaves with my very best wishes and grateful thanks for everything. Good luck Clarky.

He arrives with a good reputation and has worked under tough circumstances at Stockport, so this job and the squad he has to work with, not to mention the budget, will seem like a cushy number!! Welcome aboard Jim!

Cautious optimism is my usual state pre-season! As soon as we get a manager in and bolster the squad I'll feel better. Right now I'm more cautious than optimistic, but that will no doubt change!

I ordered a long sleeve top too. A bit disappointing but when you're Motherwell you tend to be at the lower end of supplier's priority lists sadly!

Its fair enough that if our better players are sought after and Motherwell earn big money from a transfer fee, that's the way its always been. However when we only have 13 first team squad players and no manager we simply can't sell anyone. Surely we have enough cash to bring out of contract players and loans in to boost the squad to 18 or 19? We have made over 200k from MMG's departure and the wages for Boab, Shug and Buzz would have been bulky, so there has to be space to bring players in as things stand. If not then questions have to be asked, as we are in profit as a club.

Nearly. It was a Finnish defender by the name of Harri Ylonen (sp?) who his namesake Mr Kampmann had signed on a pre-contract to join us when the Finnish season ended in the October of 1998. By then Billy Davies was in charge and didn't want him, and I think we agreed a settlement with him.

Agreed MJ, for the second time today too!!

We have to play everyone 3 times before the split, so the order isn't that important, unless we have a particularly bad run, which we haven't really. Not the worst start we could've had, although it will be tricky. Now for the Europa League draw on Monday!!

Spot on Pie.

Not sure I'd agree with that entirely, considering the threadbare squad he's left. His tenure should remembered positively in the main, although his 'whoring' in the press, lack of good signings and poor efforts in the cups will rankle with some.

That duo was mentioned last time around, would mind to be honest.

The last two years have been good by and large, but in my view the squad McGhee had left us with is weaker than the one he inherited, and that aint good considering how little time we have this pre-season. As for his whoring in the press, that's Aberdeen problem now!

I rather suspected he was up to that, whilst still officially a Motherwell employee. Shocking. On the subject of players leaving, no-one will leave whilst we arte without a manager, especially as we only have 14 first team players at the moment!

Got to say I'm disappointed that its £15 for an adult, especially as it appears there's no pay at the gate. if we progress through to the Third Qualifying Round that's £90 for me and Sharon before we put petrol in the car, buy a programme etc. On top of yet another new strip and a month after shelling out almost £500 for season tickets, that is a lot. For me a tenner would have been fairer for the fans.

Good point Jaggy, although it would be good to see the wanker squirm a bit!!!

One thing is for sure, it won't be quiet around Fir Park over the next few weeks!!

The first Motherwell captain to lift the Scottish Cup and an integral member of one of our most famous back lines. A legend. RIP Willie.

If he wants to go to Aberdeen then fine, thanks for everything and good luck. What will grate with me is if, whilst still under employment at Motherwell, he encourages Buzz, Shug and Maros to sign for another team ie Aberdeen. If he does then he'll lose a lot of respect from me, and would be in my opinion, in breach of contract and due to be sued! It wouldn't surprise me if he does try that though, underhand though it is.