Yir Elder

Agreed. He's said that we've only lost Sutton from the first team squad, but he must be forgetting Ross, Jones and Jeffers who it looks like we won't be replacing. That for me is a MASSIVE gamble, and means that McHugh and Smith MUST step up to the plate, otherwise it could be a very long season. Quality over quantity sounds all well and good, but our overall strength in depth is wafer thin, and as I've already stated we can't keep reducing numbers and get away with it.

Most of the responses to my post have been fair comment, but the point remains that we CANNOT continue to allow more players to leave than we bring in, unless we have one or two excellent youngsters coming through who are ready for the first team.

We were told that the budget would NOT be reduced from last season, and considering that Sutton, Jeffers, Jones, Gunning, Ross, Casagolda and Charalambous have all left, to seemingly only be bringing in FOUR new faces is very disappointing to hear. I mean, with the cash generated from a six-game Euro campaign, a Top Six finish, a League Cup Semi and a Scottish Cup Final we MUST have made a very decent profit, plus the Reynolds sale too. To me it looks like the budget HAS been cut, despite previous promises.

Agreed Andy, and hopefully Thistle will bring a decent support too.

Personally I like the kit, looks cracking.

Have to say I'm disappointed. That's now six summers in a row that the club have launched new kits. Its hugely expensive for us fans to keep up every season, and yes I know we have the choice to NOT BUY the latest kit! Just saying that I don't like going down the line of a new kit launch every year.

We can all surely look forward to Broon's pals in the media giving him YET ANOTHER easy ride over this, despite the facts!

Whoever we are paired with in the opening three rounds of next season's SPL, I predict we'll have at least one of those week's off due to friendlies being arranged, as is our luck.

Anyone mind we played Leeds in August 1982, in what was only my third ever game watching the Well!! Sadly they pumped us 4-0 but I do recall that George Best guested for Motherwell that night.

Pretty sure the 'keeper was Pegguy Arphexad who went on to play for Leicester and Liverpool, and also the defender Bjorn Kvarme who also signed for Liverpool.

This.

Disappointing but not unexpected. Difficult to blame him in terms of wages, but I suppose I thought he'd want to test himself at a higher level. Ach well, thanks for three very decent years Sutty.

Keevins has nothing to say that I want to hear, so I no longer bother with the ill-informed wee pecker.

Guilty as charged!

I'm enjoying the build-up to the full. Saturday will fly by in a heartbeat so its great to take it the whole thing at a slow pace! Excitement is building though, make no mistake! The house has now been given its spring clean and is bedecked in Claret and Amber!!

A very poignant thread this. I raise my glass to all of those who won't be with us when we head to Hampden on Saturday. I hope we can do it for you all.

Aye it was tough for Softy and big Nick, who had both done plenty to help the team to reach the final. Only two subs back then, but even with five on Saturday we'll still have two or three who'll be gutted to miss out.

Completely agree with this line-up and formation. I believe this is our best chance of winning the cup, and if we get every facet of it right then we'll be in with a real chance. A good blend of tactics and passion will see the cup back at Fir Park!!

Today's result didn't matter a fuck to us, and happily we haven't suffered any injuries, so we go into the Scottish Cup Final next weekend with a clean bill of health, and a squad of players who are rested and up for the fight. Today, well done to Hollis and Carswell who acquitted themselves very well indeed. That aside, who cares??!!! Bring on next Saturday!

Sunday isn't about resting our top players, its about protecting them from injury or possible suspension, so its perfectly prudent to ensure we go into next Saturday's Cup Final with everyone available to us. Its not our concern who wins the league, or indeed to make it more difficult for Shellic in Sunday. We have to look ahead another week and put ourselves first. Fuck all this integrity shite, send out the reserves! This would be my team: Hollis Saunders (needs some game time) Page Gunning Ross Carswell Forbes Pollock Humphrey (see comment for Saunders) Casagolda Jones Subs: Bradley, Jeffers, McHugh, Smith, Meechan....plus two u19 defenders! The result don't matter, as avoiding any injuries is the most important thing. However, if we can grab a goal and avoid a pumping I'll be chuffed! Mon the Well!!

Great post Dave, agree 100%

Well he's been in a bit of bother, so maybe no-one else will take a chance on him. I would, and his pal Steven Thompson too.

For a commanding defensive performance, not to mention a Beckham-esque crossfield pass to Hump, my MOTM vote goes to Crags. One more year please!

I thought we started really well, pressing Killie high up the pitch and deservedly going in front. After the first 20 minutes they came back into things, but if Jenno's goal had stood then I reckon we'd have won reasonably comfortably. Early second half they dominated and deservedly scored, but for the rest of the half it was even, with both sides having spells going forward. Not too disappointed, at least we ended the losing run. I do foresee a defeat on Sunday with a weakened side, but I have no fears about the team being ready for Hampden.

Reading between the lines I wouldn't be surprised to see the likes of Hollis, Page, Forbes and McHugh to get a start today. It would do no harm to rest a few lads as the next few weeks are vital for us. We don't want our potential match-winners to be carrying wee knocks or be jaded going into the Cup Final, plus a few of the fringe players wil be battling for one of only 5 subs places at Hampden. That should be motivation enough for the team today, and I feel we're capable of taking a point even with a few changes.