weeyin

It's competitive match fitness that is the challenge rather than physical fitness. And you don't get that in friendlies. I doubt Rangers will be any more advanced than us in that regard.

If we use Lewis Grabban's transfer fee as the benhmark (reported to be around 7 million) Hayes and Stewart are easily worth 2 million.

I've never been a fan of early starts to the season. I don't care who you are, it takes a certain amount of time to reach the acceptable level of fitness - at least in a way that ensures you aren't burned out by October. My bigger concern is getting the back 4 working as a unit. Seems they haven't quite gelled yet.

I think we will see a leaner and fitter team. McGhee has said a few times that they won't be fully geared up until later in August. 'Fit enough' for the League Cup was the term he used I believe. People still read far too much into friendlies. If we get papped out of the Cup group and have 2 points from 12 starting the league campaign, then we can start asking questions.

McGhee said it would be end of August before the team bedded in. Seems like he's right. Not too fussed about today, though. Can never get worked up about friendlies.

Given that McGhee likes to play 3 up top, I don't think lone striker options will be too much of an issue.

McGhee in his post match said there would be a crossover in players to the Hibs game. Sounds like at least McHugh, Moult and Ainsworth will get more time.

I like white shorts, but they only work with certain shirt/sock combos such as these old ones:

I know it's all about brand awareness etc., but I'd be amazed if putting a logo on Motherwell replica shirts really drives up anyone's sales. That must come from the advertising inside the ground, matchday programme blurbs, TV coverage, first team photos and the like.

We should also open a badge stitching thread.

Same colour for shirt and shorts seem to be a trend these days, and not one I'm a big fan of.

I'm assuming this is your first pre-season, because 2 things these games are never about are results and tackling. They exist only because it gets boring playing shirts v skins for a month and the most important aspects are that people get to run around for 90mins and nobody gets injured.

I was pleasantly surprised Robinson stuck around when McGhee joined us. He's definitely been an asset, but was expecting the new gaffer to bring in his own man.

I'm just glad our resident panic mongers can get their pre-season rants tuned up.

Jack reneged.

Brexit may be tearing apart the political parties, killing the economy, destroying the UK and causing a rise in racist attacks - but on the bright side, my monthly payment to the Society cost me $2 less this month. So there is that,

"Suggested" being the operative word. Seems he had agreed to a contract extension, but hadn't actually signed one.

I was just about to say Chambers must be bad as I haven't even heard him get a mention. Happy 4th, Haggis. Good riddence to the English

It's Shark Week on the telly here. Tonight is the episode where CMWellfan jumps one.

Pat Bonnar dropping the ball at McLair's feet for the winner was my highlight of those 5. TBF he was an excellent keeper, but not averse to the odd howler. McLair not a bad player either, mind you. Along with McAllister, made the most of his potential after he moved on. He always had the look of someone who could make it at the top level even when we were struggling as a team.

Aye, he was partly responsible for that relegation. Not exactly the goal machine we were hoping for. That other Clydeban player did OK though.

Warburton getting his excuses in early. After we beat them I fully expect McGhee to tell the media we didnt play our full strength team either.

Maybe that quote, but I don't think that is the same interview I was referring to - it's certainly not a direct quote. Regardless, my point still stands. Unless you think we really are still waiting for the big centre half from his German contacts.

He's probably right, but I take anything McGhee says about signings or team selections with a pinch of salt. He quite often messes with the media in that regard. Signing that "young keeper" he wanted is just the latest example.