weeyin

McGhee also said a few days ago it would take some "wheeling and dealing" to bring in someone new. And that we were looking for another midfielder. Which, while consistent with his "no new players until someone leaves" line doesn't rule out more new faces.

The money in English football is mental. Conference teams are outpsending half the SPFL. But it seems our clubs are still happy enough with the half-arsed efforts our league makes to generate revenue, and then let the OF take the lions' share of the pitiful income.

Malpas was a disaster all round, not just pre-season. There are many types of fitness though from basic cardio, to core strength, to endurance, to sprint training to speed. And then there is sharpness on the ball. I expect cardio, core strength and some endurance at this stage, but I doubt we'll see speed and match sharpness for a few weeks yet. It's a rare season when we have hit the ground running. Even when McGhee was here the first time his tactics involved us playing hard for 60 minutes or so and then hanging on in the last third of a game.

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.