weeyin

Aye, he does sound more like an old Jewish comedian than an African footballer.

Perhaps, but I think it's a stretch to say he'll be the difference between struggling at the bottom to pushing for the top 6.

I like Skippy, but I don't think he's that influential - especially as our biggest failings tend to be in defence.

Trying out a few things and just trying to get everyone some game time I would think.

Max Gradel played for Leeds the same time as Grella. So it was pretty close. He also played for Leeds against us the pre-season a few years ago.

There hasn't been silence though. Bara was asked a few times about Marv and Hammell's omissions, and he said that they felt some reaction to their workouts and he wasn't going to risk any issues by playing them in a bounce game. It's all about being fit for the start of the season, not a friendly.

Bara keeps saying it's precautionary. Won't risk playing anyone that is feeling any tightness or pain after training.

Good to see the pre-season moans getting an outing. As well as eliminating the 12 quid entry price issue, playing training games behind closed doors would also reduce the panic, and complaining and misery on here. We have had some truly mince-worthy seasons on the back of a good pre-season and vice-versa. As long as we get through them injury free and let the new boys settle in, the results are pretty meaningless. Especially when there are so many subs and the bosses are playing with ideas and formations.

Thomas on for Hammell.

You said you wouldn't bet on any of them. I'll take the other side of the bet i.e. at least one of them. What odds are you laying?

I wouldn't bet on Skippy for more than 5 goals given his strike rate last season. However, I'd take the bet that says at least one of the four others scores more than 5.

I think it would be great signing, but I don't think it will make or break our season. More interested in strengthening our midfield right now. Of course, we could slot Skippy into that advanced role. With four first team strikers on the books now, it's less of a priority.

12 quid is outrageous for a training exercise. Not that anyone has to go, of course, but be as well going back to closed door games.

Aye, I'd defend McCall for a few of his signings that didn't work out, but Twardzik did seem a lazy one. The new goal keeping coach should hopefully a some good ideas of who we can bring in.

I'd take Craig Gordon on loan from Celtic even if I had to appear between the sticks when we played them.

I agree with that, unless it's a situation like Laing where there is a chance of signing them at the end of the loan deal.

Aye, I meant Dan performed at the same level as a numbet of the other culprits who took us to 11th. I was never a fan and always argued during his loan spell that he benefited from us going on a good run rather than being responsible for it (as some on here claimed).

To be fair, he was good enough for our level last season.

Could be. Baraclough said in a recent interview they were planning January targets already.

Setting expectations on 2 pre-season games is an exercise in futility. Once we have completed our signings and have a few competitive games under our belt, we can start making more informed predictions. They'll still be wrong, but at least they will be more informed.

Celtic will win it. Aberdeen (and the media) will pretend they have a chance of winning it. Whoever finishes bottom is irrelevant as Doncaster has already intimated he wants this season to be the last season of a 12 team SPFL. How the rest shape up will depend on injuries, suspensions and luck.

Wonder if JJ will be heading back to his old stomping ground at Ibrox. I also read yesterday Gary McAllister is taking over First Team coaching at Liverpool. Unlike Craigan, I don't know if that will allow him to continue with his BT Sport duties - which would be a shame as I always enjoyed his contributions. I still have Craigan's signed jersey from an early Steelmen Online Sponsorship raffle - is it worth more now?

The two new backroom signings look very positive too: http://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2015/07/10/two-new-staff-appointments/

I wasn't criticizing - genuinely curious what his standing was a coach given all his TV work etc.

He might well be - I honestly have no idea what badges he even has.