weeyin

It all goes back to competence of referees and their ability to understand the game and the context of the game. IFAB have tried remove the need for referees to figure out intent, which is why we ended up with the ridiculous handball rules. The same goes for the situation for Priestman where the rules have tried to create absolutes rather than taking context into account. If the refs could be trusted to understand and appreciate footballing situations, we could let them apply common sense. Sadly, I don't see that changing any time soon. On a slightly different note, regarding "ruining games for the paying public", I completely agree with that. I've often wondered if it wouldn't be better to allow a red-carded player to be replaced with, perhaps, harsher punishments for those that are red carded. In a sport that has tried many things to be more entertaining, a team going down to 10 men early in a game can spoil the spectacle for both sets of fans. I know things like sin-bins have been trialled, but maybe that would another option for the Priestman situation. 15 minutes off the pitch. Or instead of a red card, always book the player and award a penalty even if it wasn't inside the box. There must be a better option, even if it's not perfect.

One shuffle too far Take your pick...

He is part of our strongest team. And it's not like we are just throwing in him cold. He's had 14 starts this season.

Connelly is the designated Scottish Cup keeper. I'm OK with that. Interesting lineup as always. One part load balance, one part freshen things up, one part address the issues from the weekend. Not a bad bench either.

We have improved in the 2nd half of the season though. And we've only lost 2 away games in the league - both to the OF.

100% this

None of the best Motherwell teams I have watched in the past have won anything. I'll be delighted if this one is the exception, but I never pin my hopes on cup success. Even more so now when games are played to conclusion rather than sorting things out in a replay. Really looking forward to tonight's game though. Hope none of my customers need me if we go into extra time - already have my calendar blocked out for that possibility.

I'd also add that never once during our 91 Cup success did I feel this was our "best chance ever". The narrow wins, replays and penalty shootouts backed up how fine the margins are.

While we are playing well, I don't feel that being drawn away from home on a dodgy surface against the current holders who will be hell-bent on defending their trophy in front of their own fans constitutes a "great chance". We are playing well, and I think we have a good chance of winning, but I wouldn't be shocked if we lose. One bad decision, one piece of bad luck, and you can be out. It's certainly not Spartans at home. I don't have the fear though. It's amazing the progress we have made this year to get us in the mindset that we have a great chance, and if things go to plan, we should be in an equal or stronger position next season. That's the great thing about what has happened under JBA. It's not just about the performances, it's about the foundation that has been laid. We need to be sure we take advantage of it in future seasons too.

They were playing at a cricket ground - the Leichhardt Oval.

I suppose it depends on whether he thinks Connelly will be better served with more loans to get game time or sitting on the bench as a backup.

Matty Connelly extends his contract until the end of the 2026/27 season, with the club holding the option of a further year.

It feels like it's either Beaton or Dickinson that refs every one of our games.

Prepare and execute. That's all we can do, and so far we've been doing it pretty well. Things can happen in a one-off cup tie, but I'd rather be on our position than Aberdeen's right now.

I don't think we'll be winning the league, but it's been such a crazy season, the fact that there's still a slim chance we could just adds to the entertainment. If we win our game in hand, we'll be 5 points off second. That's certainly a target we can shoot at, and then see what happens.

If watching this team leave fans with fear and terrible feelings, we are in trouble. It doesn't get much better than this Relax. Enjoy. Cup ties are tough. We might lose, we might win. JBA will set us up to play our best. Only one team will win all of their cup games. Worst case, we are back to chasing a European spot at the weekend.

He's wrong, but no harm in trying to talk up his team for the next game.

Also went for Longelo today, but close run thing.

We can, but an away game in the cup against Premiership opposition is never easy.

All we can do is try and win every game and see what happens.

Pity Killie are mince, but the JBA machine keeps rolling along.

Late goal spoiled my "Just" joke. Now take your pick...

That's very possible. I was just responding to the post about him not having the technical ability when, for me at least, he has shown that he does.

I'd say last season he was one of the few players we had that could actually pass a ball.

If Campbell is to be believed, he said he he received offers in Scotland, England and Europe, but still trying to make the "right decision". Whether he was badly advised, or he made the wrong decisions, by not accepting one of those offers during the summer, he's set himself back another season.