Onthefringes

We're the most hospitable? Well done Mr Burrows... Keeping Keevins in pies and an endless fountain of tea and coffee is a winner every year!

In and out in minutes (a fine conniseur of which the Wicked Witch can confirm) at Brandon Parade. Pain-less transaction, big up to the staff involved in some trying circumstances - hope the club have invested not only in cash registers, but, flak jacket protection for next weeks bun fight.

Yet some of us get really pissed off at those who keep trotting out the same banal reply... No denying the weather was the most extreme in 20 years, but, why the need to hold St Johnstones' and others pitch up as some sort of virtue? Our near neighbours, sHamilton get weather conditions any worse to ours then, yet don't inherit similar problems and have a consistently good playing surface? Our Sunday team played on a surface yesterday, albeit a touch fiery, at least comparable to Fir Park on a fraction of the maintenace cost. Spent a huge amount of money? The investments made in repair, specialist advice, pitch protection and poor maintenance may have been to the detriment of the playing staff budget, that gets my ire. Until winter a bowling green? Why then after a period of inactivity do we arrive and the surface has returned to type under the current groundstaff? Poor maintenance, failing to pay heed to the specialist advice, staff capability to use the tools provided? Go on, tell us, tell us... I'd wager on it being all three!!! Statements 3 & 4 are of the obvious variety. Poor groundsmanship? A few recent activities have further compounded the problems... The use of germination covers were heralded by some towards the end of March as our pitch had a schedule that would suit planned remedial works. Uncharacteristic weather for the time of year seen extended sunshine and unusually higher temperatures. So why then take the covers off early? Natural light? The germination cover idea is to create a green house effect where the heat stays within offering even better growth conditions no? Although slightly better, the cup replay and following match we still have large parts that resembled those who are follically challenged. Poor preparation on Saturday too. Commentary claimed the pitch was watered prior to the match. Unless there is a drought on and subsequent hosepipe ban, why was the pitch not soaked up until kick off and again at half time? Many grounds see this as good practice. Would have taken the 'fiery' as McCoist termed it in his half-time interview, out of the pitch and perhaps offered something more condusive to our recent style of play. Hell, the pitch could have even been rolled, give the impression the ball could run true and our players first touch could be a pass and not control at waist height... Just a thought likes.

Deary me, I know the sun is shining bright, but, do you ever take those claret and amber tinted spectacles off? We make Maurice Edu look remotely like a professional footballer and yet you still gripe about the referee.

In keeping with the Aberdeen theme, we had Willie Miller heralding "the best crop of youngsters in the country" some 6 weeks ago or so... That good, 12 released this week... To help aid the budget for newcomers he with more faces than the town clock claims Gotta love the short term approach, all the way to the first division with any luck.

Haud the bus!!! Nothing original about the easily offended (Well apart from the lack of personal hygiene) Heard this played out at plenty grounds in England in recent years... Definitely Bolton

And who would he displace in our squad? Understanding a change of club may be of benefit to some, but, he's where he is for a reason. He's piss. If we were to plunder across the M74, the now fit again Alex Neil (staying in Waterloo as he does, he's not too keen on a move outwith Lanarkshire I hear) not a better addition?

A win this Saturday, 4th consecutive term in European competition secured... Simples?

Every intention of phoning The Railway Tavern, Cross Keys, Bairds Bar and any other flea-pit where the easily offended congregate/put giros in the biscuit tin and request they send any unused sausage rolls from their parties down our way If Lennon cups his ears at any of us post match, I'll be ordering a Royal Mail 40ft trailer...

Have a request from friends in Oz... Haven't a Danny La Rue how to copy from my Sky+ recordings. Looking for a dvd of the whole match, any kind hearted soul help?

Suspect clamour from the board sycophants has our Chief Executive posting a poorly prepared address... The ethos of proposed distribution is correct much to the chagrin of many and some who should know better on here. It's been fun reading, still time for references to pant wetting, porridge dribbling and display of the pampers logo mind. After all, clearly states final confirmation likely on Wednesday... Detail could and should have been, oh, so better. Communication is key right enough, but, the more things change the more they stay the same is never more apt.

Not wanting to piss on your parade. Dig a little deeper... he was a Leeds supporter! Those with white rose leanings may confirm. The affinity with the club who share claret and amber is from his time spent in Bradistan

Few Motherwell fans still celebrating through here... Working in the vicinity of Waverley Station at the moment and a few 'Well chants could be heard about quarter of an hour ago. The show firmly on the road, keep up the good work and make yourselves known - perked my shift up.

Be surprised if Humphrey makes our starting 11 given his late addition last week.

I think I'd play Hateley at RB for the simple reason that if we win a free kick within striking range he give us the option of going straight for goal which should have the keeper guessing a bit. Eh? Can he not offer the same from the middle of the park? Hateley will start.

No qualms with Jennings straight back into the fold. Can Hateley not be deployed in a 4-3-3 likes? Leaves Jeffers on the bench though...

Will Saunders' hamstring hold up to the rigours of tomorrow though? Only a few weeks since we were told his season was over and struggled to make half time last week. Why change an unbeaten team?

Well, he could get to the match and let the father be at the birth

There might be a lot of road works around Hampden just now I don't know, but we were given the same route for the CIS Cup semi against Celtic a few years ago and it was tortuous then. The evening rush hour in Glasgow? Unless they've rescheduled that or the morning one all will be well.

Surprised at the omission of Maurice Ross by many... Hasn't put a foot wrong in a 'Well shirt, experience of being over this particular course and a record of being unbeaten at Hampden, one of the 1st names on the teamsheet no?

That's why we should haud the bus... ain't nothing official

Here we go again...

Well, have a word with yourself, not as if you are playing is it? As an aside, any of you coppers' narks know the location for Motherwell supporters coach parking on Saturday? Should ask the club as they have been taking a keen interest in our 86 seater apparently For those towards the Mount Florida end of the ground, just outside as before? Be surprised if the press car park off Aitkenhead Road is utilised as it was at League Cup semi-final and would St Johnstone coaches have the trek to Polmadie Road that we had?

And you know how much our current squad are paid... Pray tell more

It's okay, we'll be getting an email. Gutless