gullane

I see this thread as pure media and fan speculation. As new players come into the 1st team, other squad players get put to one side - then the rumours start. I like the fact that 6 weeks in the hot seat, Jim Gannon has never once been directly quoted as having an interest in either signing or releasing one player. In keeping his cards close to his chest he avoids other clubs chasing his targets and maintains some professional integrity. Hammell, along with the discussion on the Ins and Outs about Fitzpatrick, Smith and McGarry, are members of the Motherwell squad. I personally can't see the sense in punting Hammell anyway. Until JG's goal of signing another 3-4 players is achieved, I doubt there will be any departures. With regards Hammell's defensive shortcomings - I think some hard work and good coaching can help him improve.

It looks very nice - but has everything been fixed underneath? Please assure me that come January, after weeks of fixture backlogs and rain deluges - the undersoil heating and drainage will keep it green and not return to an Irish peat bog.

This thread is getting a bit disjointed. Is it about the score on Saturday, how Well will do this season or how everyone will do? With JG's positive and creative direction, some good signings and promising young talent, I predict The Well will steer clear of relegation and will have the odd great result. But it may be another year or so before we see an established side playing well consistently. So if you've watched The Well for years, expect some rank rotten performances too. Mid table could be either side of 6th spot. Seeing as others have gone for league predictions - here's mine. 1 Celtic (Mowbray has cash and tactical no-how) 2 Rangers (Same players, same system, same performance, same results. Just not as good as Celtic.) 3 Hearts (Although a cash crisis one day will see them replace Livingston in Div3 ) 4 Dundee Utd (Where do they get their money from? Levein has made some good signings. should put them above the rest of the pack... but they often come unstuck, don't they?) 5 Kilmarnock (Nae money but they are an established side. Jeffries may be a misery, but he's a wise one) 6 MOTHERWELL (I'm a glass half full kind o guy) 7 St Johnstone (McInnes may be a good manager in the making. Expect a few surprises.) 8 Hibs (Hughes may be a Hibbee but he's not got enough talent to work with.) 9 St Mirren (Better than last year - but only a bit) 10 Aberdeen (A shocking season in store - no money, no talent, no graft. McGhee to England before May) 11 Hamilton (Life without McCarthy - bleak) 12 Falkirk (In same boat as Killie - but no experienced manager or established side. Best stadium in Div 1 Season 10-11) Score on Saturday - combo of Well optimism and Euro sharpness v newly promoted, keen and at home - a draw will be fine.

Hi Radford. The worst thing you can do is predict a formation - 4-4-2, 3-5-2. The reason being, it is likely to change throughout the match. Jim Gannon likes flexibility and creativity. Also, don't assume players' positions. Jim O'Brien - winger has played right back twice now. Reynolds will definitely start, but he could be centre back, left back or centre midfield. Of the new signings, Coke is the only certainty to start. From our youngsters, you should see Forbes. Slane is grabbing lots of plaudits but he is still only 17 and shouldn't start every game. But with his pace and confidence, I suspect he will start in Perth. I like the fact you are trying to write a bit more than the obvious. If you do want to inform the Saints faithful then I suggest you advise them to expect the unexpected. O and the away end will be full. 2 good young managers up against each other on Saturday. Cheers

I wetting to know everyone for Coke cos of his composure and distribution. Early days and he's still getting to know everyone - but he looks class. However there were many fine displays from Forbes, Reynolds, Sutton, Hutchison, Slane and even Jimbo at RB.

I don't believe many Well fans are getting carried away with Gannon and what he will achieve. But like most, I do think we've appointed a good manager that will make positive changes and develop a side that brings on young talent and plays attractive football. In bringing about change, many people are going to be challenged and displaced. That's simply reality. So please, let's not harp on about a need to protect the feelings of established squad members. Reynolds and Craigan are both good, solid M'well players. But the reality is our defence shows frailty with high balls. Therefore the pairing will have to be broken at some point. Over the past 2-3 seasons, the midfield has often failed to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities. That doesn't mean Lasley and Fitzpatrick have failed - but the side needs freshening up. It's very early days, but so far, JG has let fresh talent like Slane, Forbes and Hutchison in the side - and make a positive contribution. Ruddy quite simply looks the business between the sticks. Against Steaua, I thought Coke looked a class act in midfield. Now to add to all that, JG has even made a public display of his passion for the club and got sent into the stand. IMHO we are going into the 09-10 season with a new, young side and an intelligent manager. I don't think this will necessarily lead to initial rewards, but I do feel confident we are going to see progress. Thanks for your contribution so far Jim.

This deal makes no sense - either to the club or player. Not worth it. I think Jamie is JG's kind of young player.

As a side filled with youngsters and new signings, I think we should all be content with a good performance against class opposition. If we go 2-0 up I will faint though.

Can't see this. Hammell is a senior member of a very small squad. JG is building a squad - not dismantling. I can only see the aforementioned Fitzy, DLS and McGarry departing. Anyway, Jocky Scott now has a first team squad of 22. How many more players does he need? Smell shite indeed.

Didn't Wee Spenny cost us more than Gaag? £700k sticks in my head.

I think this represents the popular consensus of opinion. Signing players isn't done to a scientific formula so I players won't come in in terms of priority. I fully expect a tall centre back, right back and striker to sign on in next 2-3 weeks. Fitzy, McGarry and DLS may well move on, which could create space for more squad additions. However I don't expect all the money received from transfers to go on new players. I think some of it will be used to shore up the club kitty with the loss of Setanta revenue. I bet Accies do something similar with the McCarthy money.

Let's keep a grip. We have definitely stepped up in class. Steaua are the strongest side we've faced since Dortmund and we've got debutants and youngsters on the park. If we can tighten up in defence and get some possession in midfield, all is not lost.

Yet another tragedy. Hard to believe that's 4 of the Cup Final team passed away. Paul was an honest decent player. I hope the club help support his family.

With the potential of the two new guys on board, I think Well can take Flamurtari 2-0. But it will be squeaky bum stuff.

... Freddie (bloody) Dindelieux

Fraser Saunders-Craigan-Reynolds-Hammell Lasley-Jennings Humphrey-Slane-O'Brien Sutton Two holding midfielders, supported by Reynolds to keep possession. Three speed merchants to run at their defence. Let's up and at them. Airdrie won't be 40c and the Albanians aren't that great. 2-0

Sadly I don't think this is a myth. The headcase was widely quoted. Arse

I would get seriously excited if we got Ujpest. Budapest is a fantastic city to visit - and easy to get to. We'd need 3-4 new players added to the squad to give us a realistic chance though.

New gaffer - new team - new era. Cheers Maros.

0-1. Not bad in 40c heat. I feel OK for 2nd leg. As usual, we lost a goal from the left wing - Hammell's side.

Iraqgoals r bac. Still 0-0

Is a loan signing fair to Darren. For too long now, he's been on the fringes, trying to prove himself. I think it's better to tell him it's time to move on and offer him as a free to another club. Butcher and Malpas know all about him so how about offering him to ICT? It would be good all round if he gets a fresh start to his career and we free up another wage for another signing. Cheers Darren

Interesting info from your little birdie. Given JG's comments, I would expect a 4-5-1 line up too. But that's all I'm predicting as a combo of the heat and lack of knowledge of the opposition makes the scoreline total guess work. I hope the lads keep possession and come back home with the tie still open.

Good point. Some folk on here bleat about the risk of taking on unknown talent. Isn't it the job of scouts to acquire knowledge of talent? In today's game, there are loads of young players being rejected because clubs have to reduce their squad size. Just cos they're rejected, doesn't mean they aren't any good. I expect over the coming weeks, we will see what JG knows about hidden talent.

John Ruddy sounds a quality goallie. Would be a great signing.