Lobey_Dosser

Despite the Thistle game, the quality and commitment we have now is far superior to what was served up August-February. Its therefore way too early to resign ourselves to a playoff. And if a playoff does arise, then as a club and a fan base we need to approach it positively unlike Hibs last year, who crumbled under the fear and resignation.

That list does not paint McCall in a positive light although Baraclough has contributed with a few howlers amidst the January panic. I'd imagine they'll all be away and the only one I'd want to keep would be McDonald, possibly Laing. Think you can also add Sutton, Nathan Thomas and Josh Law to the list.

On paper, we're good enough to accrue 12+ points post split. If it's not good enough to avoid the playoffs then so be it, at least we'll go into the playoff on a good run of form. There is still sufficient scope to get out of trouble if everyone applies themselves properly.

Looking forward to Twaddle's appearance. Some potentially cracking material given some of the characters and turmoil during his time at the club.

Sorry, had it in my head that Accies had a game to go.

22nd if Dundee take split down to wire.

Imagine the TV companies will ensure our meeting with Ross County is early on while it still carries significance.

Dom Thomas was the obvious alternative.The biggest squad in Motherwell's history should be able to accommodate a couple of first team injuries.

No hindsight was required to suggest breaking up an in-form partnership would have a detrimental effect on our style of play. I suspect Sutton would have been on the bench if Grant was fit.

Back in huge bother. Can't believe we went with Sutton!

Not quite carrying the same threat from the bench today. Disappointed to see Erwin line-up on left but hopefully he can still do the business. Also hope Pearson is ready go the distance given the absence of Grant.

Yeah, Johnson out and Pearson touch and go is not great news. Wonder if Dom will be trusted with a start. Partick Thistle are decent to watch on their day and are on a good run. Speaking to a couple of their fans though, they seem to have the fear about this game. All we can ask for is that we go at them full pelt and see what happens. A draw wouldn't be a disaster imo.

That broke up the afternoon nicely. Hadn't appreciated that we might not know our fixtures until 22nd April which is an obvious nightmare - the leniency towards Celtic potentially disrupting the rest of us. Regards the discussion, the split is far from flawless but in conjunction with the playoffs, it is a positive addition to a 12 team league.

Gutted to be missing this. We had a good support down at Killie and would expect that to grow considerably on Saturday. Shame we are still getting less than 4,000 at Fir Park though.

I thought Baraclough was a goner early February so credit to him for overseeing the turnaround to date. The arrival of Robinson and McDonald have been instrumental. At present, we are enjoyable to watch and not in danger of driving fans away which McCall's style ended up doing. We are fit and giving our youth products a chance. This addresses two key concerns from the previous regime. The acid test though is to keep us in the league. Failure to do so would suggest that Baraclough was the right appointment at the wrong time.

Most difficult choice for a long long time. McManus ever so slightly edges it for me with a commanding performance.

My thoughts exactly. Maybe mention Marvin too who looks a good fit. The euphoria doesn't last long though as the Partick Thistle game is unbelievably huge. Gutted I'm going to miss this.

This week's podcast was a decent listen and I think introducing the dimension of an opposing fans can work before crunch games in future. Good work getting Twaddle on.

This it it for St Mirren. I expect them to really chuck the kitchen sink at us. We look fitter and fitter by the week so hopefully we'll recover well from our exertions on the plastic pitch. If fit Johnson will inevitably come in for Grant. Baraclough has hinted at using the squad so there may be 1 or 2 other changes. Horrible feeling St Mirren will get something from this but if we continue to create chances in the manner we have been, we should be too good.

Erwin was a menace throughout and was enjoyable to watch while Long provided numerous heart in mouth moments. The contribution of both were at opposite ends of the scale. After getting it in the neck for taking the wrong option a couple of times, I admire Erwin for having the balls to go on a solo run for the goal.

Thought Erwin was terrific today. He ran himself into the ground and was well on the way to being motm before his fine winner. Really like Josh Law at right back, played some great balls down the wing today.

Thoroughly enjoyed that today. Refreshing to see a Motherwell team that isn't psychologically beaten by a plastic pitch before we kick-off. Our fitness is also streets ahead of where we were under McCall. Despite our ropey defence and liability of a keeper, I fancied is to turn it around today. We've too much quality going forward. Over the moon with Erwin's goal, he was absolutely terrific today. Hopefully his contract is sorted soon.

Was down at FP picking up Killie tickets and was none the wiser to the Pearson news. Brilliant business done much quicker than anyone could have imagined. Could be a significant day for Motherwell with Les taking on the vice chairman role.

The Bythemin boys flagged the footage recently. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUPPe2OniQE Randomly, this game always reminds me of the ecoli outbreak.

Hopefully we also get his contract sorted out during the international break.