Lobey_Dosser

Assuming we are on a solid enough financial footing after the November announcement, we require a manager that is in tune with the vision of the Board. I imagine that vision will incorporate youth development as well as player recruitment that has scope for generating income. Should there be a change prior to Christmas, I don't think we need to bring in a safe pair of hands like we did with Brown. The quality of league is at such a low that any manager worth their salt will get us out of trouble. I wouldn't be averse to bringing in a young manager from the same school as McNamara and Hartley.

Fans in favour of this argument are willing to sacrifice consistent league performances for a good cup run. However, there has to be an element of promise in league performances to indicate that we are beating anybody from Celtic to Albion Rovers 'on our day'. It would take a helluva leap of faith to think this current Motherwell regime could go on a cup run. At present, we are watching one of the most disorganised and arguably unprofessional Motherwell team's that I can recall.

Reid, if fit, will play in front of the back 4 surely.

Are we in a position though where the man who does the TV interviews is responsible for staff coming and going?

I agree, McCall tends to point out if a player is carrying a knock do I guess McManus wasn't. One of McCalls greatest attributes is his man-management but performances have understandably prompted him to have a dig recently, albeit not always mentioning them.

There is something going on with McManus. That tackle 2 mins in against Accies looked like sheer anger/frustration. Then yesterday, he was reluctant to run throughout the 45 and repeatedly encouraged Twardzik to give the ball to O'Brien, who we know is not comfortable with the ball at your feet. Fair play to him if he is playing through an injury but there is little point in doing so if you are going to shirk responsibility.

Notable gesture from Ojamaa to come out with a tweet this morning. Speaks volumes for the club though that a young man on loan, is leading by example on and off the park.

On Wednesday, we'll practise at parking the bus.

As long as we treat it as an opportunity and that the recent pattern of internal promotions doesn't happen where it matters most.

Cheers, complex business I gather. Whatever the detail, I think Faddy is one of these players that needs the very best monitoring and treatment to get the best out of him.

Supposedly he was looking at Dundee's diamond formation. The continued confidence excuse doesn't wash with me. We are an ill prepared team that lacks the basic tactical and technical skills. If he wants players with confidence, then give Cadden and Thomas their chance.

So what is Faddy inferring here? Torn as a result of playing through niggles? http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/free-agent-james-mcfadden-admits-4266801

Not my area of expertise but I may be misinterpreting McFaddens' quotes.

McFadden played with a torn hamstring for 2 months last season. Surely that reflects badly on the club. Clarkson impressed me today but so did Greg Stewart. A player who caught my eye in a televised playoff match for Cowdenbeath last season. Sadly, Motherwell don't seem to look at this market.

I think there is something in that.

That was an absolute nonsense statement from Tam on the radio tonight. I'm all for loyalty and of course McCalls record speaks for itself but we can't wait to be relegated before making a change. Unless there is something positive going on in the background that we are unaware of, Motherwell would not survive relegation in it's current guise. However, my concern is that the problems run much deeper than the training pitch. If we were to part company with McCall then who we would we replace him with? The club badly needs some leadership. As much as Dempster was a pain in the arse, the club has lost it's voice since she left and the club is completely disengaged with the fans (outwith positive ticket initiatives). On a sidenote, was listening to discussion about Killie bonuses on the radio last night. Jim Spence mentioned that he spoke to a similar sized club on Friday and they were on a £650 win bonus - this is seemingly par for the course. Pure speculation on my part but the motivation and consistency we've had in recent seasons is not there, has there been a change to the financial incentives at Fir Park?

Pleased to see Clarkson score, regardless of the circumstances. Other than that, Dundee were relatively average but were granted acres of space. Onto Motherwell, the midfield is non-existent and the defence is a shambles. This seems to be case whatever combination we play. There was no evidence today that we have been working on a game plan or shape for the past fortnight. Equally concerning, there was no evidence that the players were out to prove a point. Not sure what is going on with McManus, fair play to him if he is attempting to play through injuries, but there was no chance of him emerging for the 2nd half after that wheeiebinesque performance. The one player who escapes the bulk of the criticism is Ojamaa, head and shoulders above the rest. In the last 20/25 minutes today you can see that there is potential for Ojamaa, Ainsworth and Vigurs to combine well but they need a solid base to work from. Growing consensus seems to be that 'something's no right in the background' however the club continues to duck the fans. I think change is almost inevitable but I fear what that change could be.

I know we are in desperate need of points but I'd be content to come away having seen a performance today and signs of progression. So far this season, there has been very little football on show. Virus is a bit of a worry. If we are missing genuine key players, for example Lasley and Ojamaa, then you fear the worst. Lawson is definitely injured.

Hopefully we've been working on our shape and fitness. The 4231 deployed by Scotland could work for us with Vigurs playing behind Sutton and 2 from Ojamaa/Ainsworth/Erwin doing a shift out wide. If the injuries have cleared up I fancy us to put a string of performances together, starting with a 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Despite a nervy ending, some really good passages of play from Scotland tonight. Can only be a good thing having our manager involved in such an organised setup.

Yeah he arrived with a fair bit of promise given his performances for Dumbarton and was previously captain of Scotland u18s. Within a few months of arriving though, he done his cruciate in training aged 17 and was out for the season. Never went on to make a 1st team appearance for us. He's played regularly since leaving so may well climb back up the leagues.

Slane and Devlin are 2 of 12 players that have went full time with Ayr.

Excellent offer and an incentive that keeps the ST preferable to flexi package for regulars.

Looks like Paul Quinn is signing for Hibs.

I'm comfortable with it; Motherwell signed up to the arrangement and will likely receive a few quid. Would be unfair on Scotland to take away a contracted member of their staff. Noticed Gordon Marshall was working with the Scotland keepers.