Lobey_Dosser

Interesting. We often agree on player attributes but I see something special in Campbell. As for Tait, great servant for us but nowhere near international football.

Nadir is a worry but I’d persist with him just now in the hope that he can find some form and sharpness for the semi. As for today, a win will just about guarantee our safety. Scrappy 1-0 will do.

Highly respected coach and far from the worst keeper that played for Motherwell. Granted the Rangers cup game still haunts me but I wish him well.

Given the criticism the view from behind the goals gets, could we not get away with using the North and South. That would make for a decent atmosphere even if the attendance is 15k. Thinking back to the semi against St Johnstone, we had 8,000 split across 3 stands which was ridiculous.

100% Hampden for the semi. Fairly sure it’ll be the Saturday. Police prefer Celtic Rangers on a Sunday. And going by last years prices it’ll be £20 for E/W. £30 for N/S.

By my reckoning, we went into this season having lost 10/10 cup games against top flight opposition since the final in 2011. To win 6 this season is incredible. Huge credit to Robinson for turning the mentality of the club around.

Young Campbell, he drove us on when Hearts threatened to run over the top of us. This boy could go on and play at a very high level. Special mentions to Carson, Dunne and NcHugh.

Didn’t realise McHugh misses the semi. Makes the goal that bit more special but it leaves us a huge void to fill. We tend to collapse when he’s missing. Stuart ‘bottle merchant’ McCall in the sportscene studio rounds off the day perfectly. Regarding crowds, the weather maybe accounts for a couple of hundred travelling from further afield but to be over 1,500 down on what you’d expect is a strange one.

2011.

I’m no fan of how we play and was getting a tad restless as Hearts threatened to run away with it. Huge credit to Robinson for changing shape and for the players dragging us back into the game, none more so that the outstanding Alan Campbell. Cracking goal to win it. Delighted for McHugh who epitomises our hunger and desire regardless of how well we are playing. Delighted to be back at Hampden. That’s 6 cup wins against top flight opposition this season. How many years and managers do we need to go back match that tally. Finally, really disappointing home crowd, less than 3000? Each to their own but I find the turnout baffling.

The prospect of Murphy finally getting his first cap will prod me to get a ticket for the Costa Rica game. One of our finest products in my lifetime is living the dream right now.

I was thrown by the initial 3,500 but the gossip suggests that if the away team doesn’t sell out their requested allocation, they have to cover the cost. If so, Hearts will have been playing it relatively safe.

Unsurprisingly, Hearts have sold their initial 3.5k allocation. Surely guaranteed to sell out the south now. Cracking atmosphere in prospect.

Can’t imagine Dundee being as bad as they were in the cup game. Caulker and Murray should make a difference. Win today however and I’d say we are 3 points away from safety. That should be sufficient motivation given the upcoming run of games.

Such a move would underline how out of tune McLeish is. As much as we love Faddy, he was clearly out his depth in a coaching capacity at Fir Park. If he wants to be a coach/manager he needs to fully commit to learning his trade but going by recent interviews, Faddy still wants to play.

Looking back, slightly surprised to see we had over 8300 at the midweek United replay in 2011. Dont recall United having a massive support that night so maybe there is scope for us to get more than 4.5k for Hearts.

And while its much closer to home, they also took 4K to Kirkcaldy last season for a 4th round tie.

Hearts fans I spoke to earlier in week were confident of bringing 4K+ regardless of tv coverage. They havent had many cup runs since winning it in 2012 and they are obviously full of confidence at present. 8k all round would be a decent turnout.

FFS - had bet Celtic v Falkirk and Rangers v Morton at 125/1. Never mind, there havent been many scottish cup crackers at Fir Park in recent times so hopefully this lives up to potential. Tony Thomas springs to mind.

Very comfortable afternoon. Managed the game well without having to play at full pelt. Fingers crossed for a decent draw tomorrow.

Dunne was excellent, looks to be really confident in his defending at the moment. Nod to Carson though for an outstanding save at a pivotal time. McHugh also played a key role in managing the game.

Grim as fuck.

Did Cadden not have a similar spell after his hamstring injury last season? Despite a cracking assist, I recall him labouring in the cup game at Ibrox and it was a while before he was flying again.

As important as this game is, we may have to rest 1 or 2 with Dundee in mind. Id be looking to ensure Cadden, Campbell, Ciftci and Tanner are fresh for Saturday.

Every time this discussion comes up I feel Tom Boyd is underrated. Terrific player and captain in a legendary Motherwell team before going on to win 72 caps for a good Scotland team. I know he is a bit of a dick but he was top drawer.