Lobey_Dosser

I'm not averse to the signing of Plummer as he should address an area of immediate concern where we presumably don't have any youth prospects on the verge of breaking through. However, the mass recruitment from the lower English leagues does concern me. I do understand the financial implications of the Scottish market (an out of contract Sibbald can't get a team due to the compensation) but I think we could have possibly done more to strike a better balance. Having said that, Robinson and Lasley have repeatedly talked about the importance of having good characters so maybe the lack of a local influence will have limited impact. The deeper concern for me is the future of widely admired talents like Campbell, MacLean and Hastie. I've always maintained that if you are good enough you will get a chance at Motherwell. It's early days but with these boys currently spending a fair bit of time in the stands, my theory could be out the window this season.

I recall Plummer making an impression against us in the 1-0 Erwin game which prompted me to browse this thread: http://www.blackandwhitearmy.com/forums/index.php?/topic/38719-ellis-plummer-adam-drury-progress/ He doesn't provide the experience Robinson was initially looking for but he could be a player of some potential if he's fully recovered from his injury problems. Always like the sound of a naturally gifted footballer.

Good point. Lasley implied on the MFC podcast that we had lost our way in recent years by adjusting our game to nullify the opposition, rather than focusing on our own strengths.

3,400 is a good number assuming the free kids seats will actually be populated.

Rangers may have a fight on their hands to finish top 3 this season but with quality like Alves and Dorrans, they'll be too good for us if their fitness is up to scratch. To be fair to Robinson though, he's no feart of going toe to toe with Rangers, which is refreshing. Unfortunately, I think the game is coming a signing or two too early, particularly with Moult toiling.

The recent post match obsession about crosses gives me the fear. Reminds me of Moyes at Man Utd.

Nobody is trying to unsettle our players. The club is quite happy for our players to be coveted through the media. Regarding Brighton, I think Cadden would be much closer to the 1st team than Ben Hall.

I reckon we'd accept £750K+ adds on. I hope it happens, Brighton would be an excellent move for Cadden and it would be good to see him and Murphy together.

Fine pen from Skippy to clinch it.

I've no bothered going to any of the group games and just clocked I'm away the 3 weeks of the knockout games prior to the final. Good chance of a cup run knowing my luck.

Going my Robinson's post match, we may bring in a defender this week. Fisher will take time to settle, he was brutal at ICT for a while. Writing could be on the wall for Bowman.

Good signings from some of our closest competitors in recent days. Having said that, would want any loan deal from Rangers. Every chance O'Halloran will return to a new manager in January.

Spot on. Andy Rose may come good, despite his reported limitations, but given our budget constraints he looks like a completely unnecessary signing. As you suggest, all our recent success came with a small squad and the quantity over quality route is one that surprises me. We'll see how things transpire but at present, I find our philosophy to flood the squad with English unknowns really dispiriting, particularly when our highly rated youngsters have barely had a sniff preseason. If Robinson wins week in week out then all will be forgotten but I'm slightly envious of the approach Mcculloch is taking at Kilmarnock to re-establish a Scottish identity at the club and give youth a chance.

No sure best prices but I seen 13/8 top 6, 1/2 bottom 6.

If Erwin has his head screwed on, he will be an excellent signing for Kilmarnock. Good luck to him. Can only assume Robinson didn't fancy working with him for a 3rd time.

Last season there was a bit of a battle to get the games at Fir Park. This season the groundsman appears to have won the battle, possibly because 6 out of our first 8 league games are at FP. Disappointing decision as it was intriguing viewing for the support and the opportunity for the young boys to play in front of a crowd at FP was considered invaluable.

Erwin appears to split opinion but I've always been a big fan and he would be a significant upgrade on Bowman and Fisher. He's a talented boy who posses many of the physical attributes Robinson looks for in a player. However, does he have the character Robinson would be looking for? Here are his goals from last season. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yU2ErWcuVRw Given our recent history, I hope he isn't lining up against us on the 1st day of the season.

Don't think O'Halloran would bring disharmony to our squad. Things have went drastically wrong at Ibrox but according to Tommy Wright he's a good character. Rangers are having bother getting rid of Forrester and Windass. O'Halloran is likely to be a more attractive option, particularly for clubs in Scotland.

Terrific news, I think we are all very fond of how McHugh goes about his business. Well done to all involved.

Quite like Polworth from the snippets I've seen, certainly fond of a long range goal. Can't see a deal being possible though unless he has a relegation related clause in his contract and/or we are selling Cadden.

I was thinking Liam Brown but he's generally bracketed with Dylan King.

Sheffield Utd have been linked with Heneghan since his Chester days. Fingers crossed something can happen here. Given the premium on English centre halves (Keane £25m, Maguire £17m) they may view him a worthwhile punt at £250k.

I'd guess a back 3 but for Frear's sake, I hope it's a back 4. Good to see MacLean make the bench, shame Campbell has missed out. On paper, Morton look like a team who could cause us bother. Interested to hear how Quitongo performs as he returns from injury.

Blyth and Watt are the two obvious players we want out. Possibly McManus and Bowman at a push if we don't sell any of our big assets. Regarding MacLean and Campbell, I wouldn't like to see either go out on loan. Both are good enough to make a positive contribution to the first team and should be central to the progression of the club. I accept finances dictate our mass recruitment from down south but we need to leave room for our own products to flourish and help maintain the identity of the club.

I still can't get the video to work. Looks like it could be Shaq.