Lobey_Dosser

Good draw. Didn't think I would but really taken to this competition.

Always wary of playing a team that appears to be in disarray. Challenge for McGhee to get the midfield right in the absence of Lasley. And fingers crossed McDonald is fit enough to play.

If Skippy had left, I imagine we could have signed El Bakhtaoui and had money left over. While he would have been an exciting signing, I'm glad we went with the tried and trusted option.

Enjoyable enough game tonight with the team carrying on the same style of play from last season. Once again, Allan Campbell was a standout performer for me. Haven't heard of the boy Fry before but he impressed in flashes. Meanwhile, Jason Cummings' brother looked not too bad for Edinburgh. I quite like the idea of the competition and more games like tonight will be a valuable learning experience for the under 20s. Regarding Clyde, I don't know the script tonight but Barry Ferguson has been filling his squad with 16/17 year olds.

Hopefully Marvin can have a storming August before moving on. With games at Parkhead and Ibrox, he has the perfect platform to showcase his ability. Whatever the fee, I just hope the majority doesn't go to Les and we are left with enough to provide a decent buffer going forward.

Any indication as to whether we'll just have the usual corner section? Had heard murmurs that Celtic were thinking about relocating away supports due to the amount of negative feedback about the poor views away fans get in a half empty stadium. Don't know if anything came of it but we'll be due a larger allocation anyway with it being a cup game, not that we'll fill it mind you.

I've been an admirer of Stewart since I seen him in a couple of playoffs for Cowdenbeath. However, I reckon Johnson is better equipped for English football. Having said that I hope Dundee can hold out for closer to £500k in order to set a marker.

I'd say they are deep lying rather than defensive midfielders, with both showing brief glimpses that they have an eye for a pass. Going by the YouTube montage, Clay seems to have potential if he gets up to speed. So far though, he's been relatively anonymous. If we are to sign Clay or Lucas, it would need to be a low cost option as neither tick the Pearson box imo and we'd be stocked with 3/4 midfielders that all sit deep. It's worth remembering however that one of our best midfielders in recent history, Steve Jennings, took a long time to get going so it's difficult to assess the attributes of Lucas and Clay at present.

TV money isn't a big thing. Think it was £10k for Rangers, maybe up to £15k for the next round. The Celtic crowd could be anything between 15-35k depending on CL progress and new signings. Hopefully it's towards the top end and we could see a return well In excess of £100k after costs.

If Celtic win in CL this week, you'd expect them to rest a good few. Albeit Christie and co ripped us apart in May. The concern for us is that our options upfront are limited with injuries and we have nothing creative in midfield.

Wee windfall for the club if the Celtic support turns up.

He was struggling in the 2nd half yesterday. McGhee confirmed he had a thigh strain. http://m.brechinadvertiser.co.uk/news/mark-mcghee-concerned-over-scott-mcdonald-injury-after-motherwell-beat-stranraer-1-4190624

Killie appear to be toiling so hopefully we can capitalise. However, with Moult missing, Skippy looking like he is carrying a knock and Pearson yet to be replaced, I'm not overly confident. A lot will depend on Marvin and Cadden replicating their League Cup form.

If it's Rangers hopefully it's at Ibrox so we can make some decent cash. Personally, I don't think teams qualifying from the same group should be able to play each other but so be it.

Decent trip with very good weather. Cadden was the standout today and drove us on in the 2nd half. Delighted to progress but our midfield continues to be of some concern, the central 2 were anonymous for the bulk of the game and we're relying on the running power of Cadden, Johnson and Ainsworth to do the business. Heneghan continues to impress while Tait is settling in reasonably well. Surprised McHugh didn't feature today.

Cadden, ran himself into the ground.

Didn't realise the next round came along so quickly. Is it possible we can draw Rangers?

Glad it's at Fir Park. Will probably head along.

Not Motherwell related but possibility of RVP at Rangers? That'll be the 'sensational' signing they've all been talking about this week.

The £250k release clause was mentioned a long time ago and Dundee have never denied it. On the radio on Saturday, Hartley was talking up Hemmings and Stewart, gagging to sell them. Assume he is under instruction to generate income, not too dissimilar to McGhee developing Marvin.

So Hemmings away to Oxford. Yesterday, they were rumoured to be interested in Johnson.

Regarding Dom Thomas, I expect McGhee and McFadden to work him hard between now and the end of August before deciding whether he should go out on loan. Look how far Marvin has came on over the last 9 months. He's a machine now oozing with confidence. If Dom is as dedicated, we'll have a fine player on our our hands. Personally mind you, I'd like to see him play centrally.

Cadden for me for his determination throughout. Once he nails his final ball, he's going to be a terrific player. Marvin deserves a mention, he's gradually starting to look a step above. Also pleased for Lionel who looks to be enjoying his football again and has contributed significantly to our two victories.

Amazing comeback from his career threatening back injury. Back to our midfield, you've got to think McGhee is looking at alternatives to Lucas and Clay. While it would be harsh to judge them on their outings to date, neither play the same position as Pearson. If the likes of Liam Henderson is outwith out grasp, we need to find a player with similar attributes.

Thought we did just fine tonight. For the first time this season we tried to impose our passing game and I'm sure sharpness of touch and movement will come in time. Cadden, Johnson and Ainsworth impressed most. Credit to East Stirlingshire for defending resolutely and posing some threat on the counter attack in first half. Tricky one on Saturday but something to look forward too. Disappointed I can't make it.