Lobey_Dosser

Didn't particularly like the guy but Ferguson is one of the best midfielders I've ever seen. Despite getting on in years and having his injury woes, he strolled the Premier League at Birmingham.

This game reminds me of the build-up to the St Johnstone game at the end of January. We'd lost 5 on the bounce and it was viewed as a must-win by many. Laing gets sent off on a car-crash debut and a 1-1 draw merits a stay of execution for Baraclough. Regarding Saturday, I don't rate Locke however his team does tend to be more robust away from home. And with Boyd, Higginbotham and young Slater, they can be decent on their day. I think we'll end up with a point, possibly coming from behind and showing 'good character' to get the manager through the International break.

Minor observation at U20s game against Aberdeen. Few minutes after Kennedy gets sent off and we bring on Watt, Craigan turns to Robinson in middle of stand to ask what the formation should be. Nothing wrong in seeking advice from the guy that is running the show from a coaching perspective but I'd like to think any future change in manager would require proven tactical know how. Craigan has an important role to fill which will hopefully aid his own development over the next couple of years.

There's no denying that both full backs are exposed in the current setup but every scout must be going away from our games with Law as the number 1 of weak spots. He actually needs pulled out the firing line as he's getting worse each week.

There is no defence of Law. Every team we play targets his wing, that speaks volumes for me.

Whatever our level, we should be able to pass and control a ball, create space and cover each other. That was beyond us last night on a very decent pitch in perfect conditions. We unfortunately do not look like a well coached team and are uncomfortable in possession. A lot was made of our 'difficult start' but on last night's showing I fear we will be unable to dictate against so called lesser teams. One tactic that needs to be addressed is this firing the ball to our wingers at head height and then leaving them isolated.

Given Fletcher's injury record, I consider the relative silence on his recovery to be bad news.

That's the last 2 post match interview where Baraclough has looked understandably ruffled. He'd have been better off heaping praise on Gary Naysmith and his team. Anyway onto the draw tomorrow, please avoid Rangers.

Thomas and Skippy changed the game. Thomas my motm for his desire to get the ball and make things happen. Special mention to Moult too. His lack of strength is an issue but he's undoubtedly a very clever player with an impeccable attitude who could develop into a fine asset. Took his goal very well. On the negative side, Clarkson looks finished and remains a peculiar signing.

Interesting. It was reported yesterday that he was training with Hibs.

Hopefully he big number 9 made it onto our bus for the trip home. So much for the scouting system, didn't look like Laing had been prepped at all on the threat this boy offered.

Outclassed for large spells but the quality of McDonald and Thomas combined with the determination of Moult dragged us through in the end. Glad to get through but any confidence I had left in Baraclough is all but gone. East Fife were technically superior and more tactically astute than Motherwell.

Big industrial estate at the ground. Should be no bother.

I generally don't want to add to the squad, particularly if it's being added to Les's invoice, as we have sufficient numbers. However, a combination of our new fancy database and recruitment team has left us alarmingly inadequate in 2 positions. Over and above quality however, deeper issues remain as we should have had to pick up at least a draw against United and St Johnstone.

Pearson is a dedicated athlete who in his prime, had one of the best engines in British football outwith the EPL. As much as I liked Stephen Hughes as a playmaker, not sure he was quite so committed to being an athlete.

Law's been making the same positional mistakes since he switched to right back in Jan/Feb. Struggling to understand how he got a 2 year deal, although Baraclough seems to appreciate a 'trier'.

Ended up picking up a ticket for this... Cup runs are part of the new business plan, I'd be surprised if we don't go with an almost full strength team with Kennedy and Thomas possibly being the exceptions.

I think longer term he's been signed to play left of a midfield 3 and/or wide left to provide competition for Marvin/Ainsworth. Hopefully he's got the bottle to recover from a poor start.

Jackson Irvine would have been a nailed on starter for Motherwell. If we were in for him then fair play to Ross County for offering a more attractive package, he'll go on to be one of the best players in the league. Regarding Cadden MB, I like him a lot but he plays further up the park than Pearson.

Clarkson was painful to watch in the u20s. He may well get a run-out on Tues but don't expect much.

We potentially need 2 signings. 1st priority being a midfielder that can get a grip of the game. At the moment there is nobody at the club capable of filling that role. Secondly we need a right back. Hopefully that is Luke Watt but Baraclough needs to make a decision there. I was surprised Watt didn't make the bench today after impressing as a sub on Tues.

The thing with Baraclough is that he's not a manager. He's a talker, a delegator and ultimately, a bluffer. Not the only one at the club mind you.

Why do we only score in the first 10 minutes? Killie game hugely significant now.

Mentioned in passing by Richard Gordon that Aberdeen were after Marvin in the summer.

Stadium is fine for what it is but it's not a trip to get the juices flowing like an Ayr or QoS. As for league cup, there is apathy across the country towards the competition, which is reflected in crowds and the apparent desire to restructure and rebrand. From our perspective, Motherwell haven't provided too many memorable moments in the last 15+ years and it will always be in the shadow of the Scottish Cup. I obviously hope we progress but I find tomorrow at Perth much more important. Which is quite a shift from how I used to view cup competitions.