Lobey_Dosser

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.

I'd be there but the anticipation would be a fraction of what I experienced in 2005.

I drove by the ground last week and quickly realised it wasn't worth the hassle on a Tuesday. Think I'm finished with the League Cup nowadays.

I think the fact that he lost the best part of 2 seasons due to injury, may have swayed his decision. If he's good enough he'll get his chance at Leeds. They aren't miles ahead of us.

He was at Airdrie today unless I'm getting him mixed up with another old boy in a 'Well tracksuit. We are far fitter than last season which brings us up to a par with most of our competitors. Was good to see Ainsworth pelting back in the 90th minute on Saturday.

Cadden plays a more advanced role than Pearson but yeah he's got a good engine on him and comfortable running with the ball. Young Allan Campbell who has just turned 17 plays the sitting role in midfield. Leitch was tidy enough on the ball and grew into the game. Not the midfield general that the 1st team seeks though.

Also headed along to this. We're looking like a well drilled outfit, committed to pressing high up the park and breaking with pace. Not too dissimilar to the 1st team. As expected, Cadden and Thomas really do look like the 2 hot prospects. I think both are capable of making an impact in the 1st team this season - but they need a solid midfield behind them. At the back McMillan and Hall looked fairly solid. Kennedy was absolutely strolling through the game until his unfortunate sending off. He is very much a centre half in my opinion. Good to see Luke Watt come off the bench, hopefully he's back on the fringes of the 1st team soon.

Wee fell to pieces without Hammell last season. He's far from flawless but remains one of the best left backs in the league. His technique and composure on the ball ensures he remains a key part of our team. Josh Law on the other hand, his contribution to the 1st goal yesterday was embarrassing. Totally out his depth.

I can't see Taylor going on to be a regular starter in a midfield 2. More likely he'll offer competition on the left. I'm no sure about Leitch but he's been hard done by in the last 2 selections. Law meanwhile does my head in at right back. Leaves Laing to clear up his mess time and time again and in the last 2 weeks, has failed to offer Dom Thomas any support in the later stages of the game.

Was good to see Skippy grow into the game today. Glimpses that him and my motm Moult will develop a decent partnership.

Another good game to watch which ends in frustration. Baraclough went with a bold formation and we competed well, creating a number of half decent chances despite Marvin being off the boil. Moult may divide opinion but today he strengthened my hunch that he is going to be a terrific player for us. Wee bit lightweight at the moment maybe but he has good movement, runs all day and wins numerous headers. Him and Skippy will create goals for each other as time progresses. Aberdeen are so strong in the wide areas that they were always going to create chances and we'd have to ride our luck. Disappointed therefore that we continued the theme of losing such soft goals. It's not been a good week for our unit of a keeper. St Johnstone game now grows in significance. Play like today and we'll get a result but as we know, consistency is far from guaranteed under the current regime. Finding a midfielder with a bit if dig between now and then would improve our chances.

Too many in our own support were quick to undervalue Murphy too. Would love to come into contention with Scotland. McGhee will likely see plenty of him at Brighton now.

Delighted for Jamie. Hopefully Strachan gives him a chance this year.