Kmcalpin

So, in the interests of discussion, what specific points of my post do you disagree with?

We have the core of a good side but the fringe players haven't been of the quality we'd want. We should be motre than ok for a goalie with Carson re-signing, and perhaps Ferguson as back up, if he re-signs. Struggling at full back. Grimshaw is the best we have although weak defensively and I'm still not sure about Carroll. Tait is not the player he was and I'd be surprised if he's offered a new deal. We're also struggling in the middle. Gallagher is the standout but he may move on but other than him??? I'd move on Hartley and Mugabi (if possible) and given Dunne's injury record he may also be surplus to requirements. Midfield shouldn't be too bad with Polworth and Campbell and O'Hara would be a good addition ...if we can afford him. Struggling a wee bit on the wings. Up front, I'm not sure that the initially impressive Watt will stay and Long will surely attract a richer club. So another complete revamp is on the cards. I suspect we'll try to sign a traditional/physical No 9. So, another rebuild on the cards but hopefully a little bit more cash for Robbo to play with.

Absolutely. Had Hylton not dived and been on his way down he would have given it. Goalie was very lucky indeed.

You're not the only person to have said that. Watched the TV highlights and agree with Robbo's comments about Hylton's penalty claim. Keeper definitely catches his trailing leg but probably no penalty given because he was already on his way down. Correct decision would have been to yellow card him and award a penalty. Similar to Richard Tait's penalty claim at Easter Road a year or two back.

He'll get his move in the summer whether he signs a new deal or not. The only benefit to him of not signing a new deal will be that he'll possibly have a wider choice of potential suitors. The additional money he'd earn from a new contract from now until the summer, whilst a fortune to ordinary folk will be chickfeed to him. On balance though why wouldn't he sign an extended deal?

We'll see. The BBC may not want to show it or indeed highlight it. If it is included in the highlights that could be interesting and depending on what took place the Compliance Officer's staff may pick up on it.

Absolutely. A very good point in a difficult, difficult game. Given the way our defence plays its a good result. Other scores went our way too, so top 6 is now confirmed YYAASS! Although Campbell was injured (hopefully not seriously) another positive is that DT got even more game time.

We'll play 4 or 5 in the middle of the park as usual. Playing only 3 or even 4 there risks being overwhelmed. Again we'll need to bottle up our wings.

Excellent post and I agree with almost all of it. We got off to the worst possible start and lost a goal but what a peach it was - straight from the training ground. Tait's calamitous attempted clearance led to the corner, from which Fontaine scored. In the early stages both Hartley and Tait looked very shaky and again we faffed about at the back. However we came back into the game with O'Hara's goal followed by Campbell's finish. For a long spell thereafter, although we were the better team we couldn't finish them off as you say until we notched the 3rd. A great fighting display. I though Gallgher had a decent game but it was the midfield that really took a grip of the game with Campbell and O'Hara outstanding and Polworth looking impressive. Long was a perfect pest to county all evening and deserved a goal. Watt too looked impressive when he came on. I've criticised Robbo recently for some of his line ups and tactics but last night he got it right against a streetwise physical side so credit to him for that. Not a perfect performance though as were again vulnerable down the wings and the defence just won't do moving forwards. I think Tait and Hartely's times have come and gone. I'd like to get O'Hara on a permanent deal but that may not prove possible. Overall though a great team performance and a very welcome return to winning ways. Almost a perfect set of other results elswhere too.

Absolutely. For example, I once asked a professional referee what constitutes dissent. He replied that there was no commonly agreed definition and it depended on who the referee and the "culprit" were.

Yes, almost over the top 6 line Allan. If Killie win all their pre split games they could end up on 45 points, the same as we have at the moment. St Johnstone could achieve 48 if they win all 5 of their pre split fixtures but they have a tough programme ahead.

Long is fast becoming a marked man. Tonight 2 County players booted the ball about 50 yards away after play was stopped. Ref took no action whatsoever. Long booted the ball away tonight and was spoken to by 4th official. Total inconsistency.

I wouldn't quite put it like that but yes I agree with you. The behind the scenes recovery & human elements were interesting but the video could have been reduced to say 10 minutes max. 38 minutes is in danger of losing the viewer's interest. The Celtic stuff at the start was totally OTT and some of the London stuff eg the tubes and bridges/buses was also unnecessary. Not quite sure who the video is aimed at but there's certainly a promotional element to it. I suspect we'll hear a lot more from the club, and rightly so, before the summer to put him in the shop window. i suspect both parties now want him to move on as it seems increasingly unlikely he's prepared to sign an extended deal. In all likelihood if he plays 3/4 full games, performs well, and scores a goal or perhaps 2 everyone will be happy. Agree that we need to get back to basic media contact for the fans.

Any team news for tonight?

Looks like we're showcasing him before the summer window opens.

All this discussion on physicality and I haven't contributed!

According to the Sunday Post report, the Sheriff hailed the witnesses for coming forward to allow the case to proceed. I wasn't aware of that.

When exactly was that?

A slightly different account from the Sunday Post. https://www.sundaypost.com/news/scottish-news/motherwell-fc-manager-found-not-guilty-of-assaulting-partner/?fbclid=IwAR1uNX-Ats_KrWm***VXf_LPAYdMcTolmh2pTTy8ObBw7D2AotGU9kb9xVg

I would think that Dunne is several weeks away from a first team appearance. Turnbull looks nowhere near being match fit. I don't think either player will a meaningful contribution for a few weeks. Hope I'm wrong.

The game could have been played today, although that would have curtailed our rest. Maybe the club understandably wanted to keep the 8 day break? In any event the SPFL and/or TV companies would have blocked any change.

Yes, time to bring back Grimshaw in some role. A lot will also depend on how serious O'Hara's injury is. Looking forward to seeing a Watt/Long partnership, with Aarons feeding them, but he'll need to up his defensive game considerably. Sorely tempted to rest Campbell if that proves possible; it may not. Ross County will be physical and streetwise and we'll need to be alert to their tendency to score late goals.

First and foremost I'm glad its all over and despite what he's said, its bound to have been a huge strain and distraction for Robbo. Not really like the presenter's case at all. If its who I think you're referring to, the presenter's boyfriend instigated the investigation by dialling 999 himself, then doing a U turn for an unknown reason. The police were involved quickly and took bodycam evidence. According to Robyn Lauchlan, the alleged "victim", the police at no point interviewed her! I find that utterly utterly incredible. I would not have thought it possible that a criminal case could be taken to court without that police input. Anyway time to move on and perhaps its time also to review legal procedures, but thats an issue for another time and place.

December?

Richard Tait says he wants to stay. https://www.motherwelltimes.co.uk/sport/football/motherwell-ace-richard-tait-i-would-love-to-sign-new-deal-to-stay-beyond-summer-1-5095919/amp?__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR2cuIECj3DZpLPY-8lfkPytv1I7zhbHGp3mZCkJiIjySSRCprC6p02HSD8