David

With the announcement of our first pre-season game I figured I'd throw up a thread for those of us desperate enough to want to discuss our games against lower league opposition this summer. Thus far, we have games with the following sides confirmed; Dumbarton (away) - July 9th I know it's pretty sad, but I'm actually looking forward to going to the game. I miss football already

I'm guessing that a deal would have been struck with Jeffers if he wanted to hang around?

It would appear they were represented at a meeting of clubs that voted unanimously in favour of a 14, so I gather that they aren't in favour of a 10.

I'm hoping that we're among that group of six?

I'll be sad to see him go. The last thing we need is a board who will be pushing this top 10 SPL fiasco.

Exactly. He's got to know that even a half-decent season at Fir Park will guarantee him a move to Aberdeen in the next transfer window?

I think that players like Burke would look on our record of taking players on and helping them to kick start their career and possibly decide that a drop in wages for a year may be worth it. Saying that, I won't be holding my breath on that one.

I'm not sure that Fleck has anything going for him that our youngsters don't, apart from an over-inflated ego and reputation of course.

I wouldn't mind seeing Higdon come in. He'd be an ideal replacement for Sutton, and would likely be on the same wage or thereabouts I'd imagine?

Does it matter? He stated that he asked for a new contract at the start of the season, and just after Christmas. It wasn't offered. That's the risk you run.

With regards to Craigan, it's true that we need someone to replace him, but the answer isn't to get rid of him then start looking around. We need to bring someone in this summer who can come in and replace him during next season gradually. After that happens we'll hopefully see Craigan given some sort of coaching role at the club if he wants it. The guy has earned it.

You can add my name to the list of people who have been served in a timely manner and who has no complaint about the customer service. Maybe your phone has been cut aff? Ye paid yer bill?

The Aberdeen Evening Express from today is saying the same thing as the Wishaw Press I think;

I think it's open between 10am and 2pm, but don't quote me on that.

Apparently Owen is odds-on to be joining Brighton this summer, so a move by either of the bigot brothers isn't entirely unrealistic.

I'm not sure why, but I enjoy the trips to the smaller grounds in Scotland during pre-season. Not been to any pre-season games in a few years, but I reckon I'll try to get to a few, including this one, this season.

Although I'm as disappointed as the next guy to lose Sutton, resigning Jennings & Gunning would set us up nicely. If we retain the majority of the squad we had at the end of the cup final, and manage to add a few more players (especially up front) I'll be a happy camper. I went into the close season under the impression we would lose Sutton, Jennings, Humphrey, Gunning & possibly Murphy. We may still lose a few of them, but with news that McCall is looking to tie down Jennings & Craigan I'm optimistic. Retaining Jennings would be a major coup I reckon.

I hope he doesn't. I'd like to see him finish up at Motherwell.

Give it time. Let's see who McCall brings in and when he does so before we start making judgements.

Cheers. Just thought it would be worth maybe catching a few under 19 games this coming season.

Another quick question, does a season ticket entitle you access to under 19 games?

If I was given a choice of either seeing Sutton or Jennings in a Motherwell shirt next season, I'd take Jennings every day of the week.

Christ lads, relax. We're only three days into pre-season. He'll likely be away on a holiday, where he'll decide what he wants to do.

Celtic have complained to the BBC about the accusations of sectarian singing at the cup final according to the Sun;

Just for the record, I personally don't think there's a problem beyond some fans using certain names to rile up whoever we happen to be playing that day. For those who think we need to address it all though, I'd like to hear what they want done?