MelvinBragg

I've stated elsewhere that this squad plus Tony Watt and Kayne Woolery showed itself capable of winning games in the SPL last season (I know O'Hara, Donnelly and Grimshaw were also here but they weren't exactly crucial). It shows the difference just two or three of the right types of player makes. Personally I reckon an organiser at the back or in midfield and some direct pace up top so teams don't feel they can defend as high against us, those two would improve us hugely. But the next manager's biggest task is getting guys playing to their best. Take Mugabi. He was never Beckenbauer but last season looked solid for the most part with the occasional howler thrown in. In other words, an average SPL defender. Yesterday he, along with most of the team, looked terrified. Not an ideal mindset for playing football. Talk of 6 or 7 new signings is fanciful. New manager, whoever he is, needs to identify 2 or 3 to address problem areas, yes. But also has to remind the guys that are here how they can play...

This current squad plus Tony Watt and Kayne Woolery showed itself capable of winning games in the SPL last season. It shows that the right couple of players makes a huge difference. As does confidence. Team looked terrified yesterday. We need 2 or 3 signings but they, along with the new manager, need to be able to lift the place. For long spells last season, Mugabi looked solid with the occasional error. Yesterday he looked aghast any time the ball came near him. As much as new signings, it's about getting guys already here playing to near their optimum. Someone I know says that 8 average guys and 3 good players gets you top six, 8 average guys and 3 shiters gets you relegated. I reckon we have at least 8 average guys. The next couple of signings, we have to get right...

That's the dilemma, isn't it? An appointment we can't afford to get wrong so need to do due diligence. But with the squad needing additions, you have to have one eye on the transfer window and the possibility that the longer we wait the more likely that potential targets are picked up by other clubs...

I reckon he's been played out of position, I could be wrong though. For me, he needs to be further up the park. Morris looks to have no engine and seems to specialise in crossing on to opposition centre half's foreheads. Good left foot? Sure but so does Sean Goss (and I can't believe I'm about to say this) and he works harder than Morris...

Most of our recent managers have had that mindset. Only two that didn't seem afflicted were Baraclough and Alexander, two guys not steeped in Scottish domestic football. I will always maintain that most of our other recent managers would have lost that playoff to Rangers. Baraclough for all his faults, and he had many, seemed to go in with the attitude that as the Premier League team that of course we were going to win...

Personally I'd be going Kelly O'Donnell Mugabi Solholm Carroll Slattery (if available) Maguire Goss Spittal Van Veen Tierney If Slattery is unavailable, I'd be moving Tierney back to midfield and playing Shields up top. If Spittal is a creator of chances as his Ross County stats last season suggest, let's get him where he can do damage. Tierney is one of the few fearless players in the squad who will run at players and not just take a touch and toss a hopeful cross in or play a safe pass. Rest of the team picks itself due to lack of options. Morris can sell the pies. Not anywhere near good enough...

Contradicting yourself slightly there. If you feel the new man has to have the right to move people on and needs to bring in 5 or 6 players then I'd argue there is a bit of urgency in appointing someone given how long is left in the transfer window. Personally I'm more in favour of us taking our time and getting the right man. I reckon 2 signings will be enough to make a difference...

Which bookie offering odds?

One could argue that experience in the EPL is like driving a Ferrari and we're needing a taxi driver...

Who knew glue sniffing was back in fashion..?

Had a look at the fixtures you're talking about. No way should we be writing off Hibs or Dundee United away or Aberdeen at home. All very beatable...

I wouldn't worry. Even if the club were tempted, I suspect Hammell might realise himself that it's too early...

Cheers..

Link? Can't seem to find any on there that are working...

Interesting that we have a 16yo striker on the bench. Hammell showing tha players he thinks can make the step up or a sad indictment on our squad options..?

Top of the league currently in Finland...

Guessing not. Pretty unusual situation for any club, I reckon. Be interesting to see the names that get suggested by the media. It won't be any of them, but it'll be interesting...

Glad it's not my job to appoint our next manager as there's no obvious name popping into my head. Given the timing, we can't really afford to take weeks over it but at the same time, an appointment we need to get right. Tricky balancing act...

I tend to agree that O'Donnell wasn't fantastic last season but there is a pattern developing where Alexander falls out with senior pros. Watt last season, O'Donnell this season. Have heard various other stories that hint at poor man management. At Motherwell, we're unlikely to get the best players in the world. So we need everyone pulling in the same direction. Requires leadership. Doesn't seem like people want to follow our current leader.. And it does have a knock on effect. Falling out with your senior right back meaning you have to go and get another right back eats into your budget if you wanted to replace the two substandard left backs...

Morris clearly slow as a week in the jail preventing him from getting down the line and putting crosses in...

I don't disagree. Just telling you what I think needs to happen for us to have anything resembling a functioning team. Sacking Alexander may seem a slight improvement in player's morale and a slight bump in performances but it won't solve the major problems....

I just think the vast majority of the players are not good enough...

I'm not saying don't sack him. I'm saying simply sacking him won't save us. I'm suggesting we need to sack him and sign 5 or 6 players. Far from easy at this stage of the season but that's what is required...

These players are making basic errors in defence, in attack the crosses are dreadful. I'm not defending Alexander. For me, he's responsible for a group of players who simply aren't good enough...

Could another manager get more out of this squad? On the basis of tonight, I'm not so sure. The club have allowed Alexander to assemble a squad incapable of creating chances or defending properly. In midfield, not sure Spittal for O'Hara is an upgrade. Is Maguire better than Donnelly? Morris looks as slow as me. He has to go but frankly whoever comes in is inheriting a dreadful squad...