2025/26 Ins & Outs Discussion

[weeyin]

I asked ChatGPT to "create a post in the style of MJC on steelmenonline.co.uk"

Thread Title: "If That’s Our Ambition, Then God Help Us"
Posted by MJC

Right, I’ve tried to stay off here for a bit but after watching that yesterday I genuinely wonder what’s going on at this club.

We’ve just had a pre-season where we’ve allegedly strengthened, yet here we are playing hoofball against a team that finished 9th last season and looked like they couldn’t be bothered to get out of second gear. Is this the grand new era we were promised? More like the same old p*sh, just with a fresh coat of Dulux.

The manager says “the boys gave everything” – aye, well if that’s everything, we’re in for a long season. No shape, no urgency, no clue. And as for some of the new signings – honestly, I’ve seen more presence in a ghost town.

We let players go, tell the fans we’re building something, then turn out a performance like that and expect folk to pay £25 a ticket and clap like seals? Sorry, not for me.

Call me negative (as usual) but unless there’s a serious wake-up call, we’ll be sleepwalking into another relegation scrap by Halloween.

Anyway, I’ll leave it there before I say something I’ll regret.

[wellgirl]

2 minutes ago, weeyin said:

I asked ChatGPT to "create a post in the style of MJC on steelmenonline.co.uk"

Thread Title: "If That’s Our Ambition, Then God Help Us"
Posted by MJC

Right, I’ve tried to stay off here for a bit but after watching that yesterday I genuinely wonder what’s going on at this club.

We’ve just had a pre-season where we’ve allegedly strengthened, yet here we are playing hoofball against a team that finished 9th last season and looked like they couldn’t be bothered to get out of second gear. Is this the grand new era we were promised? More like the same old p*sh, just with a fresh coat of Dulux.

The manager says “the boys gave everything” – aye, well if that’s everything, we’re in for a long season. No shape, no urgency, no clue. And as for some of the new signings – honestly, I’ve seen more presence in a ghost town.

We let players go, tell the fans we’re building something, then turn out a performance like that and expect folk to pay £25 a ticket and clap like seals? Sorry, not for me.

Call me negative (as usual) but unless there’s a serious wake-up call, we’ll be sleepwalking into another relegation scrap by Halloween.

Anyway, I’ll leave it there before I say something I’ll regret.

Type in an ode to Callum Slattery - it's hilarious 

[joewarkfanclub]

19 minutes ago, MJC said:

This season has got disaster written all over it. 

An out of the box appointment with zero knowledge of the Scottish game and players signed by a previous manager just doesn’t bode well I fear. 
 

JBA = “Just Bloody Awful”

How do you know he has zero knowledge of the Scottish game? Im sure they have tv and computers in Denmark.

Also, Scottish football is littered with managers who had plenty knowledge of the Scottish game and still did shite, so its hardly a benchmark.

Clearly the McGhee signing was Kettlewells and Fadinger looks like Wimmers, but I would be shocked if the club signed off on Watt without at least discussing it with the manager. Given we need another 3 or 4 players for cover until xmas, Im sure he can do plenty with that.

I get that you are naturally pessimistic and thats fine. Some ying to my yang brings balance to the forum, but negative vibes without a reason is just vibes.....

[joewarkfanclub]

On Robinson, I agree I saw precious little under Kettlewell to suggest he has much to offer. But we were absolutely howling at that point and he was being asked to do a job he wasnt suited to.

Id like to see if JBA can get a tune out of him in a different formation. Strikes me as if he could be quite useful playing a pressing game. If he can return to full fitness that is. Tough injury to recover from. Although I did see he was on the plane to Holland, so......

[fizoxy]

28 minutes ago, weeyin said:

I don't have any problem signing players from relegated or nearly relegated teams, We have had plenty of stand-outs over the years in teams that have been hovering above the drop.

You just need to look at the starting line-up for our play-off against Rangers to see a few good examples. Faddy was another one that played in a poor team that would have been relegated if Falkirk had put seats in their stadium. Gary McAllister also played in poor Motherwell sides.

Spittal and Bair are good recent examples. We were all clamoring for Ronan Hale as well. In fact, there were plenty of folk after sprangler, who is a more limited player than Watt, but his name sticks out more. 

If we're signing players from good teams, it would likely be their shite players,  so you can't win. There's always going to be something to pick at regardless of where a player comes from so it just comes down to your outlook on things.

As stv says, unless a manager has been there a few years, most of the players aren't his signings. Also, we're going to have to get used to the way things work now, in that managers have less of a say in the recruitment process, so there's going to be a mix on guys signed by the recruitment team, with some recommendations from the manager.

There's plenty of time for things to shake out, so I don't see the point in folk getting worked up at this point. 

[Toxteth O'Grady]

The Record is reporting Aston Oxborough has picked up an injury in the Netherlands 😥

Motherwell in Aston Oxborough injury sweat after training camp setback

[wellgirl]

3 hours ago, weeyin said:

I asked ChatGPT to "create a post in the style of MJC on steelmenonline.co.uk"

Thread Title: "If That’s Our Ambition, Then God Help Us"
Posted by MJC

Right, I’ve tried to stay off here for a bit but after watching that yesterday I genuinely wonder what’s going on at this club.

We’ve just had a pre-season where we’ve allegedly strengthened, yet here we are playing hoofball against a team that finished 9th last season and looked like they couldn’t be bothered to get out of second gear. Is this the grand new era we were promised? More like the same old p*sh, just with a fresh coat of Dulux.

The manager says “the boys gave everything” – aye, well if that’s everything, we’re in for a long season. No shape, no urgency, no clue. And as for some of the new signings – honestly, I’ve seen more presence in a ghost town.

We let players go, tell the fans we’re building something, then turn out a performance like that and expect folk to pay £25 a ticket and clap like seals? Sorry, not for me.

Call me negative (as usual) but unless there’s a serious wake-up call, we’ll be sleepwalking into another relegation scrap by Halloween.

Anyway, I’ll leave it there before I say something I’ll regret.

I just put my name into chat gpt on here - they referred to me as friendly honest and a bit cheeky - a bit! Sacrilege. I'm clearly losing my touch 

[wellgirl]

3 minutes ago, Toxteth O'Grady said:

The Record is reporting Aston Oxborough has picked up an injury in the Netherlands 😥

Motherwell in Aston Oxborough injury sweat after training camp setback

Aw fuck. Hope Ward comes good. Hopefully not as bad an injury as they fear 

[mfc]

Fuck sake,will we ever catch a break on the injury front.

[Kmcalpin]

Hopefully the only injury we pick up before our first friendly pre season game.  

[weeyin]

I certainly hope Oxborough doesn't become one of those players that are "unlucky with injuries" because regardless of how you pick them up, it can kill a career.

 

[robsterwood]

19 hours ago, MJC said:

This season has got disaster written all over it. 

An out of the box appointment with zero knowledge of the Scottish game and players signed by a previous manager just doesn’t bode well I fear. 
 

JBA = “Just Bloody Awful”

Could also be just bloody awesome!

[santheman]

21 hours ago, weeyin said:

I asked ChatGPT to "create a post in the style of MJC on steelmenonline.co.uk"

Thread Title: "If That’s Our Ambition, Then God Help Us"
Posted by MJC

Right, I’ve tried to stay off here for a bit but after watching that yesterday I genuinely wonder what’s going on at this club.

We’ve just had a pre-season where we’ve allegedly strengthened, yet here we are playing hoofball against a team that finished 9th last season and looked like they couldn’t be bothered to get out of second gear. Is this the grand new era we were promised? More like the same old p*sh, just with a fresh coat of Dulux.

The manager says “the boys gave everything” – aye, well if that’s everything, we’re in for a long season. No shape, no urgency, no clue. And as for some of the new signings – honestly, I’ve seen more presence in a ghost town.

We let players go, tell the fans we’re building something, then turn out a performance like that and expect folk to pay £25 a ticket and clap like seals? Sorry, not for me.

Call me negative (as usual) but unless there’s a serious wake-up call, we’ll be sleepwalking into another relegation scrap by Halloween.

Anyway, I’ll leave it there before I say something I’ll regret.

Now there's a great idea.

We all do the same and post the results.

That would be hilarious.

[stv]

Can you ask chatGPT to create a team selection for our first home game of the season and tactics to boot. 

[fizoxy]

45 minutes ago, stv said:

Can you ask chatGPT to create a team selection for our first home game of the season and tactics to boot. 

Here is it's attempt at the Clyde game 

Formation

Motherwell should line up in a 4-2-3-1 to balance control and intensity. This gives two defensive midfielders shielding the back four and three attackers ahead. It suits Askou’s preferred style of “dynamic…aggressive” football with layers of playnews.stv.tv. The two holding mids will dictate possession (one likely Elliot Watt – a “highly skilled passer” who “covers ground well”motherwellfc.co.uk – alongside a box-to-box runner like Tom Sparrow). Ahead of them, an attacking trio (Callum Slattery centrally with wide runners) can stretch Clyde’s defense. The back four – O’Donnell at right, McGinn at left, with Gordon and Balmer centrally – provides width on overlaps and defensive solidity. Overall, 4-2-3-1 offers controlled buildup, high pressing, and multiple attacking outlets against the League Two side.

• Defense (4): RB Stephen O’Donnell; CBs Liam Gordon and Kofi Balmer; LB Paul McGinn.

• Midfield pivot (2): Elliot Watt (DM) and Tom Sparrow (DM).

• Attacking midfield (3): Callum Slattery (CAM) supporting as #10, with wingers Sam Nicholson (R) and Lukas Fadinger (L).

• Forward (1): Apostolos Stamatelopoulos leading the line.

Starting XI

• GK: Aston Oxborough

• RB: Stephen O’Donnell (captain)

• CB: Liam Gordon

• CB: Kofi Balmer

• LB: Paul McGinn

• CDM: Elliot Wattmotherwellfc.co.uk

• CDM: Tom Sparrow

• RW: Sam Nicholson

• CAM: Callum Slattery

• LW: Lukas Fadinger

• ST: Apostolos Stamatelopoulos

Watt and Jordan McGhee joined in summeren.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org; Watt’s arrival gives extra quality and width in midfieldmotherwellfc.co.uk. All listed players are under contract and fit; key contributors from last season (Oxborough, O’Donnell, Slattery, Nicholson, etc.) remain available.

Tactical Overview

Style of play: Under Askou, Motherwell will play high-intensity, aggressive football with multiple layersnews.stv.tv. In possession, the team will focus on controlling the game through midfield, using short passes and movement rather than only long balls. The double pivot (Watt/Sparrow) will dictate play and recycle possession, while the #10 (Slattery) provides creativity. Fullbacks O’Donnell and McGinn will push on to supply width and overload wide areas. Askou demands “aggressiveness, discipline [and] structure” from his sidenews.stv.tv, so Motherwell should maintain a compact shape without the ball and press Clyde intensely high up.

Key tactics: The midfield should press collectively to deny Clyde time on the ball, reflecting Askou’s emphasis on intensitynews.stv.tv. Watt’s ability to cover ground and provide disciplined possessionmotherwellfc.co.uk makes him ideal for breaking up counters and transitioning play quickly. Up front, Nicholson and Fadinger will stretch the defense, allowing Stamatelopoulos to latch onto crosses and through balls. Set pieces will be important – Motherwell have tall, aerially strong defenders – so winning corners and free-kicks can produce goals as they did last year. In defense, the two holding mids must screen the back four to prevent Dunachie or Hilton (Clyde’s strikers) from running in behind. The back line will stay organized, and O’Donnell/McGinn will support the press by quickly advancing on Clyde’s wide players.

Matchups & pressing: Key matchups include Watt and Sparrow against Clyde’s central midfielders, preventing the Bully Wee from building play. Out wide, O’Donnell’s one-vs-one battles vs. their left-sided forwards (e.g. Dunachie) will be critical. Motherwell should press up on Clyde’s half when possible – Askou wants the team to “take the initiative”news.stv.tv – but also stay compact enough to prevent quick counters from Hilton or Robbie Leitch. In short, Motherwell will look to dominate possession, probe openings through midfield, and suffocate Clyde with energetic pressing and quality distribution.

Opposition Analysis

Clyde (League Two) finished 7th last seasonmotherwellfc.co.uk under new manager Darren Young. Their attack revolves around former Well youth and lower-league scorers. Martin Rennie (10 goals in 2024-25) has left, so look for Motherwell youth graduate Logan Dunachie (7 goals in 24/25, now used as a strikermotherwellfc.co.uk) and new signing James Hilton (9 goals for Dumbarton last term) to lead the linemotherwellfc.co.uk. Midfielder Robbie Leitch (6 goals last year) also remains a threat from deeper. Clyde will likely line up in a narrow 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, attempting to attack quickly when they win the ball.

The Bully Wee’s strengths are their forward runners and set-piece work. Motherwell must counter by denying service to Dunachie and Hilton – cutting out passes through the middle (using Watt/Sparrow’s pressure) and marking aggressively on the wings. Given Clyde’s lower-division physical style, Motherwell should use quick passing and width to unbalance them. In defense, compact lines and quick switches of play will counter Clyde’s pace. Neutralize their targets (track Dunachie’s movement in behind, crowd Hilton at crosses) and Motherwell should control the game.

Clyde threats: Dunachie and Hilton (right footed runners) will attack space, so Watts’s coverage is vital. Dunachie’s pace means O’Donnell or Sparrow must close him down early. Leitch can shoot from distance, so midfielders need to close down any turning time. On set plays, Clyde’s physicality means Motherwell must stay alert. Overall, Motherwell should dictate tempo (as Askou demands) and punish Clyde on the break and from corners, which will nullify the lower-league side’s main threatsnews.stv.tv

[Spiderpig]

35 minutes ago, fizoxy said:

Here is it's attempt at the Clyde game 

Formation

Motherwell should line up in a 4-2-3-1 to balance control and intensity. This gives two defensive midfielders shielding the back four and three attackers ahead. It suits Askou’s preferred style of “dynamic…aggressive” football with layers of playnews.stv.tv. The two holding mids will dictate possession (one likely Elliot Watt – a “highly skilled passer” who “covers ground well”motherwellfc.co.uk – alongside a box-to-box runner like Tom Sparrow). Ahead of them, an attacking trio (Callum Slattery centrally with wide runners) can stretch Clyde’s defense. The back four – O’Donnell at right, McGinn at left, with Gordon and Balmer centrally – provides width on overlaps and defensive solidity. Overall, 4-2-3-1 offers controlled buildup, high pressing, and multiple attacking outlets against the League Two side.

• Defense (4): RB Stephen O’Donnell; CBs Liam Gordon and Kofi Balmer; LB Paul McGinn.

• Midfield pivot (2): Elliot Watt (DM) and Tom Sparrow (DM).

• Attacking midfield (3): Callum Slattery (CAM) supporting as #10, with wingers Sam Nicholson (R) and Lukas Fadinger (L).

• Forward (1): Apostolos Stamatelopoulos leading the line.

Starting XI

• GK: Aston Oxborough

• RB: Stephen O’Donnell (captain)

• CB: Liam Gordon

• CB: Kofi Balmer

• LB: Paul McGinn

• CDM: Elliot Wattmotherwellfc.co.uk

• CDM: Tom Sparrow

• RW: Sam Nicholson

• CAM: Callum Slattery

• LW: Lukas Fadinger

• ST: Apostolos Stamatelopoulos

Watt and Jordan McGhee joined in summeren.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org; Watt’s arrival gives extra quality and width in midfieldmotherwellfc.co.uk. All listed players are under contract and fit; key contributors from last season (Oxborough, O’Donnell, Slattery, Nicholson, etc.) remain available.

Tactical Overview

Style of play: Under Askou, Motherwell will play high-intensity, aggressive football with multiple layersnews.stv.tv. In possession, the team will focus on controlling the game through midfield, using short passes and movement rather than only long balls. The double pivot (Watt/Sparrow) will dictate play and recycle possession, while the #10 (Slattery) provides creativity. Fullbacks O’Donnell and McGinn will push on to supply width and overload wide areas. Askou demands “aggressiveness, discipline [and] structure” from his sidenews.stv.tv, so Motherwell should maintain a compact shape without the ball and press Clyde intensely high up.

Key tactics: The midfield should press collectively to deny Clyde time on the ball, reflecting Askou’s emphasis on intensitynews.stv.tv. Watt’s ability to cover ground and provide disciplined possessionmotherwellfc.co.uk makes him ideal for breaking up counters and transitioning play quickly. Up front, Nicholson and Fadinger will stretch the defense, allowing Stamatelopoulos to latch onto crosses and through balls. Set pieces will be important – Motherwell have tall, aerially strong defenders – so winning corners and free-kicks can produce goals as they did last year. In defense, the two holding mids must screen the back four to prevent Dunachie or Hilton (Clyde’s strikers) from running in behind. The back line will stay organized, and O’Donnell/McGinn will support the press by quickly advancing on Clyde’s wide players.

Matchups & pressing: Key matchups include Watt and Sparrow against Clyde’s central midfielders, preventing the Bully Wee from building play. Out wide, O’Donnell’s one-vs-one battles vs. their left-sided forwards (e.g. Dunachie) will be critical. Motherwell should press up on Clyde’s half when possible – Askou wants the team to “take the initiative”news.stv.tv – but also stay compact enough to prevent quick counters from Hilton or Robbie Leitch. In short, Motherwell will look to dominate possession, probe openings through midfield, and suffocate Clyde with energetic pressing and quality distribution.

Opposition Analysis

Clyde (League Two) finished 7th last seasonmotherwellfc.co.uk under new manager Darren Young. Their attack revolves around former Well youth and lower-league scorers. Martin Rennie (10 goals in 2024-25) has left, so look for Motherwell youth graduate Logan Dunachie (7 goals in 24/25, now used as a strikermotherwellfc.co.uk) and new signing James Hilton (9 goals for Dumbarton last term) to lead the linemotherwellfc.co.uk. Midfielder Robbie Leitch (6 goals last year) also remains a threat from deeper. Clyde will likely line up in a narrow 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, attempting to attack quickly when they win the ball.

The Bully Wee’s strengths are their forward runners and set-piece work. Motherwell must counter by denying service to Dunachie and Hilton – cutting out passes through the middle (using Watt/Sparrow’s pressure) and marking aggressively on the wings. Given Clyde’s lower-division physical style, Motherwell should use quick passing and width to unbalance them. In defense, compact lines and quick switches of play will counter Clyde’s pace. Neutralize their targets (track Dunachie’s movement in behind, crowd Hilton at crosses) and Motherwell should control the game.

Clyde threats: Dunachie and Hilton (right footed runners) will attack space, so Watts’s coverage is vital. Dunachie’s pace means O’Donnell or Sparrow must close him down early. Leitch can shoot from distance, so midfielders need to close down any turning time. On set plays, Clyde’s physicality means Motherwell must stay alert. Overall, Motherwell should dictate tempo (as Askou demands) and punish Clyde on the break and from corners, which will nullify the lower-league side’s main threatsnews.stv.tv

Or alternatively its Clyde we are playing, 3 leagues below us who narrowly avoided relegation to the lowland league, we are much better than them so get in their faces from the kick off and we will win comfortably.

[stv]

7 hours ago, fizoxy said:

Here is it's attempt at the Clyde game 

Formation

Motherwell should line up in a 4-2-3-1 to balance control and intensity. This gives two defensive midfielders shielding the back four and three attackers ahead. It suits Askou’s preferred style of “dynamic…aggressive” football with layers of playnews.stv.tv. The two holding mids will dictate possession (one likely Elliot Watt – a “highly skilled passer” who “covers ground well”motherwellfc.co.uk – alongside a box-to-box runner like Tom Sparrow). Ahead of them, an attacking trio (Callum Slattery centrally with wide runners) can stretch Clyde’s defense. The back four – O’Donnell at right, McGinn at left, with Gordon and Balmer centrally – provides width on overlaps and defensive solidity. Overall, 4-2-3-1 offers controlled buildup, high pressing, and multiple attacking outlets against the League Two side.

• Defense (4): RB Stephen O’Donnell; CBs Liam Gordon and Kofi Balmer; LB Paul McGinn.

• Midfield pivot (2): Elliot Watt (DM) and Tom Sparrow (DM).

• Attacking midfield (3): Callum Slattery (CAM) supporting as #10, with wingers Sam Nicholson (R) and Lukas Fadinger (L).

• Forward (1): Apostolos Stamatelopoulos leading the line.

Starting XI

• GK: Aston Oxborough

• RB: Stephen O’Donnell (captain)

• CB: Liam Gordon

• CB: Kofi Balmer

• LB: Paul McGinn

• CDM: Elliot Wattmotherwellfc.co.uk

• CDM: Tom Sparrow

• RW: Sam Nicholson

• CAM: Callum Slattery

• LW: Lukas Fadinger

• ST: Apostolos Stamatelopoulos

Watt and Jordan McGhee joined in summeren.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org; Watt’s arrival gives extra quality and width in midfieldmotherwellfc.co.uk. All listed players are under contract and fit; key contributors from last season (Oxborough, O’Donnell, Slattery, Nicholson, etc.) remain available.

Tactical Overview

Style of play: Under Askou, Motherwell will play high-intensity, aggressive football with multiple layersnews.stv.tv. In possession, the team will focus on controlling the game through midfield, using short passes and movement rather than only long balls. The double pivot (Watt/Sparrow) will dictate play and recycle possession, while the #10 (Slattery) provides creativity. Fullbacks O’Donnell and McGinn will push on to supply width and overload wide areas. Askou demands “aggressiveness, discipline [and] structure” from his sidenews.stv.tv, so Motherwell should maintain a compact shape without the ball and press Clyde intensely high up.

Key tactics: The midfield should press collectively to deny Clyde time on the ball, reflecting Askou’s emphasis on intensitynews.stv.tv. Watt’s ability to cover ground and provide disciplined possessionmotherwellfc.co.uk makes him ideal for breaking up counters and transitioning play quickly. Up front, Nicholson and Fadinger will stretch the defense, allowing Stamatelopoulos to latch onto crosses and through balls. Set pieces will be important – Motherwell have tall, aerially strong defenders – so winning corners and free-kicks can produce goals as they did last year. In defense, the two holding mids must screen the back four to prevent Dunachie or Hilton (Clyde’s strikers) from running in behind. The back line will stay organized, and O’Donnell/McGinn will support the press by quickly advancing on Clyde’s wide players.

Matchups & pressing: Key matchups include Watt and Sparrow against Clyde’s central midfielders, preventing the Bully Wee from building play. Out wide, O’Donnell’s one-vs-one battles vs. their left-sided forwards (e.g. Dunachie) will be critical. Motherwell should press up on Clyde’s half when possible – Askou wants the team to “take the initiative”news.stv.tv – but also stay compact enough to prevent quick counters from Hilton or Robbie Leitch. In short, Motherwell will look to dominate possession, probe openings through midfield, and suffocate Clyde with energetic pressing and quality distribution.

Opposition Analysis

Clyde (League Two) finished 7th last seasonmotherwellfc.co.uk under new manager Darren Young. Their attack revolves around former Well youth and lower-league scorers. Martin Rennie (10 goals in 2024-25) has left, so look for Motherwell youth graduate Logan Dunachie (7 goals in 24/25, now used as a strikermotherwellfc.co.uk) and new signing James Hilton (9 goals for Dumbarton last term) to lead the linemotherwellfc.co.uk. Midfielder Robbie Leitch (6 goals last year) also remains a threat from deeper. Clyde will likely line up in a narrow 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, attempting to attack quickly when they win the ball.

The Bully Wee’s strengths are their forward runners and set-piece work. Motherwell must counter by denying service to Dunachie and Hilton – cutting out passes through the middle (using Watt/Sparrow’s pressure) and marking aggressively on the wings. Given Clyde’s lower-division physical style, Motherwell should use quick passing and width to unbalance them. In defense, compact lines and quick switches of play will counter Clyde’s pace. Neutralize their targets (track Dunachie’s movement in behind, crowd Hilton at crosses) and Motherwell should control the game.

Clyde threats: Dunachie and Hilton (right footed runners) will attack space, so Watts’s coverage is vital. Dunachie’s pace means O’Donnell or Sparrow must close him down early. Leitch can shoot from distance, so midfielders need to close down any turning time. On set plays, Clyde’s physicality means Motherwell must stay alert. Overall, Motherwell should dictate tempo (as Askou demands) and punish Clyde on the break and from corners, which will nullify the lower-league side’s main threatsnews.stv.tv

Remind me again why we went to the expense of a new manager . This is the future and no amount of personal abuse family or otherwise will make the slightest difference.