Motherwell v Hearts 25/10/2026

[stv]

5 hours ago, Wellfan91 said:

Connelly isn't the answer either unfortunately, was a total bomb scare at Aberdeen last season in the Scottish and was hopeless (among others) against Stenny this year. 

For as bad as Paulsen's mistakes have been he's saved us from a few scuddings already and the defence in front of him are all over the place which is why he's being called upon so frequently. Alfred needs to rectify the defence and rectify fast 

If it wasn't for Paulsen it would have been us that Selic fukd 7-1.

Knowing probably us 7-0

[texanwellfan]

19 hours ago, wunderwell said:

Team!

Connolly
Koutroumbis
Knight Lebel
Moorman
Longelo
McGhee
Hodge
Fadinger
Lowry
Said
Palmer Houlden

A little bit more dig in that team, with further defensive midfield cover, a little bit more height as well. 
I've put Connolly in goals to present the team with a bit more of a Ward like figure, to replicate what we were doing last year.

Didnt Connelly give the ball away to Aberdeen in the cup game? I have that in my head but can’t recall clearly enough to enable me to respond in a smart ass manner. 😂

[wellsince75]

making a point on team selection & general set up.   I know this isn't the only issues, work-rate, pressing as a team, making self available, confidence etc are part of the problem but thought worth articulating where I see issues in the set up. 

Point 1) Team selection - there's an international player not being used + despite having 5 wingbacks a midfielder is annoying Grizzly at RB.
Point 2) System - I don't remember any real variance of the 4-2-3-1 and certainly don't see any attacking option on the left to support Longelo. 


Team Selection/ decisions 

• We have 10 defenders.  From the 5 who have played wingback we opt for none of these at RB.
• In the Centre Jamie Knight Lebel has had +60 pro games in UK and a Canadian International but isn't getting game time. 
• Knowing that Priestman was injured we loaned out Whyte who had played+50 pro appearances in last 2 seasons. 
• Both McGhee & Girdwood-Reich are described as players who could go into defensive midfield but never used to cover. 

System 4 -2 -3 -1 or 4 -3 -3   or 4-2-1 -2 depending on game. 

• Looking back to last Nov - March during our fabulous run we pivoted between 3 systems. If we're following this principles either Kanga or Said should  be an auto start (where Just was last season).  If Lowry is the just role then I can't see anyone covering the role Slattery played. 
• Irrespective of who we pick we should have 3 attacking players through the left, middle and right of the park - I only ever see support on right wing and through the middle we get snuffed out.   

[grizzlyg]

1 minute ago, wellsince75 said:

making a point on team selection & general set up.  

Point 1) Team selection - there's an international player not being used + despite having 5 wingbacks a midfielder is failing at RB.
Point 2) System - I don't remember any real variance of the 4-2-3-1 and certainly don't see any attacking option on the left to support Longelo. 


Team Selection/ decisions 

• We have 10 defenders.  From the 5 who have played wingback we opt for none of these at RB.
• In the Centre Jamie Knight Lebel has had +60 pro games in UK and a Canadian International but isn't getting game time. 
• Knowing that Priestman was injured we loaned out Whyte who had played+50 pro appearances in last 2 seasons. 
• Both McGhee & Girdwood-Reich are described as players who could go into defensive midfield but never used to cover. 

System 4 -2 -3 -1 or 4 -3 -3   or 4-2-1 -2 depending on game. 

• Looking back to last Nov - March during our fabulous run we pivoted between 3 systems. If we're following this principles either Kanga or Said should  be an auto start (where Just was last season).  If Lowry is the just role then I can't see anyone covering the role Slattery played. 
• Irrespective of who we pick we should have 3 attacking players through the left, middle and right of the park - I only ever see support on right wing and through the middle we get snuffed out.   

Agree totally about Knight-Lebel,  I cant figure out why he hasn't been starting.  I would even play big jake alongside him and take moormann out.    Johnny k right back and longelo left back.

[Kmcalpin]

The problem too is a disorganised dysfunctional midfield, with no one shielding the defence or able to set up attacks. Fadinger is trying to play 3 roles to cover for those around him. Perhaps Priestman will help matters on his return, if he is selected and if he knows his role. 

[Prestwickwell]

39 minutes ago, wellsince75 said:

making a point on team selection & general set up.   I know this isn't the only issues, work-rate, pressing as a team, making self available, confidence etc are part of the problem but thought worth articulating where I see issues in the set up. 

Point 1) Team selection - there's an international player not being used + despite having 5 wingbacks a midfielder is annoying Grizzly at RB.
Point 2) System - I don't remember any real variance of the 4-2-3-1 and certainly don't see any attacking option on the left to support Longelo. 


Team Selection/ decisions 

• We have 10 defenders.  From the 5 who have played wingback we opt for none of these at RB.
• In the Centre Jamie Knight Lebel has had +60 pro games in UK and a Canadian International but isn't getting game time. 
• Knowing that Priestman was injured we loaned out Whyte who had played+50 pro appearances in last 2 seasons. 
• Both McGhee & Girdwood-Reich are described as players who could go into defensive midfield but never used to cover. 

System 4 -2 -3 -1 or 4 -3 -3   or 4-2-1 -2 depending on game. 

• Looking back to last Nov - March during our fabulous run we pivoted between 3 systems. If we're following this principles either Kanga or Said should  be an auto start (where Just was last season).  If Lowry is the just role then I can't see anyone covering the role Slattery played. 
• Irrespective of who we pick we should have 3 attacking players through the left, middle and right of the park - I only ever see support on right wing and through the middle we get snuffed out.   

Would have kept whyte as well

was talking to the Ayrshire posts football reporter yesterday & supposedly he’s been miles off it so far though 

 

[grizzlyg]

35 minutes ago, Kmcalpin said:

The problem too is a disorganised dysfunctional midfield, with no one shielding the defence or able to set up attacks. Fadinger is trying to play 3 roles to cover for those around him. Perhaps Priestman will help matters on his return, if he is selected and if he knows his role. 

Mcghee in defensive midfield role could be option

[Spiderpig]

2 hours ago, Kmcalpin said:

The problem too is a disorganised dysfunctional midfield, with no one shielding the defence or able to set up attacks.

Spot on Dave. But you forgot to mention that our current midfield is way below the standard set by Just, Watt and Slattery last season.

Im hopeful though that we can get back to something approaching that level if AJ can get Fadinger, Lowry and Priestman on the pitch together as a mid 3, with McGhee behind them in front of the defence, assumig they all stay fit.

[grizzlyg]

I won't be there on Sunday as Mrs grizzly and i off on holiday.  However I really hope the fans can get right behind the team. The last thing they need is negativity from the stands as that doesn't solve anything 

To the young team get the STAND UP AND SING FOR MOTHERWELL belting out from the start and lets make this the start of the revival.

I am sure a few will think I have lost my mind but positive vibes only way forward though I also acknowledge the players need to perform on the pitch. 

COYW

[Great Balls of Shire]

17 hours ago, stv said:

If it wasn't for Paulsen it would have been us that Selic fukd 7-1.

Knowing probably us 7-0

On the other hand , if it wasnt for Paulsen, we would have taken points from Rangers, Killie and Dundee.

[Xavi]

16 hours ago, Prestwickwell said:

Would have kept whyte as well

was talking to the Ayrshire posts football reporter yesterday & supposedly he’s been miles off it so far though 

 

Hardly got a kick of the ball against Thistle the other night ..... and hooked early second half. Not ready for first team football in the

prem.

[johnny71]

Had a few days to pick myself up from the Killie game,my optimism is slowly returning a scrappy 2-1 win to the mighty Well 😎👍

[grizzlyg]

30 minutes ago, johnny71 said:

Had a few days to pick myself up from the Killie game,my optimism is slowly returning a scrappy 2-1 win to the mighty Well 😎👍

I will take a scrappy win but some folk will say you don't have a scooby! 🤪🤪

[mio]

49mph wind and heavy rain for ko time on Saturday. 
This is not going to be easy on the eye.
 

[Spiderpig]

16 minutes ago, grizzlyg said:

I will take a scrappy win but some folk will say you don't have a scooby! 🤪🤪

The result is far more important than the performance, we need 3 points to stop the rot, so i'll take a scrappy Controverdial Var assisted goal in the 94th min if it means we win.

[Kmcalpin]

26 minutes ago, mio said:

49mph wind and heavy rain for ko time on Saturday. 
This is not going to be easy on the eye.
 

The game is on Sunday.

[FirParkCornerExile]

37 minutes ago, Kmcalpin said:

The game is on Sunday.

Think he meant Sunday cos thats the day of the 49 mph winds. 

[grizzlyg]

2 minutes ago, FirParkCornerExile said:

Think he meant Sunday cos thats the day of the 49 mph winds. 

keep it on deck then

[FirParkCornerExile]

Just now, grizzlyg said:

Cheers Judith ! 🤣🤣

ma tits are bigger 🤣

[joewarkfanclub]

On 10/18/2026 at 10:37 PM, wunderwell said:

Team!

Connolly
Koutroumbis
Knight Lebel
Moorman
Longelo
McGhee
Hodge
Fadinger
Lowry
Said
Palmer Houlden

A little bit more dig in that team, with further defensive midfield cover, a little bit more height as well. 
I've put Connolly in goals to present the team with a bit more of a Ward like figure, to replicate what we were doing last year.

I dont hate it.

But think we are a bit lopsided unless we are playing without width and relying on the full backs to get forward. Lowry has to play central to dictate play and pick passes.

Your general points have merit though.