Noah Dosser

Big problem across the board here is that football is no longer the only show in town. There are far more attractions away from football available to punters so spending aprrox £40( travel, ticket, refreshment etc) on a day out to watch a fairly mundane product really just isn't a viable prospect for a lot of folks. Throw in the saturation tv coverage of the top leagues throughout Europe and it's easy to see why kids' heads are turned watching the top players night in night out then trying to persuade them the SPL or SFL is great entertainment. The Scottish game has been stagnating for years and the one good thing, maybe, to come out of the Rangers fiasco is that the authorities and sports bodies will have to look seriously at improving and rationalising the game.

You are right but it's not happening. As per earlier post JJ is my top tip. Scott is 'helping' out at celtc at the moment. Gotta think it won't be too long till he's back working with a 1st team somewhere.

Link for fixtures and results, guys. http://www.scotprem.com/content/default.asp?page=s41

Was at at Fir Park today and saw someone who looked remarkably like Jonathan Johanssen. I know said coach was linked with the job earlier, so perhaps he has now been offered it ? Hope this isn't 2 + 2 = 5. I'm fairly certain it was him.

Haven't heard a reason, but this theory is plausible. I've got to say the simple solution was to leave GY as Head of Youth & U/20's coach and bring in a full time assistant. I would imagine the wages wouldn't be a stumbling block in this scenario.

I'll PM you if this is ok, cheers.

Another wee rumour that said coach has decided not to join the Well !

Think you make fair point here but some products of his time are just starting to come through now; Carswell, Erwin, Murray, Asghar, Leitch to name a few. Interestingly the squad for the game V Ross C contained only 3 ,if you allow Hammell, who have 'come through the ranks' ; Murphy and McHugh being the other 2. Most of the remainder have been brought in from England.

Heard a wee rumour someone may actually be in place from tomorrow. No details as yet as to identity other than has youth experience.

Not sure you are 100% with the names Reid is correct but the 2 others mentioned to me didn't include McStay. Bottom line is it's an f'in shambles with 'nice old Bobby Jenks' doing his best. There have been a couple of offers by 'proper' coaches to take the U/20s short term till a full time coach is appointed with no result. I was accused last season of 'axe grinding' re the 'Well youths but here we are again at the start of a new term with no coach, no settled formation and no information prior to the new season kicking off. By the way the 1st match V Dundee scheduled for Tuesday 7th August has been cancelled.

Was poor, but last 10 minutes or so got really towsy. Shocking foul by Bathgate's no 10 has left Murray with a possible fractured foot. Maybe explains his reaction. Moore red carded for another bad tackle near the end kinda summed up the day. Should say this was almost the first game the U/ 20's played and a couple of really young 'uns came on. Well done to all though given the pitch played like an ice rink and the game played at times in torrential rain. Cracking new enclosure Bathgate have built so at least we were all dry.

Heard a wee whisper Kerr has signed 6 month loan deal today.

Played 75 mins before being replaced by Murray. Came thru' fine by all accounts.

1-1 draw with Kilmarnock in a bounce match today at Dalzell. No other info to hand at moment.

Question re Shirkie, here he is with other U/17's who signed in the summer Fir Park five promoted to U20s squad Thursday, June 14, 2012Five of Motherwell’s most talented youngsters have signed professional terms with the club and will form a part of the new Under 20s squad next term. The five (L-R), Steven Higgins (Motherwell), Fraser Johnston (Strathaven), Dale Shirkie (Mauchline), Morgyn Neil (Motherwell) and Paul McCafferty (Motherwell) were all stand-outs with the Under 17s squad last season and have been promoted for the up-coming season.

Relax people. Have it on good authority he was 'helping out' today due to young Stewart (u/ 20's keeper) being injured, and the club not wanting to risk playing Randolph or Hollis in this match with the CLQ looming.

I was told the trialist keeper today was Colin Stewart. He is the son of Jim Stewart former Middlesborough, Rangers & Scotland. Last heard of Rangers goalkeeping coach. He is 32 I believe and has played for several pro clubs last of which was Morton FC

Had he dubious pleasure of attending this game today. For a testimonial celebrating a Motherwell stalwart there were a couple of things I can't fathom. The lack of atmosphere. The lack of support of Stevie Hamell in a vocal sense. The constant booing of Jelavic and Naismith ( esp Naismith as he left Rangers in the lurch). Which made more noise than the support for M'well/ Hammell The thought that Well did well against a team that were obviously streets ahead and only playing for fitness. The complete and utter waste of time playing McFadden considering he will not sign for 'Well and will not feature again (guys like J O'Brien etc who are close pals with SH were not allowed to participate by S M because of the forthcoming CL Qualifier).

I have no problem with that, but match rigging was the original point. Maybe I lost something in translation. Getting back on topic, doesn't look likely there will be many 'ins', think the CLQ will go a long way to determining the 'outs'.

Was Weiss not on loan from Man City ? Jelavic was bought on an installment basis in keeping with the majority of transfers nowadays. Rapid Vienna quite rightly called in the money owed when the Gers went tits up.

I would think Erwin, Cummins ( injured at moment) and Murray look the most likely. I posted on another thread Francis- Angol could make it as well if he can improve defensively. This is of course purely my opinion. Kerr, who is on loan/ trial, is another who could feature but I've no info re his staying or returning to BCFC. The other posters are correct Paul McCafferty did feature and Jack Leitch is Scott L's boy. The 5 subs were : Steven Higgins, Fraser Johnston, Dale Shirkie, Morgyn Neil and Paul McCafferty . Hope this helps folks.

Francis -Angol is IMHO not quite there yet. He is a terrific player going forward but I feel gets caught out defensively at times. He has pace and is strong, and if he can improve his defensive capabilities he won't be far away.

Nae probs, Stewart Devlin Kerr Murray Francis-Angol Watt Asghar Hetherington Leitch Erwin Moore Scorers were Erwin, Moore and Leitch. Not sure of all subs' names but it was the 5 who stepped up from U/ 17's.

The lad Devlin missed a good part of last season through injury, but came back well in the spring. He did well at Stennie as other posters mentioned. Of the others in the squad who are likely to progress; Cummins, Erwin, Hetherington and Murray should be looking to step up this year.

A game at last ! U/20's drew 3-3 with a strong Livingston side in a friendly at Broxburn Juniors this afternoon. 'Well went 3 up by halftime with some good finishing and a determined display against a technically good and well organised Livi. Kenny Black made 5 changes in the 2nd half with 5 boys signed from the U/17's coming on. Livi came back strongly towards the end and scored 3 to claim the draw.