dennyc

Why can we not just give Kettlewell the credit he deserves for yesterday? We even had the sour grapes "the PLAYERS deserve credit". Clearly a positive for Kettlewell was a step too far for some. Acknowledgement grudgingly given at best. Depressingly I get the sense a few folk even wanted us to lose yesterday, just to justify their assault. I admit I did have doubts when I saw his team selection but he and the players made it work and proved me wrong. Even with Shaw contributing next to nothing, the fact he fielded three forwards created the space that Biereth and Bair took advantage of. That set up was down to Kettlewell and in such a critical game he carried the day. Accept it and hope the upturn in results continues. I don't know if Kettlewell will survive to next season. Nobody does. But to suggest a new Board would not renew his contract under any circumstances is ridiculous. It is quite clear that even if our January signings work out, we have a decent cup run and secure our top league status, Kettlewell's detractors will still shout loudest....until they get to move on to their next target when he eventually goes. We managed an important victory yesterday and head to Easter Road in a more positive mood. I think that is a good thing but sadly it feels like some don't think that way.

They let folk with bags from the Club shop so I don't see why there would be an issue. The steward outside the turnstile will probably have a look through it though. Especially given our reputation regards pyros. A quick phone call to the office should clear the way just to be sure. Or give you an option.

Burrows, with the support of Motherwell, contacted the SPFL requesting that the game be postponed given the weather and hazardous road conditions. Although Motherwell had travelled up this morning and the pitch was playable, all parties felt it was unfair asking both sets of fans to travel. Our lords and masters sat on a decision for hours and only gave their agreement when photographs of the road conditions were placed online. By not travelling down, County short circuited the process and well done to them for that. Would not surprise me if they receive a yellow card for their cheek. Boards across Scotland should be asking questions of Doncaster and his pals, but I bet they don't.

Knowing Celtic it will be as little as possible. They are good at building in massive add-ons when they are sellers.....Frimpong could net them a fortune just like Van Dijk and others did. However when they are the buyers it's a different matter. I guess that's good practice for them but it is galling that they can dictate terms up here. I hope I am wrong but I'm not holding my breath looking for a fantastic payday. Whereas the Turnbull terms were not revealed, it is public knowledge that Celtic have a 30% add on with Frimpong that could net them around £10m as he looks to be heading to England from Germany for about £50m. Crazy money.

Well said. Spot on. Vigurs is the classic example. Took us for a ride and well rid.. But if I recall correctly his goal was a volley following a corner to the edge of the box. An amazing piece of skill. So some folk who can appreciate such skill did applaud. Does not mean the goal did not hurt them or that they betrayed the Club. I didn't applaud by the way, but I did go "Wow!"

Why does applauding a player who has served the Club well suggest to you they are placing that player above the Club? That is just out and out nonsense. it is showing respect to someone who brought them enjoyment in our colours. I have not met one fan who would put an opposition player above the interest of Motherwell FC. To suggest someone who does applaud is letting the Club down is as disrespectful to them as you say they are being to the Club

The dilemma for me is that we are having the worst run points wise I can recall, even in comparison to the play off year where we trounced Rangers. I've deleted Kampman and Hynd from my memory banks. But performances during this spell are far from the worst I have seen, and are not as hard a watch as games under Hammell and Alexander were towards the end. Despite what some like to promote on here, the players have not downed tools, appear as united as they can be under the circumstances and are still with Kettlewell. Also off field factors outside Kettlewell's control are impacting his ability to turn things round. On the other hand, his transfer dealings have been poor although here again restraints placed upon him limit the quality of player he can recruit. Also looking to his team selection at Dingwall and his substitutions in the past couple of months suggest to me that he his running out of ideas given the resources available. So, could anyone else who would be willing or available to come to our Club do any better given the circumstances? I just don't know to be honest but I have my doubts. Anybody who is available has likely failed elsewhere or been out of the game for a while. I don't think the likes of Murray at Raith Rovers would jump ship for us at this time. Those screaming for Kettlewell to go have either not come up with a realistic solution or have copped out of making a suggestion, even though that would add to the discussion taking place on a fan forum. All in all I am about 55/45 for staying with Kettlewell for now which I think is possibly how a lot of fans feel. What we do not know is whether the Club and Kettlewell have had discussions regards the transfer window and if plans are in place. Then again we also don't know for sure what funds are available for recruitment or possibly changing the Management team. I do think a loss to Livi will see him go as this run cannot be allowed to drift on. But I'm far from convinced it will make any difference. I guess I will just have to trust our Board, which in itself does not give me any comfort

The May 2022 Accounts did say we had around £4m is cash Reserves. That after incurring a £1m loss compared to a £3m profit the season before (Exceptional transfer and performance income perhaps?). So yes you would hope a good proportion of that kitty is still available. But those 2022 Accounts did suggest we had moved into a loss making position. Since those Accounts were released a significant amount has been spent on Stadium improvements/repairs, pitch upgrades, employee/manager contract pay offs, player recruitment (last January panic buying!) and ever increasing running costs. Not all of those outgoings would have been forseen and budgeted for. Allied to reduced income from poorer onfield performance. The financial situation revealed when the May 2023 Accounts are issued may confirm we still have millions in the Bank. I hope we do but I have my doubts. Then we have these words from the statement issued by the Club when the Board departures were announced. “It has become very clear over the last few years that for the club to operate on a sustainable basis, provide the manager with a competitive player budget, meet the vastly increased cost of our other activities including having a successful Woman’s Team and maintaining a fit for purpose Stadium, Training Ground and Academy facility, that it will require significant investment; funding on a similar scale to that received by many others in the SPFL." That does not sound like a minimal shortfall to me. Bottom line. If we are not operating on a sustainable basis, then those funds held in reserve will quickly reduce. Let's see what the 2023 Accounts reveal. Also, with no access to Loan funds, it is essential that we maintain some level of funds in reserve to cover unforeseen events. A hopefully never required safety net. I do hope you are correct though and significant funds are available in January. We certainly need a decent transfer window.

Oh, I'm not suggesting we continue to do the same thing. Far from it. Recruitment and structure wise, I think it is quite clear I am disappointed with how we have performed and it needs to change for the better. But to my reading some on here are getting hung up on history and not addressing the present. We've signed Josh Morris, Theo Bair etc and that was poor. But that is done we need to let that go, learn, adjust our approach and sort the present. On and off the pitch. My concern is that because of the previous direction, we are not in a good position to address the current deficiencies on the pitch. My question to Steelboy was to ask him how we are to fund the player recruitment everybody agrees is required. It is a valid question. I am not convinced funds are available for what we require......hopefully I am wrong in that.....and I have heard nothing from the Club this season that suggests otherwise. The only practical solution I can come up with is to sell Kelly and Miller, if that is even possible looking to injury and form. Dickie's panic press release was pretty vague, waffle in fact. You have come up with several innovative, workable proposals which I wish the Club would get in touch with you to discuss. And it may be that those suggestions could be implemented at minimal cost. Certainly worth exploring as soon as possible. But as for player recruitment, how do we fund actual player purchases in January whilst we are burdened with existing contracts and little income? It is ok saying bring in a striker, a midfielder, wingers but how to we do that....urgently? Other changes hopefully will be implemented, but our form and league position makes on field performance the priority. On and off field go hand in hand I agree but we desperately need to rescue our season in the here and now.. And keep on typing those essays. I enjoy reading a lot of the sense you bring to the table. You clearly care about our Club and looking for solutions.

Rectifying our current situation is not about how we recruited well or or badly in the past. Yes, recruitment and decision making has been terrible at times and has likely cost us thousands. So that must be addressed before any more resources are wasted. I agree. But the now is about how we afford new players at this moment in time. To improve our current situation So that is my concern. You suggest numerous positions that require improvement but seem to assume finance is not an issue. Despite the BBC report regarding the clarification statement, looking at what Dickie actually said makes sufficient funding less certain to my mind. Hopefully I am wrong and worrying for no reason. All he really needed to say was "Yes", rather than qualifying his response with imagine, some and if. BBC Asked if boss Stuart Kettlewell would be able to make additions to his squad next month, Dickie replied: "I would imagine there will be some money available for the manager if that's his decision."

My question was about how you would fund the recruitment of the players to fill the positions you quoted. I agree we need upgrades but cannot see how we find the funds required.

And how are we to afford that recruitment? Anyone who is surprised by this latest turn of events is not living in the real world. Money talks and the noises coming out of the Club for ages have been depressingly consistent. Without player sales we do not generate enough income to sustain our current position. Even with those sales, cup runs and a good league placement are a requirement.. And to achieve those on field successes you need to generate the funds to invest in decent players and limit the number of player purchases that don’t work out as hoped. How has that worked out of late? Questions certainly need to be asked on that score. With only 3500 Members, not all contributing and with no big business or private investment, how on earth are we to generate enough income to compete at the current level? That’s the reality of the situation. As the quality of the squad diminishes, so does the possibility of player sales, youth investment and income from on field success. Our initial successes under fan ownership and the Turnbull sale only delayed the decline. And I say that as someone who signed up to the Society. I really hope and pray the investment initiative that is mentioned is successful otherwise I see us dropping to a level, on and off the field, that is sustainable. Just guessing, but I suspect the initiative will involve a share issue with fans and local businesses being asked to dig deep. Maybe a Save the ‘Well plea like happened with Hearts. Given the economic situation I think either would be a massive challenge. The only solution I see is private investment with the Society model being scrapped. Who is going to invest millions in the Club without being given a controlling interest, even if they invest without any real hope of financial return? Fan Ownership sounds fantastic and attracts lots of plaudits but clearly it requires more than Motherwell can offer. Worrying times.

This season agreed. But he did a good job last season. His will to win lifted us on numerous occasions. But like a good few others he has disappointed this season.

Ouch. Obviously affected me more than I realised.

Butcher, Casey and Furlong included? I thought those three saved our season along with Van Veen. But I agree the other signings were rotten. I was saying I did not think we had the scope to sign a shitload of players in the hope that 3 or 4 worked out.

Oh that we were able to. The bench line up on Sunday shocked me. Mika is a shining light and maybe the fact such a raw youngster stands out speaks volumes for where we are at. He would be even better if did not have to carry the rest of the team on his shoulders. And was able to devote all his energy to what he excels at. Whatever happens this season I expect to see a massive turnover in the Summer. Finances will likely dictate the quality of those changes. If only Turnbull could move for a huge fee in January the add ons might enable us to address issues earlier. (Clutching at straws there) Without that bonus I cannot see a January recruitment like last season.

Talking of pish! So they all should be dropped by your criteria? Maybe you should read what folk actually say. But since you mention Ronaldo. Yes he was dropped. For a proven, younger player who scored a hat trick and is valued at Millions. Pity we don't have such riches to pick from. Attitude played a part, but at Ronaldo's age any outfield player needs a rest from time to time. There is a reason he could not play every game for Man Utd and eventually took the Saudi pennies. But go ahead, compare Kelly to Ronaldo if it makes sense to you.

Kelly has not been horrific. He is as frustrating as hell and has made mistakes just like every other player. But less than some, even yesterday. He has also made outstanding saves which contributed to our pitiful points total of late. But let's just ignore that fact. And nobody is saying he should not be dropped in case his feelings are hurt. As Captain and a leader and spokesman for the squad he brings qualities over and above goalkeeping, like unifying the squad which was sadly lacking under our previous managers. Also, in most folks minds, he is currently the best option we have. Changing goalkeepers at this stage could well push us closer to Championship football. Or if you really want to drop every player who regularly has "horrific" moments during matches, then I take it you will accept a team full of youth players as per the bench yesterday. Until they have a poor game. Not one player has turned in consistently good, 90 minute performances this season. In my opinion our troubles are much more serious than a goalkeeper who is going through a tough spell.

Exactly this. Spot on. Every single player made mistakes yesterday. As they did at Dingwall and last week against Dundee. And every game before that. In reality Kelly prevents a good many of those errors turning into goals conceded. The difference is that Kelly is a target for some, and any good he does is conveniently ignored or looked upon as him "just doing his job". He did not cost us a win yesterday. I could easily argue that the inability of Biereth, Obika, Gent, Spittal, Slattery etc etc cost us the win because of their inability to score two goals between them. And I wonder if those wanting Oxborough brought in have actually seen him play. He hardly pushed his case for inclusion in his League Cup appearances. He is another that for some folk gets better the more he does not play. Not slating him, just saying that Kelly is the better keeper and the safer option. Or perhaps some folk just fancy a wee trip to the likes of Ayr and Inverness. Drop Kelly and the chances of that increase. We need to stick with him.

No need to get that vest out. What you say is reality. Regards Business involvement with Motherwell FC........ When L Dempster first unveiled the aspiration of Fan Ownership, there was a fair amount of discussion about Corporate Membership of the Well Society. At that time there was a realisation that our fan numbers would struggle to support a fan ownership model long term and so Corporate investment was essential. There has been a fair bit of publicity about Society numbers reaching 3500, but nowhere have I heard about any local business coming on board. The economic climate and CoVid haven't helped but does anyone know if we have any Corporate Members and how much income that generates each month? In a recent discussion, David highlighted Bodo Glimt as a similar sized Club to ourselves who could teach us a few things about structure and the use of analytics. Certainly food for thought and got me looking more closely at the set up in Norway. From what I gather (and David can keep me right here?), the Norwegian model is that all Clubs must be owned by their Membership. Fan ownership if you like. And an attempt to protect Clubs from being bankrupted by egotists with no knowledge of football. But having moved to that arrangement some years ago it quickly became evident that many clubs, including BG, were struggling due to lack of resources. Just like Motherwell. So a form of Business Partnership was allowed whereby Businesses could purchase/fund non football aspects of a Club. Bodo Glimt now have a number of Business partners, including a major Norwegian Bank, who contribute to the Club without having input to, or ownership of, football operations. The arrangement has been a huge success at BG and they have gone from strength to strength boosted by that essential finance and coupled with a Board willing to adopt modern practices. European success has just added to their growth which last season included TV income of over £7m. We can only dream. I agree with El Grew, if we continue as we are I think that ongoing decline in quality will only take us in one direction. Just compare our squad season on season. The occasional Turnbull like sale or KVV magic season may delay that decline, but it is a risky strategy. Other Clubs have suffered similarly regards finances, but without the burden of fan ownership they have been assisted by overseas investment or rescued by their sugar daddy.

Rice, McAlear and McKinstrey were youth players who brought in a total in excess of £1m between them in agreed fees and add ons in lieu of Development Fees. So to say they left us for nothing is just not correct. Campbell and Cadden were established first team players who gave Motherwell a good number of years, served us well and then left under freedom of contract. In the same way that we recruited out of contract players from other teams. Some of whom went on to earn us a pretty penny. Some you win, some you lose. Nowhere did I say that you ever suggested we had similar funds to spend as Brighton. What is weird is that you continue to ignore the fact that the level of each clubs finances means the probability of success in the transfer market for Brighton is greater than it is at Motherwell. Also Brighton can afford to get it wrong. You get what you can afford to pay for and sadly what we can afford is Bair, Shaw etc. So the risk of failure is increased. Brighton at least can buy players with a decent track record. How we have arrived at that financial situation is a whole different conversation. Our risk of failure in the transfer market will always be far greater than any club that can afford to pay millions. I agree that means we need to be smarter in our selections but yet again that lack of finances affects the quality of resource we can allocate to analytical research. So comparing us to Brighton ( or any established EPL Club) is nonsense. Much of what you suggest makes sense in a perfect world. But please tell me how Motherwell would fund the changes and expansion which might certainly be of benefit long term.

I think there are certainly areas where we could be smarter. That is the case no matter which Club you look at. And, yes, there are comparisons that can be made to Brighton but only in respect of their "weight" in the Division they are in. Purely on a financial basis, the level at which they can enter the recruitment market (players and staff) is way above the level at which we can. So although they cannot compete with the Chelsea's and Man City's of this world, they are still operating in a different world to us. And the level they operate at makes the possibility of recruitment success more likely and the impact of failure less ruinous. In short, in the market we operate in, the chance of failure is much more likely and the financial impact of any failure is greatly magnified. We are scraping the bottom of the barrel when we take a punt on Bair. Brighton are scraping the bottom of their barrel when they take a £5m punt on some unknown South American youngster. Regarding youngsters being allowed to leave, if giants such as Chelsea, Man City, Rangers, Celtic cannot retain star prospects due to riches/attractions on offer elsewhere, then it is a bit naive to expect Motherwell to be the exception. There comes a time when it would be madness for a youngster to sit tight. These players might be Motherwell fans, but first and foremost they are professionals with a career to manage. And would any of us refuse a tenfold wage increase (minimum)? I actually think we do pretty well regards income from youth development. I would prefer the kids to stay but that is just not realistic The Board were also very open. As a fan owned Club we must complete at least one decent player sale a season to compete at our current level. With top ups from youth sales as required. If either does not happen, then Budgets will be cut and as a result squad quality will reduce. Every one of the Managers who has left in recent years hit that exact barrier, with the most scary thing being that each time the timescale reduced. Not saying those Managers did not have faults, but the quality reduction did for them. Everything comes down to finance at the end of the day. Unlike Brighton, we cannot afford to make mistakes.

I’m all for having safe standing areas for those fans that prefer that type of match day experience. I can see why it appeals and certainly worth Clubs seeking permission. Especially if it brings in the next generation of fans. That said, I read that Celtic are considering cutting back on their area. Not because fans don’t appreciate it, in fact most fans want it extended, but because of the goings on of the Green Brigade. Given an inch, taking a mile. So again the actions of a few impacting on the enjoyment of the majority. I think any Club can seek approval from Local Authority, Football Authorities and Police. Each application looked at on its own merits. If a standing area can be safely accommodated then why not if there is a demand?

Notice issued by the Scottish Govt in June 2022. Seems perfectly clear although whether it is practical and how the Clubs, Football Authorities and Police enforce the regulations is another matter. in public places Firework control zones Fireworks and pyrotechnics in public places Extra measures to prevent the misuse of fireworks and pyrotechnics in public places including sporting and live music events have come into force. This is to help protect public safety. Unless you have a ‘reasonable excuse’ or are exempt, it is against the law to have: any firework or pyrotechnic other than category 1 fireworks (for example party poppers, novelty crackers and sparklers) in any public place including the street and parks any firework (including category 1) or pyrotechnic, such as handheld flares, at sport and live music events in venues that can hold 1000 or more people It is already a criminal offence to take or try to take a pyrotechnic into football matches.

Do you condone last night's pyros or not? It is a fairly simple question. Yes or No? If you do then fair enough. I am perfectly aware they have become common practice at matches and so far little or no action has been taken. Do you accept that such unauthorised, uncontrolled displays are against the Law because they can be a health hazard/cause injury? As you suggest, there may be scope for more controlled displays as happens in other sports. But that is a separate discussion which may provide a balanced solution.. Eventually the authorities will take a stance, and it's likely some wee club like Motherwell will be sanctioned rather than the big boys. Even using the excuse that effective, preventative measures were not put in place by a Club. As I said, maybe that's why the Board issued a statement. Acting in the best interests of the Club as the are obliged to do. But you never addressed that possibility either? The Bois bring plenty of noise, support and colour to games. Do they really need to add displays such as last night? To be clear, I don't think they have a place on the terraces irrespective of whether they are organised by The Bois, Green Brigade, Union Bears or any individual.