dennyc

All I would like is confirmation that the Football Club is using the breathing space provided by the Hutchison funding to get it's financial affairs in order, thus ensuring that when he does up and leave the Business can continue to operate. They should know by now if financial projections are working out given the "expertise" that was drafted in as a condition of Les Hutchison's assistance. A big thing was made of the amateurish set up he inherited and the need for change. Whether the Well Society is privy to that monthly financial information I don't know, but they should be if they are expected to pick up the tab. I accept that it will take time to turn things round and possibly as long as the 5 years mentioned. However a simple statement that we are on track might ease some concerns.If it's true that the Club (with or without Society support) was unable to meet the first scheduled Loan repayment, that suggests to me that matters are not going as planned or maybe that a too optimistic a view was taken regarding the repayment schedule. Although the take up of Society Membership is an important matter, surely the return to profitability of the Football Club as soon as possible is the main issue. If that is not being achieved, the Society (The Fans) cannot cover the losses indefinitely. Chucking away good money after bad and all that. I desperately want the Club to survive and the Society to succeed but the pressure that is being put on fans to contribute further in the absence of any meaningful clarity is unacceptable. The silence from the Football Club regarding non football matters is deafening, bearing in mind that any funds we donate are really for their benefit. Oh, and for the sake of clarity, I do look upon my contributions as an investment with a potential for financial gain. However, before I make further donations, I want to know that Motherwell Football Club is keeping their end of the bargain.

Not quite in the "not a penny more" camp just yet. But before I do contribute further I want to know whether the Football Club is still losing money on a day to day basis. If it is, and the trend over the past few years has not been reversed, then I can see any funds the Society does have/ingathers disappearing very quickly. Surely Financial projections must have been drawn up when the new regime took over. Are we on track? Is the new Business model working? If, on the other hand, the Club is operating in the black then the Society monies are likely to grow.... Providing a means to assist the repayment of Les Hutchison's Loans and thereafter establish a Contingeancy Fund to support the Football Club through short term funding. On that basis I would be more than willing to contribute on a monthly basis. I am sure others would be similarly encouraged if there was some positive news in this regard. What does worry me is that it seems the Society's has taken on the full burden of repaying Les. That should first of all be the responsibility of the Football Club with the Society as a fall back only. Or are we admitting defeat? Thankful though I am for Les's help, I am more concerned about long term planning and seeing the Football Club operate on a sustainable manner. If the Football Club is seen to be making progress I would hope Mr Hutchison would show some patience and understanding. After all, he is hardly in desperate need of the money. I guess what I'm saying is that the Club needs to be able to stand on it's own two feet and for that to be established before I part with any more cash. To rely on everyday funding from the Society cannot continue indefinitely. That is only papering over the cracks.

In answer to what happens when Les moves on, possibly with the Society's money in his hip pocket. Presumably the intention is that the reshaping of the Football Club coupled with the ambition to generate substantial income from the sale of players we have developed will mean the Club will be trading at a profit and thus be self sufficient. There would be no need for the Society to provide day to day funding as long as the Football did not incur losses such as those seen the past few years. If, and it's a big if, the Club can operate profitably then the Members' monthly payments to the Society would eventually provide the Contingeancy Fund which was originally outlined. We can only hope that the business experience which Les has brought to the Club will help to achieve this goal. Also, if the Club can achieve profitability sooner than later, then it is possible that Les could be repaid without using up all the Society's monies. This would be the ideal solution but like many others I am not sure it can be achieved in the short term or soon enough to meet the repayment schedule. I think the Society Board need to clarify the following, rather than issuing statements which appear to me to more threatening rather than encouraging and positive. 1. What funds do the Society currently hold and how much of the original contributions remain? We already know £150k was given to the Club in time of need in return for (worthless?) shares and as such has gone. What of the rest and by how much is the balance growing each month through ongoing contributions? 2. Is it still the case that any monies provided to MFC in the future will be on a short term basis to be repaid as soon as possible? This was the original plan and one of the main reasons I signed up. 3. Is the Club now operating at a profit? We were told Les was insisting on faster, more up to date financial information... presumably to make sure we were not incurring losses each month. In summary Can the Society confirm that the Football Club is now self sufficient...notwithstanding the amounts due to Les...and that the proposed Business model is in place and working? Or at least give an indication when that is likely to be the case. I feel it would be much likelier to attract new Members if some positive news was released in this regard. If however the Club are still trading at a loss then I fear for it's future regardless of how many fans sign up over the next three months.

Strange how different folk see different things. To my mind a creative middle to front midfielder is exactly what we are lacking. How often do we look incapable of opening up defences and killing off the opposition? In the two games last week it was up to either MacDonald or Clarkson to feed the ball through to the forwards/wingers and, with the odd exception, it just did not work. Lasley and Leitch are just not able to fill that role and it looks like the Manager does not think Cadden can either. Result, our keeper and defenders lose faith in their midfield and start humping 50 yard passes trying to pick out the wide players. The ball flying into touch over the heads of Ainsworth, Thomas or Johnson is just frustrating and pointless. With the correct supply I have no doubt any of the three wingers could tear most defences to shreds and provide numerous chances to Moult or Fletcher. Surely a mix of Lasley, Leitch, Taylor and Pearson when he is fit can provide the drive and ball winning required. If played centrally I am sure Conor Grant could provide the link up/creativity required. If that means tough decisions have to be made about who plays and who sits on the bench so be it. Under McCall I was sick of watching players struggle in positions they could not adapt to. Unless we sign someone along the lines of Grant I fear more of the same this season. Players should start in their correct position or not at all, injuries permitting. Oh, and Watt if fit must play right back. May be only my view, but there you have it

Would be happy with Grant as long as he is played in the centre of midfield where I think we badly need some creativity. A waste of his abilities if he is stuck out wide.

£20 sent via paypal. Well done again for setting this up.

Cannot understand all the negativity re signing Clarkson. I don't recall the same reaction when we signed a thirty three year old cripple in January who had been plying his trade in India because no one in the UK wanted him. And I think most would agree that the signing of Pearson was critical to us staying in the top division. Most are also looking forward to seeing him drive on the team from midfield this season. Not all our signings will be youngsters with sell on potential and a squad balance has to be struck. He's only 29 for goodness sake, and recalling how he performed at Fir Park for Dundee, I believe Clarkson is worth the punt and will be a valuable squad member. He wants to play for us which helps and clearly is looking forward to helping to develop the younger, less experienced players. Can our new super duper medical staff keep him fit? I don't know, but let's not write him off before he's even pulled on the shirt.

I see the BBC reporting is up to their usual standard, quoting a one year deal re Ainsworth. Typical incorrect, lazy reporting whenever the Old Firm are not involved.

Google image search brings up Andy Paton and team receiving League Cup. Watters scored in the final and the guy front left looks a weebit like the photocard . Could be your man

Fifteen to five in favour of grass

I agree wholeheartedly regarding the legal(?) theft of Well Society monies. The donations were provided by supporters on the basis of providing short term funding to MFC, to be repaid at the earliest opportunity. I specifically asked this question when the Society was launched and was assured Well Society funds would be ringfenced and therefore protected no matter what route the Club took. I do not recall being asked if I had any objection to the new model involving my donation potentially being lost forever, However to say Hutchison does not have a clue is just wrong and to launch a personal attack on possibly our most consistent player this season is also wrong. Law gave 100% despite his obvious limitations which is more than can be said of some. I share your anger at the sad state Motherwell were mismanaged into but can I suggest the focus of your rage should be the previous Board, including Dempster, and the Management team who so poorly prepared the squad for this season. Hutchison may not be the diehard Motherwell fan we all hoped for, but at least he is trying to right the ship and behind the scenes at least we appear to be making progress and planning long term. Unfortunately the shambles McCall and Black left on the playing side will take longer to fix. It is encouraging to see all but one of the best youngsters already signed up and the signing of Law suggests contract discussions are ongoing with others

Bullshit. Fitness levels addressed, structure overhaul, qualified medical staff to lessen needless injury problems and improve recovery times, a meaningful scouting system and a strategy to bring in cash from the development of youngsters. None of this was being addressed by the previous Board or Management. To me that kind of suggests he knows what he's about.

Think the uproar from the Utd fans is because £500k in total is quoted in the Annual Accounts as having been handed over to some anonymous party (or parties) over and above the monies now paid as standard to Agents and the like. Initially United (Thomson) refused to clarify matters but McNamara confirmed that he did receive some payment, but nothing like £500k. So the big question remaining is..... Who got the rest? My money is on Thomson himself. What stinks and must bring into question a conflict of interest is the timing of the sale of the two players to Celtic. Normally a Manager would go bananas if told his two star players were to be sold prior to a cup semi and a final against the very team buying the players. Not a cheep from McNamara and in fact a timely story appeared in the press stating that the two players had forced the early sale. An allegation which was strenuously denied by both players but which did seem to make sense given the strange timing of the transfers. Wonder if the Director/Manager discussion went along the lines of " If we tell the media we had no choice but to sell because of the players' attitude we can both make a tidy profit and still appear hard done to". All conjecture I know, but if there is nothing to hide, why not just reveal who received the £500k? I have no great love for United or their fans, but in my opinion the way they are being treated is shameful and shows a total disrespect for people who only have the best interest of their club at heart.

£15 sent today. Good work

Or if a Motherwell player had scored a goal like that we'd be saying it was a wonderful piece of skill.

Spiderpig's comment I mean. Weeyin got in first.

That I do agree with

Also sitting in the POD. From what I saw Laing misjudged the flight of the ball allowing the forward to get in front of him. Then, in the act of falling, he made sure the player was going no further. A clear foul which left the referee to decide which colour of card. Being Collum he couldn't get the red card out quick enough. Influenced by the McManus one being overturned? Probably. Also, Laing made no protest when the foul was given and even turned meekly towards the referee, perhaps expecting a yellow. He only became "amazed" when he saw Collum reaching for the red card. Collum is an inept, attention seeking waste of space and as usual he made many strange decisions throughout the game, going against both teams. But, as far as the ordering off goes, reluctantly I have to say that I can understand why he showed the red card. it's all about opinions I guess

Think Ainsworth's goose is well and truly cooked given that IB favours playing with a pair of wing backs that are willing to track back as well as attack. I would imagine that the players that all the players he has brought in will have at least have the attitude and work rate he demands. When all bedded in and fit a could see us going 3-5-2 along the following lines. Long Laing/Ramsden McManus Straker/Hammell N Thomas Grant Lasley Pearson Johnson Erwin/Moore Sutton Bench - Twardzic, Laing/Ramsden, Straker/Hammell, Erwin/Moore, D Thomas Think that the upgrade in midfield will massively relive the pressure on the defence and also allow the strikers to spend more time in the opponent's penalty area rather than getting deeper and deeper seeking the ball. Would have liked the commanding Centre Back that was talked about in case McManus doesn't get his act back together again but maybe that's being greedy. Bottom line is that, if the newbies are up to scratch, we at last have a decent squad to pick from. Hopefully IB can fairly quickly get his first choice team fit and working together. The early cup exit may actually work in his favour as it gives the players more time to get to know each other before the fight to move up the league begins.

Not at all. I'm suggesting that her being a Motherwell fan may well have influenced her father's thinking as to where his next philanthropic venture would be best placed, particularly given her eventual appointment to the Board. If I recall correctly, her support of Motherwell was mentioned by him at the very early stages of his proposed involvement. Clearly his previous connection to the area is a major factor, but her fondness of MFC may have been the key element in deciding in which way he could best help the community. I'm sure he could have found other...non MFC.... ways to invest in the Motherwell area.

If it is the same Leanne, then the "crackpot" as you call her is the reason her father has appeared on the scene to try and dig us out the financial hole we are in. She might just be the reason we still have a team to support and I'm sure she probably has a better handle on what is happening transfer/planning for the future wise than anyone else on this forum.

Even Jose Mourinho would struggle to get anything from some of the imposters that have been wearing a Motherwell jersey this year. To call for Baraclough's head so soon after taking over the shambles he inherited is just utter madness. As for rubbishing his Managerial CV, he has a much better record than McCall had when he took over....better than Brown's Club record as well...and until this year that didn't work out too badly. Like everyone else on here, I don't know if he (or anyone else) can turn things round in time to save us from relegation. But, given the financial situation and the contracts locked in before he arrived, it will take time for him to get rid of the dross and field a team deserving of the shirt. The whole Club needs turning round from top to bottom. The proposed changes at Board level together with Baraclough's willingness to give youth a chance suggest that long journey has finally begun

One way he could free up salary would be to let Ojamma and O'Brien return to their clubs and use those savings to pay the salaries of new recruits for the positions he sees as needing immediate upgrade. Don't know, but would think we must be paying a fair bit for their loan deals.....The loss of Ojamma might be seen as a disaster by many on here. But if it means we can get some decent full backs and some midfield protection for the defence then I reckon I could live with that. IB has inherited a crock of shite and, coupled with the injury list, his hands are tied to a great extent. He will need to be creative...and lucky...to get us out of the mess the players, McCall and Black have got us into. It will take time.

Can hardly believe it myself but vote went to Josh Law. Assist for the goal, a goal saving header off the line and the only midfielder on show who seemed willing to try and create something rather than punt it or pass backwards. Didn't always work out but credit where credit's due. Off for a lie down!

I think we kind of agree. If the LH Loan monies remain untouched that would solve the problem. But I got the impression MFC were fast approaching the point where they would need financial support for a sum far greater than the amount currently available from the Society.... Crap cup and league performances being a major cause. Therefore the likelihood is that the bulk of the loan funds will be used to support day to day survival. So, unless the restructuring and fresh ideas produce increased revenue, the only way the Loan can be repaid is by using all the Society funds currently held plus most/all of any additional monies brought in over the years. End result - fan ownership of a majority of shares but little or no working capital. The LH deal buys us time and might even have saved us from entering admin for which we must be thankful. But, if we are to get out of the mess we are clearly in then the Club must return to profitability so we can start afresh with some sort of financial security when our benefactor moves on. Alternatively Les could just forget about getting his money back and pass over the Shares anyway at the end of the 5 years. This might actually not be that far fetched as apparently he at one time considered just gifting the money to the Society in the first place. I suspect there might be legal or tax reasons why that could not happen. Time will tell, but at least now it looks like we have that time.