dennyc

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.

In response to Goggles and Flippers valid point about the repayment of the Loan from LH. I too thought along similar lines until it dawned on me that if the Society did manage to raise the £1m, but then simply used them to repay the Loan, then there would be no Contingeancy Fund remaining to provide short term funding to MFC. All membership funds would be gone. If I understood correctly (and correct me if I've got it wrong), the Society's aim from the outset was to raise funds to provide short term finance to the Football Club thus avoiding exposure to funding from a Bank. When a certain level of money had been collected, John Boyle would then pass his shares to the Society free of payment. The funds would remain intact with the Society for use by MFC when required. In effect there needs to be two lots of £1m - One lot to repay LH and one lot to continue the financing of MFC when needed short term. If the Football Cub can generate enough profits within the five year period all well and good. But it does concern me that, if that does not happen, unlike the free handover from John Boyle then a payment will require to be made by the Society to LH to take ownership of the Shares. The funds ingathered by the Society will be gone. Don't get me wrong, I'm delighted LH got involved. Hopefully under his leadership the club can turn things round and return to generating income. Without his involvement the future looks bleak. I will continue to support the Club and Society in every way I can but I don't want to see the Society funds disappear forever.The Club needs to be able to repay the Loan without utilising the Society funds.

Similar questions as Andy P. My understanding is that LH has deposited £1m with MFC and not the Well Society. In return he has received John Boyle's shareholding and therefore has the power to effect changes to the club board. I am assuming John Boyle received no payment. Questions.... Is MFC solely liable for the repayment of the Loan? Is the loan secured? Are the monies for use in the day to day running of the Club or do they have they to be replaced in the same way that any funds borrowed from the Well Society must be repaid as soon as possible?..... Effectively maintaining a balance of £1m. To me this would make sense as, at some stage, that sum has to be returned to LH. If the LH monies are "frittered away" it seems very unlikely that the Club will be able to generate sufficient trading profits to repay the debt. Am I correct in saying that the intention at the end of 5 years is that MFC still have the £1m intact and the Well Society also have £1m+ for use as originally planned? If the Well Society fails to raise £1m does LH get back his money from MFC and return the Shares to John Boyle?

If it's illegal to ask health questions, how come you often have to fill in a medical questionnaire when applying for some jobs? Also how can some jobs be offered "subject to passing a medical"? Employers have rights too and guarding against employing someone who is unfit (for whatever reason) is only sensible. I'm sure I remember having to agree to provide additional medical info / allow access to medical records / attend a medical, if required, when filling out applications. No consent and the application is rejected. Maybe you cannot be quizzed during the actual interview but checks can be carried out.

The point about some players in the lower leagues being good enough for the top division is a valid point. Including Robertson, Dundee Utd had four players who featured for Queens Park a few seasons ago. All of them made or are making the transition and are likely to rake in a fair few quid for United. A little bit of vision/belief coupled with a decent development programme can provide a fantastic return. I understand our club do not scout the lower Scottish leagues to any great degree......if at all....and have not done so for years Instead we elect to pay a decent wage to players such as Josh Law. A flawed policy which is now biting us in the arse IMHO.

After all the ownership calamities down Ibrox and Tynecastle way, I wonder if the South American lot would pass the " Fit and Proper" test that surely the SPFL and/or SFA must now look to properly apply to takeovers. Given the recent track record in Canada....where they were thrown out the League for "irregularities".. how can they pass such a test? Our Board don't carry the same clout as the Old Firm, so I don't see a chatty letter from them (as per Rangers re White) promising that the South Americans are good guys will convince anyone. There's also the Work Permit issue (again part of the irregularities in Canada), although there may be ways round that if a passport link to an EU Country can be established. Maybe that's a reason why they are interested in getting a foothold in Europe having been flung out of the States.

But are the existing players really that bad? Or is it just that their confidence has been destroyed by being played totally out of position and/or asked to perform tasks which are beyond them.....over and over again. Eg Sutton up front on his own, Kerr wide right, Lasley as an attacking midfielder. Or for those that are fortunate enough to be played in their correct position, having to look on as the same (losing) team selections/tactics are repeated time and time again. Whatever, it does look like the players are as bamboozled as many of us are at the way they are set up. Admittedly money is tight and McCall does deserve better after his success in recent years.But we are told this year's budget is the same as last, despite the Cup disasters. So the wages from Hutchie, Anier and Faddy were available to McCall to strengthen where required. He chose to invest that money in two year contracts to senior players and Josh Law. Last year he gave 2 year contracts to McHugh and Gunnar which can hardly be regarded as sensible investments. Looks to me as if the Board have provided what they could, but McCall has not spent wisely. I guess what I am trying to say is that...Yes, McCall has been hard done to in some aspects, but the tripe we are witnessing week in week out is mainly down to him.

So please explain Against Accies, leaving Angol on the pitch until the 80th minute despite having Stevie Hammell sitting on the bench. From the moment he gave away the first goal very early on, ZFA could do nothing right and the groans from the crowd every time the ball went near him must have really helped his confidence. McCall left him out there to rot. Against Aberdeen, leaving Kerr wide right until the 84th minute despite having Lionel Ainsworth sitting on the bench. Kerr cannot beat a man, cannot cross a ball and his first touch is terrible. Yet McCall keeps putting Kerr in that position, at the expense of not only Ainsworth but also Thomas. Against St Johnstone, McCall publically slating Erwin for failing to block a cross after he moved him to left back, having already played him through the centre and wide right. Against Stjarnan, repeating the same negative tactics in Iceland that failed miserably in the home leg Against everybody, Josh Law. Against everybody, a lack of fitness. None of the above have anything to do with a small squad or injuries. They are all about poor team selection, crazy tactics, favouratism, a lack of empathy for young players and stubbornness. They are all about Stuart McCall and Kenny Black

Well, the right wing is already reserved for a centre half, so Clarky in goals then....releasing Twardzic to take over at Centre Half with McManus moving to form a strike partnership with Lasley. Problem solved.

What weeyin says. But I would take Clarkson over McHugh any day of the week and that changes the whole dynamic of the squad, particularly with Erwins inexperience and the timing of Moore's return unsure. Problem is that crazy two year contract given to McHugh by our Manager and the fact that absolutely no-one wants him on loan......and I am led to believe every effort was made to get him back to QOS but they would not play ball. Speaks volumes.

Not trying to defend the players as they definately need to have a long hard look at themselves. But they must be baffled and totally dispirited regarding McCalls choice week in week out about who who plays wide right/left. The only decent cross in open play last night came from Stevie Hammell very late on. I lost count of many times attempts at crosses by Kerr and ZFA hit the first defender. They way we are set up means the performance of the wing backs is critical ,yet McCall persists in selecting two players who cannot control a ball, cannot beat a man, cannot cross a ball and who's confidence is shot to pieces by being played out of position and and expected to work miracles. And then you have the Josh Law love in!!!!!! What really pissed me off about the so called professional pundits on BT sport last night......Craigen included......is that no one had the guts to ask McCall why he persists with Kerr and ZFA out of position to the exclusion of young, reportedly exciting talent and/or experienced players who can actually shoot and cross a ball effectively. Willie Miller (quite rightly) gets flack from many on here but he at least was questioning the reasoning behind last nights team line up. McCall has too many pals in the Media who refuse to ask him hard , meaningful questions. Although most of us thought it was amusing to see Hearts and Hibs go down, I bet we all also thought they would come back up in a healthier, stronger position ready to push on in the top division. Hearts are well on the way and Hibs will get there eventually. How many of us actually believe Motherwell would have the same outlook following relegation. McCall must go sooner rather than later if we are to have any hope of survival. I liken it to the Fulham position under Felix McGath. Following his sacking, and under an unproven stand in Manager, the same squad is pushing up the league and could well make the play offs. In my opinion our existing squad, with proper leadership have the ability to do likewise. Does question our players' attitude I know, but it all stems from the Manager and his backroom staff.

McCall clearly doing his usual. Wait until we go two down and then throw on Ainsworth and Erwin when all is lost. Have to admire both our wing back's ability to beat a man and put in an accurate cross to Sutton leaping like a salmon. Maybe one day Stuart and then you can say you were correct all along.

More appearance money for Josh Law then. Thomas and Cadden bumped from the bench and McHugh still there although Erwin back. Same old story.. Clearly McCall sees a different game from everybody else who has had the courage to go along this season. Hard to be positive when the man in charge stubbornly sticks to the same old losing approach. Wonder how many will be played out of position and hung out to dry. Love to be proved wrong, but fear a proper hiding. Aberdeen have a point to prove.

McCall has done very well for us in the past but in my opinion his refusal to accept some of his ideas just don't work with the present squad is actually the biggest barrier to us getting out of the mess we are now in. Biggest example is playing Kerr wide right. McCall tried him out there in the home leg against Stjarnan. It did not work and was even quite funny at times. He repeated the same tactic in the away leg and it proved even less successful but not as funny. Lesson learned?...No chance! Fast forward several more failed attempts to the Accies match at Fir Park. Kerr starts at centre back but is switched to the right about 15 minutes in when it becomes obvious the long punt upfield from the goalie for Erwin is not working. Cue punts to the right wing for Kerr to win. That didn't work either. Yesterday we start with Kerr at right back in a 4-4-2 ish line up that frequently seemed to change to 3-5-2 with Kerr being expected to push forward, beat two or three players and then fire in a cross for Sutton to bullet home. Surprise, surprise it didn't work and actually led to the first Thistle goal. Agreed Vigurs failed woefully to track back and cover the huge gap left at the back, but surely the man to blame is the Manager who hung them out to dry. Kerr is a centre back, nothing more. Maybe one day the tactic will work and McCall can say he was proven right, but how many games must we lose before then just to satisfy his ego. There are other numerous examples with other players...Erwin wide right/left or left back! Josh Law anywhere. Sutton on the right wing for 15 minutes at Killie to name a few. At times it feels like McCall is actually trying to punish certain players. Leaving ZFA on the pitch until 10 minutes from the end against Accies despite him having a nightmare and giving away the first goal whilst Stevie Hammell sits warming the bench. Kerr being forced to play on the wing with Ainsworth only getting on when the game is lost . Thomas not even meriting a place on the bench. Madness. Rant over. Apologies

Unfair that it may seem to some given our League achievements under Stuart McCall, he is now being judged based on our performances this year. Can anyone really defend our lack of preparation for Europe, the lack of fitness (players running on empty FFS), the stubbornness in sticking with tactics that clearly do not work with the present squad, the loyalty to players who are either out of form or out of their depth, the benching of players who are actually contributing, the playing of players out of position, the timing/nature of substitutions. We were very fortunate to beat St Mirren and Ross County and it could be argued that the draw against Celtic is the only match where the result reflected the performance of the teams on the pitch. A win against Accies on Saturday is critical if we are to have any realistic chance of making the top six and avoid the horrendous prospect of a relegation play-off...or worse. McCall has been good for Motherwell and Motherwell has been good for McCall. But given our circumstances on and off the pitch he must address his refusal to accept the need for a fresh approach if we are to get through this difficult period.

Always liked Palace. Thanks for what you achieved Stuart but know it's time to say goodbye. A fresh open minded Manager willing to give youth a fair crack is the long term future. We might also be brave and appoint someone willing to accept and learn from his own mistakes instead of stubbornly sticking to a plan in the hope he will eventually be proven correct. I say this as someone who travelled to Iceland to witness an almost exact rerun of the tactics employed in the home leg and who has watched with disbelief as Law continues to feature, Sutton/Erwin/Kerr are asked to be right wingers, substitutes are left to rot until games are lost and Thomas continues to be ignored as far as first team game time is concerned. Please take Kenny with you

An absolute shambles of a performance with no leadership on or off the park. Killie won at a canter and should have scored several more. Two questions for Stuart McCall. When did John Sutton turn into a winger? Having finally accepted that a lack of width was hurting us badly, why not bring on one of the two wingers sitting on the bench. Sutton being moved onto the right wing was ridiculous and did nothing other than to highlight even more his lack of pace and inability to go past a defender. Madness. Similar to the move McCall made with Erwin last week, but even less effective. Why no substitutions until 80 minutes? The game was well and truly lost by then and it was clear after the first 15 minutes that the formation and tactics were not working. McCall has commented that his players must learn from their mistakes. Perhaps the Manager should set an example.

Apparently Cummins and Lawson are both out injured. Must have got splinters in their arses sitting on the bench for 90 mins+ on saturday.

Reid....up to the point where McCall decided to move our best defender into midfield so that the defender who replaced our only attacking threat could play at right back. Utter madness. Again