wellfan

We played really well, but are utterly toothless up front in terms of strikers, final ball, and set pieces, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Unfortunately, the evidence is there to convince me we’ll likely see this type of performance and result play out several times this season. For me, it boils down to this - SK can't legislate for what happened to Biereth, but replacing KVV with the likes of Obika, Wilkinson, Bair, and Shaw is clearly a mistake.

Admirable optimism, but I think we’ll get pumped.

Three years in the Greek Super League or warming the bench in ML1… Good luck to him.

TEAM NEWS Calum Butcher remains missing for this match. Mika Biereth, Pape Souare, Conor Wilkinson and Jon Obika are also all unavailable for Saturday. Liam Kelly is a doubt after he pulled out of the Scotland squad with a back injury last week. Blair Spittal and Shane Blaney are also struggling with knocks and will be assessed this week. https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2023/09/12/were-back/

Spittal may be out for this game, which would be a big loss.

https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2023/09/11/joe-efford-leaves-the-club/

Given he loves Hearts and hates the National Team, I think MJC could be Craig '4-6-0' Levein.

Other than avoiding going to Parkhead and Ibrox for obvious reasons, the only other ground I generally avoid now is Tynecastle. The only time I've ever felt unsafe as an away fan in recent years has been on the streets of Gorgie and in local bars before a game. I find that some of their fans are incredibly aggressive and hostile towards opposition fans, even when it's just me minding my own business. I'm not talking about general banter, I'm talking about threats of violence where I've felt exposed and at risk so have had to move on quickly. My view and experience are unsurprising given the links between some Hearts fans and Tommy Robinson and the EDL. Absolute scum.

Too many to choose from.

As I said earlier in the thread, we have good midfielders who have become even better due to how Kettlewell has set them up to play in the correct positions and as a cohesive unit. They're all flourishing.

Yeh, that's what happens when a right-sided wingback gets into the box on the left side. He's being played out of position and you can see it's affecting his natural game. Great win nonetheless.

Hearts have been far better in the second half, but I think that's more to do with us looking knackered for most of it.

I don't think McGinn can complain about that second yellow. Yes, his shirt was tugged, but it looked like he committed a foul first.

That's been the case since 3 pm. For a big athletic player, he can barely run or jump.

Don’t want to jinx it but we’ve got a very good midfield this season. It just seems well-balanced and connected.

We’ll soon find out. I imagine Wilson is being handled in such a way to allow him to further develop (likely out on loan) to be our first choice option in the future.

Campbell has been loaned to Millwall for the season. https://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/2023/september/millwall-loan-switch-for-campbell/

Georgie Gent, a young left-sided player, is set to join on loan from Blackburn. If so, he's the Furlong/Penney replacement we've all hoped for. https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/transfer-news/blackburn-rovers-john-buckley-latest-27632388

If so, I'd expect McGinley and/or Efford to leave.

Things haven't worked out for Shaw at Barnsley, likely because he's hardly had any game time yet. However, given he's played many games across the Scottish leagues, including under Kettlewell, I fully expect Ketts to get a charm out of him with us. Edit: He's also a Hibee, so let's hope he smashes the Jambos for us on Sunday.

Our previous squad size was massive (for several reasons) and unsustainable, so I'm glad we appear to have tightened the purse strings. I think we maybe also have a lesser playing budget than planned this season due to the cock up over the works to the front of the East Stand meaning they had to be redone. Douglas Dickie (I think) seemed to hold his hands up to the latter during the most recent Well Society AGM.

Much to the dismay of most Luton fans. Campbell was key to a lot of their previous success, yet it looks like Edwards is changing up their style and formation for the Premier League, which will likely fail. I hope Campbell now finds the manager and game time he deserves.

0-3. New striker hat-trick.

It was me. Hands held up. He was excellent today.