milo

Enjoyable day at the fitba! Felt like a step up from a friendly but not quite a real competitive game, even although it clearly was. Loads to be positive about yesterday. Plenty decent performances. Great pressing, good inter play between many players. That said, Frear isn't effective in the wing back role, Bowman isn't the answer up front and Heneghan is still very ropy in certain situations but good performances from everyone else, in particular McHugh, Bigirimana, Cadden and Tait. Dunne wasn't as bad as folk feared, not perfect, but could be ok. Quite liked big Kipre! His legs are fucking massive! Not getting carried away but I think at the very least we will see a very very different style from recent years, and in a good way. High energy, hi tempo, good high pressing, lots of little exchanges everywhere. Need to see what we're like v premier opposition of course as Morton were rotten. Would anybody take a punt on Quitongo? I thought he was pretty good.

Would be really disappointing if we don't see much of McLean or Campbell this season.

One of my pals reckons it's a massive mistake letting Thomas go and another is completely "meh" about it. I value both their opinions on football so will be interesting to see which one is right.

Dodged a bullet twice there!

As others have said, it's possible that McDonald and Robinson don't see eye to eye. If there's any definite evidence of this I don't know, but that seems to be the chat. Either way, he announced he wouldn't be taking up the option of his 1 year option as soon as we were safe last year and I'd say there's no chance of him signing again. I would've loved him to still be a Motherwell player but here we are.

With all the focus on Moult, I wonder if there's any progress with McHugh's contract extension?

Fairly comfortable in the end. Don't know what the panic was all about......

Not looking good at all so far. If it's a glorified friendly then it's a glorified friendly for both teams so I'm not sure what excuses can be given that will carry any weight.

There's yer Scott McDonald commentating on Linfield v Celtic for the BBC. So much for the move back to Oz......

We have the same back 4 as last season plus big Cedric who is untested and pretty raw as they say and Dunne whom early reports, to match his cv, are not encouraging. McManus divides opinion and missed the last part of the season through injury. Hammell, whilst a Motherwell legend, appears to be in his last legs, Tait missed the last part of the season and even his admirers admit he can't defend and Heneghan, whilst not without merit can be pretty error prone. Defence, on paper and individually, is definitely a concern though hopefully with a better keeper and midfield this might allow them to play better collectively and to their strengths.

As others have said, not only phenomenal on the park but great at fan engagement also. Really hope we have a decent replacement lined up as I have major doubts about Fisher and Bowman.

Surely Bowman and Fisher should be capable of having the better of Queens Park?

I think there's a player in there somewhere. On the one hand he never really got a run of games to prove himself but on the other hand whenever he got a chance, he never took it/no end product/final ball. Flattered to deceive a wee bit but he gets a run of games at Killie and he does the business then we might live to regret letting him go.

Where did I say I was upset? I passed comment on an interview with a Motherwell player on a fans forum.

I just don't think it needs to be specifically articulated that we are a "stepping stone" club. I mean, I know we are, you know we are, I just don't think that's needs to be put out in there in the way it was. That's all.

I concede there definitely is another way to look at it but I'm not sure you've provided it.

I would rather have 11 Moults than the other 2 mentioned also and I think we're all more than aware of Motherwell's place in the grand scheme of things. That said, a couple of the quotes in that interview (possibly taken out of context if I'm going to be extremely generous with the benefit of the doubt) don't sit well with me though and whilst we surely can't grudge Moult the big move his performances deserve (unless it's to Aberdeen!) there's a way to go about these things.

Cool. Wasn't sure.

Is it wrong to be a wee bit annoyed at some of his quotes there?

First line is a fact. What do you base the second on? Just curious of course!

Agree with that although I'd add if Moult moves on I'd say we need 2 players of quality to keep us in the league! Good to see Carson starting.

No point in worrying just yet, there's plenty time for that when the season starts! I have concerns of course, that the defence won't be good enough, will any of the new signings be any good and who will partner Moult. The concerns will only only increase if/when Moult leaves. Morton will be the first game I'll make. I'm looking forward to seeing the new players for myself and unreasonably or not, I'm kind of expecting to see a win and some semblance of deliberateness from us. If we're still sitting pointless after game 5 v killie (and there's every chance we will be) then I suggest it's panic stations but we'll have to wait and see.

2-0. Disappointing. It's only a friendly, it's only a friendly, it's only a friendly, it's only a friendly......

Aberdeen back in for Moult with another bid. Apparently. Surprised they've got that much money to be honest. Would be really disappointed if he ended up there.

Moult to Aberdeen?!?! Surely not?!?!