LadywellToi

Great point, never thought of it like that before. Just happy as I thought by this stage last year we'd be struggling for SPL survival after what was left in McGhee's wake, however look at the forum main page and you'll see a thread asking if its possible to secure 2nd place. Warms my cockles. Do you think when the Posh ditch him we could employ him as a scout? No man management, only a notepad, pen and sookie sweeties.

Kinda know what you mean Netherton, if at any other time than the last quarter of the season I'd opt for a draw, however at this stage I'd go for team above us dropping maximum points, I'd rather qualify for Europe on merit opposed to the Scottish Cup finalists. However as last season shows, even if you get the back door entry, you got to go for it quicker than John Inman on poppers.

I dunno, I'd always tend to go for the team above us losing points than the one behind. Dundee Utd stretching their lead to either 2 or 4 points may prove decisive in the run in. Hearts don't concern me.

Couple of the Saints fans on their forum were praising Humphrey, however not too much on our MotM poll, anyone care to elaborate?

Another excellent result, a run like this can only have been witnessed by those old enough to remember the 1932 season. Sutton got BBC MotM. Shame Killie couldn't have helped us out however mon the Jambo's.

To be fair our defence has put in some amazing performances and we have also ridden our luck on a few occasions. The Falkirk game at FP before Christmas must have had Eddie May wondering what do we have to do as they outplayed us and ying and yang theory suggests this maybe shouldn't be ruled as a easy 3 pointer. Our results have meant stability and consistency in the team line-up, however that also allows the opposition to predict with good deal of accuracy our probable tactics and style. I think top 6 was assured last weekend. As for final position Shaka pointed out top 5 will almost guarantee Europe. I like to think our form since Jan should be rewarded with a 4th place at least.

lets not be ultra critical here Don't suppose you saw my coat on the hook too Steve?

Will he be able to fit it on the mantlepiece along with all of these he has won? http://avnawards.avn.com/

I think the only reason he hasn't been bloodied as yet is due to the games since his arrival being pretty tight. I'm sure he would have had a bit more time on the park if we were 2-0 up in any of them, Brown erring on the side of caution goes for the proven quantities and McGlinchy has been used to eat up the clock. It would be interesting to see how effective we would be if O'Brien and McGlinchy were on the wings. With Humphrey coming on to replace JOB (when he goes radio rental and gets a card as he inevitably does), but only if he puts in a little more crossing practice.

It was ambivalence and resignation that this has gone on for as long as it has Steelboy, for me it ranks along side the price of cheese went up 2p. Nothing shouty or childish, for that I understand the protocol on the tinterweb is to use capitals or finish the sentence in question with an exclamation mark, i.e. YOUR LEVEL OF IGNORANCE PRE-QUALIFIES YOU TO WEAR A HIGH-VIS AT THE HEARTS GAME! However I would never employ such a tactic for dramatic effect or in a game of one-upmanship. Very low-brow.

I understand the concept of forums steelboi just don't understand how this thread has gone on to 87 posts. Steve - I do get it, just don't get why you've spat the dummy. You were offended, so what, in the big scheme of things is it really a big deal when we could be discussing other more pertinent club/footballing issues.

I was outside the East Stand at 2:45, I walked an extra 20 yards than I expected to as I turned the corner from Taggarts and I got into the ground 30 seconds after I expected to after being patted down by a security guard who seemed as uneasy as I was frustrated. Those who moan, give it a rest. It was done for a reason and the club have indicated they will advise in advance so you can neck your pint at 2:50 opposed to sipping it, leaving at 2:55 and being delayed for an extra few minutes. Can gaag lock this crap, boo-hoo thread please?

Why are we actually giving this back door entry into Europe credence when we have a good chance to qualify for finishing in the top 4, Jesus we are lacking some belief here. It was a fair question to pose, but come on, we can make European qualification due to our own desire and effort rather than crossing our fingers and hoping.

I've read a lot of rot on this thread. Club did this as a preventative measure, Flow mentioned that there had been two incidents already, by doing this if it happens again they can defend themselves adequately as they implemented measures on x/y/z dates. Same way they had the SPL involved all the way through the pitch relaying in the summer and it looks like that may keep us off the hook with respect to fines and all the other penalties that have been discussed. By demonstrating action it strengthens any defence we may later rely on. As for the stewarding, when I worked on the turnstiles the stewards were all employed by the club. I remember there was pressure to use an external company but the club wanted to keep things internal (probably due to cost primarily). They have obviously lost the battle. There will always be jobsworths, those who go on a high-vis power trip and alike. However, on Saturday they were doing what they were asked to do either from Management (as stewarding company may be subject to a fine if SPL/Police take things further) or the club (again may be subject to a fine or criticism). To those of you who are concerned at walking an extra 20 yards from Taggarts end, dry your eyes. To those who were delayed a little longer than normal, leave the house 5 minutes earlier, its a Saturday afternoon not Monday morning rush-hour. There is always a bit of banter and warm up to keep you happy. To those who moan about the food and the prices, I've no time for you at 3pm is halfway between the traditional lunch and dinner times, if you insist on eating then from an overpriced e-coli den, well hell mend you. The only issues I have with how some of the new stewards behave, the corner of the East stand being cordoned off and heavy handed tactics used too frequently is developing into a "them and us culture". Only thing club is guilty of in this case is it could have put something on the official website, here and motherwell mad as its evident that employees post on here occasionally.

Looking at the table, how the teams below us are doing and our current total of 41 points (21 coming in the last 9 games and 20 in the 17 games before - Gannon era and transition vs. Hearts), is it safe to say we've achieved something that a lot of us would have been more than happy with pre-season with the mire we were left with. We have 6 games left before the split with 6 pointers at home to Hearts and Dundee Utd. and the toughest challenge (well maybe not considering their defence) against Celtic at Parkhead. Aberdeen are rotten, dressing room problems (not that we'd know about that) and ambivalent squad. No need to say anything about the management. Hearts are having a bounce with the reintroduction of Jefferies and are the only real serious challenge due to the fact they are 4 points behind. However, lets be honest, Hibs form of late is poor and Dundee have been up and down since Levein was replaced.

Jennings for sheer workrate, passing is still a little suspect. Strange that Coke and Jennings have undergone a role reversal in perceived effectiveness in the past few months. Coke is now playing second fiddle.

Not far away from "the tackle", felt definite yellow for the act, another half for the intent to really hurt O'Brien and I think what pushed ref to red was the swipe/uppercut with his arm when the handbags started. I think that's what the linesman shared with the ref before the decision. Didn't understand Craigan's pass and Ruddy diving on top of it. Ref got it correct. Too far away from the penalty claim to comment. Linesmen don't flag for penalties, if they feel there is a foul, they run to the corner flag and stand still, that designed to help the referee (as he the final decison maker) but not insight the fans if the referee disagrees. Hibs keeper kept on taking the mick with timewasting, should have been booked. Other than persistant fouling not addressed but that's standard for all refs, only time its abated is in the first few weeks of a season when a new initiative is adopted over the summer or after a major finals where they trial something.

Went for Murphy, I din't think anyone had a really shining match, I felt he contributed most to the outcome. I would have opted for Jennings for his sheer endeavour if he was able to follow up the aggressive ball winning with accurate passing at least 50% of the time. Echo earlier sentiment about Hammell, but we aren't voting on consistency over a season. Felt Brown should have swopped Coke for O'Brien in the first half as everything was down the left wing and O'Brien has a bit more oomph.

Apologies for not knowing the status of the other players, was going on the BBC news item: BBC Sports News - Well Looking to Secure Players It states only Sutton and Reynolds have extended contracts at present. Wasn't a member of the thread back in the summer when they would have been discussed at length on here no doubt. If you believe WellAyrshire I was getting fitted for my cocktail dress for the SPL summer ball at the time.

Not unless I got too drunk during my last stop in Bangkok. Sorry to tell you there Hercule but your assumption is negative. Male, 32, grew up in the wimpy's hence the name, got chased through the Dutchy by the Levi Toi on a adolescent night out, hence the joining of the names.

I turned on Radio Scotland while driving last night about 6pm and heard just the end of a sports news item, came on the board but didn't see anything which I thought surprising. Anyway here is the full interview, encouraging stuff. BBC Ruddy Interview Based on this: a) can we afford him? b) would Boyle consider buying him and taking a hit on a 3 year contract with the hope of selling him for a good profit after year 2? c) he seems keen enough d) definitely a fans favourite e) are we naive to think there won't be interest from other clubs? Considering only Reynolds and Sutton have extended contracts at present, it would be interesting to know who forum members would look to retain/resign and in what priority its felt Brown should put on gaining their signature. Issues to contemplate when looking at the squad before compiling a list would surely have to be: age potential key/pivotal to team servant/loyalty interest (or lack) to other clubs distance from family desire to play for MFC or move on Personally I'd go for: 1./ Ruddy (I would argue he is most peoples number 1 choice, integral and keen) 2./ Hammell (He has actively touted for it and I feel he's happy and settled - I think he may be happy to finish his career at Fir Park) 3./ Hateley (Great season so far, can only see his stock rising, when playing in front of defence he part of spine of team) 4./ Saunders (Again potential and Craigan isn't going to be around for ever) 5./ Lasley (think his current form if its continued will attract significant interest from other Scottish clubs unless secured) 6./ Coke (Battling midfielder, young and hungry) 7./ Duke (resale value but realistically out our price range) 8./ Jennings (Not sure how much he would like to get back to England but impressive of late) 9./ O'Brien (Think he has already decided to move as he's very ambitious and perceives Aberdeen or Hearts will increase his exposure and salary) 10./ Craigan (Age places him in 10th and the fact he is looking for a coaching job for when he hangs up his boots, however I'd like to place him further up for his service and conduct since the summer, but objectivity places him here). 11./ Humphrey - (Still to be convinced, pace blistering, still waiting to see with my own eyes what was reported from Rugby Park)

St. Johnstone ripped them a new one on Wednesday, you can bet Hughes ripped them a second afterwards and a third at training on Thursday. Teams inevitably bounce back after a big loss and Hibs do have some quality players. I think we can be assured that they will bounce back and not be too fatigued as they seemed in 3rd gear all game. If we raise it to the Rangers game level then we'll edge it. 3-2

Because traditionally rugby fans haven't went on the rampage, just the players in golf buggies on the M4. There is a who socio-economic debate as well that Rugby is a middle class sport and football is working class. The behaviour of rugby fans tends to be better too as the same police allow them to sit together and insist on segregation at football matches. Last time I was at Murrayfield (Scotland v Italy a year ago, 10,000 free seats) I reckon I counted the same number of cops inside the stadium as at the Hamilton game at Fir Park last week. Because Coke doesn't tend to change your behaviour much other than give you a minor caffeine boost and its overuse isn't focused on by all media outlets regularly. I can't think of anyone admitted to Casualty due to consuming too much, any fights started due to its copious use and it impairing judgement or behaviour. I agree Coke could have been thrown last week, however I do feel there would be a bigger chance and a bigger backlash if alcohol was on sale and thrown. Plus a sober Coke drinker is less inclined to act on impulse, where as someone 6 sheets to the wind is.

Don't get me started about people who moan about the catering too - yes, its crap at FP at present. However football traditionally takes place between 3-5pm, in-between the universally adopted "lunch time" and "dinner time". If you choose to pick a cold/e-coli/overpriced (delete as appropriate) product which takes you away from the action then hell mend you. Beer at FP would be carnage. However if I wanted to wait 25 minutes for overpriced flat beer then I'd go to the Palace (only £8 entry).

Police call the shots - simples Any politician wanting to cover their behind would ask the chief constables of Scottish forces for input, we all know they would keep the status quo because you are essentially you are asking them "can we make your life and that of your officers that little bit harder so we can make a bit of extra revenue?". In days gone by our predecessors destroyed any chance we ever had of having booze at games because of their behaviour. I lived in LA for 18 months and beer was freely available at most sporting events, the difference is its a cultural thing and ours is a history of binge and abuse. With the East stand so close to the pitch, could anyone guarantee a plastic cup full of beer wouldn't have flown through the air when Papac was milking it last week and the bald guy was going radio rental? First time it would happen, SFA/press uproar and huge fine. However maybe we could get a suspended fine if in the summer we installed Alcohol free beer taps at a cost of £250,000.