weeyin

You don't need to be a scientist, however, to work out that drunk people inside pubs are much more likely to spread the virus than socially distant football fans sitting outside.

Except for the play-off when he prepared us better and ran his press conferences better than any 'Well manager I can remember taking on an OF team.

Despite what you see reported in the media, the problems in the US vary significantly from state to state - as the Covid regulations are implemented locally. It's Republican run states that have the worst issues, but that's a different topic. My state locked down pretty quickly and has been following the science as much as possible, adapting when new information was available. They recognised early on that indoors was more dangerous than outdoors and even from day 1 of lockdown, outdoor activities were restricted in numbers rather than shutdown. Conversely, pubs and nightclubs were closed and remain closed - restaurants that serve alcohol were allowed to open their outdoor dining first, and later their indoor facilities with restrictions. As a result, after initial caution, they have been allowing crowds of 25% into sporting events (with social distancing and mask requirements) and starting next month that will be increased to 50%. The bars and nightclubs remain closed as the combination of tight indoor spaces with drunk punters is still regarded as the highest risk. Meanwhile, the infection rate peaked (as the original models predicted) in mid-April and declined to the low, flat level it has been at for the past couple of months. So it's definitely possible to safely manage crowds at outdoor venues if the will is there. It seems the UK, however, was more focused on pubs and offices and is now paying the price with the recent infection spikes.

I like Dunne, but he has a lot to do if he's to replace Mugabi - big Bevis has been well worth his place this season.

Unfortunately, for as long as I can remember, governments of all persuasions (north and south of the border) have at best been dismissive of, and at worst actively hated, football. Of course football hasn't helped itself. This is especially the case in England where billions of pounds are generated every year and instead of helping the lower league clubs, it goes straight into owners' and players' pockets. So it's easy to see why there is reluctance to bail out a business with that much cash available. The financial situation is different in Scotland, but the attitude is pretty similar. I'd be hard pushed to identify many high ranking Scottish politicians who are active football fans.

The Northern Ireland guidelines say: Gatherings indoors or outdoors, not in a private dwelling, of up to 15 people are permitted. The limit for gathering indoors and outdoors does not apply where that gathering has a recognised person responsible for organising or operating the gathering and it is organised or operated for a particular nature,, including those organised: for cultural, entertainment, recreational, outdoor sports, social, community, educational, work, legal, religious or political purposes Make of that what you will.

The only manager I have seen us win a cup played some of the most dire football ever seen at Fir Park for a few seasons first and only avoided relegation thanks to reconstruction.

We'll set up to play it tight and hit on the break. Lose the first goal inside 15 mins. Keep it tight until we lose the second goal just after half time. Lose the next two chasing the game. More or less.

It certainly fooled me.

Somebody's told them that Watt scored the winner against Barcelona.

Not sure they needed to water the pitch so much before kickoff. It's cutting up already.

Stream is perfect here. My nerves, not so much.

The lowdown on tonight's opponents (from The Herald):

According to official Twitter, overseas fans can stream the game through our international subscription.

Season ticket holders just get home games. Our overseas package includes away games.

I'm not season ticket holder, but am an overseas subscriber (which seems to share the same site). For the Glentoran game I had to set up a different account at: https://ppv.motherwellfc.co.uk/ I was up and running in about a minute.

This one looks more like wee Al than Ronaldo

I see what you did there.

Quality. Will read again.

Aye, but so were the ones we were missing in previous games.

They have still spent some money on it, though, even just on planning and the original work done. Plus the Aberdeen chairman claimed they were losing £1 million a month during shutdown.

Have they not spent it all on their new stadium?

No coincidence that both those teams are more attacking - especially at home. Where we struggle is when teams come and sit in - which tends to be the "weaker" sides.

I just heard Willie Miller say "they were brilliant, Motherwell" - strange times.

Just shows that while they may not have been impressive, those recent wins have helped edge us back into some better form.