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That's true Rammer, but most experienced players who remain - Hammell, Lasley, McGarry, O'Brien - aren't starting.

That's a very young and inexperienced team for a game of this size, but Gannon obviously has faith in them. Brave call.

I'm sure there were many occasions when people were attacked and had no choice but to defend themselves. I was referring to putting yourselves through the matchday experience , mate. My dad stopped going to away games down here in the 70s because the violence had gotten to such a scale that all enjoyment of going to the match had been taken away. He was worried he was going to see somebody killed, and that isn't why you go to the football.

It's unbelievable. Another member of the Motherwell team of the early 90s gone already. It's just terrible, and rumours of suicide ? Very, very sad. R.I.P

I really hope one of these links work because having just looked at the Radio Scotland website, their live game is Aberdeen. I've told the wife I have it covered, so might be destined for a spell in the dughoose

You make a valid point big guy, it was all too common in that era, though personally I don't know why you put yourselves through it. Anyway, I can't imagine anyone picking a fight with a guy your size

Thanks, boggy

http://www.protv.ro/live Have you see this, as provided by our Steau friend Boggy ?

Vlad, that's actually a funny read, and I can understand your resentment at stereotypes as put across by The Sun 'newspaper', but don't take that rubbish as being representative of attitudes in the U.K. The Sun is an embarrassment, filled with prejudice against many groups within our own country, not just foreigners. It's the last place you should look for examples of British journalism and opinion. Incidentally, the warnings issued by the club were about potential problems in Albania for the last round. Also, isn't it the case that the Romany population in your own country face a lot of prejudice from other sections of the population, as travellers do in all countries ? Prejudice is universal, and you fall foul of it yourself when talking of the U.K as a nation of hooligans and alcoholic racists, though perhaps you were being ironic; I hope so. I think you'll find the visiting Motherwell fans have better characteristics, though one or two will enjoy a friendly drink At least you're a United fan, so you know the U.K. isn't all bad

Casually wanders into shot without a care in the world

There was a prediction thread a couple of weeks ago, dunno where that's gone. Anyway, I tipped 'Well for 8th, though I have to say the new signings ( with probably more to come ) and the way Gannon has made very early progress makes me more optimistic. I'll stick with 8th and be cautious, though I wouldn't be surprised if you finished higher. Domestic cups - a lottery which depends upon a favourable draw, so it's anybody's guess. Europe - I still have a sneaky feeling 'Well will beat Steaua . After that the draw will probably be too tough for progression.

Some excellent contributions from the Steaua fans here. Welcome along guys

I phoned Sky on Sunday to get ESPN switched on. It's fine for us because it will be cheaper than having Setanta, but splitting the games between two broadcasters is bad news for many others.

And England. None of your funny money, ta

Let's hope the articles about racist chanting prove to nothing more than scaremongering and that the match is only remembered for the football. Nothing worse than having a good match overshadowed by that carry on. It seems the bigwigs at Steaua might be underestimating their opponents, which is always a good sign

No really, I had no idea about the relative value of £2 compared to income until Boggy provided those figures. In any European context it sounded like terrific value on the face of it, but without any idea of its significance over there I didn't want to put my foot in it. So whilst guessing it would still be a bargain, I didn't want to be presumptuous.

Cheers, boggy. Even a technophobe like me can do that

If the average income is around £300 per month, how did the Steaua fans react to the prices for the Bayern Munich game ? Surely most people would have been excluded by those prices ? Was it a small attendance that night ?

That's my guess too. I was just about to say it

Wishy well junior, very good And keep up the hard work, young man. Chase the dream !

I'm surprised to hear a team like Roma are entering this early. I would have thought their co-efficient would have prevented that ?

Yup, Steaua are certainly a bigger name with a more presitigious history, but if they were so much better than Motherwell, they wouldn't be pre-qualifying for the Europa League. They'll start as favourites, but a 'Well win wouldn't be the biggest ever shock. As I said, play the Steaua of today, not their reputation. It certainly won't be easy, but they aren't the force they were in the communist era.

But how good is this Steaua team? I'm sure the Romanian guys around could answer that. Would they give the Old Firm a game ? If the answer is no, surely 'Well have reason for optimism.

That's good to hear, mate. You can't buy a beer for £2 over here. Is that the norm in Romania for a game ?