gullane

I went for Hutchy - for composed defending, attacking threat and a great finish for his goal. I think I would have gone for Jimbo - if only he had taken his chance on goal. Nevertheless a great team performance.

I'm more excited about the Well performance than worried about the threat of Kyle. Another cause for optimism is the new pitch. Silky, passing football is more to do with the Well than Killie.

I'm going to try and predict JG's thoughts against Killie. I assume Slane won't be risked. No sign of the new striker or right back either. Ruddy Hateley-Craigan-Hutchinson-Reynolds Humphrey- Coke-Forbes-O'Brien Murphy McHugh I think Humphrey and McHugh may get a start because of their performances last week. JG doesn't take any passengers so Hammell may get dropped. My only concern then is Reynolds being asked to play a third position in as many matches. I see both sides scoring - but I feel we are due a win over Killie so will take us to score one goal more than them. 2-1

Ssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhh. Keep the signings secret Jimbo. Other managers now know your capacity for unearthing gems.

In all my years watching the Well, the most clueless performances were always down to Andy Roddie. McLeish used to use him as an impact sub. Roddie always appeared shit scared of getting involved. He actually convinced me he actually timed his runs to avoid contact with the ball. So please, when compiling an all time worst Well X!, stick Roddie on the wing. Howling performance guarenteed.

Seeing as this thread has been updated over last few days, here's a topical issue. Jock Wallace must be the worst manager ever - for dismantling (possibly best Well boss ever) Davie Hay's side. This included the now late Brian McLaughlin, the team's talisman at the time. Brian and his other departees were Catholics. Sums up for me why I I hate bigotry so much. :lol:

Any chance of you posting more often Auldyin? You put our feet firmly back on the ground.

Yeh, I notice the side being a bit bigger than last few seasons. Good move.

Can see McGhee wanting him - but having the cash to splash is another matter.

In 4 months, Klimpl falls from fans' favourite to shite player. Having said that, there's no way he would make the team now. Where is he now I wonder?

Interesting. Not only have you expressed an optimistic opinion Jammyget, but so far, there's almost a page full of replies all acknowledging a need for entertaining football. I suspect I've been watching Motherwell for as long as YirElder, so know if we play silky football but too many results go against us, we will have to grind out a few dreich performances to survive. However JG has suggested results will probably be up and down early in the season. Once the young lads have developed and adopted his style of play, we should achieve consistency.

If you listen to or read JG's comments, he's looking for effort and application. I hope Craigan, Lasley, Fitzpatrick,etc. rise to the manager's challenge rather than take the huff.

Most Scottish football journalists have the challenge of working out who's who at Motherwell these days. But how long would it take to email or phone the likes of Flow? Even the St Johnstone programme editor took the trouble of posting on here to get some low down on our new squad. Maybe we shouldn't use - amateur - in a derogatory fashion.

Shit stirrer

Cheers Shaka - exactly the kind of info required. There appears general agreement we need to tie up the new talent on longer term contracts. But I condemn any notion of discarding established squad members like Hammell and Lasley. We need to build a squad, not just a team. I think JG will pick a side appropriate for each match. Just cos someone gets dropped, doesn't mean they are out the picture. Going by some comments on here, as soon as Forbes, Coke et al have one mediocre game, that's them up for sale. Let's get behind Gannon and ALL the team.

From club newsletter -

A great player. Ran our midfield. I was sorry he didn't stay longer with us. Sad end to a good player.

Please don't let this thread go off track to discuss merits of Paul Slane. What sort of contracts are the young guys on at present? It's important the club gives them security as well as the chance to develop. And let's not lose them to the Old Firm for buttons.

Someone made a comment about Forbes' contract on another thread but I think it's such an important issue, it merits more prominence. What is the current contract situation with Forbes, Slane, Hutchison, McHugh, Saunders and Page? It is clear our coming season is dependent upon our young players stepping up to the mark and contributing to the first team squad. So IMHO it makes sense to pay them the going rate and a sufficient length of contract to provide security and protection from predatory clubs. Sign them up now!!!

It would be interesting to for the SPL to conduct an experiment, charging Bundeslige prices for a few weeks. The truth is no-one knows for sure whether lower prices would ensure significant enough gate increases to ensure financial viability for clubs. My only gripe regards Saturday is there appears no universal rule regards concessions for UB40s and students. I think there should be reduced admission at all grounds.

I agree with you El Grew. On the positive side, Hateley looks a good addition to the side - a great debut. As for Hammell, JG has spoken about coaching skills not being a limitless pursuit. Hammell's positioning, tackling and clearances were a problem last season. So the question now is - can Gannon help Stevie fix things? I think young McHugh has already convinced everyone he is another striking option. But I still think the squad needs someone else in up front. But over all, I like this new era all ready. Cheers JG

From the club website -

Just cos someone doesn't feature in a couple of squads doesn't mean the exit door. Lasley is one of our few senior players - and I expect him to feature again soon.

All that's happened is JG has laid down his mark and told his squad what he expects from them. He's also shown he will make no exceptions for seniority. So all that is required fro Messrs Craigan, Hammell, McGarry, Lasley, Fitzpatrick and Smith is some graft and concentration. So far some players have only been dropped from the squad. I think I'm right in saying the only mention of anyone leaving has been gossip on here.

Like most, I too went for Ross Forbes. Class performance. What was he like last season? Special mention for a good shift from Jimbo O'Brien - especially since he must have been all syched up for a day's shift at Right Back. Tom Hateley did well making an unexpected debut - out of position. Or has JG signed him cos full back is just one of many positions he can play?