gullane

4-2-3-1 ------------------- Long --------------------- ----- Ramsden - McManus - O'Brien - Straker -------------- Lasley - Grant ------------ ---------Johnston - Pearson - Erwin ------- ----------------- Sutton -------------------- Subs: Twardzik, Law, Kerr, Reid, D Thomas, N Thomas, Moore This line up is a combo of established players in their preferred positions alongside new signings that offer creativity. The back four should have less pressure to deal with since we will be playing more of the game in the top half of the pitch.

Just goes to show how promising young talent doesn't guarantee it will be fulfilled. It doesn't seem that long ago when Paul Slane played a stormer against Steau Bucharest. Now junior footie beckons.

Agreed. Not brilliant but puts in a shift wherever he's asked.

Our home crowds are c.3500. If you want us to start buying players, we all need to start bringing our pals to Fir Park.

It would be good to be able to ship out players who don't fit in to the squad - Vigurs, McHugh, Cummins, Nielson, ZFA. I note most folk on here add Lawson to this list but I don't think we have ever seen him fit and get a run in the team. His last appearance which lasted c.50 minutes, he was OK. Carswell looks to me to be of similar ability to the likes of Fitzpatrick and Forbes. He could fit in to a Championship team and any offer of a loan deal should be considered if one comes. Lasley, Lawson, Ramsden, Reid are midfield cover. Leitch??? Rumours of Erwin leaving would be a small blow, but less of one if Moore keeps his fitness and we sign a new attacking player. Another creative midfielder and support for Sutton would do me. Provided we can keep possession and start to create chances, I think we will be fine this year.

Have Accies just signed the young Czech midfielder we have had training with us - or is this another player? Sorry - just checked. The rumours were it was a Hungarian winger on trial with us.

Billy McKinlay would be a good appointment because he has some coaching experience and knowledge of the Scottish game. He also talks about the role in terms of getting the most out of the playing resources he manages. It doesn't matter what contacts the new manager has - he (or she) will have to be able to maximise the existing playing talent and develop young players. Billy Davies and Owen Coyle may also be useful in steadying the side up the league as an interim, help the club bed in a new manager for the long term and boost their own profile for a bigger job next summer. So far as the exotic names mentioned such as Solano, Bogarde, Ardilles, etc. I suspect this is purely agents at work, putting their clients in the shop window. It all looks fancy stories to fill space in tabloids and discussion boards. I'm not interested.

From BBC Gossip Motherwell stalwart Stuart Lasley is convinced the club will soon escape their form slump. (Various) Is this Keith's Dad???

I'm not moaning or complaining. After some great form over the last 3-4 years, its time for our wee, skint club to ride out a dip. It's sad to see Sutton and Las showing their age but you can't do anything other than cheer them on. I remember almost crying with frustration 20 years ago when some boo boys got on to Davie Cooper's back for some poor passing. Sad. I don't think McCall made any bad decisions. The subs were the best choices he had. St J scored 2 minutes after McManus got injured. For me, the signs of hope are - O'Brien offered some stability at the back, Lawson put in tackles and pressed where Carswell hasn't, O'jamma's mind for flair looks there; he just needs more match fitness. ZFA, Erwin and Ainsworth played below 100% fitness. A 2 week break should enable Hammell to return. It's far healthier to think positively than moan.

O'Brien was the only true quality for Well

Reid is the most versatile defensive player we have so how about putting him at LB for a game? At least he can competently cross the half way line.

"Hibs are weighing up a move for former Motherwell striker Henrik Ojamaa, who left Fir Park to join Legia Warsaw in June 2013. (Sun)" BBC Gossip If he's available, I'd take him over Clarkson. You know where you are loved Henrik.

Derby and Birmingham reported as being interested in big Shaun. Sounds better than Rangers.

Why no highlights or goals on You Tube? Conspiracy

I think the recent experience of Darren Randolph's contract running out is proof that long term contracts don't necessarily generate income. It was baffling but sadly reality, that nobody came in for Darren the summer before his last year. I also think the smaller attendances and the Well Society's target not being achieved is indicative of the current recession. There probably are lots of Motherwell fans out there who just don't have the cash to attend a game, let alone invest. I don't think anyone should feel guilty for not dipping into their pockets. For me, I'd like Scottish football to acquire more commercial savvy in bringing in sponsorship. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is the Sky deal for Rugby League not bigger than Scottish football? I'm not knocking St Helens, Wigan et al, but do they actually attract a bigger viewing audience to Sky than the SPFL? I think the future of Motherwell lies in chasing money where it's in supply - not squeezing dribbles from where cash is tight.

I think The Well Society and fans should be praised for what they have done. However, given the size of our fan base, the Lanarkshire economy and the time its taken to raise £400k, its maybe time to take a reality check and look at other options. Developing more young players and selling on, and more effective sponsorship have already been mentioned. What effective schemes work on the continent that haven't been tried yet?

This comment appears to be about Jamie Hamill. On both occasions Hearts were at Fir Park this season, I thought Hamill tried to carry his young team mates. Whatever his critics say, I don't think he can be knocked for his work rate. I'd have him at FP.

Rangers have made contact with out-of-contract Motherwell defender Shaun Hutchinson, as manager Ally McCoist steps up his summer signing plans. Full story: Scottish Sun (print edition)I hope Shaun has a look at Nicky Law's form this season. According to my Rangers pals, he started off as their star player, then slowly drifted backwards to mediocrity. I think posters here will all agree that Shaun's last season at Fir Park has not been his best. I think he needs a new challenge to develop himself further. That surely can't be The Scottish Championship. I hope Shaun is offered options - hate to see another good player go downhill.

MacDonald, Stevenson and Hamill may not be everyone's cup of tea but they would be welcome additions to our squad IMO. For both Hearts games at Fir Park this season, I thought Hamill put in a hard shift and tried to carry a young team. I'm surprised all 3 have been released.

Great to see young Leitch rise to the occasion. I thought Hammell had a great game too. But McManaus stayed cool under constant pressure in the second half and saved the day on numerous occasions.

Sutton was MOTM but replacing Faddy with Ainsworth at haft time was the decision of the game. His pace and crossing killed County.

According to STV, Well top the disciplinary table. Are we really the dirtiest team in the league? I accept Ramsden's red card but a lot of the bookings have been fairly soft. STV

What became of Fire Brigade - late 70s Heathery regulars?

I could have picked Anier, Keith or Ramsden (pre red card) but went for Carswell. Great to see him develop into a solid midfielder. I wonder if the signings of Vigurs and Lawson have spurred him on. Well played Stuart.