gullane

As a die hard optimist, I came away from Fir Park last night feeling optimistic. I see signs the new team is growing into a unit. Ramsden looks more of a Right Back than Hateley ever did. Carswell doesn't just look like Uncle Phil - he now plays like him. He and Keith look like out midfield engine room for now. Anier's work rate is very impressive. There are signs of him linking up with Sutton. It's interesting to note the comments on Faddy's fitness. If he is not fit, he can only get fitter. Nine signings, not playing well, but third in the league, I'm content.

Given Scott' Leitch's vast experience, I thought he would have picked him to start, not just a place on the bench

Good observation. Signs of good links with the right scouts and agents.

Can't help thinking it would be a great move for Sheffield. Pay the Well a few grand compensation, then let their new man sign up Randolph, Hutchison, Law, Hatley and Higdon for free - they'd get half a new team for free, who love playing for him and enjoy tripling (?) their wages into the bargain. Maybe Faddy could be tempted too. I think Warnock is only good as a pundit now.

Really grateful you started this thread Brazilian. I thought about saying something similar. The current crisis now comes down to two issues - Sky and the SFA. Regards the latter, Scottish football will only regain respect and decorum once it becomes governed by an autonomous body, completely impartial to all clubs. Scotland requires one single authority, an organisation that governs using clear policies and regulations, and manages a risk strategy for all eventualities. Regards Sky, having seen the power the fans have had over influencing the votes of their clubs' chairmen, I think the same could apply to Sky. If thee was an organised boycott (subscription cancellation) by thousands, that could lead to a significant loss of earnings for Sky. Power to the people.

Held off making any comment until now. I'll keep it brief. There should be no balancing act between morality and economics. Without sporting integrity, rules, regulation and authority, we have no sport. The SPL could become WWF2. The Old Firm fans often label us smaller clubs "the diddy teams" By voting Rangers in, that would confirm us as just that. Let's use this opportunity to revamp Scottish future - amalgamate the Associations, reduce admission prices and encourage youth development. Enable competitive football to develop and flourish. If Rangers Newco joins the SPL, this lifelong season ticket holder won't renew.

Hutch - again. Could have gone for Randy as well though. Strange how it's defenders who get most the votes in a 3-0 canter.

Only good teams play badly - and win. I hate it when we sit back and invite the opposition onto us. But since we looked like scoring every time we went into the last third - and took three chances, we were coasting. Sign Sutts now Stuart!

Like everyone else on here so far, I rate him. Good to see a positive reaction. It's a tall order to make both the top 6 and the cup final, so I won't judge him on that. It will be interesting to see what sort of side he builds for next season though.

I predict The Arabs will be present tougher opposition than they did last week. Gomis is back. I hope the team have enough stamina to offer another pressing performance. Provided we can attack down the flanks, we should nulify Utd's strike force. Question is, can we last 90 minutes? So far as the league goes, I don't want to rely on other results. ICT in particular cannot be trusted to go with form. The only form they have shown to date is an ability to win and lose unexpectedly. Come on The Well

I think I speak for most Well fans that all that really irked us about Brown leaving for Aberdeen was not the leaving, but the manner in which he left. IE, one day he gave a radio interview, proclaiming he was flattered by Aberdeen's overtures, but through loyalty to the players, staff and fans of Motherwell FC, he would find it hard to turn his back on the club. "How could I ever look at players such as Stephen Craigan in the eye again?" The next day he was off. At the time of typing this post, nobody knows for sure what exactly was said after the Aberdeen match. When interviewed on BBC Scotland, CB's response to be asked about the incident was to say he had been advised by the Police, not to make any comment. To most people, that should mean not making any futher response to queries about his position with Motherwell FC. All he had to say was "let's just stick to the game." However that's not enough for CB. He just had to politely inform listeners that he had always maintained his dignity and not commented on wht REALLY happened between him and the club. If fans new the truth, we would have a change of mind. This to me is indirect aggression, disrespectful and undiplomatic. Craig - politeness doesn't disguise the fact that your integrity is questionable and you are certainly no diplomat. Just shut up!

Humphrey - great attitude and cmmitment. Not only did he score, he put in some good crosses too.

Great news for Randy - but what about The Well? Will he now miss the cup replay?

Chickens, eggs, and aw tha' St Johnstone 2007

I remember being one of a few thousand standing on the Fir Park pitch, singing and cheering up at the squad, showing off the Cup from the Main Stand. Psycho O'Neill led a lot of the singing, even though he was the only player not to actually play that day. Champagne and curry, then party all night. Woken by my mother mid morning, starkers - apart from my scarf wrapped round my willie. No hangover, still deliriously happy. As I finish this post off, I'm suddenly filled with saddness. Davie and Phil not around anymore.

Please - less chat about St Johnstone, Brechin, Edinburgh, Europe, etc. Let's just focus on getting past The Arabs for now. With Jennings back, I think we can do them at Fir Park. A repeat of the reduced admission prices at Tannadice could see a 7000+ gate. C'mon The Well :thumbup:

The Las gave his all for the cause. :notworthy:

I agree with you - but would prefer the option of a - whole team - vote. Null suggests nobody deserves it. I ended up going for Sutton - he worked as hard as everyone else, but also got the goals.

I particularly enjoyed the communal sssssshhhhhhhhhhhh. Remember Celtic fans love for following up "What a shitey home support" with lou ssssssssshhhhhhhh at us. The silence from them was a sheer delight.

The best thing about being a Well fan is to expect the unexpected. Celtic haven't had an off day for a wee while and the pitch won't help a passing game. If one or two youngsters come in and step up to the plate ......... Believe

Ditto to all that's been said so far. With added apology for doubting the Jeffers signing as a waste of money. Early days but he could be very handy once he's match fit. I am very impressed with Gunning - his size, control and movement. He would make a great longer time signing if he ever became available. At 34, Jones has been relatively impressive. He may be worth a 1 year contract in June.

It's nice words coming from Sutton and Jennings, but why release such statements to the media? Are they touting for contract extensions? Given they are currently part of the Well wage structure I'd expect them to have a realistic view on club finances. Jennings and Sutton are key players for us at present. I don't think there is anything to lose by offering them new contracts now. The money won't be as much as the English lower leagues but it's up to the players what they value most - cash or club loyalty. Personally, I think if either re-sign, the fans will elevate them to cult status.

I'm inclined to agree it's time to let this go. I don't want to let Brown or Aberdeen think they have hurt us badly. Any insults will be easily dismissed as mindless banter from a minority. If you want to have a go at the old git, use his own terms - "We're only here out of common courtesy". Fight mealy mouth with mealy mouth. I'm a Stuart McCall follower now so don't really care about him much anyway.

For me, it has to be the national side. There is no bigger platform than international football. I always feel left out watchng the World Cup. International football should be on a higher platform than any local or professional consideration.

Can we get 9 points in 8 days?