gullane

Trying to avoid what's been said already. I suspect Stuart McCall selected Fitzpatrick to see what he's made of. I hope he noted a truely miserable performance. By my reckoning, he completed only one successful pass - a simple 5 yard sideways and made one tackle. Any other involvement, he lost possession and generally looked totally out of his depth. I thought Hammell and Jennings always looked for anyone else but Fitzy to make a pass to. Loyalty and commitment he may have - but Fitzy simply isn't up to it. Let him go to the lower leagues now.

I thought we found out 2 seasons ago, he plays better when not given the Captain's armband? He's also in his twilight season so lay off the guy.

Ditto. Young was left to get us through against the top 3 sides. I doubt any manager would have got the current side a point out of the potential 9.

I'll be the first to defend Gow then? Having been out of regular football for a long time, I think he looks like a talented player, coming back to form. I agree he tries to be clever and gives the ball away, but he offers the team creativity. I'd like to see his contract extended by 18 months, to see him come back to 100%. I'm happy for Blackman to stay too - young player, out on loan, allowed to have a dip in form during period of uncertainty. Fitzpatrick - as been stated numerous times on this board for past two years - good, honest 1st Division player. Let him go.

If Young can fit in some intensive passing and tackling training before the Parkhead game, we could do all right. Drop Saunders though - he looks totally lacking in confidence.

As much as I respect your train of thought, this can't happen. I too thought Gannon was a good student of the game, and forged a development plan for Motherwell. But knowledge is only one aspect of football management; another is man management. Alas there is too much evidence around to indicate the man is an arse hole.

This story is becoming worrying. The only way I can see anyone planning a red card beforehand would be either Jennings knowing O'Reilly was a bawbag and what names would wind him up, or it was O'Reilly himself. If Jennings is to be suspended, pending further investigations, there has to be substantial evidence linking him to the bets.

I'll second that. Having heard the comments of Pars fans this week, commenting on O'Reilly's performance at the weekend, I'm not surprised there was a sudden upsurge on a red card at 10/1. If I'd known how he interprets the laws of the game, I would have fancied a punt at that price myself. Are the bookies looking for a scapegoat because for once - they got it wrong. Jennings is innocent. So apologise.

Most Hibs fans I know found Yogi good for entertainment value on a personal level, but lacking imagination and know how as a coach. I dare say he will get another stab at management with somebody, but hopefully not us. I like the comments made in recent posts regards bringing in a manager for the long haul, with an ambition of building Motherwell up to a successful club. We have been a stepping stone for too many personal careers. Derek Adams or someone of similar ilk would fit the bill.

From the BBC Gossip Page. I read this daily. Only a fraction of these stories ever turn into reality. For example - - Maradona to manage Blackburn - Kenny Miller to sign for AC Milan - Craig Brown commits to Motherwell Like it says on the tin - gossip!

Prediction for tonight - FREEZING!!!!! Temperatures should swell the crowd - literally. I personally will be coming dressed as Mr Michelin.

But with Allerdyce gone, a new manager may have a different take on how to handle young proteges like Blackman. I fear he may be wanted back in Blackburn.

"I have a great affection for Motherwell and I hope it's reciprocated. I don't see why it shouldn't be." CB 13/12/10 "The response from the Motherwell players is exceptional. I can't imagine a better-organised and disciplined group of players. The enthusiasm of these guys is a very big part in us wanting to stay at Motherwell. We know we could do with one or two more but when you have a group who do exactly as you tell them, to give that up would be quite a decision." CB 08/12/10 Affection would have been mutual if only you'd been honest and kept your meallie-mouthed gob shut. In 24 hours you went from universally respected, Scottish football figure, to a half wit with the integrity of a Lib Dem MP. Thanks for all your work with Motherwell, and keeping us going after the Gannon debackle. I will neither protest against you, nor gloat in any failure you experience at Aberdeen. You're gone now. I look forward to welcoming a new face to take the helm, someone with commitment and integrity.

IMHO it's important the game goes ahead on Tuesday. Well haven't played for three weeks now. I hope rustiness isn't a big factor, especially with the Jambos coming off a nice 5-0 runaround on Saturday. The side is so stable at present, I don't see the absence of Brown and Knox being an issue for the players. A draw.

I dream of 10000+ gates at Fir Park. But how do you propose we go about doubling attendance? Alas, factors like recession, high ticket prices and freedom of choice reduce the likelihood of more fans rolling up on match days. Perhaps we should end democracy in Lanarkshire, and create a communist micro society instead. As part of each citzen's contribution to the community, they must support the local football team. Provided they get their season ticket stamped for attendance, the Republic of Lanarkshire shall reward each citizen with a wage at the end of the month.

Alan Gow and Marc Fitzpatrick are the only players I see possibly going North. If Aberdeen offer them a better deal then so be it. Nick Blackman has come up to Scottish football to get a regular game, score goals and get himself noticed. He's doing just that in a Motherwell side that are playing progressive football. I don't see the attraction in going to Pittodrie, and scrambling up front for lthe odd ong ball, punted up the park by a side crapping themselves for confidence in a relagation fight. It's not Blackman's struggle, so why get involved? As for the rest of our squad, I can't see Aberdeen affording any of them, or anyone having the desire to go.

Let us never forget who was the first British club to go into administration. It's sad seeing the growing number of empty seats each time I roll into Fir Park. It's sad seing CB and AK looking at the team at the bottom of the SPL as a better prospect. It's a sad reality, we may struggle to hold onto current squad members because we simply don't have the funds. It's sad MFC are having to struggle through a recession. But I'm happy that no matter what - there will always be Motherwell FC. Whatever happens over the coming weeks and months - let's keep it real.

I often thought Craig Brown was too nice at times - always anxious to please. Well here's a lesson for you Craig. Trying to please everybody all the time just makes you look a

Best protest - don't protest! We don't need them. Let the Well doing all the taloking on the park by thumping the useless sheep sh****** 3-0 Which dugout will Broon sit in anyway? He seems to like to swap around.

Derek Adams or Chris McCart assisting someone like Phil Brown - an experienced outsider.

I'm utterly bewildered. I've every respect for anyone with ambitions at 70. But going to Aberdeen because "they are a better club"???????? Sadly, the history books will now show Broon had a poor sense of judgement when it came to big decisions. Aberdeen have had a cancerous atmosphere around them for years now. Brown and Knox will fail - even with all their experience. I think in spite of a lack of cash, there is enough positivity and skills around Motherwell that we will continue to flourish. We are a better club than Aberdeen.

I'd prefer Broon and Archie to stay til at least end of the season. New management team - Adams and McCart.

Having committed himself to The Well yesterday, he can't uncommit himself 24 hours later.

Fair point - although I think most coaches should be showing their players how Barcelona set themselves out. Motherwell might not match Xavi, Messi, et al for class, but by replicating some of Barca's tactics, can make ourselves very difficult to play against. For example - - closing down players when not in possession. All defenders, midfielders and attackers chase down the ball to win back possession. Blackman and Murphy could copy Villa by harrassing defenders looking to pass the ball forward. - close, short passing. At times, Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta look like school boys, hunting through the centre of the park in a tight pack. But try taking the ball off them when at least 2 team mates are waiting six feet away. Remember a game versus Partick, when a Well midfield passed the ball more than 20 times before sticking it in the net. - fit as a bucher's dug - all of them Why shouldn't Motherwell adopt tactics like this?

Cheers Flow. Thanks for the official line. As for you moaning beggars rattling on about our pitch and groundstaff....