Lobey_Dosser

The growing gulf between the big two and ourselves gets more depressing by the year but there’s not much we can do about it with the widening finances. Specific to today, we were up against a Celtic team that’s in a very good place just now so it’s not a performance to dwell on. It’s vital though that we get a response to our dip in form at Tannadice, then follow it up against Aberdeen. The challenge for Alexander is finding the shape and personnel that can carry a threat going forward post Watt. I’d be surprised if we persist with the box in midfield any longer, I’d revert to 433 or 4312 and get some pace and creativity back in the team.

I don’t mind the shift to the back 3, particularly if it gives Carroll license to push forward with the ball. Struggling to work out who will play closest to KVV though, with this shape I’d have expected Tierney to play as the 10.

Excellent. To think where we were a year ago, it’s been an outstanding turnaround. And not only are we winning games but Alexander and his staff are evidently developing our players, some of whom were struggling badly prior to his arrival.

United must be offering silly money for Watt to jump at that deal so quickly. Good luck to him if that’s the case, United really are a drab team to watch though. I hope we can sort something out for him to move in January to prevent things turning slightly sour, United have probably ploughed all their money into Watt’s signing-on fee though.

Really depressing news today but the writing has been on the wall for a good few weeks. As hard as it is, much of Europe and beyond will implement similar restrictions on crowds, indeed some already have. Here’s hoping however that crowds (of at least 25/50%) can return quicker than last year once the booster has been rolled out to a sufficient level. Grim spell ahead unfortunately, fingers crossed those that cling onto Motherwell and football for a bit of light relief and pleasure can get through it safely.

Well said.

Outstanding yet again from SODs. What a guy, what a team.

Mugabi, by some distance.

That was a helluva comedown from being at Hampden last Saturday. Celtic obviously have some decent quality amongst their ranks but they remain a fragile team that we never came close to testing today. I found the inclusion of Goss a strange one and it played in Celtic’s hands, allowing their midfield three to dictate from start to finish. Hopefully we can up our performance levels at Tannadice next week or the good start to the season will be quickly forgotten unfortunately.

Glad to see him punted. The fact that some of us, myself included, were content to see him sign is a painful reminder of how bad we were last Jan.

I think Slattery may be the most intelligent and streetwise player we’ve had for some time. He’s the heartbeat of the team for me.

Two well taken goals and three hard earned points. Going into today, I had that all too familiar feeling we’d slip up. As the game progressed though, I fancied us to nick it despite Ross County being on top and looking the more threatening team in attack. That’s testament to Alexander having us in a really good place and the players buying into his methods. A far tougher challenge lies ahead next week and to get anything at Tynecastle we’ll need to be far better on the ball, starting with KVV who couldn’t make anything stick today.

Didn’t see or hear any coverage but that’s a great result Motherwell. I love what Alexander is doing.

I’ve been looking forward to this game for a fortnight and it didn’t disappoint. I know Alexander isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but I really like the team he is building, a team that is full of character, commitment and nous. Keep our key players fit and we could be in for an enjoyable season.

Given the time off he’s had with illness, that was an outstanding effort from O’Donnell last night. Really pleased for him and all the squad, the feel good factor has returned.

Lamie was the one that caught the eye, a very solid performance. He’s kicked on a fair bit since Alexander arrived.

Really enjoyed that today. Plenty of positives to take as Alexander appears to be assembling a team with character and quality. Unfortunately however, the end result was to be expected given the lack of game time Slattery, Mugabi and Donnelly have under their belts, combined with a lack of attacking options off the bench. Hopefully we can pick up a victory early on and provide the team with some breathing space to bed in new players and get everyone up to speed. KVV was a delight to watch. If Alexander can get a tune out of him on a weekly basis then we have a striker capable of making a huge impact.

I’d really have liked Odoffin, he caught the eye on a number of occasions last season. Shame we appear to have missed out on him but if we were interested it’s reassuring that we are pursuing players of such quality and profile.

Alongside Kelly, KVV, Woolery and Shields, this looks like another astute signing that underlines our shift in transfer strategy. Patience required over the next few weeks while our new additions settle in, with more to follow by the sound of it.

Has the prospect of away fans for all fixtures been discounted for now? I noticed there was only 200-odd at the Airdrie game yesterday.

Outstanding business from the club and credit to the Board for making it possible. The shift in transfer policy from the Robinson regime is clearly apparent and one which I welcome. Not to be greedy but a couple of further signings in the Kelly or KVV mould would set us up well for the new season. Good luck to Kelly, should he go onto replicate his form from last season, a Scotland call-up won’t be far away.

McGregor and Christie are far from finished. Both have been integral parts of our upturn in fortunes but sadly neither came into the tournament in good form. Hopefully Turnbull gets his chance soon enough but he presumably didn’t impress in training despite having a decent game against the Netherlands. I do think/hope Clarke will regret persisting with two non goalscoring strikers when Christie, Fraser, Forrest and Turnbull have all got what it takes to contribute in the final third. The long ball tactic needs to be put in the bin.

Very disappointing performance from O’Donnell and the majority of the team, bar Robertson and McGregor. After the first ten minutes it quickly became evident that we didn’t have the energy or tactical nous to cope with Croatia and we invited a Modric masterclass. Plenty for Steve Clarke to reflect on, the balance of the midfield was wrong in the two Hampden games and I’m not sure I’ll ever understand why we switched to two non goalscoring strikers for this tournament. Nevertheless, it’s been an absolute joy to be part of, providing the greatest excitement and anticipation I’ve experienced in football for many a year. Back to reality with a bump though and time to get up to speed with these new Motherwell signings.

I’d be delighted for O’Donnell if he can get a move on the back of this tournament. I’d like to think any exit clause while modest will still be good money for Motherwell. Should this come to fruition, maybe we can enquire about taking young Nathan Patterson on loan. Heard he’s decent...

Nicola heaping praise on O’Donnell. So much love in the room.