CoF

Just watched the highlights on MFCTV and I think it was just a mistimed tackle from Kerr. As for Lasley's - when I first saw this thread I was sceptical as there seems to be a culture among our fans just now of slating the club and players at every single opportunity. This time it's spot on though, piss poor from Las. I'll hold of making the judgement about whether he meant it though.

Absolutely, but I fear floating fans and potential new fans get their football fix every weekend with the endless number of games on TV. To follow a football team in Scotland is simply too much of a financial commitment. Until gate prices come down then any changes to our game (including the TV deal going tits up) will not make a difference to attendances.

Maybe, although if the board have worked hard to create the financial stability they now have are they likely to risk that?

Didn't see the Scotland - Estonia game. How did Ojamaa look?

My first thoughts too.

To be fair, 2 hours before KO is not bad notice and not the worst for those coming from Dundee. I imagine most would have left around half 5 so they'll be back in the house about half 6/7. I've got a lot of sympathy for the people that have to make these decisions. Nine times out of ten it's lose lose.

I agree but it's irrelevant if we are discussing what McCall can do with the players he has just now.

Because then maybe we wouldn't be sitting 3rd in the league having scored 40 goals in 23 games (just 4 off Smelltic) and have the second top scorer in the league? Your suggestions would come at a cost and I don't think sacrificing an attacking player for someone can offer only slightly more defensive cover is worth it. Also, we simply don't have the players to fit the role you are suggesting. ZFA is one of the most forward thinking wingers/full backs I've seen and Carswell isn't quite ready for a regular start in the first team.

Slightly off topic but since you mentioned him.... unsurprisingly, Forbes has scored a few screamers for Partick (check youtube). 3 goals in 5 games, not bad going. Personally I'm glad to see him get a regular game and contributing to the team. I hope Partick continue to get the best out of him.

A nice gesture and slightly creep in equal measures.

Two very impressive signings if pulled off. Not holding my breath though, seems McCourt might be bound for Portland Timbers.

He's just been made captain so no chance of a loan.

Absolutely. Just another to add to the long list of 'what if' moments.

Is this based on hindsight or did you think this before Hateley took it? Hateley hit a far better penalty than Murph did against Aberdeen. Also, Forster is fucking huge and has been named in the England squad. I don't know how the 'occasion' would have changed those facts.

I actually thought Randolph had one of his shakier games, although as always he still kept us in it. I was genuinely fearful in the first 5 minutes going 3 at the back without the strength and height of Hutchinsons but full credit to Hammell, Ramsden and Kerr for keeping it tight, albiet riding our luck a bit at times. I also think Hateley sitting in front closing down Commons played a big part in limiting their chances. Ojamaa wasn't as dynamic as he usually is however I thought we saw a different side to his game yesterday. His passing and vision were excellent and he completed some really impressive long range first touch passes through the middle which really opened Celtic up at times. If he can keep that up and continue to display the confidence to take on half a team I think he'll be a massive player for us in second half of the campaign. Murphy for me though. Confident and desperate to make things happen going forward. Unlucky not to make cleaner connections on a few occasions but yesterday's performance is the very reason we'll miss him.

Seems like he's going down there with some weight of expectation. Good to see a bit of excitement surrounding his move, don't know what Sheffield United fans are like but I just hope he gets the time to settle and find a bit of consistency. No reason he shouldn't be going down there full of confidence though.

Back to the soccer.... Gutted as anyone about the result and the way things unfolded however I don't think anyone has really acknowledged what I think is the most significant thing from yesterday - McCall's formation. He's often accused of having an inferiority complex when it comes to the Old Firm but to go three at the back at Parkhead was a very brave move. Similarly, dropping Higdon when we were already without the height of Hutchinson to deal with Mulgrew's set pieces was bold but seemed to have been a risk worth taking as it gave us that bit of extra pace up front. I'd say those decisions show a huge step forward for McCall. I don't know if he is simply more willing to take a gamble now or whether he has more belief in the players, either way you've got to give credit where it's due.

Not bad. Rode our luck a bit but maybe this is the break we've been needing in these games. Looking very good going forward, especially down the left with zane and murphy. If they haven't scored by 65 minutes the crowd will get restless, we need to avoid losing that early goal though.

Couldn't have put it better myself. Particularly your first points about appreciating where we are just now. This is an absolutely remarkable period in our clubs history and there's no amount of moaning will ruin my enjoyment of it. There will be tough times at some point in our future, we will be involved in a relegation fight somewhere down the line. I wonder if those who failed to really appreciate what we have going on will regret not making the most of things just now.

All is revealed on MFC TV.

I think that's easier said than done. I've got a lot of sympathy for players and managers when they are asked about contracts and moves because you've got to choose your words very carefully. Most, if not all players will be open to a move if it's to the right team and for the right amount of money. It doesn't mean they don't want to stay at the club or that they are actively looking for a move. It's just the reality of the game and of work in general. I imagine some players might be hoping for a move if they feel they can develop as a footballer elsewhere, earn more money or it might even be for personal or family reasons. That move might happen next week or it might happen in 2 years time but in the meantime they'll keep giving everything for Motherwell FC. I imagine they'd quickly become MFC enemy number one if don't approach that one with a bit of tact and caution. It's a fine line. Just look at McGhee. I think his 'whoring' as some put it was actually him trying to be absolutely honest with the fans about his ambitions. Honest to the point of stupidity/insensitivity maybe, but honest nonetheless.

Finances aside, I'd rather keep Ojamaa. I think Murphy has improved as much as he can with us and we've been very lucky to have a very good player at our club. He is however prone to a bit of inconsistency/lack of confidence that I thought would have been gone after 3/4 years of regular first team starts. I know Ojamaa is also inconsistent however he's only just started playing at this level, has only just started getting regular starts and I believe he has the raw skills, confidence and desire to be a truly great player for us.

Aye, but we're not are we? Not being pedantic. The facts do make a bit of a difference to your argument.

I'd always choose going to Fir Park in that scenario but only so that the club get my cash. If away teams were to take the away gate money I'd ditch the season ticket tomorrow and only go to aways. The crowd is a massive reason for that.

I've seen us scudded a few times in Paisley over the last 4 or 5 years but I'm feeling pretty confident about this one. With it being just along the motorway and with the novelty of Friday night fitba I reckon we'll take a good crowd. 2 - 0 to us. Higdon and Humphrey.