MelvinBragg

I know this is a drum I've banged a few times this season but the last post throws this into sharp focus. We lost our goalkeeper, right back, most creative midfielder, our right winger and both strikers last summer. Our "star" player was injured or out of form for the first half of the season. And we need one point from our last two games to secure third place. I've said it before, I'll say it again. I might not agree with everything he does but Stuart McCall does not get the credit he deserves as a manager...

My recollection is Valakari being our MOTM by following Gascoigne around the full 90 minutes and kicking him any time he went near the ball...

Gave it to Craig Reid on the basis that it was his being moved into midfield that shored things up when it looked like they might get an equaliser...

Not liking that lineup at all. Would have kept Nielsen in and played Vigurs wide left and Leitch in the middle...

Could make a case for playing Ainsworth up front with his pace and finishing. Replacement for Ojaama? Might be a way to go as I've heard that McFadden may be on his way to Hibs if they stay up...

I agree with your assessment of Hutchinson. He's making the same mistakes he was making 3-4 years ago. He may well leave in the summer, but not sure if any clubs at a higher level than ours will be that interested in a player whose progression has stalled. I suspect he'll move for more money but it'll be a team in the bottom half of league one. At best... He may prove me wrong, there may be a manager who sees potential in him. But in my opinion, he's at an age where managers will be looking for more than "potential"...

Reid has come in and done a job. Don't imagine that he'll be on a massive wage. As a first pick, not sure. But if we have Ramsden and Kerr, with their track record with injury, he might be useful to have around. Only concern would be whether we want a 28 year old on the bench maybe limiting Murray's chances of more first team opportunities. Having said that, having Lawson around hasn't hindered Leitch...

In McCall's time here, we've been very consistent in the league and he's been able to find players that maybe don't have much pedigree but can do a job (Clancy, Ramsden, Ojaama, Ainsworth). The two sticks that some choose to beat him with are our relative poor performance in the cups and the fact that he hasn't brought through too many young players from the U20s (though it could be argued that those responsible for the youth setup have to take their share of the blame there). I think what's pleased me most recently is the fact that he seems to be addressing the last point. Obviously his hand has been forced to an extent but he has played the likes of Carswell and Anier when more experienced guys have been on the bench. You could almost come up with a full eleven of U23s that have featured at some point this season. Twarzik Kerr Murray Cummins Angol Cadden Carswell Leitch Shirkie Moore Anier Some of these guys have moved on (Twarzik) and some are likely to (Cummins) but three or four of them look to have a real future at the club. Add in Vigurs and Ainsworth and you have the average age of the side coming down. One less stick for those who'll never accept McCall to beat him with. To do this while still challenging at the right end of the table and with a dwindling budget, he deserves great credit...

Angol for Reid. Change of shape again...?

Who's at centre back and who's at wing back?

If they're looking at Gunning and Hutchinson, clearly yes...

I expect Wilson to be back at Rangers next season...

But on what basis are we a bigger club than St Johnstone? On not dissimilar budgets, we achieve more than them. That makes us more successful not bigger. But kind of makes my point. Even our own fans think we're a bigger club so outperforming them is seen as no real achievement...

Don't normally give this much thought, but on the way home yesterday heard praise lavished on St Johnstone for another top six finish. Their crowds aren't that much smaller than ours yet "a wee team" like that was getting credit for the amazing job they continued to do. I think the fact we continue to finish top four means that it's become the "new normal" for us to be there so not worthy of comment. Other factor might be that we're widely perceived (both by fans and media, rightly or wrongly) as a bigger club than St Johnstone and Inverness CT. Possibly due to our more illustrious history or the fact we've been in the top tier for longer than anyone except Celtic and Aberdeen currently (Hearts are on the same list but not for long). Never going to hear talk of "plucky wee Motherwell" in the same way that you can occasionally hear St Johnstone or ICT referred to. Just need to go about our business under the radar and take the prize money...

Vigurs. Country mile. Mentions to Carswell and Sutton (not for his goal, but for his link up play with both McFadden and Moore). Thought Hutchinson did some excellent things but also had a few howler moments. His usual performance, no bad thing, but for me nowhere near MOTM...

I thought Hutchinson was a bit iffy today to be honest. Moore and Sutton linked up well when Moore came on. For me though, Vigurs was head and shoulders above everyone else on the park today. Controlled the tempo of the game the way your creative midfielder is supposed to... Special mention to Carswell though. Covers a lot of ground and when he took upon himself to burst forward, it was instrumental in us making the breakthrough...

That consolation goal cost me upwards of £400 so can't bring myself to celebrate today's win...

I agree with this. He's certainly better than Humphrey was when he arrived but he is a good bit older than Humphrey was at that time. Both good players with different qualities. Humphrey was quicker (three people delighted when he got his move to Preston: him, his agent and Danny Grainger) and worked harder at tracking back. Ainsworth is more clinical but probably leaves the full back playing behind him a bit more exposed...

Bit harsh on Ramsden, might be out for a while at the minute but has been pretty reliable despite his record prior to arriving at Fir Park...

I tend to ask the same question. Thing is, and I could be wrong, by qualifying in fourth we might go in earlier. More chance of facing the sort of teams that we faced under Gannon and Brown and maybe getting two or three ties. Whether that means making more of a loss or a chance to make some money, that might be down to luck of the draw geography wise...

I know he's four short at the moment but can anyone tell me the last time Motherwell had two different strikers score 20 goals in consecutive seasons? I know I've worded that badly but I'm sure you all know what I mean...

As someone who had Sutton to score first and 2-1 to us on at the bookies, that goal was like a boot in the balls... And as I type, it gets worse...

I'm sorry, Dave, I know you're not his biggest fan but to say that Lasley has had a mixed season beggars belief. Actually one of the few players who has maintained a level of consistency this season. Given he can be nowhere near full fitness, I thought he was outstanding. Ambitious volley attempt aside obviously...

Not much to complain about today. Some great goals, some comedy moments (McFadden trying to score the kind of goal at 4-1 that he scored ten years ago and ending up on his arse). Just a really enjoyable watch when McFadden and Vigurs are on it.. Word about McFadden. There's weeks when it's not working and he spends half his time arguing with refs and anyone else who's there. But the desire is obviously there and it shows today when, despite all he's achieved, you see how much it means to him when he scores. I love the guy...

Possibly 352 with Reid at centre back but I reckon more likely 442 with Vigurs switching to the right... Hammell at centre back would be bordering on insanity. Much like playing him in midfield in the cup final...