MelvinBragg

I think Dave's been saying the same things about Keith Lasley since Lasley's been in our team. He's never been a fan, which is fine. I struggled at times to see what others see in certain players. As I get older, I'm trying to remind myself that the manager of Motherwell knows better (I forget that sometimes, but we all do). Keith Lasley has been used extensively by every Motherwell manager in our most successful era in god knows how long, with the exception of Jim Gannon. He obviously brings something to the team...

Has to be Sutton. The two players under most scrutiny this season were always going to be whoever replaced Randolph and Higdon. Replacing the top scorer in the league was a big ask. Big Handsome has done it, in a team where compared to last season, there were less attacking players creating space for him. Lasley has been good. Ramsden, until his injury, was excellent. Since the turn of the year, we seem to have worked out how to use Vigurs. And Ainsworth has made a big difference since Christmas. No other names should be mentioned...

And still contrived to finish in the top three? An astounding achievement. Probably explains why the Player of the Year thread only lists two or three players. Everyone else has has a spell out. Lasley and Sutton have somehow managed to stay fit all season, impressive given they're two of our more experienced players...

I tend to agree but he's not getting any younger and will he be fit for preseason training? Could make a case for him at centre back and Reid at right back. Personally, if we're replacing Hutchinson, I'd be going for someone less blood and thunder to play alongside McManus. Feel he and Hutchinson are too similar in style...

Not that concerned about this summer. I seem to remember a lot of discussion last summer as to whether McCall was a manager capable of rebuilding a squad. I think he's answered that question. Other reasons for my lack of concern? For me, our two key players for next season, Sutton and Vigurs, are under contract. I fully expect Lasley, Hammell and McManus to stay on. I'd expect Reid to sign a deal. That's a pretty decent framework of a team there. Add in Anier, Leitch, Carswell, Erwin, Kerr, Angol and Murray and it doesn't quite look as bleak as some would like us to think. Obviously Ainsworth and McFadden, if they go, would be a big loss but I have faith in McCall to be able to find replacements. The real hope for next season has to be not a top three finish, but to see guys like Leitch, Carswell, Murray, Angol and Erwin develop into players to fill the large hole that will be left when Lasley, McManus, Sutton and Hammell aren't around. Summer shopping list? A keeper and a center back. And possibly replacements for Ainsworth and McFadden. Not out of the question if we free up wages of Hutchinson, one of the keepers, McHugh, Cummins and maybe Ramsden (although, I could make a case for keeping him). I'm not worried...

Moving away from tonight's performance, any word on the extent of Craig Moore's injury tonight...?

Do you think McCall would continue to play him if his attitude in training was suspect? On a more general point, we're going to finish at worst third in the league. And yet, some of our fans find it necessary to single out players for their perceived shortcomings. Ask Hibs or Kilmarnock fans how many of our players that are "lazy" or "aren't good enough" they'd like in their team...

I totally agree. I said as much at half time. I actually thought that Vigurs had a good first half and won a lot of the ball, more so than Lasley. He doesn't have the drive of Law or the engine of Lasley or Carswell but you can't complain about our inability to keep possession and see out games and then berate our best passer of a football. Sometimes his decision making lets him down but in the last three home games we've got seven points playing him in a midfield two. That doesn't happen in the SPL if a player doesn't work for the team. I actually expect Vigurs to possibly be our key man next season. Earlier in the season, we seemed unsure how to use him. Since the turn of the year, McCall seems to have found a way to get the best out of him. Best passer we've had since Billy Davies played for us...?

I think it's strange in a game that we won that I can't think of a single outstanding candidate for MOTM. Vigurs had a good first half, Lasley a good second. Ainsworth and McFadden had periods where they looked to be creating space and looked inventive. Sutton was starved of supply but put in a shift. Going to go for Hammell. Most of the problems that ICT caused us came down our right. Angol, for the second game in a row was also decent.

What was his crime against us again? Must confess, I struggle to keep track of which inept buffoon is which these days...

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...