MelvinBragg

I read somewhere that McCall has been quoted as saying he sees Saunders as a right back. For me that means, Saunders is warming the bench this season and Ramsden is first choice centre back. So I tend to agree that he's not filling in an emergency. But I'm not that concerned about that. He'll do a job. And he's more experienced than all our centre backs put together. He's signed a one year deal. If this one year allows Cummins and Murray to develop (and with our squad size, they'll get games), his wages will be money well spent...

I thought Humphrey had a decent game. Kept their left back on his toes and a good couple of efforts early on. Seemed to me that they'd done their homework on Murphy. When he tried his usual move of cutting in on his right foot, they were ready for it. Ojaama, I despair. Should have released Murphy when through on goal. I know he's young but he needs to learn to be more of a team player rather than taking on everyone. MOTM? For me, has to be Lasley. Simply immense..

For me, simply beaten by a better team and there's no shame in that. The nature of the goals is a bit frustrating but realistically we can have no complaints. They took their chances, we didn't. On another night, we might have sneaked a result but it wasn't to be. The performance was good from most of the team. Thought we looked nervous at the start which was understandable. Defence looked a bit shaky, but you have to bear in mind it was the first time Ramsden and Hutchinson have played together. And frankly, they'll not face the quality or the movement they faced tonight in the SPL. If (and with a month of the transfer window left, it has to be if) we can keep the eleven that started tonight, we'll be fine this season. And Keith Lasley. I like the guy, but tonight he exceeded my expectations. He and Law combined well. A large part of our prospects this season rests on keeping these two available. So no silly red cards this season, Keith... Much to be optimistic about for the season, if not for next week..

Were we to make seven figures somehow then I'm sure it'd free up money for a couple of free transfers on a grand a week, around £100k for this season total. Beyond that, don't see us spending much more than that.. All hypothetical of course, need to remind ourselves of that..

Frazzle is looking for one according to shoutbox..

No thanks. Mate supports Rochdale and reckons Thomson must have compromising photos of all the managers he's played under..

Tempted to say something about sharing a room with Mitch but I'll leave it..

Sit in the East Stand? You haven't actually sat in the East Stand for about four seasons...

At least seven figures, I gather. So probably not enough to see us start paying transfer fees but enough to make sure, if the club's run properly, that we don't have too many financial concerns for two or three seasons...

"This is shite, imagine making you rip yer ain tickertape.."

I feel the same way. It's the Motherwell way of things...

Nickname while at Rochdale: Rambo Hero in the making?

I've had a recurring dream last few nights of the second leg, us trailing 1-0 having won 1-0 at Fir Park, and defending for our lives in the last minute.A header out of our box reaches Humphrey and him running the length of the park and scoring...

Problem for Saunders is that he's been injured for the best part of a season. You just need to look at McFadden to see how that can affect the number of clubs willing to take a punt on you...

Obviously you can't question McCall's record at Motherwell, but if this is true he needs glasses in my opinion. For me a fit and in form Saunders is as good as Hutchinson. Personally I'd have him at centre back alongside Hutchinson but would be happy to see him at right back (only flaw with that would mean Hateley would be playing midfield). For me Saunders has massive potential, and I'd hate to see it wasted sitting on the bench at Motherwell. For his sake, he'd be better getting a move elsewhere. Sadly it would be more our loss than his...

I'm equally glad to see McHugh back. Hoping for a big impact from him this season..

Actually think that McCall might go slightly more attacking in the first leg. Having seen us boss the game at Ibrox second last day of the season with two up front, he might think the best way to guarantee 'Panathinaikos 0' is to keep the ball in their half as much as possible. I'm expecting the same starting eleven as against Everton with Hutchinson in for Cummins if he's fit.

If you play for Motherwell and score a handful of goals in Europe and also score in a Scottish Cup semi final, I reckon you've done pretty well. I think the problem Murphy has had is that he hasn't turned into the player we thought he would. Remember the "New McFadden" chat? Funny thing is, comparing their achievements while at Motherwell, you could argue Murphy has done better, looking at league finishes, cup runs and European football...

I'd argue that in terms of potential impact on survival of the club, games against Dunfermline last day and Falkirk second last day to avoid relegation were bigger. In terms of magnitude of the game, for me the three cup finals I've seen us in were bigger.. In terms of potential financial boost though, it's probably up there...

Two separate people have told me this weekend that a deal's been done for Murphy. The Randolph story has done the rounds for a while, particularly before Celtic sealed the Forster deal. I was told that McCall was told that he'd need to sell Randolph unless we made the Europa League group stages..

What can an English side do to toughen him up that we can't?

I was told that he'd be off before European games...

I did hear that Randolph might be off after the CL games. But I have heard from two separate sources that Murphy is as good as away...

Based on the fact that Ramsden looks likely to sign, for me defence isn't a priority. A centre midfielder or a replacement for Murphy would top the list. If I'd told you last season we'd lose Jennings and Clancy, who would you have wanted to replace most..?

I touched upon it above but has it occurred to anyone that Hutchinson's continued absence might be down to the fact he's being sold. Not saying it's the case but the thought has crossed my mind. Anyone else have the same thought..?