MelvinBragg

Darren Smith is a funny one. Doesn't seem to run like a footballer should, looks awkward. But the number of times he's come off the bench to score important goals, considering the number of appearances he's made, is phenomenal. His goal against Aberdeen at the end of last season will live long in the memory, if only for his sheer joy in celebration. Great sub to have. But never looks the same player when he starts a game...

I take it Colin Calderwood's not in the running then . You could argue then that it's in the club's interests to let us believe that McAllister and Nijholt are in the running given that they're populist choices. Then go with someone they feel might do a better job, but at least the fans's favourites have been considered. Or have I watched too many conspiracy movies...?

I would really hope that Gary McAllister is in the running. With the sort of talk that "there's no reason Motherwell can't be third or fourth", that's the kind of ambition that I'd like to hear from a candidate. I was backing Nijholt last week (and he'd still be my second choice) but as time's gone on, I've grown sure that McAllister would be a fantastic appointment...

Thank god the good lady doesn't read the Herald...

The squad at the moment GK Fraser DF Craigan Reynolds Quinn Hammell MF McGarry DL Smith Lasley Fitzpatrick O'Brien FW Sutton Clarkson Murphy If you add in Hutchison and Saunders as two guys who've looked like they could step up that takes the number up to 15. If you're looking for another 3 guys to make a step up, you're looking at a minimum of seven signings to make it up to a squad of 25. I think you're dreaming if you think that's going to happen. Beevers and Boyle would bolster the defence. A couple of centre midfielders would be required, and a striker is a priority. That would be five signings. If you want another goalkeeper, I reckon we're going down the loan route again...

I would say 5 is your bare minimum, assuming no one leaves. If the two guys, Beevers and Boyle, arrive then your new manager has three players to find. I'm thinking two midfielders and a forward myself...

I think it was as Craigan himself said, players have to be careful. The wince was probably more "I knew this question was coming...". Came across really well as always. The bit about being willing to clean the boots if it helps was good. Funny feeling the rest of the players will have theirs out waiting for him tomorrow...

Stolen from another thread but I think it illustrates the point I was making earlier. We're going into these two games with two recognised centre midfielders in the squad. Good job neither lasley nor Fitzpatrick could be described as lazy. Hardly easy to motivate players who have no pressure on them whatsoever. Actually, looking round the full squad, you could hazard a guess at our starting eleven and everyone on this site would probably get at least 10 out of 11. Saves Llanelli trying to guess, I s'ppose...

How many managers have we been through under Boyle now? Kampman: recommended by Alan Dick remembering our Mypa disaster. Davies: promotion from within down to Boyle and Nevin. Eric Black: Hired by Boyle and Nevin. Butcher: Here at the time we went into administration. Malpas: No real decision made, just passed it down the line, agreed when he knocked back a couple of other jobs? McGhee: Boyle appointment. Not a great track record, is it? Discount Butcher and Malpas as they were here when the job was going and kind of inherited it, and you're left with one success, one clear failure and Billy Davies and Eric Black (I know opinions will be split on those ones). However he's doing it, he'll need to and replicate the process of two years ago and hope for the same outcome results wise...

My concern then becomes the fact that the squad listed by WF1984 earlier in the thread is going to be the limit of our squad for a further "week or so". I know the SPL season is starting later this year, and being honest the European games don't matter that much. But if we are to use them as pre-season training matches, it would be a good idea to get as much of the squad together before these games. And it might help make sure we have four games rather than two before the Wigan game...

I take your point, Rev, but if other clubs like Lincoln are announcing that their players are joining us, it does make us look a bit daft. The media have reported that Boyle will be joining us and there is mention of the young guy from Queens Park. If these are targets we've agreed to contracts with, them having been agreed before Sheepy McShovelface went north then why don't we get around any embarrasment by simply saying that these players were identified by our scouts, who presumably still work for the club...

Oi! Travel Info forum, you should know better...

Kind of my thinking as well. I'm assuming that McLean is off as well for somewhere where he may get more first team football. Just wondering about the guys Beevers and Boyle we're supposed to be signing. I'm assuming they won't be ours til July 1st, but then again I thought the same about Michael Fraser. I'm wondering if UEFA will allow the registering of players who are due to sign for you before the tie but after the deadline? These pre-contracts open up a whole can of worms. Goddamn you, Mr Bosman...

Interesting. I didn't think he was officially a Motherwell player til July 1st...

That thought had occurred to me...

If you mean Stephen Hughes, I seriously doubt it...

I wouldn't be booking a flight to Albania just yet. A couple of injuries and we're in real bother...

Aye, under 9 hours to go and under 15 recognisable first team players, with the option of adding 1, the day before the game. Suddenly, the Llanelli game goes from being tricky to difficult...

Meaning new players, I'm assuming...?

I posted this question in the Draw thread but I'll post it again here as I fear it will get lost there. I'm sure I read somewhere on here that our squad for the first round had to be registered by midnight tonight. Anyone confirm or deny this? How does this leave us goalkeeper wise? Without even mentioning squad depth...

What's Welsh for counting chickens??

Just to ask a football question, did I read someone posting that our squad for the first round has to be registered by midnight tonight??

As good a draw as were going to get for the first two rounds. We have (I think) avoided teasm who are in middle of their season and therefore 200% fitter than us. Not bad...

Anyone else annoyed that we can't see who's seeded and who's not...?

Match 17 is the one we're looking for, aye??