MelvinBragg

Goan, ye know ye want tae...

Because I don't rate Gary Teale. And we've quite enough right wingers I don't really rate at the moment. That's why I personally don't want Gary Teale at Fir Park. Just my opinion, mind...

I think we're now at the point where we all accept that Porter is leaving. I think most of us just want the deal, be it with Cardiff or Derby, done so we can get things moving in terms of finding a replacement and moving on. If Motherwell know 100% that Chris Porter is leaving for a fee of around £400,000 before Monday, then perhaps we can make our move now rather than wait to see where Chris Porter decides his future lies. This is not an attempt at a slight on Porter, this is a big decision for him. But we are at the point where the Motherwell board and Mark McGhee should now be focusing on the future. I'm sure they are, but we only have til 5 on Monday and I would imagine it will be very difficult to do any deals tomorrow. Let's not wait til the deal goes through as it sounds like McGhee is doing "Give us a call when Porter leaves...". Let's have someone lined up so when Porter cleans out his locker, there's a guy standing behind him waiting to put his stuff in it...

Dave, did you just get a massive bill for VAT cos you seem obsessed by it at the moment?? Your point is a valid one in that these transactions will be subject to tax. What I think tends to rankle with some Motherwell fans is the fact that all clubs are subject to taxation, yet almost every other club in the SPL has managed to strengthen during this window. Now either our revenue streams are not what they should be in comparison to those of other clubs our size or our scouting network is not what it should be. Either way, I think fans are entitled to ask questions at this time...

God, please no!!!

I know, he's even dropped McGarry. How am I supposed to get a good moan going? Seriously, though, as others have pointed out we have a thin squad. Thinner than most in the SPL (look at what an understrength Kilmarnock did at Fir Park - could we win away missing key players?) and it has to be addressed. What happened to the list of 50 players??

Or perhaps, it should be "Yet Another January, Nothing Doing, Is It Any Wonder Folk Are Getting Desperate??"

Like Lobey, I'd be a bit upset if Lasley were to leave. I know he's not an automatic pick, but he's a good guy to have about the place. The fact that we have the likes of Craigan, Hammell and Lasley who all know what playing for Motherwell is all about, definitely helps settle new signings in. Having said that, I'd be stunned if we had received a bid of £275k for him. Too good to turn down if it were true. Now where and the £500k offers for Bob Malcolm...

Sounds like none of the transfer fee will be used to bring in permanent signings then. Bit disappointing, if not surprising...

Lappin's been told he has a future at Norwich under Gunn...

I think even leaving aside McDonald's off the field attitude, there is a world of difference between Porter and McDonald on the field. McDonald was all about Scott McDonald, not really a team player. I remember at the time some people said "Well, can you blame him? Would you give the ball to Clarkson??". Porter seemed to have no problem with doing so and it didn't work out too badly. As I've said in this thread earlier, Porter and Clarkson were a great partnership. I don't recall McDonald combining that well with anyone...

I've made this point on here before. We've been very lucky at Fir Park to have had two flair players like McFadden and McCormack, guys who can produce something out of nothing. As for every team needing one, I don't agree. Kilmarnock have done alright down the years without a similar type of player. Most SPL teams work with 11 players working hard, not relying on one individual. Bear in mind, the season we relied on McFadden to do carry our team, we finished bottom. That's not a slight on McFadden or that team, just a fact. Having one particularly gifted individual doesn't guarantee success...

If it's true then £425,000 is a good bit of business. He goes with nothing but my best wishes. Total team player, he and Clarkson were probably the best combination we've had up front since Coyne and Arnott. Sutton and Clarkson on paper looks a decent front two, though it will involve a slight change in our style of play. I reckon more of our play will need to go down the wings now as Sutton isn't as mobile as Porter and isn't as effective with his back to goal. Get crosses into the box though and he will score goals...

I would have to say that our best two players last season were Porter and Clarkson. I would also probably put Quinn and possibly McCormack ahead of the two you mentioned last season...

I like O'Brien a lot but he looked at fault for the Falkirk goal when you see it on the highlights. Just arriving too late to cover Holden. Though given the length of time Craigan was down before the free kick was taken, the manager had more time to try and organise the team. Maybe he thought the team should have been able to defend at least one free kick without Craigan. More fool him, eh...

Never has so much been written by so many about so little... I'm not a member of the Trust but I can see why it could be a good thing. If fans want to try and influence certain things are done at their football club, an official voice like a Trust is probably the way to go. Those complaining that the Trust doesn't do enough might consider the fact that if they joined, a Trust with a larger membership may carry more weight in any discussions with the club? Why haven't I joined then? Well, I don't really have the time to care about issues off the field. That's not meant as a criticism of those who wish to improve the lot of the supporters, I've just accepted that I'll go to the games no matter how they treat us and as I've said, I frankly don't really have time to worry about that fact. On the field is where I worry most about Motherwell. If the team are winning, they could serve nothing but dry bread and water at the catering stall. Until the Trust convince me that they could influence Motherwell into signing a decent centre back, my tenner stays in my pocket... My message to those outwith the Trust who do vex themselves at the Cooper situation, the lack of understanding from stewards, any ticketing issues, lack of communication from the club, paint on the stairs etc, is join the Trust. The Trust being there and you not using it to communicate your concerns with the club (what it's there for) is like having a phone but deciding the best way to contact yer Granny in Aberdeen is open the windae and shout... To the Trust, I say one thing. Certain Trust board members I have spoken with are dismissive of the opinions of the Supporters Association and even those of older members of the Trust itself. It seems to perceive the membership of the SA as old farts. It's a young organisation, the Trust, but it's there to communicate the opinions of all supporters, irrespective of age...

That caught my eye as well. Given the size of the average Inverness player, I autonatically thought of Bob Malcolm...

Cowie. Leaves me a bit underwhelemed. I know I'm in the minority but he's left me pretty unimpressed every time I've seen him play. Should he sign, he'll get my backing obviously. Lappin. Bound to be cheaper than Charlie Adam who McGhee has expressed an interest in. If we're going to sign a left sided midfielder, I'd go for Lappin. Cheaper probably and also offers a bit more versatility. Interesting McGhee talks of three signings. Do the three signings include the goalkeeper? If so, where will we strengthen? Even with McLean due to return, McGhee must look to bolster the defence. If another transfer window passes without this issue being addressed questions have to be asked. The player doesn't need to be able to step into the first team. It would just be nice to see some pressure brought to bear on the back four in order to attempt to raise their standards. It would be nice to move Bob Malcolm on. No harm to the guy, but he's an expensive substitute. Can't honestly see it happening, unless it suits both parties to let Malcolm walk away for nothing. That would require Motherwell being able to use the wages to bring in a couple of players (no point in letting him go if we can't secure the players to provide the cover in a couple of positions that he does) and it would also require an offer tempting to Malcolm whether financially or professionally (first team football??). Sadly, I fear we might end up having a very quiet transfer window...

Another loan goalie to replace Neilson was always going to be a necessity so at least we've dealt with that issue (I've resigned myself to the fact that we'll never have two goalies registered with us full time ever again). We're looking at two centre backs but forgive me if I don't get too excited as it all sounds very familiar from previous transfer windows. Like Juan Kerse, I'm imagining it would be Reynolds that would make way should any new signing force his way into the first team. On this season's form, that should certainly be the case. Does Reynolds fit elsewhere into McGhee's plans? There have been a few people on the forum suggesting he could play a holding midfield role. With Lasley, Malcolm and Klimpl already vying for that role, I can't see him fitting in there. He would probably offer more than Hammell defensively at left back, but we rely heavily on our full backs for attacking width so I don't know if he'd fit the bill there. A summer move beckons for Reynolds? Question is how much will we get for him if he drops out of the first team?? The guy Elliot is an interesting one. Not knowing what type of midfielder he is, I don't know what he'll bring to the team. What I do know is that with Klimpl's recent showings in midfield, it's the one area of the park we have a few players competing for places (Will Malcolm start a Motherwell game again?). Again I ask, someone moving on?

Can't get the link to work. Someone new or the guy Elliot or the guy playing in the Czech republic??? EDIT Ignore this, it's working now...

Horrible feeling of deja vu here. I seem to remember in the run up to the Nancy game, there was a lot of "I'm more of a fan because...". Can we please not go there again, people...

Nijholt. Hard as nails and skillful. What more can one ask for in a footballer...? Although, it's interesting that it's not always the "best" players who become our particular favourites. I still have a soft spot for Gahagan, Valakari and McFadden and only one of the three is likely to be mentioned in terms of greatest Motherwell players when it comes to ability...

Aye, but none of them are Vadocz, are they...?

I'm afraid that his considering the Hearts job used to irk me but that's no longer the main issue for me. It's been far overtaken by poor team selections, baffling tactics and substitutions and substandard performances as reasons to be pissed off at him. Now, he knows football, if he expects the fans to be happy after 10 hours of football and only one goal to show for it, he's a fool. And I don't think he's a fool...

I shall be there, but sadly not for the festivities afterwards. As of 7:30pm, I'll be patching up Old Firms fans at WGH. No anasthetic left as far as I'm aware...