MelvinBragg

Is that why the arse fell out of our form as soon as we had to do without Clarkson and Craigan? And a seriously understrength Killie did us over at Fir Park during that run?

No, but as I said he could have made these phone calls on Friday and heard "Fuck, no" then and moved on to other targets. If he's in discussions right now, we're cutting it fine. I know (rightly) I have a reputation as a McGhee basher on here. But he's giving me plenty of material right now. If we don't sign anyone today, questions have to be asked...

Fact is, McGhee did state that he had 2 or 3 clubs he could phone should Porter leave. it's been clear from Friday that Porter was leaving. And nothing appears to have been done. We might now go into the second half of the season with a weakened squad. A squad that even with Porter, struggled with a couple of key injuries. And who's to say it won't happen again...

In our dreams...

While, I might agree with you, right now I'd settle for a third centre forward on our books by 5pm...

Correct...

Apparently Jones is staying, they've knocked back whatever Forest offered. I'm becoming a bit concerned about the lack of even a rumour down Fir Park way. Are we going to blame the snow/the Inverurie game for the lack of even a loan signing??

I thought we might be sniffing round Livingston for Dave Mackay and possibly the boy Henderson (?) if they're having problems paying wages. Obviously we need a centre forward and I don't know who they have in that position...

Still no rumours/news on the transfer front???

I wouldn't bother starting, Frazzle. THis game is going to get called off. The SFA would getb slaughtered if fans got stranded getting to a game...

Will the slow treacherous journey to Inverurie put the brakes on any transfer moves for us? Are we going to be left with two recognised centre forwards at the club (sorry Jamie Murphy fans)? There seem to be no rumours even doing the rounds. Maybe we're doing our business quietly this time having learned from the John Kennedy/Andy Webster fiascos? I hope so. The squad is very thin at the moment...

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...