MelvinBragg

It just smacks of the cheap option. That may or may not be the case but that's how it looks. If Valakari with a track record of winning trophies as a manager was a poorer candidate than Robinson then Robinson must have given one hell of an interview. Or is Robinson the only candidate willing to work for what we were offering both in terms of salary and resources? Obviously, we all hope he does well but one word has been used several times already about the appointment and it sums it up for me. Uninspiring...

Close of business..

If interviews were done today, hard to imagine decision was already made unless the board were really wanting to waste people's time...

From Freddy Dindeleux??

Robinson until the summer wouldn't exactly get the pulses racing (did someone say underwhelming?) but club have perhaps made the decision to sacrifice excitement of a fresh face with a some might say dull appointment that might be able to keep us up. Assuming, of course, that he was their first choice... If Robinson only wants it til the summer as he has other things he wants to pursue then that's fine for him but it doesn't bode well for the summer that we can't find a candidate we'd rather have than him...

I've kind of always been of the same opinion as you in that having these guys who knew the club was a "good thing". So much so that I had concerns about how we replace Hammell and Lasley in terms of keeping new players right ("don't say you're looking forward to playing at Ibrox/Parkhead in your first interview"). That being said, some of these players have now been responsible for several managers losing their jobs (on some occasions appearing to down tools). The goodwill they hold at the club means that they could be perceived to have too much influence at the club. Fact is, most of these guys have to be replaced anyway so it kind of becomes a moot point. Do we have the players to build a new team around is maybe more the question...

I wouldn't go with Lucas, feel more industry is required. Had forgotten about Campbell. Might be a good shout. Would probably learn a lot playing alongside Pearson...

In the past you seem to have been right about stuff regards the club so I'll not be astounded if it proves to be the case again. I just get the feeling (as I said the other day) that the club may feel that the person they want to rebuild the team in the summer isn't the same person to come in and get the best out of the current squad in the particular challenge of a relegation battle. I feel as if they think the guy for that is someone who knows the squad and already has a rapport with them. Like I say, just my gut feeling and my gut told me we wouldn't sack McGhee so what do I know...

For me, it'd be.. Samson Tait Heneghan McHugh Jules Cadden Clay Pearson Frear McDonald Bowman

That'll be Robinson til the end of the season then...

While you are right on that, probably also find that most bookies don't even open a market on it to begin with for the reasons you stated. Obviously they don't remember the killing they can make through a Van Der Gaag situation...

This was my thinking. Kind of leads me to think Robinson will get the job til the end of the season. Unless they think pairing him with the candidate that they have in mind for next season will get the best of both worlds also allowing a new manager a first hand look at the squad to assess it looking towards next season...

Have been thinking about this and discussing it with a few people. None of the names that have been mentioned seem to fit the bill, but I reckon there may be a reason for this. For me, we are almost looking for two different types of manager. In the short term, we're looking for someone who can make an immediate impact, hit the ground running, organise us and keep us up. Leads you to consider mainly Scottish based candidates. Looking more long term, you're looking for someone who this summer can refresh and rebuild the squad when you're looking at replacing or phasing out some key players while also bringing through some of the U20s squad. Leads me to think we'd need someone with fresh eyes not tied to senior players' reputations. Problem for me is I've not seen a name that ticks both boxes...

I'd be surprised if we went for Ferguson as well. Just when two separate people mentioned his name, I started to think "Wait a minute now..". We are known for our leftfield appointments but this would seem particularly strange...

Same person that told me last time he thought we'd go for McGhee. Not to suggest he's in the know, more that he seems to be able to work out how Motherwell think...

Hearing a lot of worrying (in my opinion) Barry Ferguson chat this morning. Surely not..?

Should be looking to extend it this summer if we stay up. Next season's captain and a player that we need to build our team around...

So how exactly were we set up in the second half? You say two holding? I thought we had gone three at the back in the second half?

Good question. Assuming 4 at the back, with Jules at LB. Pearson and Cadden centre mid? Beyond that?

We put out a team aiming for a 0-0. When you play 442 with no wingers, it smacks of 'keep it tight and hope for the best'. Assuming we're playing 442 of course. Either way, clearly a real lack of creativity in the side. I'd take Lasley and Cadden off and stick on Frear and Ainsworth...

You were saying? Kris Boyd 1-0...

Anyone at the game confirm the shape? Three centre halfs or a flat back four?

What was said?

Clearly Chalmers, and not Jules, is being held culpable for last week. Like you, I'd still be surprised if he's playing alongside Heneghan in a 442. Maybe playing three centre backs with McHugh?

Same two centre halfs as last week? Or 352 with midfield three of Pearson, Lasley and Cadden? Either way, I'm unconvinced...