Ped_MFC

Tough ask tomorrow, I'd happily take a performance similar to the Rangers game and coming away with a point. We need to be resolute in defence and hope that when Martin Boyle's vertigo hits as soon as he gets into our box that the referee isn't taken in by it.

Warzone. Catch him and the boys online.

The 'we'll stick together and we'll be ok as our form is better than the rest of the bottom 4'? I thought it was a load of shite.

If Gallagher and the numerous others are all genuinely injured (including the new signings) then fair enough, I have no reason to doubt it, even if the timing was unfortunate in Gallagher's case. Probably a consequence of Covid and the restrictions being in place for so long, but there certainly seems to be a feeling of a disconnect between the Club and the fans going by many of the comments here. That could also be down to having a poor season too. What I will say is if we don't see Gallagher again this season, as well as some of the January signings then people will suspect that the Club aren't being entirely honest with them. That might make fans less inclined to stump up for watching games next season rather than holding the Club to its commitment on season tickets purchased for this season. I'll be honest though, I'm more pissed off that we have a senior player, and an international at that, telling me after 2 embarrassing non-performances that if we don't win games it's no drama. At a time when fans are looking for any solace available that is a real kick in the balls.

Our best chance of picking up points here is that there is enough rain in Paisley to waterlog the pitch and get it postponed for a few weeks until we have players back. Irony is that we're having to play this game with so many players out because St Mirren were allowed to postpone it first time round as they had a few of their first team squad out.

Sticking with the short bye kick routine, and the fact that the opposition have all sussed we aren't very good at it, is actually reminiscent of Gannon's determination to stick to the routine where the 'keeper had to roll the ball forward to Hately (facing his own goal) to build play. The opposition knew that by pushing a couple of players on to Hately when the 'keeper had the ball they could put us in trouble. All very well if you then push the ball wide instead and take those 2 players out the game but it appeared we had to stick to that instruction no matter what.

It was an excuse to get a pisspoor 'clam' pun in there. I'll stop now.

He seems to have clammed up about that one.

Something a bit fishy about that mussel injury story.

County 1 up against Celtic, White with the goal

The first area we can improve for this game is to ditch those bloody stupid bye kick routines, never seen a team so happy to piss about with the ball so close to their own goal and invite pressure from the other team.

The situation with Gallagher highlights one of the biggest problems we've had this season, a complete lack of leadership on and off the pitch. I know Hartley was probably finished at our level and making mistakes that cost us goals (the first half of the St Mirren Cup game leaps to mind) and that it was probably the right time for him to leave. Having said that, we could really have done with a captain that could bring some leadership to the team on the pitch this season. We have lacked it all over the park. Gallagher hasn't shown he has that on the pitch and this whole contract nonsense (if true, and I have no reason to doubt ML1's info) has shown a total disregard for the club. Dont know the guy and have no contacts within the club, but it appears that his run in the Scotland team has given him a bit of a Billy Bigbaws attitude, happy to sit out games when he is needed most just to so he can breach a contract that he was happy to sign in 2019. I occasionally glance through Burrows Twitter account to see if he has provided a reply to someone on potential signings or injury updates. If I was in his position I would be raging about the Club Captain taking the stance he has, instead he's posting 'Congrats Deccy, your wee boy is a cracker' style tweets. Time to start playing hardball and revealing what's really going on rather than trying to be his best pal. If he isn't playing for contract reasons then we need to be honest publicly, I'm sure it will give Gallagher's potential suitors food for thought, maybe Steve Clarke too if he doesn't play again this season to force a summer move. Not sure that will do his chances of playing in the Euros much good tbh.

Interesting bit on the BBC looking at the relegation fight and what each side needs. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56102247 I don't buy their assumption though that 32 points could be enough and that victory today would make us a point from survival.

Maybe we brought in guys who had trades behind them to help complete the fitting out of the East Stand. Smith's height will certainly come in useful when it comes to painting the rafters. Don't see too many ready to provide any help on the park so far to be honest. Robinson recommendations that Alexander doesn't fancy?

I see the Team News section on the official club site has been updated. https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/club/team-news/ Not sure how much clarity it provides right enough, a few TBC's and an ASAP in there. Big Bevis not mentioned or any suspension for Tony Watt so hopefully that's good news.

With O'Donnell suspended and Mugabi doubtful we don't look to have many options at the back. O'Hara dropping into the back 4 alongside Magloire, Lamie and Carroll looks the obvious option, unless any of the other new signings are fit enough to contribute something. I think we need to move to a midfield 4 to give us a bit more width there. Probably means Crawford and Polworth back in alongside Campbell and Maguire. Problem we have is that while Maguire can play out on the left of the 4, the other 3 are all more suited to playing centrally and have little pace. Having Lawless back to play wide would be ideal but assume he's still out. Seedorf is a man short so wouldn't even consider him. Watt and Cole upfront, at least the 2 can't be faulted for effort and Cole has hit the net a few times lately. We really need wins on the board but I'd take a point from this one. Btw, Watt picked up a few bookings lately, including the Killie and Accies games, anyone know how close he is to a ban?

Jim Goodwin wants players who dive to win penalties to be named and shamed: - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56046465 I'll start off then Jim, Lee Erwin. Funnily enough on that occasion you 'heard' him being fouled.

County game off tomorrow and Killie playing Rangers so 3 points could open up a gap between us and the bottom 3. Would ratchet the pressure up a wee bit more on those 3, we need to do the business first right enough.

Absolutely agree. Much as I'd love to turn this mob over by 3 or 4 I'd happily settle for a repeat of the shitfest at Kilmarnock and another 3 points.

Sell on fee? Not sure that's likely to happen.

Great performance first half after a shaky start. Second half we looked like there was no movement, though to be fair that could have been cause the fecking stream was freezing every 2 minutes. Still, happy with 3 points.

Magloire now confirmed.

Reports in Lancashire before the deadline claimed that Blackburn defender Tyler Magloire was on his way to Fir Park on loan. BBC suggesting this may be the one we sign today, also said we rejected bids for Campbell. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55903921

Alan Burrows confirming this wasn't included, someone asked that question on Twitter.

We're crying out for leadership on the pitch, if this guy can use his experience to provide it then it might improve the performances of those around him. Reading the transfer talk on here reminds me of that Groucho Marx comment about refusing to join any Club that would have him as a member. We have fans who wouldn't want to sign any player who would be willing to play for us.