Well Up For It!

Have to totally agree with everything you have mentioned here dewell. Although, I'm sure Ayelik has already been sent home due to injury. If Falkirk go down we should look to some of there boys to bring up - maybe Higdon, Cregg, Barr, Arfield, etc. Would love to see us go for Leigh Griffiths, but think he will be poached by much bigger club. Also the boy Bob Harris at Queen of the South. Left back or left wing, terrific left foot.

Nah I think we should go for Vidic and Patrice Evra - the two of them have had great seasons!!!

I assume you mean CAN'T or CAN NOT cause if you meant can then ur post makes no sense whatsoever!!

With McGhee saying this it is clear to me he feels as let down after Saturday as we do. I think he is great manager for a club of our stature and I hope he is with us next season. It will be interesting to see how he turns this around and gets the players back on song. And totally agree the pitch is a major problem this season, and with a new surface next year we could be back to our best. On the 'Well!

Having read all the fallout from Saturdays gut wrenching performance, I've decided to put my oar in and have my two cence worth... With regards to Hammil playing on the left of midfield, I was delighted by this! I've been shouting for this all season, and while I thought Hammel wasn't exactly electric in that position i'd like to try him there again. While I feel Quinn did ok in the unfamiliar left back berth, I'd have put Reynolds there and either Quinn or McLean partnering Craggs in the centre. So ultimately, I'm not questioning McGhee's tactics at all. The thing he can take flak for is his delay in substitutions. As soon as St Mirren scored, the changes should have been made. We knew it was a win or bust game. That dissapointed me. However, the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of the players I'm afraid. They failed to turn up and let us down badly, and that was how McGhee felt as reflected in his comments after the match and the 45min dressing down. The people on here who are calling for McGhee's head, or questioning his ability to manage, etc are completely off the mark and I'm actually embarrassed you are fellow Well fans!! McGhee has worked miracles since he came here, introduced a good flowing football side and at times during his time as gaffer we have been electric! LAst season we punched way above our weight, and it was all done to McGhee's revolutionary ways. He was the second coming of Jesus last year, yet now he's a pariah!! Please!! There was four majory diffrences from this season and last: 1/ McCormack was never replaced, and thats probably due to financial issues. He was a major creative spark and was absolutely key for us last season. 2/ We had a horrific run of injuries Nov & Dec - sometimes we were fortunate to avoid last season. That is just bad luck 3/ The park is even worse than it was last season and is impossible to play free flowing attack minded football on it, which McGhee prefers and suits our squad best! 4/ And maybe most important, our consistent performers from last season have been off the boil this year including Clarkson, Hughes and Reynolds. They have let the team down at times, and not McGhee. While the three of them are key players, they need to up their game if they are at the 'Ark next season. And I hope with all my heart McGhee is still with us next season! He is a brilliant manager and he would be almost impossible to replace! Who would you realistic have? But as with always, we won't fully appreciate him untils he's gone! Yes I'm absolutely gutted at bottom six, but realistically Motherwell are a team that should be steering well clear relegation ever year as a priority, everything else is a bonus! I predict a changes over the summer and not just with players in and out, but a complete overhaul! As I result I think we will be fresher and hungrier next year. McGhee has a pride about him, which natural some don't like, but it makes him a passionate and determined manager! We should do what we do best and stick by McGhee and give him our whole support! And all the cynics should get a grip, unless they would rather have a dud like Malpas back! FFS appreciate what we've got and be grateful!! Anyway, rant over!

I'm with you on this - Aberdeen isn't the step forward McGhee craves. He will hang in with us until a good Championship job becomes avilable. I'm not worried about Aberdeen for a second. As a little side note, got an Aberdeen supporting mate and he says a lot of their fans want Darren Ferguson! Think thats a great shout should Calderwood leave. Still they are all moaning faced bar stewards! Calderwood has done a good job at the Dons considering their budget! They are still living in the 80's! Going out of a cup to a lower league team is no reason to demand the manger be sacked, especially when they are sitting 4th in the table!

Agree with the majority of what has already been said. I do hope Hughes stays for one more year. Think he will if McGhee stays - and the same maybe applies to Buzz. As much as I like Reynolds, I'd take a £1m for him but only if the majority was going to be re-invested into the team. Other than thats, whats the point? Young Saunders may be ready for the jump up next season, allowing a little competition for the Defence. I think there is a possibility Keef and McGarry could be off at the end of the season. The both are older players now and the lack of regular first team football could leave thewm wanting to go elsewhere. A few of the young boys such as DLS could be papped out on loan if suitable replacements are found. Think a lot is dependant on whether the reserves are still running next season (any news on that btw?) The main targets for the summer for me is The Klimp on a permanent deal and McGhee staying for one more year. They two things are vital to having a good season next year!

While I'm a bit miffed at the thought of a new home & away strip next season, I think we will be better off without Jaxx. Yeah maybe the money might not be as good, but they have caused countless problems with the bookies in Fir Park, the PHIL on the kids shirst fiasco, and god knows what else. Would be very interesting to hear the breakdown of the deal and just how much the club is getting shafted by this deal. Like Frazzle, I have also heard about strains in the relationship between Jaxx and the club revolving around things the club promised that they couldn't deliver on. However, I'm not sure if this went as far as to threats of legal action. I heard that it was in the contract to have Jaxx cut into the grass at Fir Park (aye what grass - before anyone else says it!) even though it was against SPL rules. And the same with the Nancy game, having their logo pulled off the shirt for French legal reasons caused their noses to be put out. That said, I firmly believe this to be the problem of the previous regime at Fir Park where things were clearly just promised as a deal breaker, without checking to see if it was both legal and feesible. I don't think we would have got the same backing from Jaxx had all these issues been dealt with berfore the deal was done. I have been completely encouraged by what Leeann has put in place during her tenure. Just shows that a wee bit of honest communication with customers (or fans) can go a long way. And on a side note, have to defend Frazzle in his right voice his concerns on what he has heard. If it is club related, then surely these boards are the place for it to be discussed?! As 'Well fans we are hardly likely to make up slander against our club. It would be interesting to know where Frazzle's info comes from, as I very much doubt that its the same place I heard from. So either the both of us are wrong - or you are on the defensive. And to be frank, I'd be more sceptical of a employee of the club coming out and firmly rebuffing any comments than two fans voicing their concerns. I think there is little doubt that at somepoint Jaxx would have been unhappy with the club, its what happens in business, but the question is to what extent.

Wasn't a huge fan of Pearsons the first time round - his passing was shocking and for the size of him was pathetic in the air - dynamite with the ball at his feet though. That said, he has much more experience now and surely he will be a better player than what he was when he left. Not heard of him much lately, but I'm sure McGhee can have an effect on him like he has with almost evryone else in the sqaud - most notably Clarkson and O'Brien. I wouldn't pay for him, but if we are getting him for nowt could provide decent competition.

Totally agree with Frazzle. Burley ain't the man for the job - we all know that, but I'm afraid it will take a humilating failure for the SFA to remove him. And Clarkson, as much as I'm a fan, isn't Scotland material. With that said though, I'd much prefer him to play as a lone striker than diddy Miller - who isn't good enough for pub football.

Much appreciated Cakes & Fatcalf! Talked to my Uncle and we think thats the game! So I'm technically gonna celebrate 20years a Well fan by watching Davie Clarkson score a double against Iceland?! Felt terrible that I couldn't mind much about my first Well game - but I do now! The fact it was a game that relegated Hamilton aswell!! If my papa was still living he'd not be pleased at that news - a diehard Celtic man, he played professional football pre-war for Accies and always had a distaste for Motherwell. Anyway, the stories on here are great reading. It's just interesting to see how many folk on here have chosen Well over other teams! Apologies for any problems with the poll. First time I've done one and I've fucked it up. If a mod wants to fix it so you don't have to answer part 2 if you answer part 1 aye I'd be much obligied!

Some great strories here.... It's amazing how many fans are not from a Motherwell supporting background and throught one reason or another have chosen to follow the 'Well. Decided to add a poll just to get an actual breakdown of these ere boards! Was wondering if anyone could give me details on my first game. It was against Hamilton and we won - that's all I know. I think it was 20years ago this week just now - March or April 1989. Would love to know the score and scorers if possible? EDIT: Can a mod please fix the poll?? Fucked it up!

I was talking to my uncle last night about The 'Well, with both of us being fans. He was joking that it was him that got me to follow the 'Well by taking me to games when I was a bairn. My old boy had tendancies toward Rangers - although he has gone to Well games with me and my bros over the years and calls himself a Motherwell fan now - and my Uncle took it upon himself to "recruit me!" I can remember my first game very vaguely - it was against Hamilton and I reckon it was 20years ago this week! It was at Fir Park, and all I can remember is complaining all game that I couldn't see for all the folk standing - was only 4 or 5. Was wondering if anyone could shed some light on this? Also would be interesting to hear what was folks first Motherwell games and why they became a Motherwell fan in the first place. For me it was a few factors: Was pulled between my mums Celtic daft side of the family and dads Rangers daft side of the family - so didn't want to upset any of them and picked a neutral team. Despite not being from Motherwell, it was my local club - well the best of my local clubs (ie Airdrie and Hamilton) The '91 Cup Final is probably the first game I can vividly remember - I was awestruck at the Stadium and atmosphere. My Uncle was a lifelong Well fan and season ticket holder who went out his way to take me to games with his son, my cousin who I looked up to when I was young. And...I remember meeting Tom Boyd when he came to our BB prize giving in 1990 (I think) and he was brilliant! Since then I've never looked back!

Certainly doesn't seem like 14years! Never forgotton - and he has Jamie and Phill to keep him company!

Just read the article there... After all the heartache she has endured, she still comes across as so humble and grateful. My best wishes are with Phil's family always, and it's heart warming to read Eileen's words and how she continues to do what she feels Phil would have wanted and so unbelievable strength in face of adversity. The bit about the minutes silence sent a shiver down my spine.

Think with the way results went at the weekend, we definately dropped 2pts! I fear this reult puts an end to our hopes of European football next year (unless we qualify through the fair play award!) and I'm now starting to feel a wee bit nervous about top 6! We MUST beat Aberdeen now!!

Agree 100% with everything said here, although I'd maybe have three tiers and allow a few smaller clubs in. I'd put financial structures in place to ensure clubs from going into admin mid season - similar to Germany! I'd re-do the deal with Live TV - encourage a package that covers all three tiers and stop the OF from taking the vast majority of the money like they do just now (if they don't like it they can fuck off!) I'd add a homegrown rule - that say 5 of the named squad have to be from the youht ranks of the club, and limit foreigners too. Add the much covented winter break over Jan, with Cup games the first game back last weekend in Jan. Dramatically reduce gate prices by pulling in a huge league sponsor, etc. Also possibility of adding a national wage cap in Scotland (say 15k a week). With these rules the emphasis will be on the young guys coming through and will improve competition and the state of our national team. And follow in the footsteps of the Rugby and allow drink to be consumed at grounds - starting by fasing it in at Hampden.

I agree with you dewell, only I'd put Hammell left mid, Reynolds left back and McLean or Quinn centre half and right back. Been on about how good Hammell would be on the left wing for ages now! His delivery is superb and we get more from him playing in that position, and I think Reynolds would be exceptional at left back.

Now that sounds a lot better! Maybe Mr.Boyle will hire your as his PR guru?!

That fact we are running in the black, making small profit year on year shows we have a tight control of the purse strings, and that brings with it a certain lack of ambition. Post administration Motherwell will always be a selling club, and every now and then we will have an O'Donnell or Faddy who is homegrown to sell for good money, but other than that we are punching above our weight in terms of club ambitions! ...but with the manager and squad we have just now we are definately there on merit!

I think the players will all be on diffrent amounts to reflect experience/ability. Also think that Clarkson and Quinn will be nearer the top, both having signed new deals in the last few years! Them, Big Boab and Hughes will prob be the biggest earners. Maybe Klimpl aswell if the Danish leagues average wage is higher than ours.

Thanks for this post Shaka, interesting to hear what is going on at the club from Boyle's point of view. Points from this... The stadium move doesn't suprise me for the simple fact we are living in a credit crunch and it will be 5 to 10 years for things to return to normal, and by that I mean get Fir Park back up to the value it was a few years back (8million I heard!) The idea of proper training facilities at Ravenscraig is exciting. I've heard rumours about this, with Motherwell College, University of the West of Scotland and Motherwell all putting together to build a sport complex to rival Stirling Uni and Herriot Watt (where Falkirk and Hearts train respectively) and this could only be beneficial to our youth development. Good to hear we are in the black again, but with the figures mentioned I don't know if we will be this year! The majority of the 20k wage hike would have gone to McGhee and Leitch if there wages were reportedly doubled. But it's quite dissapointing to read that with the sale of MacDonald, Rosco money, Porter and Lee McCulloch sell-on clause that I didn't know about, coupled with our European adventure, that we only made £400,000k profit! Scary to think where it all goes - and with no mention of Faddy money I take it that has all gone strait to creditors right enough. I wonder how much of that money has been spent on admin? It's been a busy season for them with new websites, new ticket systems, a CRM system, new programme, etc. Wonder how much all that cost?! Not cheap I bet! Good to hear that plans are outlayed to fix the pitch, but thought turfing would be the better option. Never had a problem with ticketing, but understood a lot did with Nancy and season tickets which is not really acceptable - although I think the club was right to offer season ticket holders priority. Glad they have plans to improve on it. Not fixing the PA is a absolute joke!! That's all I can say about that! All in all, interesting reading and some issues/points raised and answered here.

Can we not sign him permanetley now?! I know it's outwith the transfer window and all, but he is already a registered Well player with the SPL til the end of the season so should have no effect if the move becomes permanent! That said, I take this news with a pinch of salt. I think his current mob would be foolish to let him go for nothing and may look to milk some dough out us!

Probably Kirky or Maxwell cause the Final is one of the first games I can remeber and they two stood out. Although, the only poster of a Motherwell player I've ever had up on my wall was Mitchell Van Der Gaag! Right next to Oh-Ah Cantona!

It's not about the reduced gate... It's the fact they are charging away fans more than their own fans!!