There's no doubt that the sizeable injury list has prevented the selection of the manager's preferred team. The realisation that SPL survival is all but assured could have had an unwanted side effect. It would be hoped that freedom from the threat of relegation could lead to a more relaxed approach but that has not been evident. Instead, a frantic long ball game has developed.
Malpas has made several comments this season based on the theme of Motherwell playing ugly and winning ugly'. Our problem at the moment is that we're playing ugly and losing.
None of this should detract from the fact that we have survived for another season in the top flight. While we may complain at the quality of the product on the pitch, there can be little doubt that dropping down a division would do nothing to aid the development of silky soccer.
Most of the squad have a couple of weeks to get into the right shape, mentally and physically, for the last eight games of the season.
Preparation for the next campaign has to be the top priority but it would be nice if a wee bit of entertainment was thrown in to keep the fans interested.