This has to be one of the best days of the year. The expectation level is high, as usual, but this time if we lose it will not be a big deal. Cast your mind back to last year and remember the large ‘Well support at Dunfermline. Admittedly, we didn’t become abusive immediately, but that was because we were in shock. Now things have changed. The anticipation is not that we will win – we have reached a far higher level of support! – but that our team will battle like tigers for ninety minutes and no matter the score, they will have given their all and will have made us justifiably proud.
Motherwell fans are frequently criticised for not turning out in their numbers and not getting behind the team. On days like this, that changes. This year though, we need a season of great support. The team and the fans have never been closer and while it is hard, please remember to cheer them on, even when the first mis-placed pass finds the touchline at 3.02pm this afternoon.
We have been in difficult situations in the past and survived unscathed. Losing on the opening day of the season is far from the end of the world. Shattering the confidence of our youngsters by getting on their backs, could be disastrous.
For those of you going to Livi, or even contemplating it, here’s some useful info: going by car, get off the M8 at junction 3a and head for the town centre. Apparently, you cannot miss the stadium. By train, Livingston North is your best bet, but that means getting the 1014 or 1214 express from Motherwell and changing at Edinburgh. Livingston South station is on the Glasgow Central – Edinburgh line, although the last time I made this journey it took me about a week. You’ll also need to get to some place like Bellshill, Shotts or Cleland, as according to the timetable it doesn’t pass through Motherwell.
The Granary pub is just five minutes from the ground and was packed with ‘Well fans on our last visit. If this does not suit, there’s a place called Kittys and Corks about ten minutes further away.
See you all there!