Spectators who witnessed the goalless draw between newly promoted Ross County and Motherwell would not have anticipated that they were watching clubs that would finish fifth and second in the league.
This time around the new boys will be Partick Thistle and we'll be spared the need for the trip to Dens Park as Dundee were relegated. At least there will be some reduction in the season's travel costs.
Motherwell greet last season's new boys
In a move designed to give clubs some flexibility, fixtures will be listed for the winter break period between January 3 and January 17 although these games can be moved to the midweek dates on January 22 and 29. That option may suit some managers but it only adds more uncertainty to the calendar for fans. With the broadcasters Sky and BT to satisfy, Wednesday's announcement will be more of a wish list than a fixture list.
Motherwell's record in the opening fixture has been poor for many years. In the last 11 years we've recorded 2 wins, 3 draws and 8 defeats. The sorry tale is listed below.
|
Season
|
Against
|
Venue |
Score
|
Result |
Link |
|
12/13
|
Ross County |
a |
0-0 |
D |
|
|
11/12
|
Inverness |
h |
3-0 |
W |
|
|
10/11
|
Hibs | h | 3-2 | L | Report |
|
09/10
|
St Johnstone | a | 2-2 | D | Report |
|
08/09
|
Hearts
|
a
|
3-2
|
L
|
|
|
07/08
|
St Mirren
|
a
|
1-0
|
W
|
|
|
06/07
|
Rangers |
h
|
2-1
|
L |
|
|
05/06
|
Celtic
|
h
|
4-4
|
D
|
|
|
04/05
|
Celtic |
a |
2-0 |
L |
|
|
03/04
|
Dundee
|
h
|
2-0
|
L
|
|
|
02/03
|
Livingston
|
a
|
3-2
|
L
|
|
|
01/02
|
Dunfermline
|
a
|
5-2
|
L
|
|
|
00/01
|
Dundee |
h
|
2-0
|
L
|
|