There seems to be wide agreement that there was not much between the teams - apart from Grainger’s shot. Unfortunately there is also some agreement that our progress in the last third of the pitch lacked the sharpness needed to penetrate a well organised defence. That we haven’t scored a goal in the last three games bears witness to that.
Yet again it was evident that Hateley is able to contribute more to the team from the left back position rather than midfield. The injury to Hutchinson resulted in Hateley playing a half in each position just to confirm the widespread view.
It was no surprise to see a relatively small travelling support at the game. A £25 price at the turnstile for a televised game on a Sunday lunchtime was hardly designed to encourage many to travel from the west. It’s a mistake that may well be repeated on Friday when the other half of Edinburgh visits Fir Park for a Friday night game. When will those who are happy to negotiate the TV deals recognise the need to counter the detrimental effect the broadcasts have on pay at the gate attendance?
Me and my shadow
Motherwell will be charging the visiting Hibs fans £22 for entry to the South Stand later this week. The lure of a Friday night in the local, with the game on E$PN, will surely reduce the numbers in the stands. Last season we played Hibs on a Friday night (until the lights went out!) and had a very respectable crowd inside the ground. Prices were £10 and £5 at the gate and season ticket holders were encouraged to bring a friend for free.
As a first step on the way to making our game more affordable can’t the SPL clubs agree to reduce by half the prices that apply to games that have their kick-offs moved to suit the broadcasters?
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