Had anyone suggested as the season started that we would be occupying the runners up spot in mid-October they would have been taken as a joker. But the reality is that the players have earned the reward of seeing the club riding high and we owe that small band a huge vote of thanks for giving the fans a successful team to follow.
Motherwell have taken almost 2 points a game from the first ten SPL encounters. Defeats at the hands of Rangers and Celtic were viewed as a necessary evil but the only real disappointment was the home loss to St Johnstone. The six wins and a draw have given us a wonderful first cycle regardless of the upcoming game at Easter Road.
The manager has tried to dampen fans’ expectations ahead of games against the Glasgow teams but maybe our current status should encourage a more aggressive stance. After all, it is widely acknowledged that the big two are a poor a pair as we’ve seen for many years. Why shouldn’t we be the ones to break their monopoly – or more realistically, split them?
We know that our main weakness relates to our small squad size. However, it is remarkable how players can remain injury free in a winning team. Self discipline can be effective in eliminating suspensions and we have another transfer window in the winter that might deliver added depth if our finances allow.
The simplest way to give McCall more options in the next window is for the home crowd to increase. What better time than this to encourage friends and relatives who are fringe fans to make the effort and give the team the backing it deserves. There might even be a demand for half price season tickets!