The memory of the big keeper helps us to recall some of the names from his earlier spell with Motherwell - here's a team lin-up from 2004; Marshall, Corrigan, Hammell, Lasley (Quinn 85), Craigan, Partridge, Craig, Leitch (Adams 71), Clarkson, Pearson, Burns.
While it's always good to see a former servant making a return, in this case it also prompts the question, do we need a full time goalkeeping coach?
After all, we seem to have pinched Gordon from St Johnstone where he operated on a part time basis. If they can manage with a specialist coach for a few days a week why can't we?
Our budget is limited and the manager's last public comments about the transfer window suggested that the best we can expect is a couple of players on loan. The decision to invest some of his budget on another coach rather than add it to the pot for players must have been one that he and Kenny Black discussed at length.
What is it that a goalkeeping coach does? Drills along the lines of
- 'touch the post on your right and then I'll shoot to your left'
- 'I'll fire in ten high crosses from each wing and you catch them'
- 'kick ten dead balls to me as I mave along the half way line'
don't appear to need a wealth of experience to organise. There must be more to it than that - surely?
How is it possible to teach quick decision making when faced with the unpredictable nature of an attacking player? Repetition of set plays is all well and good but the ability to instill confidence and self belief must also be a necesarry skill of the man in charge of Randolph and hollis.
One fact is certain, Marshall has inherited a couple of excellent pupils and if he can work any sort of magic to improve their game then the allocation of some of our precious cash will have been worthwhile.