Mike's Moan - Onwards And Upwards

Last updated : 29 August 2006 By Mike

In my eyes the Falkirk game was a massive improvement on our previous performances, mainly because of the players' work rate. Our play was not always pleasant on the eye and our passing went astray at times but the majority in claret and amber ran themselves into the ground for the win which was great to see. Motherwell are never going to have a team of world beaters but what we do need is high-tempo workers who will hassle and niggle the opposition throughout the ninety minutes. Keith Lasley is the perfect example of this. He has come back a better player than before and he works his socks off for the whole game. If the rest of the players can follow his example I think we will have little to worry about this season and could even push for the top six.

The forward line also looked better with Macdonald and Elliot playing, both of whom also worked hard all afternoon. Elliot still looks a touch raw, but he led the line well and had some nice touches - enough to presume that he will be a good signing. I was also pleased to read in one of the Sunday papers that he does not see his future at Hearts and that he is desperate to extend his loan spell to the end of the season. This might offer us some faint hope of signing him but I fear if he plays well another club with more money will come in for him.

Even though things are looking up for the team, none of us should be fooled into thinking we do not need more signings before the transfer window. A defender and another midfielder are a must, as our squad if wafer thin in these positions. There have been various reports about the Danny Murphy situation, some saying we are signing him now some saying he is coming in January on a pre-contract agreement. If he is as good as some of the Cork City fans are saying surely we should pay a little extra to get him in now, as he is supposedly “fast”, “hard in the tackle”, and “has a great left foot” - all the attributes we need.

We also need cover in midfield as if anything happens to Lasley or Kerr we are struggling. Fitz could play in the centre, but I think his best position is attacking up the left side where he can use his pace and where there is less pressure on him. I'm sure MM could rustle up another centre midfielder loan signing before the deadline, were we not linked with Lawson from Celtic??? Lets keep our fingers crossed, and if MM gets the players in I for one will be right behind him!!!

Oh and one more thing, for god sake Maurice please drop Kevin McBride!!!

MM