The ed has his rant.
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to Fir Park . .. it's the return of G.L.F.
And we'll stay back as long as you the fan and reader continue ( or start ) to contribute. So many people threaten to write but never do. If you feel you've a valid point to air then lets hear it. The fanzine can only survive if you breathe life into it. This issue was scheduled for the Hearts game but never made the deadline. But we're here now. Hopefully if the material comes in we'll be a lot more regular.
The 'Well have got off to a fair start this season. We could have been way out in front if not for two shockers. But then again consistency Is the thing all clubs strive for and few achieve. This season sees the first that we have come not to rely on Coop since his arrival, and ( with all due respect to the great one ) the team showed they can survive without him.
The introduction of Alex Burns was a breath of fresh air. This guy will go far, unfortunately. It's a sad indictment on the club that when I see a talent like his emerge, I instantly foresee the inevitable conclusion - his transfer. Thankfully the signing of Paul Lambert has fostered a belief that we are eventually going to build instead of dismantle. Recent line-ups have seen us put the emphasis on football even though it has not always worked out. The pre-season showing against Blackburn was a joy to watch with skilfully crafted moves pouring from the side. Against Hearts there were flashes of it again. That was what we are capable of if the confidence is there.
Phil and Chrissie got their long overdue full International call-ups with Phil gaining a cap, though who knows what will happen now that Roxburgh has gone. Hopefully Brown is of the same school of thought and believes in skilful young players from whatever club they play for. Wee Tommy will be pleased at all International honours gained by his players as caps mean pounds come the time we can't afford to keep them.
On Roxburgh himself - I reckon the guy did himself a great favour. The fact that he hadn't played for Rangers or Celtic and " Couldn't command the respect of players " ( as the all-knowing Gough put it ) seemed to be a millstone around his neck. The fact that he was the most successful Scottish manager or recent times, masterminding some marvellous performances with limited resources, seems to have been ignored. Successful club managers do not necessarily make good national coaches and I think that the SFA have finally got something right with the appointment of assistant Brown. He's a nice guy and deserves success.
On the transfer front we certainly shifted some merchandise about between Mag and September. Articles within comment further on our moves, but what about the £4m dollar man? I bet Mr Murray was grinding his teeth in frustration after watching Eoin Jess take the piss out his team while the Golden boy sat on the Rangers bench. I think they may have missed the boat there. To say they paid over the odds is an understatement. Perhaps Jim McLean foresaw off field events developing in the Classic Scottish way a la Baxter, Jinky and Mo Johnstone. 'Gers were certainly sucked in amidst all the hype of the situation - and in the salesman's classic " well, they're offering £1m more than you " sucker punch, they were taken all the way ! Brill.
Nice to see too that the ultimate conman, Lou Macari, was sent packing with his ludicrous offer for Phil and Rob. Tommy came out of the situation very well whilst the little fraudster scurried away with burnt Fingers and tail between the legs.
This season will see the start of work on the last remaining piece of terracing at Fir Park. Hopefully we will not have a repeat of the East Stand ( the cheap option ). We are definitely a Club on the up but the long suffering fans deserve facilities befitting them.
And nicely on to the fans, but starting on a sour note. Who were the bunch of dickheads singing " No Surrender " at the Thistle game ? How stupid it sounded. Who were they trying to get at? It's even sadder than listening to the auld squirm attempting to bait each other. Sadly I fear that this disease will not go away. Lets just keep applying the ointment and shout it down when it arises.
The away support at both McDiarmid and Partick was brill. Though it was ironic that the team " shit in the nest " at both venues.
Here's hoping this season sees the start of a new era at Motherwell after the lull in the wake of the Cup win.
Hope you enjoy this issue. Sadly there's no interview but this will be rectified come the next issue, hopefully with a real biggie. Remember. The fanzine can only survive if you want it to. Write to us. Your only other alternative is the programme. Enough said ? Ta ta for now. See you next issue.
M.Taylor
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