Yes, the halls are decked, Wenceslas is enjoying Steven's feast and little drummer boys have gifts for you, right up in there bums! It's Christmas week and the giving of gifts has begun!
What's that SPL/SFA? You want to give Steve Jennings a gift? Quite right, after all he did get punched in the belly off of Jim ( Only one leopard print jacket away from getting a gig on The Crystal Maze) Goodwin at the weekend, and after all your attempts to suspend him in the last 12 months, I would say he deserves something from you. Oh, wait, it's an offer of a 2 game ban for touching Goodwin in the face, after almost having his legs taken off at the knee? I wouldn't bet on him appreciating the gesture....
Despite my facetious little sketch there, I do find it rather diabolical that Jenno has been taken to task for his involvement in Saturday's melee. He was booked at the time, which was more likely for the hack on McLean than for anything else, but for him to incur the same charge as Goodwin is ridiculous. I am all in favour of the fast track disciplinary system, when it is used to good effect for the purpose it is fit for, and I can see why Jennings has been collared, as the rules state you can't lift your hands to an opponent, BUT, Goodwin's clear stomach buster was intended to be far more than a wee scrunched face.
Aluko and Pawlett have rightly been carpeted for diving, while Gary O'Connor got away with the exact same thing. With Pawlett, I'd imagine his red card will be appealed and he will get banned for the dive, which is a ridiculous state of affairs as well. I just think they need to find a line and stick to it. Fast tracking is all well and good, but it is resulting in players getting harsher sentences than they would merit if caught in a game. The punishments are not fitting the crime. Santa, if you are listening, please give the SPL/SFA a clue and some consistency, I'd imagine they'd be thankful of it.
This time of year usually brings with it Claret and Amber gifts galore. In my younger days, I could always bank on getting that season's away kit off my Aunt Helen, which was a tradition for many a year. I remember getting the luminous Shivute kit and going up the park after Christmas lunch to play football in the dark, to see if it would glow. It didn't, it got absolutely mockit. That tradition seems to have carried on with my nephew Aiden, who will no doubt be enveloped in the Lucky Silver kit come Sunday morning, as well as a host of other Well related goodies.
The range of stuff in The Well Shop just now is actually pretty sweet and I'm sure many Well fans will awake to some Puma made garments on Christmas day. While not a massive fan of trackie tops, I am quite impressed with the fare we have, even the cheekily named "Hampden" white tracksuit. Other than the kits for this season, the claret post match polo is probably the nicest bit of Well wear I've seen for a while. (Mum, if you're reading this...medium). I'll probably have a rake around in there before shooting off to Tynecastle on Saturday morning.
The Club has got in on the festive spirit by putting on free buses for the Supporters Association to make the trip to Edinburgh, which is a great move. Our away performances have been far superior to our home form, and the noise of the lads who regularly travel is fed upon by the team. By incentivising a few hundred more fans to travel East, we can hopefully treat them to a fine display at a stadium we do not always get a result in. I have only been to Tynie once before,and it ended in a 2-0 defeat with Kevin Christie being sent off. Hopefully Christmas Eve will give us a festive away win.
Finally, here's my Motherwell Santa list for this year.
7 points from the next 9, (Hearts, Dunfermline, Rangers...)
Another Scottish Cup run, with more than the Elgin game at home.
Inverness to make the Top Six for another weekend in the Highlands.
To not lose any key players in January.
Bring in quality where needed in the window.
To stay 3rd for the rest of the season, if not higher....
Not much to ask for is it?
Merry Christmas folks and have a Happy New Year when it comes! The Podcast will be back better than before in the New Year and will be looking for contributions from my readers, so keep your eyes and ears peeled in 2012.
Up The Well!
Wednesday 21 December 2011
Friday 16 December 2011
MOTHERWELL FC: ALWAYS LOOK ON THE....
Agenda, stance and perspective are a wonderful thing. As the year looks to slip away under the snow dirfts and general #Bawbaggery of the weather, I've become rather contemplative about what 2011 has thrown up for me. If I look at it from one stance, it's been a bit of a shiter of a year.
This ranges from the mundanity of having to commute for over an hour each way, each day to work and putting weight back on which I'd tried hard to banish forever, to more serious matters. The more serious matters being having to move out of a flat which wasn't too great to begin with, due to what the Beano or The Dandy would describe as a dastardly villain.
Watching an episode of Glee used to end with me feeling a bit dirty as it was a guilty pleasure, but only one of them ended with my downstairs gem of a neighbour "allegedly" setting fire to my abode. Apparently, in a Spinal Tap like way, you can't fingerprint scorch marks. Anyways, that was probably the primary low, exacerbated by the stress of trying to find a new place to live. On top of this, saving for our impending wedding has not gone quite as to plan as we would have hoped, and earning less than I know I could be in my current job has put a dampener on my exponential spending. Indeed, to top the year off, I failed at the second hurdle to get a job, that I hoped would set up 2012 as a year to remember.
If I was a pessimist, I would look at that year and give a good old Ron Simmons style "DAMN!". However, that is one perspective. Another perspective could be that 2011 has been a pretty darn good year.
I moved back home in to the welcoming arms of my family, who I needed for a lot of support during previously mentioned times. I have a steady job, which, while I am looking to find something that gives me a better wage, is a job which pays me enough to let me get by and afford some luxuries. I live in a cracking wee house with the woman I love, which we are slowly but surely making a home. We went to Canada in April which was amazing and have recently purchased our first car, which I can drive, having passed my driving test 8 years after failing due to someone else's incompetence. I have grown within my job, to a level where I can do it to a decent level, and have also gained part time work with the football club that is closest to my heart.
And this is where the football stuff kicks in. Throughout the good and bad of the last 12 months, there has been one constant (other than my Mrs), the like of which I haven't seen in the 17 years I've been going to Fir Park. Motherwell Football Club have had one of the most successful 12 months I have been grateful to be a part of.
When Stuart McCall took over from Craig Brown 52 weeks ago, the club was in a bit of a suspended state. Having given his word that he would stick by us, Pa Broon left to count corner kicks in Aberdeen. When McCall came in, many had trepidation over his appointment, but a year on, there is no doubt he is Mr Right, not just Mr Right Now, as perhaps Brown and Knox had been. From December to May, Stu Mc took us to Hampden twice and gave us a fantastic run in the Scottish Cup, culminating in our first Scottish Cup Final in 20 years. The result was dissapointing, and some thought the ceiling had been hit too early. However, since the arse end of July, he has kept us in the upper echelons of the SPL, thanks to the team ethic he has instilled at the club.
This has been aided by the experienced core of our team. Messrs Craigan, Lasley and Hammell have been in outstanding form this season, bringing on the players around about them. The tenacity of players like Jennings, Hutchinson and Murphy has been evident in varying forms throughout the year, and the signings of Nicky Law, Omar Daley and Tim Clancy have had impacts that have spurred the team on to some outstanding performances as well as hard ground wins.
Pundits always say the sign of a good team is when they can get a victory when they don't play at their best. The games this season at Inverness and Aberdeen are examples of that. Tom Hateley's late winner against Caley was one of the most joyous goals I have ever seen scored by a Well player, as it signified the fight that the team has. Having lost only 4 games all season, 3 to the Old Firm, no 'Well fan should have reason to gripe.
But they will. There is always something, whether it's Michael Higdon's weight/jumping/running/ability being questioned, Chris Humphrey's hot and cold blowing or whatever they muster up in the chat rooms, there will always be a negative to cuddle all of our positives. But that's where perspective kicks in again.
Everyone has the agency to look at things from whatever angle they want, and while sometimes things get a bit heavy, other times they are purely majestical. So, when the time comes to put 2011 to bed, in some ways I'll be glad to see the back of it, and in others, I'll be wishing it could stay up a little longer.
Mon The Well and Mon 2012, give me your best shot!
This ranges from the mundanity of having to commute for over an hour each way, each day to work and putting weight back on which I'd tried hard to banish forever, to more serious matters. The more serious matters being having to move out of a flat which wasn't too great to begin with, due to what the Beano or The Dandy would describe as a dastardly villain.
Watching an episode of Glee used to end with me feeling a bit dirty as it was a guilty pleasure, but only one of them ended with my downstairs gem of a neighbour "allegedly" setting fire to my abode. Apparently, in a Spinal Tap like way, you can't fingerprint scorch marks. Anyways, that was probably the primary low, exacerbated by the stress of trying to find a new place to live. On top of this, saving for our impending wedding has not gone quite as to plan as we would have hoped, and earning less than I know I could be in my current job has put a dampener on my exponential spending. Indeed, to top the year off, I failed at the second hurdle to get a job, that I hoped would set up 2012 as a year to remember.
If I was a pessimist, I would look at that year and give a good old Ron Simmons style "DAMN!". However, that is one perspective. Another perspective could be that 2011 has been a pretty darn good year.
I moved back home in to the welcoming arms of my family, who I needed for a lot of support during previously mentioned times. I have a steady job, which, while I am looking to find something that gives me a better wage, is a job which pays me enough to let me get by and afford some luxuries. I live in a cracking wee house with the woman I love, which we are slowly but surely making a home. We went to Canada in April which was amazing and have recently purchased our first car, which I can drive, having passed my driving test 8 years after failing due to someone else's incompetence. I have grown within my job, to a level where I can do it to a decent level, and have also gained part time work with the football club that is closest to my heart.
And this is where the football stuff kicks in. Throughout the good and bad of the last 12 months, there has been one constant (other than my Mrs), the like of which I haven't seen in the 17 years I've been going to Fir Park. Motherwell Football Club have had one of the most successful 12 months I have been grateful to be a part of.
When Stuart McCall took over from Craig Brown 52 weeks ago, the club was in a bit of a suspended state. Having given his word that he would stick by us, Pa Broon left to count corner kicks in Aberdeen. When McCall came in, many had trepidation over his appointment, but a year on, there is no doubt he is Mr Right, not just Mr Right Now, as perhaps Brown and Knox had been. From December to May, Stu Mc took us to Hampden twice and gave us a fantastic run in the Scottish Cup, culminating in our first Scottish Cup Final in 20 years. The result was dissapointing, and some thought the ceiling had been hit too early. However, since the arse end of July, he has kept us in the upper echelons of the SPL, thanks to the team ethic he has instilled at the club.
This has been aided by the experienced core of our team. Messrs Craigan, Lasley and Hammell have been in outstanding form this season, bringing on the players around about them. The tenacity of players like Jennings, Hutchinson and Murphy has been evident in varying forms throughout the year, and the signings of Nicky Law, Omar Daley and Tim Clancy have had impacts that have spurred the team on to some outstanding performances as well as hard ground wins.
Pundits always say the sign of a good team is when they can get a victory when they don't play at their best. The games this season at Inverness and Aberdeen are examples of that. Tom Hateley's late winner against Caley was one of the most joyous goals I have ever seen scored by a Well player, as it signified the fight that the team has. Having lost only 4 games all season, 3 to the Old Firm, no 'Well fan should have reason to gripe.
But they will. There is always something, whether it's Michael Higdon's weight/jumping/running/ability being questioned, Chris Humphrey's hot and cold blowing or whatever they muster up in the chat rooms, there will always be a negative to cuddle all of our positives. But that's where perspective kicks in again.
Everyone has the agency to look at things from whatever angle they want, and while sometimes things get a bit heavy, other times they are purely majestical. So, when the time comes to put 2011 to bed, in some ways I'll be glad to see the back of it, and in others, I'll be wishing it could stay up a little longer.
Mon The Well and Mon 2012, give me your best shot!
Wednesday 30 November 2011
MOTHERWELL FC: QUITE A SOMBRE BLOG...
Haven't blogged on The Well for a while due to being super busy with lots of other stuff going on, so I suppose now is as good a time as any for a catch up. Not a lot has changed in the world of Motherwell FC since my last blog, we have fallen to third since losing to Celtic a few weeks back and have re-signed Stephen Hughes, but that's really it.
Despite the Celtic loss, the season has continued in the same vein as it began. We have ground out results away from home, while finding it a little bit tougher at Fir Park. It's hard to believe we are now in to the 2nd round of SPL games, and have only played 3 home games that have had a 3pm Saturday kick off. the opening day win over Inverness, the heavy defeat to St Johnstone and the weekend's draw with Dundee United are the only home games we've had with a traditional kick off, with the rest being lunchtimes, Sundays, Sunday lunchtimes or midweek fixtures. Is it possibel that the change in kick off times week i week out is breaking the team's momentum, therefore resulting in below par Fir Park performances? Probably not, but it certainly makes it frustrating for the fans.
This Friday night sees yet another home game played at an unusual time, when Hibs visit for the secodn time this season. Pat Fenlon's first game in charge of the Hibees will be played under floodlight to a crowd paying an encouraging reduced price, nullifying the whole idea behind Friday Night Football. The experiment is to see if it is a success, but reducing the costs will surely not give the desired answers to that question. From a club point of view, it is a good idea to generate interest in the club, and if it brings a few hundred more through the gates, then it may serve well in the long run, but from an SPL point of view, I don't think it will garner the facts they need to implement it permanently.
Anyone making their way to Fir Park on Friday night, will get a chance to have a look at the "10" artwork, commemroating Phil O'Donnell on the side of the POD Stand. Erected by the MST on Saturday, it has split opinion on it's aesthetics, but just ahving the meorial there has been received positively by the fans. It was rather poignant (at leats I felt it was) that it was put up last weekend, just hours before news broke on the death of Gary Speed.
When Elaine came down the stairs to tell me she had heard some Welsh footballer had died, I was thinking someone a bti older like Neville Southall or John Toshack or even Ian Rush. When I found out it was the Welsh manager, i was taken aback, more than I thought I would be. I quickly put on Sky Sports News and sure enough the ashen faced presenters were intervieiwng former colleagues of Speed, their voices cracking in disbelief on muffled phone lines. I turned over to the Swansea v Aston Villa game and again the commentators had that reverential tone reserved only for tragedy.
Watching the minutes silence, which turned in to a minutes appreciation, it was hard not to have a lump in my throat. Many of the Swansea and Villa players and staff had known or been in contact with Gary Speed at some point in their careers, Shay Given probably the closest to him due to the time they spent at Newcastle. As the players lined up around the centre circle, the emotion running through all of them was tangible. The eulogy the PA man gave to signal the 60 seconds of remembrance, followed by the mascot kicking the ball off the centre circle while all around bowed their heads, to me at least, raised a smile. Not through morbidness or anything like that, but it kind fo embodied the sentiment that every player and manager seemed to emit. Going ahead with the game is what he would have wanted.
The day Phil died, I was relying on Firparkcorner.com and the BBC website to tell me what had happened. I was at work, selling phones to kids and students whose Christmas money was burning mobile shaped holes in their pockets. I had been getting excited every time the goals showed up on the screen, Clarkson having a great game, that would go unseen. The BBC said that Phil had collapsed and was taken to Wishaw general. while rumour and conjecture spiralled on the forums as to his wellbeing. It wasn't until I got in to my mate Jamie's car and got back to our flat, that I found out he'd gone. I was numb and disbelieving that this could happen. It brought back memories of finding out Davie Cooper had died, or even young Andy Thompson, and was brought back to memory when Jamie Dolan and Paul McGrillen departed.
For a generation of Well fans, this was one of the darkest days in the club's history, as the Uncle Phil played such a vital part in one of our brightest. With Gary Speed, his future was just beginning. Every report has listed his achievements, so I'm not going to regurgitate them, but it was his work with the Welsh national team, that was looking to cast his legacy in stone. We'll never know if his influence from his playing days would spark a revolution in the Valleys that would lead them to the World Cup, but he certainly had them on their way, most recently with a 4-1 win over Norway. being drawn with scotland in the qualifiers was soemthing Speed had been vocal about welcoming in the past few weeks, and form all around him, he seemed to be loving life. A life that he took himself.
This is a blog, not a forum for me to go in to my thoughts on suicide, moreso as there are no facts to back up any particular reason as to why he would do it. I can kind of compare it to former wrestler, Chris Benoit. The Candian grappler took his own life, after killing his wife and son about 4 years ago, when he was due to be made Champion on of the WWE's brands. At first, the WWE came out in praise of his attributes and accomplishments, before knowing the ins and outs of his and his family's death. In a complete U-turn, they scrubbed Benoit from their history books and DVDs.
Now I am not saying that Gary Speed was capable of the same thing, but no matter the outcome of the inquest, I will choose to remember him as a footballer over any other attribute he had. While not being a hero as such of mine, someone as well lauded as Gary Speed should be remembered for what he gave to the game we love.
Sorry for bringing everyone down with this by the way, just wanted to get my thoughs out on it.
Anyway, here's to this Friday and another 3 points for the Well!
KJ
Friday 21 October 2011
MOTHERWELL FC: COMING IN YOUR EYES.
This weekend sees the focus down Fir Park way turn televisual. Not only do The Well face Kilmarnock in a lunch time kick off on Sky on saturday, but Friday sees the launch of MFC TV, Motherwell's online stop for all things visual.
It has been a long while in the oven for Alan "Flow" Burrows, the main man at Motherwell when it comes to media, and if it is successful, should hopefully enhance the ways in which we supporters can enjoy our club. With a monthly subscription of £4.99, fans can get access to classic highlights, up to date footage, club centric interviews, coverage of the U-19 teams endeavours and much more.
Viewers will also get to hear the dulcet tones of Graham Barnstaple and Alex Horsburgh on match days for a Motherwell tinged Radio coverage on match days. As well as myself and occasionally Alan Temple on reporting and Tweeting duties, the match day experience, home and away, is going to be significantly better than what it is at present.
The subscription will be a 2 way thing, providing those who pay for it with a vast amount of footage of all things claret and amber, with their money going towards helping the club finaincially. Other SPL sides have their own video sections with varying degrees of coverage, but MFC TV seems to be going all out with what it is offerring.
As someone who probably spends more time online during a working day than he probably should, this will be a welcome distraction for me at lunch times, if I am able to watch some archived highlights, interviews and so on along with my Pot Noodle. Trolling Youtube for 'Well related stuff will be a thing of the past. I can see it becoming bookmarked alongside TV-links.eu and NHL.com for my mid day viewing pleasure.
And hopefully I won't be the only one. The online channel's success will rely mainly on the fans who subscribe, and having seen a fair bit of the work that has gone in to it, I really do hope that a lot of fans come on board for it. For those who have signed up to The Well Society, I believe they get it as part of one of their packages, so have already helped contribute to it's quality.
Hopefully the first radio broadcast will bring with it a result as Kilmarnock come to FP tomorrow lunchtime. If I wasn't at the game, I'd be really tempted to have it on on the Sky with the MFC TV commentary blocking out the audio drivel from the TV.
Based on how the season has panned out, it should be a cracker of a game. Based on it being live on TV, it probably won't. Hopefully Killie will be as generous as they were in the second half of their game last week and cave at the back. Tim Clancy lines up against his ex team mates for the first time, and I would maybe fancy him to trouble them from set pieces. He has come close in the last few games and has been solid in the last 3 or 4 matches alongside Craigan.
With Hutchinson almost back to full fitness, Stuart McCall certainly has a dilemma. Does Hutch walk back in to the team, or will Tim keep him benched? Would both play, moving Hateley in to midfield at the expense of someone else? It's defnitiely a tough call.
The performance of Michael Higdon in the last 2 games has been far better than in his last home game agaisnt Aberdeen. I would hope the boo boys would be off his back by now, or at leats enough to let him settle in to the game tomorrow. If he shows the tenacity and workrate of last week, then hopefully he will be cheered off the park as opposed to heckled like last time.
It's rare that a game against Kilmarnock is billed as a potentially entertaining match, but the way both teams are playing, it should be. Heffernan and Shiels have been on top form and if Cammy Bell is fit, it could be a battle fo the goalie's just like at Rugby Park in August. Attacking wise, I'd say both teams are as dangerous as one another, but at the back is where I see Motherwell winning out. Losing 3 second half goals from an unthinkable position last week will hopefully be lingering in the Killie backline's minds, and if deployed correctly, Murphy, Humphrey and maybe even Daley should run them ragged.
I'm going for a 2-0 home win, that would see us 6 points clear of Celtic and 4 behind Rangers for a few hours at least. I'll just need to work out which way to watch the highlights.
Up The Well!!
Saturday 8 October 2011
Friday 7 October 2011
MOTHERWELL FC: QUITE A LARGE METAPHORICAL BLOG ABOUT PHONES AND FOOTBALL
MOTHERWELL FC: QUITE A LARGE METAPHORICAL BLOG ABOUT PHONES AND FOOTBALL
Originally I was going to write this week's blog comparing the Old Firm and Motherwell and the lack of acknowledgement motherwell have had in ebing second in the SPL, with the launch of the new iPhone. Then Steve Jobs died and I thought it would maybe be a little disrespectful. Then Steve Jennings got arrested and I considered blogging my thoughts on that, but with no real facts other than that he got sent off and bets were made, I thought it would maybe end up a little libellous. So I went back to my original idea of ragging on the iPhone.
I've worked in mobiles for 6 years and the impact that the iPhone has had on the industry is staggering. However, it does split opinion due to it's blanket appeal to an initial niche market. The way that it has taken over the mobile world is testament to the genius and innovation of Steve Jobs who passed away this week. While using an iPhone myself, I am by no means an Apple enthusiast, but make use of the varied things it is capable of doing. I know that other phones can do the same things I use it for, but I got a fairly good discounted staff deal on it, so price was a factor in my choosing. the following blog may make me seem hypocritcal, but i stand by it.
So, working in the mobile phone industry like I do, the most frustrating time of year is nigh upon me and my colleagues. Each year Apple release their latest wunderkind of a phone, leaving Applephiles and technophobes frothing at the thumbs in anticipation of it.
From first look at the iPhone 4S, it is not as impressive as some were hoping for. Indeed a number of current smartphones are doing similar, if not better things than the new iPhone, with the 4S looking to be an intermediary phone before the inevitable iPhone 5 next year.
In the mobile sales industry, it is very easy to sell the iPhone. Everyone has one, so everyone else wants one, regardless of the cost, what they need it for and what it does. In my role, I am encouraged to find the customers needs over their wants, usually resulting in me trying to get them away from thinking Apple.
It is only because the iPhone is such an iconic bit of kit, that most people want it, without understanding that there are many phones that can do what the customer needs the phone to do that would be cheaper and better suited to them. Alas, they all want iPhone.
Where does this tie in with Motherwell FC? Well, it's a tenuous link, but here goes...
All the focus of last weekend's SPL results was on the fact that Rangers would go 10 points clear of Celtic if they were to win and their green and white foes lost. That, indeed, is a fact. While Celtic's defeat to Hearts perhaps wasn't a shock, it certainly wasn't expected either. Off the back of a decent performance against Udinese, and with Tynecastle being the sight of the attack on neil lennon last season, Celtic should by all accounts have been more up for the fight. Already 10 points behind Rangers form the previous day, they should have gone at Hearts to show some mettle.
But they didn't. Fat Kris Commons got himself sent off for being a twat and they got beat 2-0. At this early stage in the season, Celtic have a huge 10 point deficit to make up to catch Rangers in the battle for 1st and 2nd. Celtic are certainly coming off second best so far, being so far behind Rangers in 3rd place.....that's right 3rd place. 10 points behind in THIRD. Not 10 points behind in SECOND place.
That's because Motherwell are sitting proudly in 2nd, only 9 points behind the leaders. This is down to Motherwell having more points than Celtic, and getting a crucial 3-1 away win at Tannadice last weekend to keep them there. This is where the first bit starts to make sense.
The Old Firm are like iPhones. They have a core, staunch fan base that will do anything to prove their love for their brand. They attract followers who have the philosophies, whether positive or negative, ingrained in their fibre. They can not see past what they believe in. At the other end of the spectrum, they attract fans which like to take the easy route, they like the status of associating themselves with the particular product over it's functionality. Every year there is a new version of both teams and phone and for all the hype surrounding them, the performance is markedly similar.
Both the Old Firm and iPhones/Apple can do very little wrong in the eyes of the media, even when underperforming. The signal issue that dogged the iPhone 4 threatened to tarnish Apple's reputation of releasing premium handsets, but a clever marketing ploy to sell more accessories glossed over this. The problems of the Old Firm, while by no means glossed over by the media, do have a certain bias leaned towards them. Indeed, very little praise was heaped on Hearts for their win at the weekend, as the focus shifted to Celtic's shortcomings, such is the nature of the coverage of our league.
All of this is understandable. As the most popular brands within their field, they will attract a large share of interest based on what they produce, whether good or bad. What this then creates is an unbalanced playing field for their competitors, where ignorance and poor judgement takes over.
Very few people have congratulated Motherwell on getting to this stage of the season splitting the Old Firm. Likewise, not many people are hailing the advances in mobile technologies that don't come from Apple HQ. The majority of conversations I will be forced to have with customers at work in the coming months will centre on the iPhone 4S. Regardless of how much I tell them that they can have a less costly phone that does the same thing, sometimes better things, they will revert to wanting Steve Jobs' last creation.
It's the same when talking to Rangers and Celtic fans about why they support their side of the division. I don't have exact figures, but I would imagine that Celtic and Rangers have as many, if not more fans, who never go to see there teams at home or away. they support from afar, happy to see a team that they perhaps support because their Grandad did, or because they think it's cool to be a gloryhunter, without actually experincing it for themselves. In know way am I being ignorant to the costings of being a football fan, as it is an expensive sport to follow, particularly if you are a follower of the Old Firm.
Again this is a similar thing I speak of with customers re their choice of phone. If you want premium, you pay premium. What many of them don't understand, is that while they want the premium because it is premium, they don't need it. They want an iPhone for Facebook. Get a cheap Samsung. They need a 64GB iPhone for emailing. Get a Blackberry. Cheaper, better suited alternatives are available. If you can afford to not take advantage of all the benefits of it that is fine too. The point I am making is that people who see success in something they don't particularly require can be blinkered to other things that do the job just as well.
The appeal of always being on top is there for those who like the easy, safe option. For everything else there are alternatives, and as such, they should be acknowledged just as much. At my previous place of mobile phone employment, I got in a shedload of trouble for not getting fully behind the iPhone, as I had the viewpoint that we had other better performing phones that we could sell just as well if given the same backing by the company. I am not sorry for it and still hold to that philosophy.
Maybe I just love an underdog story, being a Motherwell fan, I am well versed in it. But all I am asking is for people to give credit where it is due. You take Rangers and Celtic out of the SPL, which they are forever saying they wish for, and Motherwell are running away with the league. The football from not only Motherwell (in patches this season), but from Kilmarnock, St Johnstone, St Mirren (earlier stages), has been very good, and not enough credit has been given to them for it.
While the focus of the SPL will always be on the plights of Rangers and Celtic, merit needs to be given to the teams who stand toe to toe with them. While they may not have the brand awareness or the award/trophy winning history of their more dominant competitors, Motherwell offer an alternative to the norm, a different operating system but performing the same function. Just like phones these days all do the same thing but with little tweaks here and there, the SPL consists of 12 teams not 2. Consider them every now and then.
I could go on and on extending this metaphor, but I think that will do. The SPL frustrates me just as much as my job as so much focus is put on on particular brand or product, that it makes it hard for anything else to get noticed. hopefully, come the end of the season, the underdogs will be making themselves just as noticed as the old familiar ones.
KJ
Up The Well!
Sent From My iPhone
Thursday 22 September 2011
MOTHERWELL FC: WE'RE ALL DOOMED!!!
MOTHERWELL FC: WE'RE ALL DOOMED!!!
As the title suggests, now that we have lost to St Johnstone and Hibs in the space of 4 days, we are destined for a relegation battle for the rest of the season. Out of the League Cup, losing goals at a rate of knotts, lazy players, not enough dig, inept tactics, subs not coming on soon enough... Motherwell are back to being genuinely rubbish.
Or so you would think going by the reaction of a number of Well fans to our last 2 games. A number o four faithful support, including myself, are becoming more and more miffed at not "competing" against the Old Firm, moreso in light of Falkirk pumping Rangers out on Wednesday night. However, that is something we go through every season, so while it hurts, it is a little expected.
The loss to St Johnstone however has had many up in arms. The players showed little of the signs of the skills we have seen of them for the most part of this season, and they knew it. St Johnstone were the better team on the day and out fought us in every area. Cliche ahoy, it was a bad day at the office.
Tuesday night's game needed a reaction from the players and to a certain extent the Well fans got it, although some of them refuse to see it. After playing very poorly and being 1-0 down after around 20 minutes, the lads finally kicked in to gear and by half time were 2-1 up. This was done by playing the type of football the fans had become accustomed to from the start of the season.
It was a game that had more chances than the glorious 6-6 game of 2 seasons ago. The defending by both teams was just as shocking as that night, meaning that the forwards for both teams created, scored and missed a host of chances. The lousy defending showed how harsh it can be when Craigan's dallying on the half way line led to the equaliser.
Despite McHugh having his legit goal disallowed, The Well crashed out of the cup on penalties, the cruelest way for a game of so much excitement to end. The inquests then began.
Since Tuesday night I have read about how McCall is rewarding losers by playing them each week, how his tactics don't suit the players capabilities, how he is not giving the youngsters a chance, and mainly how Higdon is a fat waste of a jersey. This makes me irate.
I know Motherwell fans are not the only fans who are a fickle bunch most of the time but seriously: GET A GRIP.
Yes, the last 3 results have been disappointing, and we haven't been at out best, bit we are Motherwell, not Barcelona. If we had players capable of being brilliant in every position every single week, then we wouldn't have these players at all. Currently, we sit 3rd in the SPL and are only out of the cup due to the spot kick lottery.
Now, Nicky Law, the Motherwell Messi, arguably the best player in the squad missed the decisive penalty. In fact, during the match, he had 2 or 3 chances to score but fired wise or had his efforts saved. Probably more chances and clearer cut chances than Michael Higdon had. That's the Michael Higdon who set up our first by jumping to nod Hateley's corner to Lasley, and scored our second with a clinical strike from outside the box.
Yet Michael Higdon, our top scorer this season with 4 goals in his last 6 games has been vilified for not trying hard enough and has become almost a Townsley-esque blame figure for an element of our support.
He is our main threat up front and as such, we would probably like him to get amongst he goals a bit more. Yes he is a little slow, almost Sutton slow, but he's a different player. I've read how his flick ons don't find his team mates, and that he's taller standing still than he is jumping. The boy won pretty much every header he went for against Hibs and when McHugh came on, he latched on to the majority of flicks that Higdon gave him.
Murphy and Humphrey were too far away from Higdon on almost every occasion, meaning that the big (not fat, solid) man's work went to waste.
Now, before anyone starts, I am not having a go at the others to defend Higdon, but I am viewing things a little less blinkered than some. Every player has their off day, and Higdon as well as others had that on Saturday. Tuesday was a different game and a different performance. If that was a league game, we draw it 2-2. If McHugh's non offside header is given, we win 3-2. But, because we lost on penalties and are out the cup, a state of emergency is declared.
We need to consider a few things. At the back we are currently a bit gash. Clancy is as much of a centre back as I am (I'm not), Saunders and Hutchinson are recovering from injury and Craigan is the only experienced man at the back we have. Johnny Page should be in consideration to come in in Clancy's place, but Stu Mc hasn't deployed him as yet. Does this make McCall tactically naive? No, it mean's he is trusting a more experienced player, albeit out of position, but a player who has plenty of SPL games under his belt in comparison.
Now, it may not be working, but it's McCall's call. Clancy looked good against Dunfermline but has been shaky since. He'll get over it and if he doesn't, and McCall doesn't address it, them we can start to really panic.
When Daley came on on Tuesday night, it was like The Hump MK2. All the running of his Jamaican compatriot with a bit more battle in him. His pace is certainly an asset and looks like his final ball and attacking nuance is better than Humphrey. This could be the kick up the arse Humpo needs as he has to compete with an experienced international. Hopefully he will help bring Chris' game on, as to call back to earlier, if he was the full package , he wouldn't be playing for us.
The more experienced players like Jennings, Hammell and Craigan have been out of sorts in the last 2 games, but dips in form are to be expected. As long as they don't continue to be so poor the the panic button doesnt need to be hit just yet.
All I'm saying is, angry Well fans, chill out a bit. We are in a lofty position, have a good, if thin squad, who have had some poor results in the last 10 days. We'll get past it. We have been in far worse predicaments than this and I feel our successes last season are the barometer at which we are being measured this season.
There has been much talk of #bouncebackability on Twitter and around Fir Park and this Saturday's game against Aberdeen is probably the ideal game to try and bounce back from last weeks dissappointments. The Dons are in a far worse situation than we are, what with being at the wrong end of the table and their current crop of players intent on tarnishing their 1980s driven reputation. Obviously they will be hurting at going out to 2nd Division East Fife and may have a point to prove.
The events of last season, when Aberdeen poached Brown and Knox away, as well as Blackman and the altercation with John Boyle, should lead to a great atmosphere amongst the fans. While the players will be professional, they know how much of lift for the fans it will be to get it right up them and have a right go. If they aren't fired up for this one and under perform, then I wi admit changes may need to be made.
But I have full confidence in a victory over the Dandy Dons this Saturday and I hope everyone who reads this can get back to supporting the team that sits proudly in 3rd place in the SPL.
Up The Well!!!
Tuesday 20 September 2011
Sunday 11 September 2011
Friday 9 September 2011
MOTHERWELL FC: MOANS AND MONEY
After an International Break, which courted better controversy than displays by Scotland, it’s back to the good old SPL this weekend. The games against Czech Republic and Lithuania did little to set the purple heather alight in terms of the results and the performances, giving the Tartan Army a Victoria Beckham type of slim, slimmest of chances at reaching Euro 2012.
The pundits have latched on to Levein’s statement of “progression” for Scotland under his stewardship, and that the World Cup is now the main aim. The former Dundee United and Hearts manager was hired to guide the nation to next years European Championships, and that should have been his priority. If I was hired to hit a yearly target (which I sort of am) and was failing at that (which I don’t think I am anymore), I would never think of using the excuse that in actual fact, I am preparing for next year’s target.
8 points from 6 games, which before Lithuania was 5 from 5. 97th minute winners against the worst team in the group. Playing Czech Republic with no strikers. Looking for fault in anyone but those in our national shirt and tracksuits. It’s not good enough. The blinkered Scotland fan will look back at the Czech game and claim that as we were “cheated” in a game which would have given us a bit of hope, that is why we are not going to qualify. I believe it stems back to Levein’s appointment.
He was the cheap, safe choice. It is probably testament to his tactical nous that unlike predecessors McLeish and Smith, who had the whole nation excited about our national team for the first time in a while, that no big clubs are trying to prize Craig away from the Scotland set up. While the makeshift team that disposed of the Hearts All-Stars got the job done, the whole game was flat. Fletcher’s penalty miss summed up the atmosphere of Hampden, where as frustrating as not scoring it was, it was kind of just accepted. Naismith took his goal well, Bannan was impressive and Goodwillie ploughed the lone furrow to a decent standard, minus the service form his colleagues and the enthusiasm if the crowd.
The likes of Adam, Brown and Miller were missing, but that is academic. I’m pretty sure the game would still have been a slog with them in the team. It pains me to contemplate that the missing spark, the mark of quality, the game changer was oddly tanned, Turkey disliking, Cardiff striker Kenny Miller. Where’s James McFadden when you need him?
He’s one of three places actually. He’s either on his way to Wolves after knocking back Aberdeen, slaying Dinosaurs in a bid to bring pride back to the national team (according to www.fitbathatba.com and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLWPyfpow2g ) or pumping money in to The ‘Well Society. Two out of three of those have truth backing them, I’ll let you pick which ones.The news that The Fad had reportedly invested some money in to Motherwell’s new Community Ownership project, was one of the highlights of it’s launch on Monday night. Having read a number of reports on it and trying to figure out what it entailed, I’m not going to lie, I’m still trying to get my head around it. Perhaps if I was more financially astute I could figure it out. Despite working with numbers and costs and VAT on a daily basis, my understanding of investment and shares is pretty poor.
In my opinion, I think that Community Ownership is probably a good thing as it should make for some innovative ideas going forward and allows the fans a chance to be able to contribute to the Club they love. If I could afford it, I’d probably chip in as best I could. I’d imagine that there has been a slight surge in EuroMillions tickets sold in Lanarkshire this week, to see if anyone can realistically pump a Romanov amount of money in to our club.
I’d imagine it’s something that crosses a lot of football fans minds, the notion of owning their club and how they would run it. I would not have the first clue on how to do it, so if I had the money, I’d probably pay someone who did to do it, while taking all of the credit. I’d maybe go a bit John Boyle about it and try and invest as much as I could to make Motherwell the true Third Force in Scottish Football, but only if it wouldn’t jade the fans.
Man City for example, have almost all of the world’s economy at their disposal, but the majority of their fans who have seen relegation, struggle and the loss of their original Maine Road are still pretty grounded. They accept that they are possibly one of the richest clubs in the world,but you still see them shuffling in to the Etihad wearing flatcaps and Brother sponsored strips. Their fans don’t seem to feel like they have an entitlement to win every game. Yes, they will get frustrated that a team of such stars may not perform to their best each week, but they accept that.
Compare that to Chelsea, who up until really this millennium, were never really title contenders in the EPL. Now 2 bad results means their boss’s jacket is on a shoogly peg and their fans are pulling on it’s sleeves. They have grown to rely on Abramovic and his oodles of Russian money which I forget the name of, in order to win and compete in the most expensive games in European football and buy the best that world football has to offer.
I’d much rather the fans were content with my investment, while making sure the Club is financially stable and try and bring in at least 1 marquee siging per season, while keeping the focus on Youth Development. No matter how much money anyone ever pumps in to Motherwell FC, we would never have the profile or catchment of fans that the Old Firm have, based on history and heritage.
To that end, the club would need to keep creating it’s own legacy and I’d like to see that done by focussing on the youngsters, giving them the best facilities and training they can get to better themselves. Gordon Young is doing a greta job in bringing through future stars, whether they play for Motherwell or anyone else, and his enthusiasm and eye for a prodigy needs to be encouraged in future coaches as well.
So, yeah, I’d make the club stable, fund them enough to compete every year, give the fans some excitement each year with a big signing and invest in youth. Would this make our league and national team better? Who knows. People complain about a myriad of things that are making the SPL as bad as the Irish League, but maybe if we were more positive about our game as opposed to bashing it all the time, then maybe it wouldn’t seem so bad. These dark days of Scottish Football are only here this season due to Celtic and rangers being out of Europe already.
If the heavy hitters in the Scottish sporting media took off their green and blue specs and looked at how teams like Motherwell, Kilmarnock, St Mirren and more are trying to play the game this season, then they will see the games are not all bad. It may not be as skill packed as La Liga, or as tactically minded as Serie A, but there is still football to be enjoyed up and down the country. The state of our game may look bleak, but the clouds, they are a-clearing.
Motherwell take on Celtic at Parkhead this weekend in a 2nd versus 3rd match, where a Well win would be a major step towards staying up “there” for a decent chunk of the season. They can be beat as St Johnstone proved, but by playing ugly. If we try and play them at football ala the Rangers game, then we may get a hiding. Hopefully not though, so that my latest podcast gives me something to crow about!
My blog is now home to The KJ WellCast, with the first proper episode hopefully being recorded in the aftermath of Parkhead tomorrow. No doubt, links will be free flowing to it all week.
So, thanks for reading and keep your ears peeled in the next few days for some irreverent Motherwell based banter.
Up The Well!!
Friday 2 September 2011
MOTHERWELL FC: MORE OF THE SAME PLEASE MR MCCALL!
MOTHERWELL FC: MORE OF THE SAME PLEASE, MR MCCALL
Six weeks in to the season, 7 games played, 1 defeat, 2nd in the league, 8 goals in the last 2 games, 5 clean sheets and 0 players lost from the squad that has started so well. Some pretty good looking numbers there. Add to that the 2 major additions to the team in Law and Higdon (as well as Clancy and Daley), and you could say that we are the strongest that we have been since the beginning of the McGhee era.
McGhee’s team may have boasted the talents of McCormack, Porter, Hughes, Clarkson, O’Donnell et al, which on paper is definitely a more attractive team than the current crop, but by jove these lads are giving it their all. Being at the summit means that everyone comes after you, and while in the past, players would have shirked at this, McCall’s group seem to be using it as motivation, to prove they deserve to be there.
In the SPL, we all know that playing pretty isn’t the be all and end all, and certainly against St Mirren and to an extent Hearts, we just shaded the wins. Having missed both these games, I can only go on what I’ve been told by others. In the 5 games I’ve witnessed, barring the Kilmarnock game, I’d say the brand of pass and move football the team are playing is perhaps the best in the league.
Despite going down 3-0 to Rangers, they posed threat through the speed at which they broke up field after sustaining pressure. For the majority of that game, Law, Lasley, Jennings, Hammell and the rest sprayed some neat passes about and made some good running, albeit with no end product. The Inverness, Clyde and Dunfermline games did have the deserved ending and the scuddings those teams have taken off the back of that, are why The Well are where they are.
With no one away on International duty, the squad has some time to relax and be injury free come the visit to Parkhead next weekend. The majority of their squad will be called up for their respective countries, which may give way to fatigue and frustration on their part. Having not been to Parkhead in over a decade, I am looking forward to this visit with a certain degree of optimism.
Results against Celtic have been easier to come by than against Rangers, even when the blue half”of Glasgow have had “poor” squads when facing us. St Johnstone’s win over the Sellic shows that they can be beat, even by a team that has no goal scorers in it. The unpredictability of the SPL may just throw up another shock. A shock at least for non Motherwell fans.
Everyone who has watched The Well this season knows what this group of players are capable of. Consistency is the key. Perhaps the players have given that extra bit of effort to show themselves off in the transfer window, but they need to maintain this standard of football now that we are half way through the first cycle of games.
The backing that the fans have given so far this season has been awesome as well and is a driving force for the boys on the pitch. Confidence in themselves and one another is one thing, but knowing they have the belief of the fans, manifest in shouts, cheers and ridiculous songs to the theme tunes of Sunday night soaps, can only inspire them when they are on the park. A glance at the Tweets of our social networking squad show that they really are reacting to the chants and the drum and the banners on display at this season’s games.
The difference it made to Chris Humphrey against Dunfermline last weekend is proof that getting behind the players makes a difference. Having tried and tried and tried in the first half to cut inside and get a shot away, his head could have dropped and he could have faded out the game as he has done in the past. Instead, at the start of the second half, with the wind of the travelling support behind him, he tornadoed through their defence before firing in off the post.
It’s a goal that he has pretty much tried to score in every game he’s played in Claret and Amber and it finally paid off. Hopefully, like with Higdon, this will herald a potency to his game this season, that he has lacked in the last 2.
If we can keep everyone fit, and keep them playing with the passion and commitment they have so far, then this could be a season to savour. Traditionally we struggle in the winter months, but if we rack up enough wins before the darkness hits, we should be ok. It would be ridiculous to suggest that we will be in Champions League contention come March, when the SPL will probably resume it’s usual shape, but going on what has gone before so far, I’d say a top 4 finish isn’t too much of a stretch.
Having lost no one in this window, prolonged success may see us diminish in January. Murphy and Randolph will, I imagine, be the 2 hot picks from our squad, both of whom would be pretty darn hard to replace, unless we get good money for them. We can but hope that the prodigal McFadden will be fit enough to consider a six month deal to get his career back on track after injury, if we lose our big players.
But, for now, we have a cracking set of players, who have set a fairly high bar in the first 7 games. The next few games after Celtic all give us home advantage over St Johnstone and Aberdeen in the league, and Hibs in the League Cup. I wager the Hibs game to be the trickiest, as their luck needs to turn at some point…but I think we’ll still send them crashing out, maybe take penalties though.
With the Scotland games up this week, I wish Levein’s men all the best. At this moment in time, as patriotic as I am, I am club over country, but despite not really being a fan of Levein, I want 2 wins from 2. The Czech game will be a tough test, but hopefully , hopefully, they can bring Scottish Football out of it’s current funk.
Up The Well! (and the Tartan Army!)
Thursday 11 August 2011
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS: IN THE NEUTRAL ZONE
As a football fan, I will pretty much watch any game on telly, regardless of which teams are playing. That’s how you get a feel for how good and how poor different leagues, teams and players are in comparison to what your own team is. For me, it gives an opportunity to fantasize about who would be a good fit in claret and amber, or who wouldn’t, as well as giving rise to having “another team”.
At international level, I have to admit I am rather ambivalent. At the moment I am anyway. Obviously as a Scot, I am patriotic and always enjoy seeing the Tartan Army entertained by the national team. Under Levein though, I just don’t feel it. Last night’s win over Denmark was a good result, but it will only be worth something if it can be replicated in the games that matter. I’m in no way a gloom and doom merchant, but I’d be content with glorious failure to qualify for Euro 2012 as is the norm, but to do that, there needs to be some battling performances from Levein’s picks.
Instead of taking in the win at Hampden last night, my travels allowed me to experience a must win game for Northern Ireland as somewhat of a neutral. Friends and regular blog readers will know that I am marrying in to a Northern Irish family. When Big Rab told me he’d acquired tickets for their game against the Faroes in the week Elaine and myself were over, I knew I could get my fix of live football, albeit at the expense of missing a glorious win over Hearts and the impending defeat of St Mirren.
The drive from Larne to Belfast wasn’t too long, but the ever greying and darkening sky suggested that this muggy August night would also be a slippery one. After inhaling a magnificent Chicken Burger from the highly recommended Supreme takeaway, Robert, Steven and I made the short, wet walk to Windsor Park. For an international ground, Linfield’s stadium was very similar to those in the SPL. Temporary seating was in place behind one of the goals and also to the front of the Main south stand. Sat in the North stand, 2 rows back, it was clear that the grey sky was not going to be our friend for the night. As our seats were uncovered by the overhang of the top tier, a soaking would surely ensue.
Similar to Fir Park in size, Windsor too boasts an awful PA system. The tannoy guy made a valiant effort at naming the Faroese players, but was charged with a much tougher task of leading the crowd in a sing song. Printed on page 33 of the programme were alternative words to “We Didn’t Start The Fire”, which the announcer was pleading with the fans to burst out with as before the game and at half time. Whether it was out of embarrassment or in light of the English (Not UK) Riots, the fans were not having it. The song was played once and never again, with no one in our block singing along.
Instead, their voices were saved mainly for chants of “We’re not Brazil, We’re Northern Ireland” and “Greenandwhitearmy!”. The early lead Norn Iron took through Aaron Hughes, was all they could really sing about in the first half, although a couple of penalty decisions in their favour could have changed that, as could national hero Healy, if he hadn’t struck the post.
For a part time team, the Faroes didn’t lie down, and could have drawn level on a few occasions. Camp in goal for the home team almost let a corner slip in to his net just before half time, and shortly after, he breathed a sigh of relief when a clearance cannoned off a Faroese forward. Worthington’s men were starting to look edgy until the introduction of Niall McGinn.
In the lead up to the game, much had been said about the inclusion of Celtic players in the Northern Irish set up. Having a slight grasp of the political issues involved in the country, sectarian ignorance seems to be set aside in these instances. It’s true that both McGinn and Pat McCourt have received unpleasant post for their inclusion in Worthington’s squads, but when you have talented players in your ranks, it was proved last night that your background shouldn’t and doesn’t matter.
Within minutes of his introduction, McGinn had made a vital contribution. A long ball form the back sent him scurrying up the right wing. A look up and a pass to the onrushing Davis was all that was needed, as his first time side footer crashed in to the goal from all of 25 yards. It’s not often that I will be in attendance at a game and applaud a player that I would normally be vilifying, but in this instance, all I could do was get to my feet. Having seen Davis score a similar goal v the Well at Ibrox last season, I was now in a position to accept that he is a class act. In a Northern Ireland shirt anyway.
I didn’t expect I would have to do it again. Twice more in fact. For the first half, the enigma that is Paddy McCourt looked like uninterested. He and Johnny Evans on the left looked bereft of ideas, as more often than not, McCourt would pass and not move, or cut inside and stop. In the second half, he was a completely different player, almost epitomising the frustration that Celtic fans have with him.
His stats at Celtic show 10 goals in 30 appearances in 3 seasons. A goal every 3 games, and spectacular goals at that. Whether it’s his fitness (at times he looked to be blowing out his arse) or his attitude that finds him in and out of the squad, only Lennon knows. But his impact in the final 20 minutes of this game was unreal. His first goal for his country on his first start for his country came from a great piece of play. McGinn again strode up the wing, playing in Davis. A look left and a perfect pass picked out Paddy. He slalomed in to the box with ease, playing a neat 1-2 with Evans on the byline, before picking his spot at the far post. 3-0 and the Green and White Army burst in to life with various songs with McCourt’s name inserted.
A capacity crowd in Belfast, cheering a Celtic player to the roof. Who’d have thunk it? And who’d have thought they would do it again, but even louder? His second of the night, is honestly one of the best goals I have ever witnessed. Almost a carbon copy of the first, he dropped his shoulder and swivelled his hips all the way in to the box before chipping the goalie, like you can only do in FIFA, from about 10 yards. Magnificent.
The Derry Pele, Messi in disguise, whatever you want to call him, McCourt’s name is probably still echoing around Windsor Park this morning. If ever a gloss needed to be put on a 4-0 win, that was it. It could be argued that the result and performance wasn’t that impressive, given the quality of opposition, but a 4-0 win is a 4-0 win and gives a bit f spark before their next qualifiers against Serbia and Estonia. 2 points off second place with a game in hand, it’s up to the Ulstermen to make the most of it.
By the end of the match, the three of us were sodden, but delighted by the result and the quality of goals we had seen. Heading back to Larne in the dark, the aroma of our chippy still in the car, I had enjoyed being somewhat of a neutral. For once, I had sort of been supporting the same team as Robert and that team had won. A good night all round.
Friday 5 August 2011
MOTHERWELL FC: PIES, PRESSROOMS AND PASSES
MOTHERWELL FC: PIES, PRESSROOMS AND PASSES.
So, week 2 of being a match day reporter for the glorious www.motherwellfc.co.uk found me taking a jaunt down to Kilmarnock. I'd only ever been to Rugby Park once before, as a teen to watch Scotland play Estonia.
My lasting memories of that day are the torrential rain, sitting in the steep, steep stand behind the goal, and a car knocking me off balance as I left the ground. I was hoping for some slightly more positive feedback on this occasion.
Another roasting Saturday for summer time football, I travelled with Twitter maestro Graham Barnstaple in his car-come-oven. We chatted about the impending game, last weeks performance, a bit about "minority sports" and other general football chit chat. Being the first time we'd properly had a chance to chat as part of the Well Media team, it was cool to see that any strangeness was put to the side over a common factor.
As we arrived at Rugby Park, the hotel across the road was a hive of activity. One side was full of kilted, tuxedoed and general wedding clothing, while the other was sunburt and wrapped in blue and White stripes. My immediate thought was that Elaine would kill me, if we had our wedding on a matchday at Fir Park!
We collected our Press Passes, where despite saying clearly on the card that Scottish Journalist ID was required, saying only our surnames sufficed. The press room at Killie is not dissimilar to that at Fir Park, the main difference being that there was someone manning the refreshments.
After a couple of cups of tea, the teamsheets were handed out. The big story for us Well reporters was thy Higdon was out and McHugh was in. The confidence we had in getting a result from a tight game dropped, as it meant that last week's picture perfect performance, couldn't be replicated. That's no disservice to Wee Bob, as he gave a decent account of himself on only his 4th SPL start.
It just meant that our gameplan which worked so well against Inverness was out the window. With no
Imposing target man to bring Humphrey and Murphy in to play, the passing on the deck had to be precise. Killie had been talking in the papers about how Kenny Shiels wants them playing like Barcelona. With two teams looking to pass the ball as much as possible, it was inevitable they would cancel one another out.
Without The Don, we weathered an early onslaught and should have done better from the number of corners we won. Hammell's deliveries were pretty much spot on, but only Heid Hutchinson came close. Kilmarnock look to have a decent winger in James Dayton. He and Hammell had a good battle on the left. Much like Jim O'Brien though, Dayton likes to go down if he's not getting past someone. It worked when JOB did it for us and I'm not complaining, but (and I hate to quote Rio Ferdinand) Stay On Your Feet!
Nicky Law was once again the instigator of most of our attacking play. He loves to jink in and around the box to play others in and set up Murphy and Humphrey for some decent efforts. Indeed, the best chance of the match fell to him, but a good block from Kroca denied him either a goal or an assist for McHugh.
In the past few seasons, we have been blessed with some top notch keepers in Ruddy and Randolph. Kilmarnock can say the same about Cammy Bell. Although there's not a lot of competition, I'd say apart from McGregor, he's the best Scottish keeper around at the minute.
His saves from McHugh and Jennings clarified that for me. I'm really surprised that Celtic haven't gambled on him in their hunt for a goalie. I'd imagine even Aberdeen, with their good old glory days and even older management, could have put up a decent bid as a replacement for Clangers Langfield due to his illness. Anyway, Cammy Bell, top keeper.
Randolph, in the middle of our goal, was no spectator in this game, making a number of comfortable, but still very vital saves. A low drive from Dayton which he got down sharply to was probably the pick of the bunch.
The game finished 0-0, in what I described at the time as "the most anodyne end to end match I'd ever seen". It wasn't as pleasant as the previous week, but was more pleasant than the hefty thump Hutchinson's cherries took from blocking a Silva daisy cutter. According to his tweets, he's still trying to get them back!
Two mini Killie Pies to the good, I travelled home happy that another point and another clean sheet had kept us top of the league for the second week in a row. I never look forward to games versus Hearts, but with all that's gone on down Gorgie this week, it's added a little spice to the fixture. Their 4-1 win over Paksi in Paulo Sergio's 1st game may be an indication of things to come, or it could well be their Flamutari.
No doubt it will be an interesting game and will be one I miss as I am Northern Ireland bound for the week. Im also missing the St Mirren game, where no doubt Higdon will return to haunt his former employers. It's not often we have players who do that, more that former Well players come back and bite us. Townsley, Delomeaux, McDonald, McCulloch and no doubt Sutton this Sunday. In fact scratch Sutton, the game's not on telly so he won't do the damage.
I'd be happy with 4 points from these 2 games and possibly a striker coming in while I'm away. With Higdon carrying a knock and Murphy possibly on his way at some point, we need someone as a plan b.
Anyways, cheers for reading, and next week you'll have my thoughts on Northern Ireland v Faroe Isles!
Up The Well!!
Wednesday 3 August 2011
Hanging Up The Sambas: Official Retirement Blog
Hanging Up The Sambas.
DISCLAIMER: This is not and should not be viewed as a pity blog. While at times it may be self depricating, I am not looking for sympathy or anything, it is just a collection of ideas and facts that have lead to my decision.
After much deliberation, I have decided to retire from Tuesday Night 7s. This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but I feel it is the right one. It will allow me to focus on my burgeoning media career and allow me to enjoy consuming football in a much more beneficial fashion.
My reasons for this are varied, but mainly come down to my own thoughts and feelings. I've been playing regularly with the same group of guys for the past 3-4 months. Most of them pals, some of them acquaintances, others I only know from the Racecourse on a Tuesday night.
Most of these lads play 4 or 5 nights a week, some of them at at Junior level, some of them play in pub teams. Me? I play once a week. And it shows.
When I first started playing, it was all about getting the fitness up. By no means will I be showing up on Embarassing Fat Bodies, but I'm uncomfortably teetering between the 13 1/2 and 14 stone scale at the moment.
So fitness was key in my decision to take football back up. To an extent, my ability to run about for an hour and a half has improved, which I am pleased with. But, running about with guys who are a few stone lighter and can run all night, makes playing the game difficult. I've found myself in the last few weeks ploughing the Emile Heskey furrow, just running in to space. I was ironically calling it the John Sutton roll for a while, until he moved to Hearts, where it now seems he is playing the Kris Jack role.
About a month or so ago, I stopped wearing my flashy looking Puma boots and reverted back to my 10 year old adidas Sambas. The ground was too dry for blades and the Sambas had always been stalwarts back in my youth. I thought by wearing them again, I would get my powers back and be able to make a decent if insignificant contribution to the games.
The 16 year old KJ was never the greatest player but he was speedy enough with the ball at his feet, fairly good in the air, could go past a man and could shoot from distance. The 26 year old version of me, no matter how much I try, has none of that.
This has been none more evident in the last few weeks. My touch has completely gone. I'm too slow. My tackling is appalling. I'm dragging shots wide from less than 6 yards. I'm getting beaten to headers by guys shorter than me. What makes all of this worse is that I really am trying to make tackles, win headers, score goals. I've just lost the ability to do it.
As I said before, my fitness has improved, but to be of any value in these games, I need to be playing as often as my comrades. I could choose to do this, but I have more important things to occupy my nights with these days. Until recently, I have felt up for my Tuesday night games, looked forward to them as my 1 night of proper exertion a week. Now I feel it is time to stop.
This is no discredit to the guys I play with, some of them are a genuine talent, which forces them to take the game fairly seriously. When folk start shouting about "not keeping the shape"and getting angry at losing silly goals it suggests that a little bit of the fun is being sapped out the game. The guys I play with may disagree with that, as despite it being an inclusive fun game, it's is a competitive sport and winning is the aim. I just wanted a kickabout with my mates.
It was the same with the band. What started out as being fun and lively, became turgid and repetitive and the enjoyment was lost. In my opinion, our 4 year stint went 3 years too long, peaking when our single came out and troughing almost immediately after, as we couldn't muster up anything as good as our first year. Again, that may have been through my closed mindedness to a degree, but bottom line is the enjoyment ran out and it began to feel like a chore.
So now does Tuesday Night 7s. I play to make up the numbers and despite all the running in to space and occasional tap ins I score, it's not enough to carry on.
Instead, I'll stick to what I know I'm good at, as opposed to trying to be good at something I used to do to a decent standard. In the last few years I've been guilty of trying to have my fingers in as many pies as I can, and have come up short in a lot of them. I'm 26 now and it's probably time I Focussed on what I can do and not what I think I can.
So for those reasons, I hereby officially retire from Tuesday Night 7s. I am hanging up my Sambas.
Monday 25 July 2011
MOTHERWELL FC: KEEPING MY COMPOSURE IN THE BOX
Saturday 23rd July, 2pm. Im in the Phil O'Donnell stand for the first ever time on a match day. Stood looking up at the plush cushioned Season Ticket and Exec seats, a few markers are strewn about on the park behind me.
As I ascend the stairs, I see the hub of activity that is the media section. To the left, headphones, microphones and sound equipment are sprawled over 2 pulpit like benches. To the right, laptops and mobiles are displayed like territorial markings. On my approach, I eye a spot under a speaker to the right. This will be my seat for the season. This will be my first destination on the journey to the broadcast teams on the left. (Now on my right as I've sat down).
The tight claret bench gives little room for manoeuvre as I plant my laptop, charger, phone, notepad and £10 pen atop it. I sit back and take a breath. I'm maybe a little late to the party, as now 26, I begin to fear that sports journalism is a young mans game. But like the team I love, youth and experience can work together perfectly.
As I scan the newly adorned Cash Converters emblazoned East Stand, I think back to my first trip to Fir Park in November 1994. I sat in awe as I took in the sights, sounds and smells of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Aberdeen, thanks to a McCart own goal. 17 years on and it's like I'm watching the game with new eyes.
While always a fan, I now have an official capacity to uphold, that I can't allow the die hard in me to rule too much. Keeping my composure in the press box this season will be key, but as a fan of football, it would be amiss of me to not celebrate the finer points of the beautiful game.
To have been back East as Stevie Hammell rifled the ball in off Esson's face, for example would have been a moment to savour with my usual cohorts. Last time I witnessed a Hammell goal, I broke a phone and had my glasses punched off my face in delight. This time, a fervent clap and a muted shout of "Get In!" sufficed. My press colleagues used their hands to show appreciation as everyone looked to Graham Barnstaple for relevant stats .
Archie MacPherson sat 2 seats away from me. A chap who I assume works for some high brow paper (tweedy suit jacket, White open collared shirt) divided us , preventing me from "networking"'with the legendary commentator. No doubt over the course of the season I'll learn names but, "tweedy", "tall chap" and "iPad guy" were the only folk I conversed with besides @MotherwellFC's Mr Barnstaple.
The same stifled exclamations were uttered as Murphy scored 'Well's second. As half time rolled around, pundits became fans. The formalities of sitting in the box were dispensed with over the free pies and beverages on offer in the press room. The school room feel of the media enclosure was countered by the playground banter as we all huddled around the refreshment table, discussing the first half. Had someone brought out a pack of Panini stickers, I would not have been surprised, such was the boyhood charm of these professional, grown men discussing the fitba.
Come Lasley's "Rip Snorter" (copyright Cammy Murray), I couldn't help but give a Yell.Reminiscent of old Archie's "Only An Excuse" caricature, I let out a "WOOOOFFFFTTTT!" and a slightly Neddier "YASSSSSS!".
It was reminiscent of sitting in the Govan Stand at Ibrox when Blackman put us 1-0 up v Rangers last year, trying to hold back and let rip at the same time. No one really noticed though, as despite me being the only one on my feet, everyone else agreed it was a quality strike.
I regained my composure and went about compiling my report after the final whistle. As I descended the stand alone, watching the East Stand empty made me wish I could discuss the game with my mates and have the usual Saturday banter.
At the same time, I was proud of what I had just accomplished. Playing for the Well was a fantastical idea as a youngster, but writing about them in an official capacity was a dream I could hold on to. It may have taken a while, but I've made it happen. Sure I may be getting paid in pies and experience, but that's just for now. Give it some time and I'll be sitting in the broadcast box.
A trip to the Ayrshire coast to write up our game v Kilmarnock beckons next week. A Killie Pie, 3 points and another week at the top of the league will do me just fine.
Up The Well!
Wednesday 13 July 2011
Stephen Craigan: Mr Motherwell
Stalwart. Mainstay. Bedrock. Foundation. Lynchpin. All words used to describe the fundamental piece that holds everything together. In footballing context, those words are used for experienced veterans and inspirational gutbusters, who battle on for the greater good while others around may fall.
Tonight at Fir Park, the career of Motherwell's diehard captain Stephen Craigan, will be celebrated in his testimonial game. Former club Partick Thistle are the opponents, and their short dash along the M8 should hopefully find a decent crowd joining in on thanking Craggs for his service to both clubs.
His early career at Well found Stephen as more of an auxiliary defender, behind the likes of Brian Martin, Chris McCart , Greg Denholm, Greg Strong, and even Tony Vaughan. His 22 appearance in the mid to late 90s, at what was very much a transitional time for the club, were scattered around, thus leading to his move to The Jags in 2000.
121 appearances with 1 goal to his credit, Craggs became a solid starter in Maryhill, while managing to break through in to the Northern Ireland squad. A fan favourite, Jags supporters were heavy hearted when he left them to rejoin Motherwell at the behest of Terry Butcher.
With a wealth of experience under his belt, Craigan's return to Fir Park found him as first name on the team sheet every week under Butcher. His steady head in the core of the team, alongside other veterans Scott Leitch, Gordon Marshall and Jim Hamilton found him playing in one of the most enjoyable seasons Motherwell fans had had in a long time.
While it was not a stellar season for league positioning, the League Cup run of 2004-2005, with the dramatic highs of the Semi at Easter Road, the trip to Hampden for the final and Skippy Sunday, Craigan took part in some of the most memorable matches in modern Motherwell history.
The Malpas era came and went before Craigan started showing signs of how important he has become for the club. Mark McGhee's first season in charge found The Well at their attacking best, and while praise was heaped on Clarkson, Porter and McCormack, without the inspiration of Craigan, Leitch and O'Donnell's experience to support them, Europe would have been a pipe dream.
That season, O'Donnell died, forging the bond between this group of players. Old heads were needed to console the young blood and Craigan played his part expertly in his dealings with the fans and the media. He was now becoming Mr Motherwell both on and off the park, with his media work augmenting his defensive duties.
After McGhee and Leitch left, Stephen was put in temporary charge of the team while a full time manager was sought. Jim Gannon's arrival heralded what many of us thought would be the end of Craigan's time with us, as his youth Focussed movement saw a perennial starter resigned to the bench. Gannon's tenure was not long and when Brown and Knox came in, Craggs came back, more determined than ever to prove Gannon was wrong. Since then, Craigan's captaincy has never been in doubt.
Last season epitomised his time at the Well. For all the great times and defining moments of the 2010-2011 season, there was one heartbreaking moment that brought us all back to reality. Our Scottish Cup run was exemplified by the desire of the crop of players involved to win, no time moreso than in the Semi.
Craigan was colossal. From first to final whistle, St Johnstone didn't get a sniff. It may not have been the Hampden roar, but the noise in our section as Our Captain scored the opener, was not normal. As a collective we knew that this was the most important goal of the season and possibly Craigan's career. His celebration immediately after the goal and at the final whistle had many in Claret and Amber welling up. That was how much it meant, that was a captains performance, that was history being made.
His own goal in the final may have played a part in us not winning the cup, but that's not important. What is important is that we celebrate what he has given the club. Not everyone is a Craigan fan, but his commitment to this wee club we call our own has been nothing short of fantastic. He has the club at heart, he knows how much Motherwell FC is loved by it's fans, and with every grimace and thump of his chest, he shows his love for us, the club and the game.
Sometimes he gives us heart in mouth moments.His handball that wasn't a handball in the final. His regular mistiming of clearing longballs where the ball bounces under his foot. His occasional forays over the halfway line. The feeling of when a ball is pinging around in our box that he's going to touch it over the line.
Indeed, his own goal scoring feats are partly what has given him cult status amongst Well fans. While not being able to get a proper stat on it, the 5 goals he has scored in his time at Fir Park versus ones he's put through his own net, surely finds him on negative strikes.
Other times he is sublime. Keeping Rooney in his back pocket for Northern Ireland v England. Captaining NI and becoming our most capped player.Scoring v Killie via throw in after opening the East Stand gate, then being told not to do it again by the ref. Ripping it right out of Jim Gannon on Soccer AM.
Whether heart in mouth or heart on sleeve, Stephen Craigan is the captain we have needed for the last few years. When he takes to the bowling green turf this evening to savour the adulation of us in attendance, the appreciation should be evident for all to see. Whether he plays a half for both teams is irrelevant, what matters is that he has a great night being applauded for what he has done for both in his career. Any own goals should be scored in the Thistle tops though.
Stephen Craigan, I Salute You!
Monday 18 April 2011
MOTHERWELL FC: UN-#BELIEVE-ABLE
MOTHERWELL FC: UN- #BELIEVE- ABLE
This weekend was always going to be a special one. As I write this installment, I am on the train to work, before flying out to Canada tomorrow. Excitement levels are reaching fever pitch so over the weekend, much focus was on making sure everything was packed and ready to go.
It was also my cousin Barrie's 30th birthday party on Saturday night, followed by a pub Sunday where he had a midget ( that's the PC term, I checked) dressed as a policeman, handcuffed to him for a pub crawl. Again, events which had some high points.
If that kind of thing wasn't enough, THE MIGHTY WELL STROLLED TO THEIR FIRST SCOTTISH CUP FINAL IN 20 YEARS!!!!!!!!
Sorry for the caps there, but for the 90 minutes where Murphy and co decimated St Johnstone, I was speaking in upper case, so much so that my job that involves talking on a phone all day may suffer a little. I'd imagine the 7500 other Claret and Amber revellers feel the same today as they go back to work.
Hampden on Saturday was one of those days that we don't often get as Motherwell fans. A day when we don't necessarily hit top form, but come away with a comfortable win and be in complete control of the game.
For the first 3 minutes it didn't look that way though. Saints came out the traps quickly and forced a great save for the cameras from pop star botherer Randolph, in the middle of our goal. It looked like it may be a long afternoon. This would have been made even more unbearable had the chap behind me kept making jokes about how the defence would find it hard to mark Danny Invincible, as they couldn't see him, because, y'know he's "invincible". He made the joke about 5 times in the game, not one of his friends pulling him up for it. To be fair though, "Invisible" would have been a better name as he did not much of note.
Jamie Murphy had tweeted before the game for us to #believe and his self belief certainly was evident. His first probing run led to Jeffers getting a corner from another avid Twit, Michael Duberry. From Hateley's corner, Enckelman flapped and waved goodbye to his teams chances as Stephen "Jim Gannon" Craigan bulleted his first goal in 5 years in to the empty net. Soccer AM's Crossbar Challenge and subsequent dig at Gannon, must have added to his fire to win the game, as he played one of the most assured matches of his career in one of the most important in claret and Amber.
The joy he felt as it hit the net was increased 7000-fold as we all piled on top of one another, hugging and shouting. Craggs was doing the same, screaming what looked like a worse tirade than Rooney did, but not in to a camera, like the man who spent 90 minute in Craigan's pocket did.
1-0 after 5 mins and we were buzzing. One Stephen Craigan echoed around the cavernous National stadium, drowning out the sound of of 3000 tractor keys being looked out of blue and White pockets. A little under 10 minutes later and we had our hands tickling the Cup's handles. Murphy picked the ball up around 40 yards out, slalomed through a hapless string of men in blue, reached the edge of the box and beat Enckelman with ease.
Rob McLean asked Stuart McCall if Murphy's performance was a "double edged sword" on Sportscene, as he may have played his way out of Fir Park. If we win the Cup, and Murphy plays like that against Celtic on May 21st, he will deserve the kind of move that he deserves. If Connor Sammon can make it in the EPL, Jamie Murphy can do it too.
He was a constant threat and could have scored another mazy solo goal just after Lasley should have put us 3-0 to the good. Instead, that honour was left to John Sutton. The man couldn't not score on Saturday. It was a Cup game, live on telly, the ideal components for a Sutton goal. The only doubt would be if he'd score a header or a tap in or react to some horrific Mulgrew-esque mistake. None of the above.
His touch to Franny was returned with interest and his looping volley from 35 yards, despite Enckelman doing his best Darren Randolph impression, slammed in to the top pokey and nestled in the net. Time stood still as the spinning Mitre left Sutty's boot. It felt like I was watching the half time replay things on FIFA. I took an age to go in, but meant I could savour every second of it.
It had Motherwell written all over it. It was like a mixture of Colin O'Neill's v Celtic in the 91 semi and Faddy's stupendous strike to beat France. It showed that Motherwell have the quality to compete on the big stage when needed and are capable of the spectacular . These are the things needed to win the coveted Cup, 20 years since we did last.
The Omens are there. A scorer in every round (Kirk and Sutton), One game went to a replay ( Morton and Dundee United), we put out the holders ( Aberdeen and United), the 3rd goal in the semi was from 35 yards ( O'Neill and Sutton), Northern Irish internationalist scored in semi ( O'Neill and Craigan), the year ends in a 1 and it's a Tory Government. These may just be coincidences but if we #believe like Murph, who's to say it won't happen?
As I enjoy my future sister in laws wedding this weekend, just outside Toronto, I'll be keeping an ear out for the Well score. McCall has carte Blanche for the rest of the season to put out whatever team he wishes. Top Six is in the bag, but with the cup final in the back of everyone's mind, he may wish to experiment with the youngsters or give the likes of McHugh and Casagolda a run in the team
to see how they fare. Only Stu Mac knows.
The man has gone from the shakiest of starts, to becoming a Motherwell legend in 5 months. Granted, the players at his disposal are those mainly of McGhee. Gannon and Brown, but he has them playing his way. It may not be McCalls squad, but they are most definitely his men.
YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!
Up The Well!!!
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