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!

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!

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!!!

MOTHERWELL FC: INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

The Mighty Well have the weekend off as Craig Levein's Tartan Army take on Brazil in London. While the rest of the home nations are in Euro 2012 qualifying action, Scotland are being set up to be scudded Samba style in a country that already ridicules us and now has an outlet to relay that to the rest of the UK.

News that Brazillian playmaker Pato is set to out led Levein to bring in his trump card. Craig Mckail-Smith. Not David Goodwillie. Not Scotland's top Scottish scorer in the SPL, David Goodwillie. Not the scorer of goal of the season for his Wayne Rooney-esque bicycle kick against Motherwell, David Goodwillie.

What's that? Dundee United have an important Cup replay on Wednesday nightagainst Motherwell? They've been playing loads of games because their park is in worse nick than Fir Park. Who did Levein formerly manage? Ah, now I get it...

Of course I'm being facetious, and ironically playing the Paranoia card. I'm sure Craig Levein has his reasons for picking Peterborough's cod Scotsman over any other Scottish striker. We should be thankful he is picking strikers at all.

The whole Scottish by association thing really riles me. If the homegrown game is to be improved, then surely that should begin by showing that home grown players are capable of filling in when Rangers players... Oops, ANY players pull out of squads.

Instead, the trend is to find anyone sounding remotely Scottish at the last minute to earn an honorary cap or 2. Apparently the real reason that the Lockerbie bomber was sent back to Libya, wasn't due to illness, but because being called Al Megrahi was putting him in contention to partner Gary Caldwell at the back.

Under Levein, I am not too fussed about Scotland games. I've never liked his managerial approach and the Czech game with no strikers really irked me. It's testament to his methods that the best Scotland performance under him was a typically Scottish "glorious defeat" to Spain. Every Scotland boss gets one.

The Scotland squads under Walter Smith and Alex McLeish instilled me with much more confidence and pride in my country. There was more of a core of a team with these squads. I'll take in to account that times change and those players are mostly injury ravaged or getting on a bit. There's just nothing about Levein's choices that make me think we could cause an upset like beating France twice. Instead we are relieved at getting last minute winners against "minnows".

I can have no complaints at a lack of Claret and Amber selections for the squad, as we don't have anyone at international calibre. Reynolds has been the only one realistically on contention this season, but he seems to have gone off the radar now that he's Sheffield Wednesday. The grass may not always greener in the English leagues but the pay packets certainly will be.

From what I've read this morning, Stephen Craigan has been dropped for Northern Ireland's game tonight. I don't know which way to take this. It could be good in the sense that it keeps him fit for the replay next week, or it could affect his confidence going in to that game. Does it really matter either way? The whole defence's scattergun season shows no sign of letting up, so regardless of the impact of Crags being dropped, it's impossible to predict the outcome.

More of a worry will be getting Darren Randolph back from Republic of Ireland duty in time. A cup quarter final is no time to be chucking in a back up goalie, particularly when Randolph has been the only thing preventing gubbings in the last 2 games.

He was a bit shaky on Saturday, but so were everyone else. Stuart McCall used the word 'capitulate' in his post match chats. That about sums it up. For the first 20 minutes, we had the beating of Killie. Humphrey was roasting Clancy, John Sutton had obviously read my blog from last week by getting 1 then hitting the post. Had his glancing header gone in, we could well have got more. Instead, we chucked it.

Humph stopped playing, and the defence chucked in 3 goals. The penalty was harsh, but to be honest, Jennings should have walked long before it for his 2 footed breenge. Peaks and troughs, eh?

Once this Scotland game is out the way, it's back to FP on Wenesday night, for what could be the step we need to end 20 trophyless years or the kick up the bahookie to salvage a top six spot for the season. A semi v St Johnstone would give us a great crack at the final, but a defeat on Wednesday could effectively end our season.

Next weeks blog will echo one of those 2 sentiments.

Up The Well and Come On Scotland! (I am still supporting them despite my views...)

Alternative Match Report: Steelers @ Clan 19/03/2011

Sheffield put one hand firmly on the Elite League Championship with a competent and powerful display against Braehead. After a tight opening period, Steelers took control and delivered a 5-1 victory for their large travelling support.

Before the match, both teams were recognised for having players in the League All Star team and Bruce Richardson picked up Hockey Journalist UK Coach of the Year award, to a rapturous ovation.

Play raged from end to end in the first 5 minutes, with neither Mustukovs or Perras being tested too much. Clan were the first to get a decent chance when Richardson's shot cannoned back to Bruce, whose follow up went wide. Tait had an effort that went in to the Clan's side netting before Mustukovs prevented Cook from opening the scoring.

Perras became the busier of the 2 minders as he stopped Legue on a 1 on 1 and then stopped Thomas and 2 efforts from Hewitt to keep Braehead in it. Munn then served 2 penalties in quick succession, giving the ref absolute pelters for the second. It would soon become a game full of bewildering ref's decisions that incensed both teams.

Cook then had a great chance to put Clan ahead but hit the side net from Chaumont's cut back. Much like the previous meeting at Braehead, the game showcased a lot of niggle. Kyle Bruce spent the first of a few penalty minutes in the bin for roughing, after a tussle with Simon. Simon was sat atop Bruce and wouldn't let him up, getting the expected response that Clan's EIHL Entertainer of the Year nominee would give.

When he returned to the ice, he almost instantly gave Clan the lead, but Mustukovs again stood firm. Perras then made a great one handed save from Globke, before Steelers took the lead. Phillips prodded home from close range after good net work from Globke at 19:08

The second period descended in to a farce for Clan as Steelers spent much of the 20 on the powerplay. The numerical advantages were too strong for Braehead as Legue, Talbot, Clark and Tait put Sheffield 5-0 up. However the turning point of the game were Darnells penalty calls.

Firstly, Jon Landry decked Ben Simon after Steelers number 8 had been slashing at him. He pounced like a tiger, almost giving him a Lou Thesz Press ( one for the wrestling fans), resulting in a bit of a rammy in the Clan goalmouth. The antagonising Munn then got involved but was soon contained. Both Landry and Simon were given penalties.However, Steelers already had Phillips in the box for hooking, but were allowed to still have 4 v4 on the ice.

Munn then took out Richardson's legs from under him on a break, which Kyle Bruce didn't take too kindly to. An epic brawl erupted at the boards between the 2, with both men landing some heavy blows before Munn hit the deck first. As they skated away, Bruce threw up his arms in celebration at getting 5 for fighting plus 2 for charging. Richardson also got box time and Munn was called for roughing. Again, Steelers were allowed their full compliment of players on the ice as Clan were down to 3, conceding twice as a result.

If Richardson's men want to play with the big boys next season, then they need to work on their discipline. Too many times this year, games have been thrown away for silly penalties and players guilty of losing the head. As entertaining as it is to see the fisticuffs, and as good as Sheffield were at instigating indiscipline, keeping the head could be the difference between 5th and 1st next year.

Both Richardson and Bruce had words with the ref as they left the ice, with Munn again winding up Bruce at the close of the period. The 3rd began with Sheffield content to sit back and absorb pressure, while attacking on the break.Clan had more urgency in the 3rd, but found it hard to break down the Steelers backline. Bruce and Noel both had half chances stopped, while Hewitt forced a blind save from Perras.

Mustukovs then plucked a rifled shot from Krestanovich out of the air before Noel hit the post. Bolibruck then received a penalty for holding, which Clan finally took advantage of. Chaumont pulled 1 back from Cook's set up at 51:15, but Steelers held out til the end.

Legue and Krestanovich picked up the Man of the Match awards in what was a fast paced, entertaining game. The performance of Darnell in the stripes played a major part in the outcome, but Sheffield deserved their win. Unless Braehead can stop their momentum, Steelers will be league champions come Sunday evening.

Clan's season isn't over just yet though, as the playoffs begin next week. Their first match is against Challenge Cup winners Nottingham. Discipline will be key in progressing.

Final score at Braehead Arena, Steelers 5-1 Clan.

MOTHERWELL FC: TIME TO WIN, NOT WANT.

I've deliberately not blogged for 2 weeks based on the 2-0 win over Celtic. While I had a good crow about it on Facebook, Twitter and to my Celtic supporting mates, I felt that I should keep my blogging thoughts to myself until after the Inverness game.

A win in Inverness would have put us in a strong position for achieving 4th place. It would signal the turning of a corner for Stuart McCall's patchy tenure. It would also give the players the confidence to go in to Sunday's Cup game full of confidence, form and momentum.

Instead, as lamented in my previous blog, our inconsistency struck hard, resulting in a 3-0 defeat and a toothless display. Having not attended either game, I can't say first hand why the performances differed so much. A phrase that has been banded about more recently in footballing circles is the notion of "wanting it". Against Celtic, Motherwell's performance showed they "wanted it more", while Inverness "wanted it more" last Saturday.

I say this is a cop out excuse. Last time I checked, football was a competitive sport. The aim is to win, to want the victory. Indeed the "want" attitude should be scrapped altogether. For example, I don't necessarily "want" to do my job, but I do it to the best of my abilities to merit my pay at the end of the month.

Footballers have a job to do and thus the "want" to win should be replaced by putting the effort in to get it. If you can raise your game to beat the top team in the league, you should be able to do the same against the lesser teams. This just doesn't go for Motherwell, every SPL team is guilty of it.

This brings in the question of "lying down". In the aftermath of beating Celtic, I , like many Well fans, was chided about how we lie down to Rangers to the score of 6-0, but then go and beat Celtic. Is it because we have a former Ranger as manager? Do we have a team full of proddys? Is it because were just "Huns without the bus fare?"

I turned this around and asked why no one questioned Rangers lying down to Celtic in the last pathetic pantomime excuse for an Old Firm game. I mean, they can raise their game to beat us, but can't muster the effort against their so called nemesis. Double standards much?

Alas, no one bit on my fishing. (Need to learn from the master of reeling in the Old Firm, fellow Well fan, Alastair Flemington). As frustrating as performing so poorly up north was, the focus must now shift to Sunday.

Dundee United in the Cup is always a special game, due to the 1991 connection. As I've said in past blogs, my only memories of that day in May are of my Grandad being overjoyed when I got back form a friends birthday party. The video of the occasion however, is etched on my mind. The drama of relinquishing the lead with mere seconds left to go to extra time. Ally Maxwell's broken ribbed heroics, Super Sub Kirky netting the decisive winner. And Phil "Brave as A Lion" O'Donnell, stooping to head home the goal of his career.

United games will now be synonymous with Uncle Phil as they were the opponents on the day he died. In the years that have passed since then, Dundee United and Motherwell fans have been allies, where others would not.That connection will take a while to disipate, but the best way to overcome the emotion of it would be a win on Sunday.

With Rangers out, anyone left in is capable of making the Scottish Cup final this year.We've been to Hampden once already this year for a Semi. Our unpredictability could very well see us there twice more in our quest for a cup.While Mccall has mixed tactics around in games, he has pretty much kept to the same players for his formations, dependant on injury and suspension. For us well fans, it's frustrating seeing the same set of players win one week and lose the next.

This could work in our favour at the weekend. Not knowing what team will turn up may see Dundee United usurped by our complacency. The fact it will be their 3rd game in a week also means they may be tired and leg weary. Their win over Accies last night showed they have the mentality to go the distance, but could come a cropper.

We've put them out of one Cup this season, and I hope we do it again, but the players need to show commitment to the cause. I made quite an impassioned plea in my pre Hampden blog a month or so back, so I'm not going to spit out the same jingoistic inspirational stuff I did there. Instead, all I want to say is that anything can happen in the cup. Sometimes playing scrappy can win a Cup game and lead to success. Style is not the issue in a one off match, the result is the most important.

There is no reason why the intensity shown in the Celtic victory should not be matched this weekend. No passengers allowed.For guys like Craigan, Lasley and Hammell, realistically this could be their best attempt at a trophy at MFC. Players like Randolph, Humphrey, Jeffers even could use a cup win as a platform to a higher level. (Hope not in Randolph's case though...). For the youngsters like Hutchinson, Murphy, Saunders, Forbes, et al, a crack at some silverware so early in their careers would do wonders for their confidence. Johnny Sutton could earn himself a place in history by firing us to the Cup in a way that only a man who looks like he's running through treacle can.

United are there for the taking. For one weekend, forget about the league and what's happened in the past. Concentrate on the task at hand. Don't "want" it, take it!

Up the Well!!!

MOTHERWELL FC: THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME

MOTHERWELL FC: THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THY STAY THE SAME...

I don't know how many times I've said it before here, or how many more I will, but hardly a week goes by without MFC putting it's fans through the ringer.

First and foremost I'm going to take this opportunity to reflect and thank Mr John Boyle for his services to Motherwell over the last 13 years. For over a decade he has had Motherwell at heart and while some things he did put the club at risk, his time as Chairman, in my view, was mostly a success.

When he took over in 1998, Boyle's vision of making us the "Third Force" in Scottish football was scoffed at by many, even the Claret and Amber faithful. At a time when money in the Scottish Premier was being thrown about willy nilly, his cash injection put us relatively on par with all outside the Old Firm.

"Marquee Signings" like Spencer, Goram and Goodman, as well as Ged Brannan and Pat Nevi formed the crux of our big spending, eventually helping us to a few successful seasons. Incentives like Kids for £1 and Adults for a fiver, were put on to increase crowds.

However, these small successes couldn't guarantee long term gain, and in 2001, Boyle saw his idyll crash and burn as the threat of Administration loomed large. The sacking of 21 members of staff meant that Boyle's reputation, as well as his pocket took a big hit.

The club had to rely now on it's youth set up, which gave Boyle a chance to help Motherwell FC and himself recoup the losses. The breeding of players like McFadden, Pearson etc was essential, but their efforts couldn't stop us from facing relegation. That was left to Falkirk's lack of seating.

After the enforced rebuilding job, which Boyle entrusted in Terry Butcher, things began to look up. A Scottish Cup semi final and a League Cup final brought in some cash before El Tel left. Boyle's decision to put Malpas in charge saw us plummet down the table, in one of the worst seasons since JB came to power.

The McGhee era brought with it triumph and tragedy. While the team played some of it's best football in over a decade, Boyle bankrolled the signings that made it so from his own pocket. Porter, Hughes and Malcolm (?) earned their wage not from the club but from Boyle and paid him back with a 3rd place finish and European football.

Our best season of the decade was also one of the worst as we lost Phil O'Donnell. For any club to have a player die is a tragedy, Boyle's reign saw 2, with youngster Andy Thompson passing away at the start of Boyle's time in charge. JB and McGhee were excellent in their handling of such a harrowing time.

In recent years, his lack of ability to tie management to contracts has been highlighted. Whether it was a thrifty move on his part or not, by not securing Gannon, Brown and Knox to permanent roles, no matter the reasoning, it made us look like a joke to a press who already see us as the league's clowns.

His time at Well is coming to an end at the same time that a 4th season in Europe slides out of view as well. There's no questioning that JB has lost far more than he put in to the Club, bit it's a measure of his respect for MFC that he has not asked for anything in return upon his resignation. Instead he goes, knowing that for all the ups and downs of his tenure, he tried to do the best he could for Scotland's best diddy team.

A ditty team that could have had an unlikely 9 points from 9 in the wake of the Ibrox debacle. The sweet victory over Aberdeen was followed by the worst match I'd seen all season til that point. Sutton's spot kick dispatched a dire Accies team, who on the day, didn't look much worse than us.

Wednesday night saw what is definitely the worst game of the season. Even Stu Mc says so. After a frustrating week at work, I looked forward to venting at the St Mirren players as we would joyfully pump them. In my head I knew we wouldn't pump them, but I was thinking positive. The old chestnut that someone was due a pumping off us was running around my head.

As soon as the game kicked off I knew the pumping wasn't coming.

There's an argument that "Anti-Football" is ruining the game. Rangers ride it's wave on most European occasions by defending and breaking. St Mirren do it without actually playing football which deserves the "anti" prefix more. At this point I'd say watch the game in full and you would see the lack of talent being subbed for dirty dirty late challenges and rugby tackles, but the game was awful enough once through.

That's not to say that is why we lost. We lost because we weren't fighting enough. Lasley, Jennings and Gunning all took some hefty challenges but we all know they can give as good as they get. We were bullied by a hungrier team and it showed. The fact that the only shot on target I. The whole game went in shows how dire that game was.

If you told any Well fan after Ibrox that we'd get 6 from 9 in the next 3 games they'd have been happy with that. As the players were booed off the park last night, I remembered just how fickle a bunch we are. Sure McCall's tactical nous was all over the shop last night, but it worked against Aberdeen and to an extent against Accies. He got it wrong last night, but so did the boys on the park. I wonder how he'll set out his stall for the visit of Celtic

So, as the dust settles on a busy week at Fir Park, our inconsistency has kept us consistent once more. The prospect of new owners fills me with fear and excitement. Will we get a local investor or an Ibramovich/Romanov type mentalist ploughing us in to debt while spending millions on average players? Who knows...

Up The Well !!!