TopSix

Hiya Leigh! He would be a great signing to get in on a loan deal.

I'll be up at this one. O'Connor looked dangerous today.

Taciics all wrong, ref had a horrific time.

Stewarding yesterday was excellent - thanks Motherwell FC. Pity about the result though! On a serous note, let's try to be positive this season.

So you're coming to the game Caley Stan? Less than 12 hours now...

Alternative Maryhill... Outstanding. Love the buckfast reference.

Stability is key. Having them sign up for longer than just one more season would be better.

Very much hope we can get the management duo signed up for a decent length. I feel this season will be a good one and we'll do well. Don't want to be losing them - at least without decent compensation.

Think that may well be the case. There's nothing on the SFA website about suspensions. Only thing of relevance I could find was the referee appointments. Referee is Steven McLean, assistants are John Gilmour and Lawrence Kerrigan. Iain Brines is the 4th official and Donald McVicar is observing.

Hopefully we'll re-sign Dean McDonald the disco dancer and install a big bassy PA system with the cash to blast out the tunes at half time. Just to get a party going, if nothing else down there. Or, we could sign a centre half...

Hearts can be a bit funny too. Sometimes you have to buy tickets at their office before the game. Motherwell this Saturday will be pay at the gate.

Not sure.....last time was courtesy of Mr Clydesdale. It was indeed Sir. A very nice gentleman he is too. Are you going to make it to this one?

?22? Think that has gone up from least year.

Full time refs would be under further increased pressure - pressure to get decisions right and explain the decisions they made. Remember they are making the decisions quite often in a split-second and don't have the benefit of seeing a replay. IMHO it wouldn't be a good idea. RiG - you're a fit young chap. Ever considered doing the course and taking it up? In seriousness though, the SFA are actively encouraging more younger girls and guys go in to refereeing. I don't think the problem is with the refs per se, but more a case of the pressure placed on them. To hit Cat 1, you need to work up through the ranks doing juniors and u18 games etc - quite often on your own. Because there is so much pressure on players from parents, coaches etc this affects the behaviour both on and off the park. Of note, the physical aspect of the SFA requirements are far more stringent than UEFA. I don't think young players should be joining clubs at such an early age (as Gabby says 10 years old). They should be allowed to enjoy the game and playing it. If this pressure was removed from their shoulders, then the pressure on the refs would lessen and we would have a larger pool of refs to rely on. Another major factor IMHO is the behaviour and conduct of SPL players and coaches / managers. Youngsters look up to them as role models and emulate their behaviour and actions. The change does need to come from the top I think. I even noticed a tweet today from The Sun newspaper stating that "Neil Lennon is ready for battle against Hibs on Saturday". Sorry, it's not a battle Neil. It's a game of football. A game. The sooner people realise this, the better. What I'd suggest to anyone who goes to a football match (perhaps a lower league game or even a game at the bught) is to watch the referee and compare them to the refs who do the SPL games. It's a tough shift. Don't knock it until you try it!

Heard he has signed.

From the posts above I think the gaffer should take a gamble and sign him if possible.

Yaaaaaaaas! Wonder if it's Dutch businessmen? Heard there are some fans over there who are a flush and have season tickets. Excellent news either way. I'm delighted!

Whole day of work + travelling time. Media scrutiny and pressure... Don't knock them until you try it.

Motherwell are a funny 'ol side. Either great or totally gash last season under McCall. I wouldn't be inclined to read too much in to the first game of the season. Saying that, I think we'll win it.

Okay, here we go! An attacking Marcelo Bielsa-esque 3-3-1-3 for me - Esson Tokely Aldred Gillet A.Shinnie Hayes------------------------------------G.Shinnie Tansey Tade-----------------------Foran-----------------------Doran I'd rather go for a 3 man defence than play Proctor! Subs - Tuffey, McKay, Ross, Sutherland, Proctor, Morrison, Meekings If Graeme Shinnie is injured, then Ross takes his place. I'd go with Rene's but have Ross start in place of G Shinnie. I'd be inclined to start with Proc over big Rossco though.

Lots of folk going for a back 4. Back 3 instead? Push up and play the offside trap.

Alternative Maryhill is the master wordsmith. I'll text him just now.

Oh yes. I'm lovin the top six chat. Bookies have us at 7/4 to finish in the top six - good odds IMHO. How about doing one better than the 'legends retirement / feeder club otb and lifting the cup?

Direct from Edinburgh. See you in Motherwell.

Thank you! A wonderful turn of phrase which I may well take the liberty of plagiarising in a report at some time during the season! (Although I'm sure someone else has got there first liong since.) It would be especially suitable for Open All Mics!!! You'll need to credit the author and pay him Charles.