smellthepaw

I know its on their patch and Celtic are always favoured higher than ever there(and rightly so), though you don't have to go too far back when there was talks of 4/5/6/7-0's by media pundits and Celtic podcasters leading up to our 2-0 victory at home a few months ago. These are also one off games, in terms of whats at stake, so hopefully it has a bit of cup fever to it and gives us something similar to what we seen at Hampden back in 2013... another occasion where we were written off before a ball was kicked.

My thoughts exactly. They were not overwhelmed with joy at the appointment of Goody because he did not fit the criteria of a 'big club' from his background. Going back to the same place for their new manager just doesn't seem realistic imo. With regards to Keith, I am sure at the very earliest of stages in his new career, he will want to at the very least leave a legacy before going elsewhere. He's barely got his teeth into the role. He has been involved in many positive movements I am sure, including the 1 stand debate for ALL away fans, though I am sure he is here for a longer run, regardless of any sentimental attachment to Motherwell. Very very big boots to fill from Burrows imo for whoever takes over. I'd go as far as saying they may find it difficult to find anyone on that par. After seeing the treatment his best pal has had up there from fans, I'm not so sure he would be keen to make such a move.

Tbf there is only a difference of two or so wins between us and 3rd

Read over on twitter someone saying they know one of the academy boys' mums and he was sending his goodbyes to the boys as it was signed and sealed.

He's more of a centre half and most likely with view to tying down on a longer deal beyond this season. Currently Dunne has not signed a new deal and Shaugnessy was close to leaving last window.

Thought that myself.

I'm still with option 1 here. Our draw against Celtic wasn't announced before 2021/22 finances were published, so that draw is already a boost. There is a financial gain from finishing higher up the league and this season looks more realistic than last with a better consistency and a settled management team in place. That as we all know though is not a given. There is however a big difference between the January window and pre-contracts/summer window. Right now it will probably more difficult to negotiate lower terms with players, though we can be more shrewd in the summer. If you get it right and our scout finds players that are on lesser wage demands, you can reduce the wage bill and/or get more than one player for the same amount as a high earner. Taylor as an example looks to be a real find and could end up being a replacement for one of our existing defenders on a higher wage. Right now, ideally I think if it's Reid and Erhahon away and Ayunga is potentially out for the season, we would be looking at possibly a loanee midfielder and a forward (to fill in for Ayunga). I personally think we need cover at left back too, though Robinson seemed happy to see out this window with no incomings if it was just Reid away and before Ayunga got injured.

If there are no clubs in the English Championship interested and three League 1 teams have only shown an interest, it kind of shows you where he's rated down there. Maybe no championship team see him ready as a first team regular. Better money and better platform along with his desire to play in England, this will put him Infront of bigger clubs who may show interest in a year or two down the line.

Possibly, though it's hard to determine how good the club thought he may have turned out.

Just speculation, though I heard he was a mouthpiece in the dressing room during Jack Ross' final few games

Do you think we would accept only 500k (only 150k more than Erhahon)for a player with 18 months left on contract and just over a month since returning from world cup duty? I could maybe see that valuation come the summer. If the reported number of clubs I've heard are interested this window, could be quite interesting to see if any put an offer forward or hold off till summer.

Be interesting to see if Wigan would trust Maloney less than a week in the door to splash 7 figures on one player. That's where is see that link very doubtful at the moment.

Just what we are after. Competition on the left. Fingers crossed

Lincoln City seem in a much better place league position wise than Forest Green were. They have a similar path to Forest Green though, in terms of rising from National League to league 1. Unsure where this one will go, though I think if Erhahon does move, he will be making assurances that he is involved regularly to the first team to consider it as he can no longer be considered as a 'development' player.

Spot on with all of this imo. Just don't see the sense in bringing in Watt on a similar wage, so it must be a fabricated story. For us, Dylan going before his contract ended was vital and I am glad in the end up it looks like he is going to a very decent level. Palace have a great academy and there is every chance of him making it down there, whether that is going out on loan in the next year or so in England first of all, I genuinely think he could have a similar path as Billy Gilmour if he gets the head down. I would like to think if there is upfront cash for Dylan, we may be able to bring in another player, even if its on loan to bring us cover or extra quality. We certainly lack a goal threat at the moment. I think Ayunga missing the starting lineup is something he maybe needed to get that hunger back. Its unfortunate if his injury on Saturday results in some time out, as I feel he could be very key to our remaining games before the split.

This

I'd imagine with the talk surrounding Dylan Reid, he may also be away. Never say never with Ethan, as he has already sparked interest this window, with Forest Green now opting for alternative player since he knocked them back. Always talk of Baccus interest, though current form I would be surprised if that interest has cooled off unless something miraculous happens over the next few days. Even though I think it was the best thing to happen, get your money on Brophy to score on Saturday.

Strange one with Lewis returning, unless he is moving to another club or someone else moves on. He's done well at Airdrie, though if he were to stay with us for the remainder of the season, I'd imagine it may be Olusanya moving out on loan as you say to accommodate a place for him as backup. Lewis is at the age of a striker, you need to be getting game time every week and he's certainly getting that at a lower level.

The club seems like they need a whole rebuild from top to bottom since McInness' departure. Fans were getting tired of the brand of football under him, though it seems that when someones been in the job for sometime and there is suddenly change, it's not so simple to just transition. Could too many new players brought in have caused an issue as it seems they have a lot of players on their books. Jim can also be very limited with game plans (no plan b). He has also had the biggest budget, probably in their history. Look at us for instance when Danny Lennon left after 4 years of stability. We never made it to the top 6 under Danny, though we were making progress and won a national cup in that period too. The aftermath up until Jack Ross came in was horrendous stuff (albeit pish cheap appointments). Just as Jack was repairing the damage in between, we lost him and Alan Stubbs came in and let off a bomb of negativity. We have slowly made our way back into progression and JG was part of that journey. I just hope we can tie down Robinson a while longer whilst he is showing the positives he brings on the park and in the dressing room.

Hakim Kiwanuka, 22 yr old midfielder from Uganda coming in on trial.

Ethan has recently signed up to Anton Ferdinand's agency. There's a possibility that they are holding out for a team either sitting higher up in League one or a Championship team. At this stage he needs to be playing every week to progress to the heights I believe he can reach. He may have got that at FG, though they are a team sitting bottom of League 1. With all due respect, that is a complete step down to his current platform.

Was that the same game Harry Davis also cracked the bar with a header?

For me personally, if it was a choice between making top 6 and taking some gate money from Celtic over progressing further in the cup then I'd take top 6 all day this season.

Thing is, we aren't a big enough club to carry a luxury high earner as 4th choice striker. He has failed to live up to expectations and justify us pushing the boat out for him. I think with Offord returning, it could signal a sign that he may fill his space on the bench with view to Brophy leaving. All speculating of course, though makes sense. Offord is highly rated and without any pressure he could offer something fresh up top when called upon.

With him not committing his future to the club, we are best to cash in on him just now, especially when he is not getting game time. It's unfortunate with Dylan, as I believe his breakthrough season would have most likely have been next season, though he has his sight set on moving whether it's now or the summer. You never know, both players could still leave this window, with just under 2 weeks left.