Obviously the Livi defeat was disappointing, more so in terms of the performance rather than anything else. We still have a problem of lifting our performance levels against sides in the lower half of the table and it is a problem that will have to be rectified soon starting against Thistle.
The January sales are now open so it will be interesting to see if we can strengthen the side and hold on to what we have already. I don’t think there is going to be as much activity as everybody thinks. There just is not the cash in England or Scotland to spend and with so many clubs on the very edge of collapse very few will be willing to get the cheque book out.
Looking forward to 2003 I certainly think we will escape relegation, although it is going to be difficult to finish any higher than 11th. We will be out of administration by the middle of the year and looking forward to an exciting 2003-04 season with more young talent ready to step into the shoes of the gone but not forgotten
James McFadden. Rangers to win the league (but who cares!) and a surprise in the Cup with Dunfermline taking the trophy (although I do have a small inkling that we could have a great cup run this year). Arsenal for the Premiership and if they get past Liverpool in the 3rd round Man City for the FA Cup.
In the near future however it is an absolute banker that we will beat Thistle probably by a scoreline that reflects the date ie 2-1-03 points! Nothing like starting a new year full of optimism.
Motherwell 2 – 1 Partick Thistle