The team is looking solid, good at the back, effective in midfield and threatening in attack. But it only takes a couple of players to have an off day for our team to look run of the mill again and this is why we need new blood. A goalkeeper, a midfielder and a striker are the minimum we need to get in before transfer window slams shut, with another midfielder also high up on the agenda.
Many names have been bandied about, including Stephen Hughes, Paul Dickov and Jim McAllister, but only McGhee and Scott Leitch will really know who they are after. It looks like one of the players we will sign is Rab Douglas, who will hopefully provide good competition for Graham Smith. Rab is getting on a bit, but is still relatively young for a goalkeeper and will add some much needed experience to the squad.
In midfield we need at least two more in as we are quite lightweight in this department. The midfield three of Lasley, O'Donnell and Fitzpatrick has started the season reasonably well but need pressure put on them to play for their places. Everyone knows I'm not Fitz's number one fan but his pace is important to the team especially when covering back so anyone coming in for him will also need this attribute.
Up front we look quite strong but need an out and out goal scorer to compete with Porter. Chris hasn't set the SPL on fire so far but has come up here with a good goal scoring reputation so we should give him time to settle in. The other three up front all look good this season, with Clarkson and McGarry looking like new players. We can also expect to see the best of McCormack in the next few weeks, as hopefully he will recapture his 'electric' pre-season form.
But we definitely need players in, as the performance against
MM's Team For Raith Rovers:
(4-3-3)
Graham Smith (no one else - needs to improve)
Paul Quinn (promising start)
Mark Reynolds (see how he does at left back)
Stephen Craigan (needs to stop getting caught out of position)
Brian McClean (needs a run out, deserves a chance)
Keith Lasley (vital to the team)
Simon Mensing (I would rest captain Phil)
Jim Paterson (give him a chance in the new formation in midfield)
David Clarkson (lets hope he keeps up his new found form)
Chris Porter (tough on McGarry but we need Porter to score to gain confidence)
Ross McCormack (has to play)
Prediction: Motherwell 3 Raith Rovers 0
Mm