1.55pm

Speaking in today's local press, Eric Black reveals that Dirk Lehmann is set to resume training next week.  The German striker injured ankle ligaments in the recent game against Dundee, but could play some part in the remaining five league games of the season:
"Dirk has not started running yet, but we are confident he will be back in training sometime next week.  Obviously, we are hopeful he will play some part towards the end of the season, although, at the moment, it's difficult to say what game Dirk will make it back for."

Eric confirmed that there won't be any new arrivals at Fir Park before the March 31 transfer deadline:
"It's highly unlikely, certainly at this moment in time, that we will move to strengthen the squad before the transfer deadline.  One or two of the players currently on the transfer list could be given an opportunity, although not all of them will feature."

Does this mean we could see Kevin Twaddle in a Motherwell shirt again?

Finally, Eric looked ahead to the remaining games of the season, which will see us playing three away matches and two at home:
"We have lost our last two games and while we played well in patches against Dundee, in the game against Celtic the result speaks for itself.  It's not ideal playing on game at home and then having to face three away away, but we have to get ourselves prepared and try to finish the season in a positive manner."

Anyone mind if we run TWO opinion polls at once?

There is a growing feeling in many quarters that the club and fans need to get together because there has been a growing rift in recent times, which was brought to a head by the ticketing arrangements for the recent home game against Celtic.

Would you support an initiative to bring the club and the supporters closer together?

Enter our new Prediction League  - cash prizes to be won!