Bring on the tangerines

Mark McGhee today received his Manager of the Month award for February and gave the credit to the players after a terrific ten game run in the league of 5 wins, 4 draws and just a single defeat (last week to Hearts in a game which no-one can quite understand how the capital side managed to win). Tomorrow we face Dundee United at Fir Park in a more or less must-win match if we are to make that crucial 4th spot and qualify for the Europa League next season. Back to back European campaigns hasn't happened to Motherwell for as long as I can remember. It would be some achievement given the atrocious spate of injuries we suffered towards the tail end of 2008. Last time out against the Arabs, we cuffed them 4-0 on their own patch and they will no doubt be out for revenge but with everybody fit and raring to go I think we should run out comfortable winners. I'm going for 2-0. Sheridan and Shuggy Hughes to score.

Games against Dundee United have held an extra significance for me since December 29th 2007. This was the last Motherwell game I actually went to (and my first since the 5-1 thrashing by Rangers in the league cup final years ago) and was of course marked by the tragic death of our captain Phil O'Donnell, who collapsed during the game and never recovered. On that day the football was magical. We were 3-0 up after half an hour and playing some truly scintillating stuff. It's not just fond memories. We really were that good. I still think about Uncle Phil from time to time and especially about his young family. Mostly when we play Dundee United. What a legend. Thanks for the memories Phil.