Some people say that being a Motherwell fan is like riding a rollercoaster, but really the constant ups and downs feel more like taking a boat trip in a storm. At the weekend we were riding on the crest of a wave after thumping Kilmarnock. On Monday night all that good feeling was swept away after a Scottish Cup defeat at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The good news is that we are by no means the worst team in the league.  It seems rather unbelievable that Motherwell are sitting in the top six after a dreadful run with no wins since October and the turmoil of managerial change.  We can also focus solely on the league with all those cup competitions out of the way.

That isn’t really a positive. The cups are the only time a club like Motherwell are going to pick up silverware.  They are a shot at glory and every season fans always think that just maybe it could be our year.

Temporary manager Craig Brown had emphasised the importance of a cup run in the build-up to the game.  Winning games like these helps shape a season and gives a sense of purpose.  Without something significant to look forward to there is a risk of the players becoming jaded and losing confidence. 

Whatever the competition, this was just one game.  Football fans live from match to match as if the whole season will pivot on that one performance. By now Motherwell fans should be familiar with the sickening ups and downs that accompany supporting our team.

On Saturday night many wanted Craig Brown installed as manager with immediate effect.  After Monday night others would be happy to bring in a whole new regime.  With all the emotions involved it can be hard to see the bigger picture.

With Jim Gannon in charge I dared to dream.  The way the man spoke made me think that we would win something this year and, right at the start of the season, I thought the team could surprise many. Just a few weeks later I’d be happy to see the club finish in 11th and ready to rebuild next year.

The bigger picture is that our season in effectively over.  There will be no cup finals and no challenge for Europe.  All that matters is beating the teams around us and picking up the points to keep the club afloat.

Craig Brown may not be everyone’s first choice but he is experienced, dependable and respected.  That steadying influence is exactly what is required to keep the good ship Motherwell on the right course until the end of the season.

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