{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Motherwell Daft","title":"The Cup Gamble That Backfired","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/a790e406\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1847,"description":"Crofty returns from holiday just in time for one of Motherwell’s most deflating afternoons of the season so far — a League Cup exit to Stenhousemuir on a brutal artificial surface after eight changes and a gamble that didn’t pay off.\nAcross the episode, Crofty and Peter unpack the decision-making behind the rotated squad, the impact of nine injuries, the performance of young players, and the wider fan reaction. \nThey highlight the positives at the club — Connolly’s composure, Paulsen’s emergence as a genuine upgrade — while acknowledging the frustration of losing another early cup opportunity.\nThe pair also contrast the disappointment with the electric European night against Helsinki, discuss squad depth, transfer needs, and look ahead to a massive upcoming tie against Freiburg. Peter reveals he’ll miss the match due to a long‑booked holiday, prompting some playful blame‑shifting and self‑deprecation.\nThe episode closes with calls for perspective, patience with young players, and optimism that the European momentum can quickly reset the mood.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/wswxpZsj4KrJX6gOmhxoglN7oKu5fF6ndJ2Tmdn1JEo/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9lYTNh/NzdhZjFmNDg1ZDhk/MjFmOThlY2UwYzkx/YWJjNS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}