Volkswagen: VW Golf: starting problem, auto electrician, starter motor

Question
VW Golf, 1.6 petrol, 2001, 42k miles.
Have experienced intermittent starting problems both when engine hot or cold.
Symptoms are that ignition key turns, starter motor simply clicks (solenoid?) but engine doesn't turn over.
Starter motor was changed three weeks ago and was fine until today, when engine wouldn't turn / start both when cold and hot!
When I touched the cables at the end of the starter motor and then turned the key the engine started no problem - that technique used to work on most occasions before the starter motor was changed.
Any ideas please?
Thanks.
Phil.

Answer
it may be advisable to remove the main battery live from starter, and battery. check the wire for kinks or similar, also clean the connecting faces with fine sand paper to ensure a good contact. if all appears ok with the wire, refit it with a little grease and see if it cures the problem. if not then you may need to spend some time testing the solenoid wire, to make sure you are getting battery voltage to it (within about 1 volt). if you are getting a lower reading than that, then it may be a current drop between the ignition switch and the starter. in this case you may be advised to seek help from a reputable auto electrician.