We’ve invited fans of the 42 SPFL clubs (well, some of them at least) to give us a preview of their team’s upcoming season. Let’s find out what the team behind the MFC Podcast think is in store for Motherwell…
Last season’s position – 11th
This Season’s Prediction – 6th
Best Signing of the Summer So Far: Louis Laing
I’ve been really pleased with the business done by the club so far. Our new approach of scouring the lower leagues in England for talent with the ambition of bringing them on and eventually selling for a profit is a nice change from losing players for small transfer fees or indeed for nothing.
The signing of Louis Laing for me has been our best signing so far, towards the end of his loan spell last season he seemed to have formed a strong partnership with Stephen McManus and I can only see him getting better.
Key Man: Marvin Johnson
Having just said that Louis Laing is our best signing so far, extending Marvin Johnson’s contract during the close-season has been the deal which seems to have really excited our fans. Signed from Kidderminster in January, he arrived as a complete unknown but he took very little time to make an impact with his pace and direct game.
He also notched the opener in the play-off second-leg against Rangers so will forever be a Motherwell legend!
The Manager: Ian Baraclough
Baraclough managed to steer a squad lacking in guts and effort to safety last season mainly due to the impact of the signings that he acquired in the January transfer window. Despite finishing on a high though, I reckon that most will be reserving judgement on Baraclough until we move into his first full campaign in charge.
The positive influence of his assistant Steve Robinson has been discussed among some members of the press including Stephen Craigan following the play-off final – fingers crossed they go on to form a managerial dream team at Fir Park.
Expectations
Considering for the most part last season was so poor from a Motherwell point of view, we go into the new season in very high spirits.
Having been written off by so many going into the play-off it was a hugely sweet scenario to turn Rangers over so convincingly and there were signs that things were beginning to click within the squad.
We have witnessed the usual summer clear-out and many were disappointed to see John Sutton opt to leave for St Johnstone, but securing Lionel Ainsworth on a new contract set the ball rolling as far as the upheaval was concerned and as I write this we have already added five news faces as well as extending Marvin’s Johnson’s deal too.
There’s still plenty of transfer business to be done though and the remaining acquisitions could be vital – this will also be a massive season for younger players such as Jack Leitch and Craig Moore who have been tipped for big things but have both suffered bad injuries in recent times.
About The Author
The MFC Podcast provides a weekly Motherwell podcast featuring appearances from club staff, former players and fans.
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