Fir Park move has proved the perfect tonic
His longed-for move to league-winning Lincoln City fell through in the summer.
But Mark O’Hara insists the prospect of European football with Motherwell has provided the perfect tonic.
Having been sent out on loan by parent club Peterborough United last season, O’Hara had the campaign of his life, helping lowly Lincoln to the League Two title.
He was left heartbroken after a proposed permanent move fell through.
But after being scooped up by Well – again on loan – until the end of this season, he has found himself in the thick of a Europe-chasing campaign.
It’s an experience the 24-year-old is relishing.
And he admits that, if it ends in glory, he will be keen to make a long-term switch to Fir Park.
“Qualifying for Europe is exactly what we want to do,” said O’Hara.
“It’s something I have never achieved. In fact, I have never even finished in the top six, so European football would be something special.
“I would 100% want to stay for Europe. The manager has spoken to me and said, if possible, he would like that to happen.
“I have enjoyed every minute here so far.”
Whether Peterborough will play ball should the Steelmen come calling for O’Hara this summer remains to be seen.
With one year left on his contract with Darren Ferguson’s side, they are in a strong negotiating position.
And past form suggests they may not be the easiest club to deal with.
“The summer was frustrating because I thought I was going to sign for Lincoln permanently and then that didn’t happen,” said O’Hara, who starred in Well’s midweek win at Aberdeen.
“It was brilliant at Lincoln. We ended up winning the league and I absolutely loved it.
“The manager wanted me to stay. But he then left and the club couldn’t agree a deal with Peterborough.
“The longer that dragged on the more difficult it became for me.
“My future was uncertain but I had a few offers up here and Motherwell was the most attractive.
“That’s because I looked at the squad of players. And when I spoke to the manager he seemed really ambitious.
“That has proven justified by the fact we are sitting third. Everything just seemed really positive and it felt like a good place to come and learn.”
For now, that’s all O’Hara is looking for – and after a run of starts in the Well midfield, his wish is being granted.
“I want to develop my game,” he said.
“I have just turned 24 and have played a ton of games. But I have learned something new at every club I’ve been at.
“It’s good to work with different managers. And to speak to Stephen Robinson, someone who had never worked with me before, and hear him say howmuchhewantedme, that was great.”