Save game from a contract killer
MOTHERWELL boss Graham Alexander has urged Hampden chiefs to close the loophole that allows Bosman signing targets to play against their future employers.
The Fir Park boss faces a tough call next month on whether to start Tony Watt against Dundee United after Well’s top scorer agreed a precontract switch to Tannadice.
Alexander is adamant it’s a decision he should not have to face.
Bosman rules mean players are free to speak to new clubs once they enter the final six months of their contracts.
The English FA have a stricter interpretation of the rule to cut out the risk of conflict of interest, with wantaway players forced to wait until April 1 before they are allowed to agree a summer switch to a rival.
Alexander reckons Scottish football chiefs should follow suit after going through a similar drama with Declan Gallagher last year,
He said: “It’s a strange situation, the pre-contract thing. You don’t experience that in England, players signing pre-contracts and being able to play against the team they are joining in the same league.
“It’s something that needs to be looked at. I don’t think it’s right but it is what it is so we have to deal with it and we’re trying to deal with it in the best way we can.”
United boss Tam Courts is determined to get his hands on Watt this month and initial talks have taken place with Motherwell chief executive
BY ANDY NEWPORT Alan Burrows over making his move immediate.
Alexander is just as keen to keep hold of his talisman and has no intention of freezing out the frontman if a suitable deal cannot be struck.
He is even prepared to thrust Watt into action when he takes Well to Tannadice on February 9.
Asked if he has any qualms about starting Watt against United, he said: “If he’s still here, no. At all the clubs I’ve managed, I’ve fallen out with players but, as long as they come in and train well, I’ll consider selecting them.
“There are always issues that can muddy the water and distract footballers but, ultimately, players want to train and play.
“They’re paid to do that, so if Tony is still with us when we play United, I’d have no qualms about picking him.”
Alexander did drop Watt for the game before the winter break against Livingston but has been reassured the striker will continue to give his all for the remainder of his time at the club.
The Fir Park boss said: “I had a 15-minute chat with him about why he’d been left out against Livi after the news about his move to Dundee United became public knowledge.
“Tony’s assured me he will crack on and be committed to Motherwell as long as he’s our player and that’s all I ask of anyone. All the players are at different stages of leaving the club because they all do eventually, whether it’s next week, in six months or three years from now. But while they’re here I expect that commitment and I don’t anticipate anything different from Tony.
“I felt it was the right decision to take him out of the team for that one game because the story had just come out but, if he’s still here when we play Ross County on January 18, then he’ll be in contention.
“Freeze him out? That’s not my way. You have to treat players as adults and, to be fair to Tony, he came to me to let me know that this was happening before anyone else knew. Fair play to him for that. I respect that.”
Alexander warned United will have to dig deep if they want to land Watt this month. He said: “Tony’s under contract until the summer and he’s the top scorer in the Premiership. He’s played every game bar one during my year in charge so he’s a valued member of our team. “If anyone wants to take him away this month there’s a premium to pay for it.”