MOTHERWELL
MANAGER:
Mark McGhee was brought back into Motherwell for a second spell and was seen as a safe pair of hands to steady a ship that had been creaking its way through troubled waters for the best part of a year. He was more than effective in that, guiding them to the comfort of fifth place. A similar finish would be a great achievement again for McGhee.
However, he would make himself a hero forever at the club if he could deliver a cup run – and ultimately a cup triumph – that has evaded the Lanarkshire side for 25 years.
FORM GUIDE:
It wasn’t as much a season of two halves for Motherwell but four quarters. A dreadful start led to Ian Baraclough’s departure before McGhee came in and there was an upturn until Christmas.
A 6-0 thumping by Hearts and a 2-0 home defeat to Kilmarnock rang alarm bells, but Motherwell bounced back for a fine finish. Already in the Betfred Cup last 16, Motherwell have created plenty of chances against all opposition. Finding some level of consistency could potentially be the difference between a good season and a great one.
WHO’S IN:
Dean Brill (Inverness), James McFadden (free agent), Ben Heneghan (Chester), Richard Tait (Grimsby Town), Jacob Blyth (Leicester City), Carl McHugh (Plymouth Argyle).
WHO’S OUT:
Stephen Pearson (Atletico de Kolkata), Josh Law (Oldham), David Clarkson (St Mirren, Wes Fletcher (free agent), Jack Leitch (free agent), Craig Moore (Ayr United, loan).
STAR PLAYER:
Marvin Johnson, right. The winger excelled in his second season at Fir Park last term and has looked unplayable in the Betfred Cup, picking up two man-of-the-match awards, two goals and two assists in his club’s first three matches. Motherwell will be doing well to keep hold of the Birminghamborn forward if he continues to dazzle.
ONE TO WATCH:
Chris Cadden. The 19-year-old captained Motherwell to Youth Cup final victory for the first time in the club’s history last season while also juggling life as a first-team player. Going into his first full season under McGhee, Cadden’s engine, drive, vision and touch has rightly cemented him as a first-team regular. A future star in the making.