Adequate compensation for young players vital to Well’s future says Lasley
Assistant manager Keith Lasley claims training compensation for young players is vital to Motherwell’s future as the club prepare to fight for money owed for Chris Cadden. Columbus Crew have requested Cadden’s registration after the 22-year-old Scotland international turned down a new Motherwell deal.
Major League Soccer agreed to adhere to the Fifa-recognised training compensation regulations earlier this year, but the categories of clubs have not been fixed.
MLS club Columbus are believed to be claiming they are two categories lower than Motherwell despite their wage bill dwarfing that of the Scottish club, meaning the fee owed for Cadden could be as low as £30,000.
To further complicate the situation, Cadden – who has been on Motherwell’s books since he was nine – is expected to be loaned to Oxford.
The Sky Bet League One club had also been in the hunt to sign the versatile player over the summer and Motherwell could have expected more than £300,000 if Cadden had gone straight there.
While Cadden’s ultimate destination is uncertain, Motherwell are keen to press their case with Fifa for suitable compensation from the Americans.
Lasley, pictured, said: “That’s what the system is designed for, to compensate clubs for the hard work and development that it takes from a young age. You see the amount of young boys who have come into our team, that doesn’t just happen when they turn 18. A lot of hours and development have gone in to help the boys.
“So, hopefully, that situation can be resolved and we can be compensated accordingly. It’s vital to this club surviving and prospering.”
Meanwhile, Motherwell have signed a record-breaking deal with Paddy Power to become the first Scottish club to join the #Saveourshirt campaign. The betting giants have sponsored the Steel Men by “un-sponsoring” them – keeping the claret in both home and away jerseys unblemished by sponsorship names.
The betting firm launched their “Save Our Shirts” campaign last week and is dedicated to removing sponsor logos from the front of jerseys. They hit the headlines after “launching” Huddersfield Town’s new kit with a large sash featuring the Paddy Power logo. The club even wore the new kit for a pre-season friendly, sparking a furious reaction from fans. It transpired to be a publicity stunt as part of the campaign, with the front of both home and away shirts to be sponsor free.
Now Motherwell are also taking part in the bookmakers’ campaign. Chairman Jim Mcmahon said: “This partnership represents our biggest shirt sponsorship in history, and the chance to team up with a renowned brand. It’s a fantastic achievement by our commercial team to get them on board.”