A ‘Well Son Returns…Welcome Back Keith Lasley

Last updated : 19 August 2006 By Firparkcorner

Keith left us in the summer of 2004 to join Plymouth Argyle. It never really worked for him at Home Park and after an unspectacular loan spell at Blackpool he found himself looking for a new club this summer. With Motherwell fans screaming for us to sign him it seemed as if Malpas was showing no interest in Keith. He was training with Kilmarnock and playing trial matches for them but a thigh injury slowed down the process. There was some hint he might be Fir Park bound when he was spotted watching the Love Street debacle but with no news the following week and Kilmarnock expressing an interest in a deal it seemed any chance we had was gone.

Keith in the crowd at Love Street

Not so. Just like Tommy Coyne all those years ago when Killie held off or couldn't meet some minor demand, we swooped in and did the deal. Let's hope he does as well for us now as TC did back then! Lasley is certainly not returning the conquering hero a la McClair or O'Donnell and it is important not to expect too much from him, especially too soon.

However, it is almost impossible to believe that he won't improve on our midfield which has been nothing short of diabolical this season. The good news about his early return to Fir Park is that he is still a young man who will be eager to prove that the English part of his career was a blip. If he can get back on track to his previous Fir Park form, there is no doubt this is a good signing.

Lasley at Tannadice



Malpas has taken a lot of stick from many quarters so far – some of it fair, some of it harsh. He has done well with this deal though, either by luck or design, and we can only hope there is more to follow. Many reports make us clear favourites to land Calum Elliott on loan from Hearts and if only we can solve the left back question then surely we'll be able to start putting points on the board soon.