Motherwell's share of the Premiership prize pot is bound to be reduced from last year. Regardless of our finishing position the SPFL’s inability to secure a main league sponsor means that the commercial revenues are diminished. Nevertheless, we have secured a place in the top half of the table and the manager will have a fair idea of his playing budget. How does he spend it?
The starting place will be a consideration of the players who are out of contract this summer. More than half of what might be thought of as our best eleven are free to leave.
Hammell and Lasley have been good servants and both have earned testimonial seasons. They are 32 and 34 years old and at the end of two year deals. The pair are sure to be at the top of McCall’s list when the offers are handed out. They know each other’s game inside out and have contributed hugely to our success in recent years. The main sticking point might be a dispute about the length of contracts but it would be a major shock if they ate not in next season’s team.
There are a further two regulars who complete two year contracts in May. Shaun Hutchinson, now 23, has been with us since 2007 and he signed an extension to his contract in 2011. The popular view is that he’ll seek fame and fortune elsewhere but it might be that a look at the fading fortunes of some of his former team-mates might persuade him that the grass on the other side of the hill is not always greener. We’ll keep our fingers crossed. Lee Hollis has had a luckless season with extended spells on the treatment table. His chance to make the number one jersey his own followed the departure of Randolph but he has played only a dozen times this season. It may well be that the parting of the ways has arrived.
McFadden and McManus signed on at Fir Park on one year deals in mid-July 2013. While McManus has played in all but one of this season’s games McFadden has started just over half with another five contributions from the bench. While McManus would be a great capture there is an argument about the value for money that we get from Faddy’s exploits. Just when he looks like hitting top form there is a dip or an injury, yet he offers a flair and entertainment factor that is sadly lacking in the SPFL.
Ainsworth completes his second six month attachment and sees keen to stay. McCall took a gamble with the ex-Rotherham play and we’re reaping the reward that comes with a speedy winger growing in confidence. We can expect him to be on the wing next season.
Craig Reid is our most recent signing but his contribution, initially as an emergency right back, has impressed. Kerr and Ramsden already have desires on that spot and it will be a close call as to whether we can afford the redundancy that would follow if we retain his services.
There are sure to be plenty rumours and false trails before we line up for season 2014/15 but the planning will be well underway already.
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