McFadden started his career at Fir Park as Motherwell were imploding financially and heading for administration. He was a shining light in some of our darkest days and his breath-taking performances soon marked him out for a move to bigger and better things. He was not the first or last Motherwell player to earn a transfer but the dignified way in which he went about his job and his outstanding relationship with the supporters ensured he always remained a popular figure. This feeling seems to have been reciprocated with McFadden being an early member of the Well Society and frequently using our training facilities as he recovered from injury.
Of course, despite the delight of having him back in the squad, it is with a touch of sadness we welcome him back quite so soon. This is will not be the last chapter of his career but at 29 he should be terrorising defences on the biggest stage rather than returning to the SPL. If McFadden can work his way back to anything like his best, he will surely not stay with us beyond summer but it would still be an arrangement which is hugely beneficial to both parties.
McFadden leads the celebrations after scoring
The Motherwell official website crashed on Monday evening as it failed to cope with the thousands of visitors anxious to read about the story and it is probably fair to say this is a signing which will fascinate all of Scottish football. The national team could certainly use a fully fit Faddy and we wish him all the best in the months ahead as he tries to help our push for second place in the table. An interview with the man himself is available on Motherwell TV.
Indulge yourself with some Faddy memories..