Leverkusen move for McFadden

Jamie has only played a handful of matches for us but it is clear he has talent well above our station. From scoring a winning header against Aberdeen in November to putting Dirk’s goal on a plate against Livi, Faddy has scored goals and made chances. It is frightening to wonder if we would have avoided relegation last year without the introduction of the teenager into our squad.

Faddy at training recently

Despite his hero status among ‘Well fans and gaining Scotland recognition from Berti Vogts, Faddy has always kept his feet on the ground. He has maintained that while he will not be at Fir Park forever, he wants to stay here for a while to allow himself to develop as a player. He has also stayed loyal to his friends from the U21s. How many potential superstars would appear at Brandon Park on a Monday night to cheer on his mates? Sadly, the massive offer from Germany may take the decision to stay or go out of his hands.

While he has only been a first team regular for a short time, Faddy’s contribution to the club cannot be understated. If Saturday’s game is his last, he deserves a big cheer from the Motherwell fans in recognition of what he has done and what he will almost certainly go onto do. Having seen other players return stronger for going abroad, it is hard not to think that this move could be beneficial for us financially and for him as a player.

Terry Butcher is on record saying, "I expect to have my resolve tested before August 31, even if I don't want it to be tested.  But I hope James stays put because I feel he needs another season to develop and isn't ready to go yet.  There are a number of scouts at almost every game James plays now and I know one of them is from Bayer Leverkusen.  That does not surprise me as it does some people.  He's a top quality player who is only going to get better and they would not be doing their job if they ignored him."

Its now crunch time for John Boyle and his declared wish to see the club prosper. Despite the administrator’s current job in running the club, it will need the chairman’s approval before a move on this scale can proceed.

Whatever happens, good luck Faddy. Deep down, we’ll always consider you ours.

(There is a poll on the front page of FirParkCorner…should he stay or should he go?)