Throughout the season there have been a lot of lows but also some tremendous highs. While putting six past Livingston does not quite make it into the top three memories of the year, it was still very enjoyable! Yet again we have shown that when we relax and play football we can be a good side. Will we be able to find this form a bit more often next year?
It’s hard to say. While no one let himself down yesterday, James McFadden was immense. His temper was short as usual but his tricky feet and mazy runs were sensational. The penalty was superb and the third goal was one of the best ever seen at Fir Park. If he does move on, we will be able to strengthen all areas of the team but nothing will replace the magic that McFadden can provide.
Looking through the rest of the team, there is cause for hope. Corrigan was outstanding in the centre of defence and Kinniburgh continues to look solid. While Ross Ballantyne will be a long way from the first team next year, Paul Quinn looks like he could be worthy of the right back place. This position is one that will cause us bother with Ramsay being released and Cowan out of action for some time still to come.
In midfield, Keith Lasley made a sloppy mistake for the first goal but more than made up for that by scoring two and a putting in an energy sapping box to box performance. Pearson had a few good runs but it was also pleasing to see him sit in at times when it was required. Pearo has been criticised for his lack of positional sense before but he showed a new sense of responsibility when playing as part of a midfield three.
The Craig and Clarkson partnership ran themselves into the ground. Admittedly they spurned some chances but they were in place to miss them and they both contributed with their general play. They will both need to be a bit more consistent with their finishing next season but both are young and will improve.
So, we had an excellent end to a season that has been disappointing with occasional flashes of brilliance thrown in. However, the fact is we finished bottom of the league and deserved to get relegated. It looks like Terry Butcher will be in charge next year and he will need to make sure we are much more consistent in our performances, either with or without McFadden.