Motherwell have been quick off the mark in securing replacements for the inevitable departures from the squad over the close season. Three have agreed pre-contracts and more have extended their stays.
April produced a flurry of announcements as the pre-contract signings were revealed. Players over 23 with under six months remaining of their current contract are able to discuss future plans with other clubs. Chat about likely moves starts with the winter break.
It had long been the subject of paper talk that Declan Gallagher was a target for Motherwell and confirmation of the two year deal came early in the month. The Livingston centre back has had a good season and his height and pace will be valuable strengths in our back line.
Next came news that the services of Liam Polworth had been secured. The 24 year old has served Inverness well from youth to first team level and it appears the midfielder had plenty of suitors for his signature. He will sign his two year contract in June.
Jake Carroll was the last of the April trio to be lined up for next season. He will leave Cambridge United for Fir Park in June and join the group with contracts until 2021. Stephen Robinson talked of him as “quick and strong” but the 27 year old knows that there will be competition for a place in the first team.
In addition to the new faces some of current squad have agreed to prolong their stays. Jamie Semple made his first team debut at the weekend, a fitting reward for agreeing a deal that will take him to 2021. In March, Liam Grimshaw and Barry Maguire signed on for another year and in February James Scott committed himself until 2022.
Preparations for the new campaign are always more productive if player movements are settled early and it seems that we are well up to speed.