The immediate priority is to prepare for the opening of the SPFL on 9 August. It’s fair to assume that the management planned the build up to the domestic season in the belief that there would be two more Europa League games before we face St Mirren. That would have seen us up to full speed with four competitive games already completed, ideal preparation. Sadly, that plan is in tatters and the squad will have to rely on hastily arranged bounce affairs to fill the gap.
More like this next season?
The manager still has to fill the gaps in defence and attack caused by the departures of Hutchinson and Anier. Shortcomings at either end of the team were all too apparent in both legs and our inability to have replacements available has cost us dear. Our early return from the summer break made it difficult to contact other clubs but that's hardly an excuse for the poor performance.
A home tie against Lech Poznan would have generated a very healthy profit and a further payout from UEFA. Motherwell's finances are too fragile to miss such an opportunity.
It’s part of a footballer’s make up that he can recover from a loss and concentrate on the next game but the manner of this defeat will take some recovering. I’ll spare the horrible details but Lasley, Twardzik and most of the rest will need some help as they lick their wounds.
The press has, rightly, made much of our recent Europa League run. Ten consecutive matches without a win has to be poor, yet the Stjarnan tie was the only loss to a lower seeded team. Some fans argue that these early season adventures are not worth the cost. Financially and psychologically they have become a drain on our limited resources.
The Well Society has embarked on a renewed drive to build funds to further the cause of fan ownership. Any hopes of riding on a wave of enthusiasm swelled by a decent European campaign now have to be set aside.
Stuart McCall, Alan Burrows and the senior board members are now faced with the difficult task of lifting the Motherwell support and offering hope that the new season will bear fruit. Season tickets need to be sold.
At the same time we should recognise that there will be no better boost to the players than to see a big home crowd in full voice at the St Mirren game.