This season
will see Motherwell finish in the top half of the table for the fourth time
since the SPFL was formed in 2013.
Huge congratulations
are due to everyone who played a part in this achievement. Not only did the club overcome a financial handicap
compared to most of its competitors but the team delivered the prize with an entertaining
style that delighted all football fans.
Jens
Berthel Askou arrived at the start of the campaign with talk of revolution. "There
are things to improve, we're trying to build a new identity and a new approach
on top of 140 years of football history at this club. You don't do that
overnight." There were many
sceptics, there are fewer now.
In 2013/14
Stuart McCall’s team finished second thanks to the memorable
afternoon at Pittodrie when Craig Reid’s goal from a yard in added time
sparked wild scenes.
The
post-split games began with a 3-3 draw at Parkhead before a 5-1 loss at
Tannadice. A strong finish delivered
three wins against St Johnstone, Inverness and Aberdeen. The European journey failed at the first
hurdle against the Icelanders Stjarnan FC.
Motherwell
finished third in the Covid limited season 2019/20. The SPFL determined that average points per
game would determine final positions and the Steelmen (1.53) nudged Aberdeen
(1.50) into fourth.
Stephen
Robinson took the team into the Europa League in a run that ended in Israel
against Hapoel
Beer Sheva. Earlier rounds brought wins over Glentoran and Coleraine in
the one legged ties.
In 2021/22
Graham Alexander lead his team to fifth place.
The post-split fixtures began with losses to Rangers and Dundee United
but wins over Ross County and Hearts
(Keith Lasley’s farewell) guaranteed a Europa Conference place. The season ended with a 6-1 loss at Parkhead.
Alexander
did not survive the loss to Sligo Rovers the following season.
So what of
2025/26? Motherwell hold fourth place ahead of Rangers (a), Falkirk (a), Hearts
(h), Celtic (h) and Hibs (a). The three point advantage over Hibs (and a better goal difference) will be a significant factor in the tough sprint ahead.
Regardless
of the final position, Motherwell have given us a wonderful season. We have
been treated to the best football in our long suffering memories and with any
luck we can anticipate a European tour.
