The draw for the group
stage of the Premier Sports Cup will be made today. Motherwell will not be involved.
As participants in the
UEFA Conference qualifiers the Steelmen will be excused the preliminaries of
the League Cup. This is probably a
mixed blessing.
With qualification for
a European Tour there is the possibility of a trip to some exotic foreign
location. Those with fond memories of
Nancy, Athens, Odense and beyond may be hoping for another adventure in the
coming months. Those who were in Sligo
may have other thoughts.
The financial benefits to the club increase with progress through each round. UEFA payments, TV income and larger attendances all combine to keep the treasurer happy. Players benefit from a test against unfamiliar opponents and the wider exposure can lead to career benefits.
On the other hand
there is a good case to be made for the domestic start to the season. The seeded nature of the League Cup sections
gives teams in the top flight a fairly straightforward route to the knockout
stage. It can be argued that it is an
ideal preparation for the rigours of the league season. The continental alternative may match us with
an opposition already at full speed as we know to our cost.
Fans intent on adding
to their tally of stadiums will have been delighted that in recent seasons
visits to Borough Briggs, Ochilview, Palmerston have offered a change of scene.
Moherwell have had
some limited recent success in the League Cup with a couple of semi-final
appearances at Hampden. We will be
seeded when the draw for the second round is made at the end of July. By then we will be halfway through the
Conference League qualifier and (fingers crossed) on the road to Q3.
