18 minutes ago
Jane Lewis, ` Sport Scotland
I doubt even the most devoted Motherwell fans could have foreseen the club’s impressive turnaround in February after their painful exit from the Scottish Cup.
In the following 14 games, Motherwell collected 30 points, scored 25 goals and conceded 13 thanks to nine wins and three draws.
In the previous 14 games, including the Kirkcaldy disaster, they had recorded just two wins and four draws – eight losses was the telling record. The goals conceded are a downside of the better times, 13 for and 25 goals against.
It’s a fantastic foundation to build on and is sure to result in healthy fan engagement for the launch of the new campaign.
And that will start up again in no time when Stuart Kettlewell confirms his side will be back for pre-season training in just 19 days.
But will Motherwell’s squad, which ended the season so brilliantly, remain largely the same, or will there be sweeping changes?
The manager says he “hopes to keep as many players out of the squad as possible” but concedes he could potentially be busy taking calls from clubs interested in his players.
Much has already been said about Kevin Van Veen’s likely departure after finishing the season with 29 goals. His love for the club and respect for manager Kettlewell are evident, but so is his acceptance that it might be time to reap the rewards of his clout and move on.
Full-back Max Johnston is also likely to leave. Motherwell’s new contract is yet to be signed as clubs in the South and abroad have expressed interest.
Summer will be interesting and exciting. Capping this season on a high means hopes are high that Motherwell can not only pick up where they left off, but also pick up and improve.
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