His suspension starts on 2 April and we’ll have to take on Aberdeen, Dundee United and Hearts without his robust contribution to our midfield. No one doubts the part he plays in our team. His energy and drive often deliver a decisive edge and his partnership with Lasley has been at the heart of many of our successes this season.
Jennings has kept the officials busy this season. So far he has collected 12 yellow and one red card (the one that sparked a controversy when referee O’Reilly sent him off late in the game against Hearts). To make matters worse it appears that his growing reputation precedes him. His last caution came at Rugby Park after 18 minutes. Had Mike Tumilty been consistent and booked every player for similar challenges the crime count at the game might have been a record.
Our man will be available for the cup replay next Wednesday but he missed the first cup meeting at Tannadice...because he was suspended! Bookings against Dundee and Stranraer resulted in an automatic ban for the next round. At least we can be comforted by the knowledge that he now has a clean sheet in the cup competition unlike Randolph, Hateley, Hutchison and Gunning. A booking for any of them in the replay will cost them a semi-final place.
Jennings’ tally matches the total of cautions of the next two on Motherwell’s list of bad boys, Lasley and Craigan have 6 each.
His agent is already putting out feelers as his contract at Fir Park enters the last few months. Whether he can engineer a move to Aberdeen or a return to England remains to be seen. Motherwell fans would be delighted if he could be persuaded to stay but that may depend on whether the club coffers can benefit by a top six finish. It’s jus a pity that he won’t be available to push us over the line.