The game also gives Stuart McCall another chance to see the players in action before the season gets underway. But the focus of the evening will, rightly, be on Craigan. He’ll celebrate his 35th birthday at the then of October and he is now one of the most experienced players in the SPL. An impressive list of his achievements can be found here.
Stephen will lead the teams out ahead of the 7.45pm kick off at Fir Park. Entry is £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and only the East and O’Donnell stands will be used – visiting fans will be in the north end of the O’Donnell stand.
Most of the fans will get their first look at Higdon in a ‘Well strip and our other new boy Nicky Law will also be on show. It will be his first chance to play on his new home ground. Early reactions to his debut are favourable and the pristine surface should give him an opportunity to display the passing prowess that is listed high in his list of skills.
The pitch will look magnificent as it always does at the start of every season. Given the investment over recent years there will be a few fingers crossed that it survives the worst that the winter can throw at it.
Football fans are well aware that pre-season games are far from the ‘real thing’ and they often offer poor value for money. This one is different. It presents the Motherwell (and Thistle) support a chance to dig into their pockets to show appreciation for a rock steady professional who has given many years to our game. He deserves a decent vote of thanks for his service.