McHugh’s signature ties him to Fir Park until the summer of 2015. He has over 70 first team appearances already on his CV as well as a unique song dedicated to his alleged off field antics. His late goal at Easter Road earlier this season is remembered fondly and we hope to see more of his celebrations in the years ahead.
He joins Adam Cummins, Zaine Francis-Angol, Stuart Carswell and Craig Moore in committing to the club and they will be backed up the more mature pair of Lasley and Hammell as they try to establish themselves as first team regulars.
Much business remains to be done as the planning for next season moves forward. Now that our top six place is assured the board will have a clearer picture of next season’s playing budget. If the manager puts pen to paper later in the week (as he suggested was likely) then we can pursue the signatures of a number of those who have contracts ending in the next few months.
The bulk of the current first team will be free to leave at the end of this season and a fine balancing act will be needed to ensure that the money we can afford to spend retains enough of them to give us a realistic chance of another top half success a year from now.
At the shareholders’ meeting on Monday evening Derek Weir stated his belief that there is a direct correlation between the playing budget and the finishing position in the league. But without a benefactor willing to gamble a fortune the club is bound to exercise great caution with the budget. The financial security of MFC has to be the main priority and we’ll have to live within our means.
The news that Dunfermline is now in administration only reinforces that policy and underlines the need for the Well Society to prosper. Fans can make their contribution by renewing membership and persuading others to sign up. Season ticket offers will soon appear and, again, fans can make a difference by encouraging their sale.