The unveiling of Ian Baraclough and the announcement of a likely path to fan ownership did nothing to swell the home support as only a disappointing 3,193 souls were counted though the Fir Park gates. Of those 126 were classed as visitors. There lies the heart of the Well Society’s problem.
The start of the collection
Many of those who did attend dropped off donations to the Well Bois food bank initiative but they were to be disappointed at the fare on offer on the pitch. We saw an encouraging start to the second half when a spirited effort overturned the one goal deficit but the last half hour saw us camped around our box as fear grew to panic under the onslaught of the more determined Staggies attack.
Before the game BBC Sportsound hosted an excellent interview with Ian Hutchison. Speaking from New York he revealed some of the planning behind the Well Society initiative and gave some glimpses to the way ahead.
His initial involvement was to offer a donation but the notion of further assistance developed when he was made aware that the Society was short of the target sum needed to secure contol of the club. He was keen “to assure the fans that I really do have the interests of the club and the community at heart”.
He was asked if it was his intention to buy John Boyle’s shares then pass them to the Society after a 5 year period. A 30 day period has begun during which his people would check out the financial details at the club. The mechanics of the way forward are not yet set but all parties are clear about the way forward.
What about the club board? Hutchison made particular mention of two of the current board members and praised their enthusiasm and efforts for the club. Brian McCafferty has been asked to take the chair. Some of Hutchison's representatives will join the board including his daughter. She has an accounting background, went to school in Motherwell and is already a fan.
Alan Burrows will meet with Les in a few days to give further details of the current set up of the club. Jokes about swimming trunks and sun tan lotion followed and Jane Lewis was quick to suggest she should be included on the trip.
There was encouragement for fans and local companies to get involved in fundraising and sponsorship. He hoped that other would join him is allocating some of the philanthropic part of their budget.
Hutchison was involved in the interview of the new manager and it is felt Baraclough "ticks a lot of boxes".
It was an interview that gives encouragement to the belief that we are moving in the right direction. No doubt we'll learn more about the road ahead in the next few weeks.
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