We said farewell to Murphy as he captained the side for the Ne'erdy game at Parkhead and given that he had scored 11 goals there were concerns about the gap his departure would leave. The transfer window was now active would we lose any more?
The SPL and SFA announced a joint proposal for a convoluted new league structure that was roundly condemned by fans' groups. The pity was that there were many good ideas in other areas but it was made clear that cherry picking was not on option. The MFC board bravely argued the party line and many doubters who attended the Well Society meeting were swayed into a reluctant acceptance.
Another goal celebration
The club accounts revealed a £600k loss for the previous year but that was offset by the profit made in the earlier season. The Well Society took up their entitlement to representation on the club board as the clubs continues its steady but slow transition to fan ownership. The East Stand fans worked hard to provide a rousing and exciting support for the team both home and away and an new fanzine backed up their allegiance to fan power.
A huge boost arrived in mid February when McFadden signed on for the rest of the season. Following a long recuperation from injury he had been training with the squad for months but it suited him (and us!) to get some match time and the accompanying exposure. His second coming was a 20 minute appearance from the bench in a 1-0 defeat against Dundee United but he was soon to be a first team regular.
The South Stand has a new sponsor
Following a poor loss to Ross County we produced an inspired victory over Celtic that kicked off a run of sparkling football that delivered a comfortable second place by the April split. We played a settled team; Randolph, Hateley, Hutchinson, Ramsden, Hammell, McFadden, Lasley, Law, Humphrey, Ojamaa and Higdon and they looked like a winning team for every game. There was a belief and confidence that swept all aside: it was great to see.
Higdon was scoring headers, tap ins and the odd shot from outside the box thanks to the plentiful supply provided mainly by Humphrey and Ojamaa. The top six place was sealed with a 4-1 win over Hibs and were soon joined by Dundee United, St Johnstone, Ross County, Inverness and Celtic to form an unlikely group for the last five games.
Last home game - party time
There were wins in three post-split fixtures (including a second win over Celtic at Fir Park) and the runners up place was guaranteed with two games to spare. Great celebrations followed the final home appearance (a 2-0 win over Ross County) and the team showed of the latest version of the famous claret and amber strip.
The team was honoured by the inclusion of Randolph, Hutchinson, Law and Higdon in the SPFA team of the year, Higdon collected the Player of the Year award (together with the golden boot for his record breaking tally) and McCall beat the rest to be awarded the Manager of the Season trophy.
It was a pleasure to have followed the team in 2012/13 and we can look forward to another Europa League adenture to kickstart the new season.