As the chart below shows, Motherwell's league position has been very consistent over the 24 matches played to date. Although there another fourteen to go (and nine till the split) it is not unreasonable for the fans to start saving for a foreign trip or two in July/August. Of course the manager and players must avoid falling into the pit of complacency but even they must, at times, reckon that our preparation for the start of next season might involve a continental trip.
Motherwell's league positions to date
While Ojamaa has, rightly, been grabbing the headlines with his refreshing direct style and eye for goal it would be wrong to credit him with all the praise that has seen us recover from the mid-winter dip in form. Jennnings has returned and Lasley's contribution has been outstanding. He would have been a cert for Saturday's Man of the Match award had Henrik not bagged the first two goals.
The post match analysis shows that Motherwell had 4 attempts on target while St Johnstone had 10. The fact that our only concession came from a penalty kick speaks volumes for the form of Randolph on goal. Despite the unfamiliar pairing of Clancy and Hutchison in central defence we lost nothing from open play and the keeper kept command of his box by claiming several high balls. This mini recovery has been a team effort.
There is the diversion of a fifth round cup tie to amuse us next weekend. A place in the quarter finals is the prize and to get there we have to beat Morton, the seventh placed team in the First Division. They managed to lose to Queen of the South to give the Doonhamers a lift off the bottom of the table. The financial reward that comes with a cup run might give McCall the extra needed to secure Ojamaa's services beyond May.
The transfer window is about to close and there has not been a whisper of any new signings on the horizon. Either the manager has sealed lips or the current squad will see us through till the end of the season. We'll know on Tuesday night (11pm).