We had taken only one point from our previous four games and the longstanding hold on third place was under a growing threat. A scrappy 1-0 win would have been welcome given the circumstances but the glut of goals produced a welcome boost and spirits will be high as we face the last three games.
The next target is to secure third place before the final game of the season. Although a battle for a place in the Champions League would be a terrific spectacle and the something that would draw the neutrals, Motherwell fans would rather turn up to Fir Park for a certain celebration. An afternoon of sombreros and beach balls would be far more pleasant that a nail biting few hours.
It is a measure of the club’s success in recent years that a fourth place finish would be viewed as a disappointment but the stakes are high. Motherwell are almost certain to record a financial loss this season. We sold no players in either transfer window and our income from TV exposure will be down as a result of our mediocre cup campaigns. The additional income from third rather than fourth spot is well worth the fight and the extra from a foray into the early stages of the Champions League might allow the club to consider an enlarged budget for the manager.
A win on Tuesday would be very welcome!