The reduced admission price at the turnstyles ensured that a decent crowd turned up for the ritual. The game itself hardly justified that level of interest and it seems likely that the speculation about Terry's future will have encouraged a few along to say their goodbyes.
It was obvious to all who have seen the end of season tributes over the last few years that the team held back and let the manager take the leading role in this mutual back slapping parade. The expression in Butcher's face convinced everyone that a different manager will be taking the bows at the end of next season. Yet there is still a vestige of hope. As he said on his post match interviews, βIt's not as if I feel I've come to the end of the road at Motherwell. I certainly don't. An offer has come in, it's unexpected. It's something I haven't thought about before.β
Along with the cheers for Butcher were a few chants for Stevie Hammell. The significance of his donation of boots and his wearing of a Motherwell flag were not lost on the crowd. He as been a loyal and remarkably long serving player for one so young and he, like his manager, will take nothing but good wishes from