Will He Won't He?

The revelation that Terry has been given permission to talk to Sydney FC raises this episode beyond the usual level of press speculation and the quotes in Friday's papers make it clear that a move is under consideration.

Terry is quote in the Record saying, "I have to meet Sydney to see if a move to the other side of the world feels right for me. But I'm also one of the old reliables at the club I'm with and Motherwell gets under your skin. Not just for the time you're there, but for ever. We overshot our runway in the past by paying too much money to players. Now it's about finding fresh investment in the club. We're in the bottom six and I don't want to be in that position this time next year. My ambition is to build this club back up on a gradual basis."

This would be no ordinary change of job. It would need a move to the other side of the world, an uprooting of his settled Scottish home life and a disruption of his role as a BBC pundit. Everyone who has been in his company to hear him talk about Motherwell comes away with a certainty that his enthusiasm and affection for the club is genuine. He seems to gain great satisfaction from his involvement in every aspect of the management of the club. The relationship with Malpas and McCart seems to be as healthy and productive as ever and he makes frequent mention of his excellent partnership with the board.

Change is inevitable at every football club. Owners and managers come and go and sometimes grounds change. Only the fans remain as constants and they will have an ideal opportunity to show their feeing at the last game of the season at Fir Park on Saturday.