Not only do we have the luxury of already having the nucleus of a good side in place, but for the first time in a long while we are able to look at the subs bench and see players pushing for first team places rather than just making up the numbers. Take the bench on Saturday for instance, five of the seven players featured (Clarkson, Quinn, Kinniburgh, Foran and Fitzpatrick) are not only ready to step in should any of the starting eleven suffer a dip in form but have already shown that they are more than capable.
Their first team status is further cemented by the fact that they have all already signed extensions to their current contracts. Clarkson, although his form has dipped this season, is definitely worthy of his extension as are Foran, whose nine goals have been hugely important this season, Quinn, Kinniburgh and Fitzpatrick. Add to that the imminent return of Kerr and the squad certainly is looking strong in all areas.
Two other players to have already signed extensions are Leitch and Craigan. This should not be overlooked, given how hard it would be to replace their experience with the resources we have for buying players.
Leitch is the veteran of the bunch at 35 years of age however his leadership qualities are irreplaceable and along with vice captain Craigan he has been pivotal to the push for a second top six finish. The two have combined with
All in all it certainly is an exciting time to be a ‘Well fan – the side is well balanced as are the finances, we’ve got one of the best management teams in the country, we’re on course for a top six finish and there’s the possibility of silverware on the horizon. Lets just hope it isn’t another case of the ‘Well doing the usual and getting us excited and optimistic for the future only to bring us crashing back down to earth.
Somehow though I don’t think it is and whilst experience should warn me against such optimism I just can’t shake this feeling that there could well be some good times ahead for the Mighty ‘Well.