One Man Doesn't Make A Team
One Man Doesn't Make A Team
Things are very good right now down Fir Park way. John Spencer finally signed from Everton, Ged Brannan and Tony Thomas look like being the bargains of the season for any team in Scotland and, to top it all off Andy Goram, only THE best keeper in Scotland EVER, has signed until the end of the season with the view to signing a new two year contract. But just hold on a minute, even though these four new faces have breathed new life into New Motherwell what about the other seven players that regularly run out onto the park along with these immortals every week, how has their season gone as they try to grab the limelight from the Fir Park new boys. Very lucky that everyone reading this article was thinking about it then or else I wouldn't have had anything to write about. So here the other regular seven come in numerical squad number order
Squad Number 3 - Stevie McMillan: His season has improved dramatically ever since big Shaun ripped into him at Rugby Park for letting Vareille turn him this way and that. Two superb goals against Dundee and Dundee Utd from free-kicks in practically the same position soared Stevie's confidence to a new found level that has actually seen him start to beat players and his constant raids down the left are a nuisance to the opposition now week in, week out. Overall: If Stevie keeps his current form up for the rest of the season then it cannot be too long before his name is being touted in international quarters as a candidate for the Scotland squad. Still could do with improving the defensive side of his game a little bit.
Squad Number 8 - Simo Valakari: Another player whose confidence has hit new heights since the arrival of Davies as many Motherwell fans expected to the see the Finn leave Fir Park. He has benefited from playing alongside Ged Brannan who does most of the attacking which means Simo can get on with doing what he does best and that is winning the ball in the middle of the park Unlucky not to score against Dundee Utd but has began to have more shots from around the edge of the box so one must be due to hit the net. Overall: Fantastic at wining the ball in the middle of the field for Brannan and Spencer but could do with working on his passing, although this is improving game by game. Quite rightly picked out by Davies as a vital player in the middle of the park who gets on with his work in a dogged and determined manner, just like a certain Jim Griffin.
Squad Number 11 - Owen Coyle: Really struggled playing up front on his own and the number of goals he scored earlier on in the season probably reflected a lack of confidence as well as support. Often criticised by the fans for not putting enough effort in but has recently shown signs of slight improvement. His finishing skills have never really been in question as Owen is one of the best goalscorers in the Premier League. It also hasn't helped him to have lost Tommy Coyne but it looks as though he could finally be adapting to life after his recent resurgence in form. Overall- When Owen is in-form then nothing can stop him but too many times this season his finishing has let him down. Needs to work slightly harder and should concentrate on doing his own job own the park rather than constantly shouting at everyone else. However, I'm sure his partnership with young Lee will pay-off if it is given time by the manager and Owen will be back amongst the goals soon.
Squad Number 18 - Lee McCulloch: A lot of Motherwell fans were delighted for Lee when he finally got a regular run in the team as he must be the unluckiest young player in the Premier League. Has scored two fantastic goals so far against Aberdeen and Hearts and like John Spencer said he must show more confidence and self-belief, which I'm sure will come in time as he is still very young Has improved in terms of holding the ball up and some of his touches have been taken from Tommy Coyne. Given another season Lee could well be one of the best players in Scotland Overall: Now that Lee is getting a regular game he must prove to Billy Davies that he is worth is starting place Nobody could fault his enthusiasm and commitment but needs to show more composure in the penalty area. Something that will surely come in the fullness of time. Also, Lee must learn to calm down when playing as sometimes his enthusiasm can get him into a bit of trouble, although it is better to see than someone making no effort at all.
Squad Number 19 - Michel Doesburg: Only one of two Harri Kampman signings that has stayed in the revamped team. Michel is a very experienced and solid defender who is a big fans favourite for his attitude to the game which has earned him the captaincy of the team on a number of occasions. Better at right-back rather than a central defender but not one Motherwell fan can question this man's commitment to playing for Motherwell no matter where he plays. Reliable defender very much in the Luc Nijhoit mould. Overall: Great attitude to his football and seems to enjoy getting stuck in when the going gets tough which makes him very popular, especially with the fans in the East StandFantastic tackler and all round excellent player to have in the team when things are maybe not going Motherwell's way.
Squad Number 28 - Shaun Teale: Brian McClair take note; this is what a captain should be Ever since Billy Davies brought in Tony Thomas to play alongside Shaun he has been immense. With legs like tree trunks and an upper body made of iron this man, for me, epitomises everything a captain and a central defender should be: dominating, solid, gutsy and overall, proud to pull on the claret and amber jersey. Shaun has seen and done it all in his time as a footballer and the experience he has brought to the centre of the defence has been fantastic. My only disappointment is that he is not four years younger Overall: The best signing Harri Kampman made in his time at Fir Park Shaun is tough and uncompromising central defender who takes no prisoners when going in for the tackle Well worthy of the captain's armband and another player who is a firm favourite with the fans for his display's all season for Motherwell.
Squad Number 40 - Pat Nevin; When Pat joined the team many people felt that it was only a matter of time before he was given the management hot seat. However, Pat has done a superb job since being appointed as Chief Executive and it is singularly thank to him that John Spencer is at Fir Park. On the park Pat has improved with every passing game and seems to be enjoying his football once again after being restricted under Harri Kampmam. When Pat runs at players it is a fantastic sight to see but doubts have to be cast over him playing on after the season finishes and who Billy can get to replace him. Hopefully, he will grace Fir Park with a goal before the season is out Overall: Took him a while to find his feet but is now the major creative force in the Motherwell midfield. Pat has fantastic dribbling skills which are a joy to watch and the team spirit seems to have affected him in a good way as well, although he rarely lets his football brain get caught up in the excitement of the game and is always a man to keep a cool head. Could do, though, with shooting more when he approaches the edge of the area.
So their you have it, the other seven men who make up the new look New Motherwell. Mentions should also go to Jamie McGowan, Derek Adams, Jan Michels and Rob Mautthaei for contributing to the side with all round solid displays which are almost seeing them break into the team, although these four must hope for injury before they will get their chance to play in the starting eleven again.
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