SPL Report Card - Motherwell

Unquestionably the best of the rest

MARKS OUT OF 10: 9

LEAGUE: 2nd, 63 points (2012-13 - 3rd, 62 points)

SCOTTISH CUP: Fourth round
LEAGUE CUP: Third round

MOST USED FIRST XI: Darren Randolph, Tom Hateley, Simon Ramsden, Shaun Hutchinson, Steven Hammell, Chris Humphrey, Nicky Law, Keith Lasley, Jamie Murphy, Michael Higdon, Henrik Ojamaa

OVERVIEW: Stuart McCall's side are unquestionably the second best team in Scotland right now, and are possibly the most fun to watch too. He's assembled a quite impressive array of attacking options, and even managed to absorb the loss of Jamie Murphy in January by bringing in a certain J. McFadden. Whilst occasionally vulnerable at the back, this side always looks capable of scoring goals against anyone, even when not playing well. They deserve all the plaudits they are getting.

HIGH POINTS: Beating Celtic twice at Fir Park in the same season is not too shabby, particularly since the Steelmen were deserved winners on both occasions. They seemed to have a bit of a hoodoo over Inverness too, with 4-1, 5-1 and 3-0 wins against the Highlanders.

LOWLIGHTS: Given their impressive season, it's surprising to recall that they are the only SPL side to lose to Rangers this season, crashing out of the League Cup at Ibrox with a terrible performance.

STAR MAN: It'd look daft if I didn't go for Michael Higdon here, given that the striker is the league's top scorer and won the PFA Player of the Year award. Turns out he isn't just a big lump who can head the ball! But schemer Nicky Law and goalkeeper Darren Randolph deserve special mention.

ONE FOR THE FUTURE: I've quite liked the look of defender Adam Cummins, who turned 20 in March and is likely to improve with experience.

WASTE OF SPACE: Jamaican winger Omar Daley has completely faded out of first team contention as the season has progressed and he'll be on his way this summer when his contract expires.

THE BOSS: Stuart McCall's managerial reputation is the highest it has ever been after guiding the 'Well to third place last season and going one better this time around. He's used his knowledge of England's lower leagues to good effect in the transfer market and had his side playing pretty, yet effective football. Can he take this team any further though? At the time of writing, his loyalty to the club appeared about to be tested by an approach from Sheffield United.

PROSPECTS FOR NEXT SEASON: Sadly for Motherwell fans, the departures of Randolph and Law have been confirmed, while Higdon and McFadden are out of contract. Keeping both of them is a tall order indeed. So chances are that a lot of work will have to be done to keep the club in their lofty position. Already, the signing of Ross County midfielder Paul Lawson has been confirmed.

FIRST TEAMERS DEFINITELY LEAVING: Omar Daley, Steven Hetherington, Kallum Higginbotham (end of loan), Nicky Law, Darren Randolph (signed for Birmingham City)

NOT IN THE MANAGER'S PLANS: none

UNLIKELY TO SIGN NEW DEALS: Michael Higdon, James McFadden (in my opinion!)

L.