2014-15 report card - Motherwell

A nightmare season with a pleasant ending

3/10

LEAGUE: 11th, 36pts (2013-14 - 2nd, 70pts)
SCOTTISH CUP: Fourth round
LEAGUE CUP: Third round
MOST USED FIRST XI: Dan Twardzik, Josh Law, Stephen McManus, Mark O'Brien, Fraser Kerr, Lionel Ainsworth, Simon Ramsden, Keith Lasley, Henrik Ojamaa, Lee Erwin, John Sutton

OVERVIEW: What a dropoff, from second to second-from-bottom.  Motherwell were sufficiently poor that, in other years, they'd have gone down; they were saved by St. Mirren's incompetence and a couple of good performances in the playoffs.  It was sad to see Stuart McCall resign in November but understandable too, given they'd won only 2 of 15 games up to that point.  To say there was a 'new manager bounce' under Baraclough would be stretching it, even after he brought in several new faces, but the return of Scott McDonald made a huge difference - the Australian veteran brought the best out of those around him.  But they should count themselves lucky to still be in the top division for 2015-16.

HIGH POINTS: Stuffing Rangers over two legs in order to preserve their Premiership status.  During the regular season, back to back home wins over Accies and St. Mirren, with an aggregate score of 9-0, were as good as it got..

LOW POINTS: McCall's departure, only six months after guiding them to their second consecutive second-placed finish, was a huge shame.  Both before and after, there were too many thumpings to choose from - they conceded three or more goals in eleven games, losing them all.

STAR MAN: It would be a stretch to say that anyone shone for the whole season.  Lee Erwin (likely to sign for Leeds United) came into tremendous form in the spring, terrorizing defences with his pace and power.  Keith Lasley's legs aren't what they used to be, but he certainly played at a consistently higher level than most of his teammates.

ONE FOR THE FUTURE: Aside from Erwin, there were some nice flashes from young winger Dom Thomas, who was generally used as an impact sub.

WASTE OF SPACE: With sixteen players let go at the end of the season, it's fair to say there were a lot of underperformers.  Loanee centre-back Mark O'Brien was so mediocre that another loanee centre-back, Louis Laing, was signed to replace him.  Special mention should go to Paul Lawson, who made only 8 league starts in 2 seasons because of repeated injury problems.

THE BOSS: I think the jury is still out on Baraclough, even after the great escape; they amassed only 25 points from 22 league games under him.  The circumstances were difficult, though, as he had to revamp the team in a short space of time.  It'll be far more sensible to judge him in the autumn.  He did put on a tactical masterclass in the win at Ibrox, so he clearly isn't hopeless in that department, and he has plenty of contacts in the English lower leagues, which should help with signings.

PROSPECTS FOR NEXT SEASON: The main aim is to not be in a relegation battle again.  The squad will need mostly rebuilt, especially in attack.  That allows Baraclough to put his stamp on the team, but also carries an element of risk.  Given that there's not a lot of money to work with, he'll have to unearth a few rough diamonds if Motherwell are to get back to the right end of the table.

FIRST TEAMERS DEFINITELY LEAVING: Stuart Carswell, Adam Cummins, Zaine Francis-Angol, Conor Grant (end of loan), Fraser Kerr, Louis Laing (end of loan), Paul Lawson, George Long (end of loan), Scott McDonald, Bob McHugh, Mark O'Brien (end of loan), Simon Ramsden, Anthony Straker (end of loan), Ross Stewart, Nathan Thomas, Iain Vigurs


Lawrie Spence (LS) has ranted and spouted his ill-informed opinions on Narey's Toepoker since September 2007.  He has a life outside this blog.  Honestly.