Football Season Guide

Despite an excellent start to the season, Motherwell's campaign was largely disappointing as they struggled to maintain form. Only a win in the final game of the first phase saw them make the top six split. A lack of pace and creativity cost them dearly. Summer has been disappointing with a limited number of transfers. Only three new players have arrived with midfielders Spittal and Morris adding some much needed creativity. Few players have departed, leaving a squad packed with role players. The outlook seems poor going forward. Motherwell have gaping holes in their squad and have looked unimpressive in pre-season. A home defeat in Europe against Sligo Rovers of Ireland is a big hit to morale. Motherwell's key strengths lie in their back line. Players like Mugabi, O'Donnell and Ojala offer a solid core. Manager Alexander has organised his backline well but sometimes struggled to turn possession at the back into chances further forward. A key weakness is out wide. Motherwell have very little pace and creativity on the wings, often leaving their forwards without service. The team is also in need of a consistent goalscorer. Last season's top scorer van Veen scored slightly better than one goal every four games.