THE HIGHLIGHT of the Steel-men’s season was
undoubtedly their last-gasp win over Celtic which
denied the Bhoys the title, but there was plenty
more to smile about.
A second consecutive top-six finish, 15 goals from
Australian striker Scott McDonald and the emergence
of some talented young players all provided reasons
to be cheerful - all this just two years after the
club were in administration and only saved from
relegation because Falkirk’s stadium wasn’t up to
SPL standards.
This is a team on the up, with Terry Butcher
attempting to cash in on McDonald’s goals, and the
Well’s burgeoning reputation Down Under by
establishing a feeder-club arrangement with West
Australia Premier Division outfit Sorrento.
Talented youngsters such as Scott McDonald and
Marc Fitzpatrick have now gained more experience,
although the loss of David Partridge could be
significant.
Motherwell will get an early break with their
first two games taking place at Fir Park. Celtic
will be the first visitors while a planned trip to
Dunfermline the following week is being rescheduled
to the fall as the East End Park pitch is being
replaced. Instead Dunfermline will travel to
Motherwell on August 6.
That might pay dividends in the long-term, but with
no major ins over the summer, they look mid-table
material again.
|
