wellfan

Surely, with the incoming Miller millions, JBA will be backed to bring in a proven striker capable of 10–15 goals a season.

It’s not that I doubt his commitment or ability. I just don’t think he’s the big, commanding centre forward we need (e.g. Bair or KVV). That said, maybe JBA can get more out of him this season, especially if we play a 4-3-3 with proper wingers to support him. Still, I suspect the manager will look to bring in a more physically dominant striker. Ultimately, I can’t see Stama still being here by the third year of his contract, especially if this season mirrors the last.

He was probably just saying it’s another couple of weeks before his chocolate knees give out again.

Unless he needs his wrist to run or kick a ball, he should be fully recovered and fit for pre-season.

Summary of his first presser: Why Motherwell? Attracted by the club’s history, community focus, and modern ambitions. Background & Vision Brings European experience from Sparta Prague and Copenhagen. Aims to apply top-level standards at Fir Park. Squad & Transfers Significant rebuild needed. Will assess with staff and build gradually. Style of Play Wants high-intensity, possession-based football with structure and aggression. Goals No fixed targets, but sees top six as achievable. Emphasis on long-term stability. Scottish Football Views it as stylistically varied. Hopes to modernise Motherwell’s approach. Assistant Manager Recruitment ongoing; wants the right fit. Lennon Miller Aware of interest, will speak with him soon. Pre-season Underway with testing. Happy to have time to implement ideas.

Koc out… https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2025/06/18/ahmet-koc-leaves-motherwell/ It was always going to happen. Best of luck to him.

I'm sure he'll sign plenty of them regardless.

He’s probably no better or worse than any other winger we might pick up from within Scotland. That said, most of his career has been spent in the lower leagues. Still, I can’t help but find it funny that Kettlewell has signed an attacking winger.

Any update on whether his work permit’s been approved? The first team are back in for pre-season tomorrow, and we should be due a welcome interview with him soon as well.

Stama probably falls into that category too, unfortunately. Based on what we've seen this season, it's hard to imagine him making any real impact over the next 2 years.

Absolutely. Who needs quality when you can have quantity?

That’s the thing. We’ve now got a chance to build a balanced squad and finally play players in their proper positions.

I’ve got no issue with using loanees in principle, but I’ve raised concerns before about relying too heavily on them to build a squad. You’re right that there’s still plenty of time before the window closes, but that doesn’t change the fact that we should be aiming to go into pre-season and the League Cup with a near-complete squad, where feasible.

If we go with a traditional back four next season, I think Wilson would do the job just fine. As for Thompson, he doesn’t offer much going forward or defensively, so I would be disappointed if we gave him another deal.

According to the official website, these are our forward options: Robinson, Stama, Stuparević, Nicholson, Ross, and Maswanhise. Four of them are injured, so reinforcements in attack are urgently needed and ideally before the squad travels to Delden next week. I really hope the new manager has some good contacts.

Today’s update states: “The club remains in dialogue with the remaining players who are out of contract.” Surely that’s only Thompson now? Or am I forgetting anyone else?

The GTF list remains incomplete: https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2025/06/16/player-departures/

Just to be clear, I’m optimistic about the new manager and the season ahead. We just need to get the Miller money in and bring in some quality over the next couple of weeks.

I’d explain the sarcasm in my post, but I didn’t bring my crayons.

No point cramming the squad now. Like clockwork, the recruitment team will be back at it in January, dishing out contracts to anyone with a pulse to paper over the annual injury crisis.

His primary position throughout his career has been CB, and he’s listed as a defender on the club’s official squad page.

If the new manager does opt for a 4-3-3, I wonder if the plan is to move forward with McGhee and Gordon as the first-choice CB pairing, with Koutroumbis or McGinn at RB and Wilson at LB. The latter two certainly aren’t wing-backs, but a traditional back four would likely suit them well. We’ve also got SOD and Balmer for cover. That formation gives us scope to bring in a few more players in the wide and central attacking roles, as well as an obvious replacement for Miller. Maybe that’s Fadinger? Anything else?

Robinson was just an unfortunate case of bad luck. The situation with Nicholson, though, is entirely on the club. He’s a good player when fit, but handing a contract to someone who openly admitted to having dodgy knees was a stupid decision. And then there’s Stuparevic. Is he just shit? Misjudged? Either way, he’s now completely sidelined for the foreseeable future.

According to Wikipedia: Jens Berthel Askou (born 19 August 1982) is a Danish professional football manager and former player. He is currently the Manager of Scottish Premiership club Motherwell. Jens has already settled in well to the Motherwell area after realising Chris Hogg has Jens Berthel Askou pyjamas.

Seems like a decent appointment on paper. Let’s just hope he’s here for the long haul.