2026/27 Ins & Outs Discussion

[joewarkfanclub]

Listening to Jens dressing room speech last night, he didnt sound like a guy preparing to move on.

Ive thought for a while now he comes across as having a 2 year plan in his head and is committed to it.

Clearly, if an offer comes in thats impossible for him to ignore, then things could change very quickly, but I dont think we are there yet.

Re players, we know Slattery, Gordon, Balmer, Halliday and possibly Hendry are away. Nicholson, Robinson and Stama are also likely to move on.

JT is probably a certainty to move on and I would imagine Eli Just already has many suitors and a good World Cup probably makes it very difficult to hold on to him.

Beyond that, the manager and chairman have both said we will manage squad turnover carefully and incrementally, so I wouldn't expect too many other outgoings. 

Welsh is an interesting one. He still has a year on his Celtic contract to go. Would Celtic let us buy it out? If rumours of his wage are true, £500k is a fairly big fee for us to pay, and he would need to take a pretty big pay cut to sign a new contract with us. Seems a bit of a stretch, but he has clearly loved being part of this team. Would another season long loan be possible?

The single biggest thing we could do close season is hold onto the manager. If we can do that, I have every confidence that this is just the start of something. Not the end!

[purestate]

Most of the media speculation has been on Just and Watt however I reckon real scouts will also be very interested in Fadinger and the role he can play.   
however instead of speculating who may be away I’m happier to wish for another year of Jens which persuades all of our midfield to hang about to see where they can take us in both Europe, league, and cups. 
 

[Ya Bezzer!]

We pretty much need a new back four.

O'Donnell is 33, McGinn is 35 and Welsh won't be here.

I think Longelo has to be a guy on other clubs radar as well.

[dennyc]

On the way up Leith Walk I was chatting to a couple of Coventry fans who had come up for the game. For the oldies out there, one was the son of Coventry legend Keith Houchen who also played for Hibs.  They were impressed by what they saw of Motherwell and thought we were streets ahead of Hibs.  They told me Slattery had already agreed terms with Oxford? Having watched him they were convinced he was far better than that and could easily walk into a Championship club. They were also shocked by how poor the referee was. More so when I told them Walsh was FIFA qualified. 

Gordon is a strange one. He was a certainty to move on as he had become a fringe player at best. But his last few appearances suggest there is a lot more to him and he appears to have suddenly developed skills and patience I doubted he had. Fitted in seamlessly to the style of football we now play. Also came across as heavily committed to the group. That dressing room coverage was quite an insight into how well the players have bonded. Never thought I would want Gordon to stay, but if Welsh is unsignable for next season we could do worse. Chat locally is that along with a good few others we are interested in a Dunfermline centre back who can also play as a left wing back.

I think Just is likely to be on his way no matter what. Especially as New Zealand have a World Cup Group in which he should shine. Maswanhise might not bring in the cash we hoped for but I think we will certainly receive offers. Hopefully the sale of those two would enable us to retain others for a wee bit longer. 

Without doubt some first team starters will move on. That's a fact and the Club have been open about that. Needs must  Whether or not it becomes the challenge it could be may depend on whether Askou agrees to stay for one more year. He will have options and will have some serious thinking to do. If we can hold on to him I would not be surprised if some of those players we expect to leave have second thoughts. I'm hoping Slattery is one of those players.... unlikely as it seems. (See above)

Two players I have no clue about are Watt and Robinson. For different reasons.

I was told by folk not connected in any way to Motherwell that Watt's agent was in discussion with Hearts and Rangers in January and that a deal was imminent with Watt preferring Rangers. Then injury intervened. But now again I am told there is interest. Time will tell.

Crazy as it seems I wonder if Robinson is seen as a possible replacement for Maswanhise. Robinson comes across as well regarded by Askou and integrated into the squad. Just a feeling but I suspect Askou thinks Robinson might be a player he can develop to the level he requires.

I imagine we will very soon see a list of those released so that will clarify things to a degree. And tell us which youngsters are considered good enough to step up.  But for sure it is going to be an interesting, frustrating, exciting summer.

What a season that was! Thanks to Jens, staff, players and fans for giving me my Saturday back. 

[grizzlyg]

14 minutes ago, dennyc said:

On the way up Leith Walk I was chatting to a couple of Coventry fans who had come up for the game. For the oldies out there, one was the son of Coventry legend Keith Houchen who also played for Hibs.  They were impressed by what they saw of Motherwell and thought we were streets ahead of Hibs.  They told me Slattery had already agreed terms with Oxford? Having watched him they were convinced he was far better than that and could easily walk into a Championship club. They were also shocked by how poor the referee was. More so when I told them Walsh was FIFA qualified. 

Gordon is a strange one. He was a certainty to move on as he had become a fringe player at best. But his last few appearances suggest there is a lot more to him and he appears to have suddenly developed skills and patience I doubted he had. Fitted in seamlessly to the style of football we now play. Also came across as heavily committed to the group. That dressing room coverage was quite an insight into how well the players have bonded. Never thought I would want Gordon to stay, but if Welsh is unsignable for next season we could do worse. Chat locally is that along with a good few others we are interested in a Dunfermline centre back who can also play as a left wing back.

I think Just is likely to be on his way no matter what. Especially as New Zealand have a World Cup Group in which he should shine. Maswanhise might not bring in the cash we hoped for but I think we will certainly receive offers. Hopefully the sale of those two would enable us to retain others for a wee bit longer. 

Without doubt some first team starters will move on. That's a fact and the Club have been open about that. Needs must  Whether or not it becomes the challenge it could be may depend on whether Askou agrees to stay for one more year. He will have options and will have some serious thinking to do. If we can hold on to him I would not be surprised if some of those players we expect to leave have second thoughts. I'm hoping Slattery is one of those players.... unlikely as it seems. (See above)

Two players I have no clue about are Watt and Robinson. For different reasons.

I was told by folk not connected in any way to Motherwell that Watt's agent was in discussion with Hearts and Rangers in January and that a deal was imminent with Watt preferring Rangers. Then injury intervened. But now again I am told there is interest. Time will tell.

Crazy as it seems I wonder if Robinson is seen as a possible replacement for Maswanhise. Robinson comes across as well regarded by Askou and integrated into the squad. Just a feeling but I suspect Askou thinks Robinson might be a player he can develop to the level he requires.

I imagine we will very soon see a list of those released so that will clarify things to a degree. And tell us which youngsters are considered good enough to step up.  But for sure it is going to be an interesting, frustrating, exciting summer.

What a season that was! Thanks to Jens, staff, players and fans for giving me my Saturday back. 

First of all.....Keith houchen scored one of my all time favourite cup final goals.

With squad I think Maswanhise and Just will be off and possibly Watt but I think a lot depends on Askou. If he stays i think players could be persuaded plus I think we are an attractive option for potential signings.

I never rated Robinson when he arrived but when you look at transformation of SOD it shows you what a difference a manager makes.  Robinson was playing under SK tactics so we maybe didn't see his full potential. 

[bobbybingo]

Nicholson's signed for Livi.

[grizzlyg]

7 minutes ago, bobbybingo said:

Nicholson's signed for Livi.

Good luck to him, really nice guy and just so unlucky with injuries

[Kmcalpin]

Yes, good luck to him. Seems a genuine guy. Is Livi, with their plastic pitch, the right club for him though? Announcement made at the right time, after our last game.

[Mad Dog]

Sam Nicholson off to Livi. Good move for him, wish it had worked out for him at Fir Park as he's a tidy player and seems a decent guy. All the best!

[mio]

He’s been a really unlucky player with injuries but I think it’s clear he’s a very tidy footballer. Supposedly a top guy to have about too. I hope he does really well for himself.

Always part of the 25/26

[mfc]

If anybody deserves a bit of luck on the injury front then it's him,if he gets it then he will be a standout in that league,all the best sam. 

[joewarkfanclub]

Aye good luck to Sam Nicholson.

I did wonder if we would offer him something to stay on. If he could stay fit he definitely had something to offer, even if it was just off the bench.

However, the injuries would always be in the thought process, so I guess we have decided to "twist" and move on.

[Kmcalpin]

2 hours ago, dennyc said:

Gordon is a strange one. He was a certainty to move on as he had become a fringe player at best. But his last few appearances suggest there is a lot more to him and he appears to have suddenly developed skills and patience I doubted he had. Fitted in seamlessly to the style of football we now play. Also came across as heavily committed to the group. That dressing room coverage was quite an insight into how well the players have bonded. Never thought I would want Gordon to stay, but if Welsh is unsignable for next season we could do worse. Chat locally is that along with a good few others we are interested in a Dunfermline centre back who can also play as a left wing back.

He is indeed. A few hours ago I had him marked down as stick on exit. However, on reflection and after reading this, I tend to agree. He's played well in the last 2 games and has the physicality we need. Time will tell. 

As for the Dunfermline player you refer to, he is highly rated by the East End Park faithful. However there are a few clubs watching him including Aberdeen.   

[bobbybingo]

28 minutes ago, Kmcalpin said:

He is indeed. A few hours ago I had him marked down as stick on exit. However, on reflection and after reading this, I tend to agree. He's played well in the last 2 games and has the physicality we need. Time will tell. 

As for the Dunfermline player you refer to, he is highly rated by the East End Park faithful. However there are a few clubs watching him including Aberdeen.   

If we want the Dunfermline player, Oxborough mibbe part of a deal?

[joewarkfanclub]

33 minutes ago, Kmcalpin said:

He is indeed. A few hours ago I had him marked down as stick on exit. However, on reflection and after reading this, I tend to agree. He's played well in the last 2 games and has the physicality we need. Time will tell. 

As for the Dunfermline player you refer to, he is highly rated by the East End Park faithful. However there are a few clubs watching him including Aberdeen.   

I kinda agree. I thought yesterday was more of a 3 at the back with Sparrow and RCC as wing backs, albeit it was very fluid with RCC ending up out on the left side at stages in the first half.

However, I thought Gordo looked very comfortable in that, although it was clear Hibs were quite happy to let him have it and didnt press him too much.

His use of the ball was as good as Ive seen it yesterday. Kept it simple for the most part, but some of his long diagonals were excellent.

Certainly wouldnt be opposed to him sticking around. I guess it just depends on what other targets are out there and whether Jens thinks they are better suited to what we do.

 

[wellfan]

Gordon will want to be playing regularly, so I can’t see him being here next season.

[weeyin]

6 hours ago, Kmcalpin said:

I would say that Slattery, Gordon, Nicholson, Ap Stam and Welsh are stick ons to leave. Halliday and Balmer already confirmed. Oxborough - season long loan to Dunfermline? Hendry and Wilson? There will also be interest in Watt, Just and Manwhanise. 

If some or all of these moves come to fruition, then that will bring in some cash and free up spaces in the squad.  I'd like to see another LB brought in. At least 2 physical ball playing CBs? Another couple of midfielders?  2 main strikers?

Olly Whyte to step up? 

Irrespective of what we think, management will have a very good idea of who is likely to move on and will have been preparing to replace them and strengthen other areas since January. Our financial position has improved since this time last year; we've qualified for Europe; and our stock and profile have increased.  We'll never compete financially with the Dundee Uniteds and Aberdeens of the world but we will be more competitive in the transfer market this year.  

 

Dunfermline have a bit of cash to spend from their new investment and a good cup run. We might be able to sell them Ox (or mutal him and let him go for free).

Would love to see Welsh back, but have zero expectation that will happen so we'll need to find a similar style replacement - probably 2.

An extra left back would be useful.

I'm assuming Slatts is gone. 

If somebody wants to make a big offer for Ward, I think Connelly steps up and we look for a backup. 

Would not be suprised to receive offers for JT, Watt, Just, Fadinger and Longelo. Just would be the biggest loss, but if he adds a good World Cup to his excellent season, it could be an offer we can't refuse.

I"m OK with JT leaving if the price is right, but we can't afford to lose Slatts, Watt, Fadinger and Just at the same time, so I hope we can hold on to two of them.

We do need to find a striker that can handle our system. If JT stays, I still think he is more effective out wide, so we need someone who can fill that role. You never can tell, but I feel like a Higdon, Moult or Sutton type of player who have thrived in the current setup.

Oh, and I'm assuming AP will be gone too.

[fizoxy]

Based on how we've operated with this new board,  I'm sure we've done a chunk of business already, and we will be timing the release of that info.

Slattery will get the special video treatment when his exit is announced due to the time hes been with us, and the fact he's an excellent player. Oxford seems like a big miss for him, surely he could have done better than that?

Gordon probably signed a pre contract a while back, he's a solid enough Premiership player and he will have had a few suitors when the pre contract window opened.

The rumor was that there was a fee arranged for the summer when Stam went back to Australia, and that would make sense for him with two very young kids.

I doubt we will retain robinson unless the manager has seen something we couldn't over the last couple of weeks. If we want him to be next seasons Osong/Sule, I dont see much harm in that, but he will lilely want games to kickstart his career again.

McGhee being injured (again) is a shame. His best chance at a redemption arc with us is a strong pre-season, if he's not fit in time for that hes done.

We're shedding a lot of wages just woth the obvious leavers, then you have the few that we will sell, so we should be in a good position to bring in some interesting signings. 

[dennyc]

2 minutes ago, fizoxy said:

Based on how we've operated with this new board,  I'm sure we've done a chunk of business already, and we will be timing the release of that info.

Slattery will get the special video treatment when his exit is announced due to the time hes been with us, and the fact he's an excellent player. Oxford seems like a big miss for him, surely he could have done better than that?

Gordon probably signed a pre contract a while back, he's a solid enough Premiership player and he will have had a few suitors when the pre contract window opened.

The rumor was that there was a fee arranged for the summer when Stam went back to Australia, and that would make sense for him with two very young kids.

I doubt we will retain robinson unless the manager has seen something we couldn't over the last couple of weeks. If we want him to be next seasons Osong/Sule, I dont see much harm in that, but he will lilely want games to kickstart his career again.

McGhee being injured (again) is a shame. His best chance at a redemption arc with us is a strong pre-season, if he's not fit in time for that hes done.

We're shedding a lot of wages just woth the obvious leavers, then you have the few that we will sell, so we should be in a good position to bring in some interesting signings. 

Re Ap Stam. Sydney qualified yesterday...almost at the moment Fadinger scored...for the Australian League play off final. Beating the favourites on penalties having lost the equaliser well in to injury time. Previously drew the first leg 1-1 with Stam scoring. If he ends up part of a title winning team it may well assist in a permanent move. Still think he is better than we saw at times. Good luck to him.

[Spiderpig]

When is Robinson expected to be fit again, so we can punt him, surely he must be out of contract this summer?

[weeyin]

1 minute ago, Spiderpig said:

When is Robinson expected to be fit again, so we can punt him, surely he must be out of contract this summer?

He was a sub yesterday.

[Kmcalpin]

Out of contract this summer Allan. 

[thewelllfan]

I think there's 10 you can guarantee will be here next season:

Connelly, SOD, Sparrow, McGinn, Mcghee, Koutrombis, Preistman, Said, RCC, Bjorgolfsson

We'll offer contracts to Gordon and Olly Whyte who seems to have had another really good loan spell if he likes Zach Robinson maybe him as well.

There will be interest in Ward, Ox, Longelo, Watt, Fadinger, Just, Maswanhise 

Hendry has been linked with a return to St Johnstone and I wouldn't stand in his way.

Stama I expect will leave and go to a team in the A-League.

Welsh Returns to Celtic

Slattery and Nicholson leave on frees. 

Going into next season currently what we need to add to the squad is:

- 2 Centre-Backs

- Left Back

- 2 Midfielders (One for the pivot to replace Halliday and a 10 to replace Slattery)

- Left Winger

- Right Winger

- Striker

Then replace whoever is sold from the attracting interest list.

The LB/CB we are allegedly interested in from Dunfermline is Kieran Ngwenya. I'd rather his Centre-Back partner Chilokoa-Mullen who is also out of contract.

 

[Mad Dog]

8 minutes ago, thewelllfan said:

The LB/CB we are allegedly interested in from Dunfermline is Kieran Ngwenya. I'd rather his Centre-Back partner Chilokoa-Mullen who is also out of contract.

 

Or maybe both while we're there. Two decent players available for free and for them they get to be part of the best footballing side in Scotland.

[mfc]

I've seen a few dunfermline games on the tele this season and that ngwenya seems a bit of a bombscare,I would much rather we were interested in chilokoa-mullen,who could definitely make the step up.i think stanway at thistle would be a good replacement for slatts if he's definitely away.