'Well urged to grab Uefa glory

Jun 25 2008 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

FORMER Motherwell stalwart Brian Martin has urged the class of 2008 to grasp a possible ‘Once in a lifetime’ opportunity when they compete in the UEFA Cup next season.

The centre back was involved in two European journeys during his spell at Fir Park in the 1990s and believes Mark McGhee’s fledgling side can follow the lead taken by Aberdeen last season and qualify for the lucrative group stages of the tournament.

‘Well are set to enter the UEFA Cup in the first round having finished third in the SPL last term.

And with the draw set to take place on August 29 anticipation amongst the Fir Park faithful will continue to grow throughout the summer and into the early weeks of the new Premier League campaign.

“When you play for a club like Motherwell, it might be a once in a lifetime shot for some of the current lads so I would encourage them to grab it with both hands,” Martin said.

He added: “Whilst we never always got the results, we gave a good account of ourselves and every single player loved the experience.”

Martin was part of the Claret and Amber side that lost to Finnish minnows MyPa 47 in the preliminary round of the UEFA Cup in season 1995/96 – the last time the club enjoyed European football.

But more fondly, he recalls their experience the previous season when the Steelmen beat Havnar Boltfelag of the Faroe Islands which set up a date with German giants Borussia Dortmund.

“When Dortmund came out the hat the place was absolutely buzzing,” he said.

“I think every single player they had was an internationalist.

“But I would tell them (the current players) that they have nothing to fear, simple as that.

“We played against a team in Dortmund who were full of superstars and we raised our game and gave them a fright.

“Chances to play against the best teams in Europe are few and far between.”

Martin left the club in 1998 but has been keeping a close eye on the emerging talent that has been produced over the past few seasons at Motherwell.

And he is not surprised that Rangers made an official approach for defender Mark Reynolds last month saying: “I’ve been watching Motherwell quite a bit over the last two years and the lad Reynolds looks to be a magnificent player.

“For his age, his reading of the game is unbelievable and if he keeps developing the way he has then he has a massive future.”

He added: “Without doubt, I think it’s very possible Motherwell can have a run very similar to what Aberdeen managed last season.”

Meanwhile Motherwell boss Mark McGhee is set to find out next week whether Bob Malcolm wants to remain at the club.

The defender joined ‘Well in the January transfer window on a short term deal but has yet to commit his long term future to the Fir Parkers.

A number of clubs in England are interested in the former Rangers player and it is believed he is keen to have another crack down south. But McGhee is keen to keep Malcolm at Fir Park for the coming season.