Fir Park legend urges players to concentrate on SPL

Jul 30 2008 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

FORMER Motherwell star Dougie Arnott has urged the Fir Parkers to forget about Europe and concentrate on getting off to a good start in the league campaign that begins in earnest next weekend (August 9).

’Well kick-off their first European adventure in 13 years on September 18 having finished third in the SPL last season, with the draw for the first round of the UEFA Cup scheduled for August 29.

But Arnott, who scored 70 goals in his 277 appearances for the club and was part of the side that last qualified for Europe, told the Wishaw Press: “When we finished runners-up under Alex McLeish we struggled the next season because of the expectations of Europe and other things.

“I think they should wait until the tie comes round as the most important thing is the Premier League and the games at the start of the season.

“They have got to get off to a good start, particularly in this league.

He continued: “Looking back at past seasons, if you get off to a bad start you are mainly struggling for the rest of the season.

“The first month, three or four league games, are important to set you up for the rest of the season.

“There will be, and already is, a lot of hype about Motherwell in Europe.

“But the Europe thing will take care of itself.”

Arnott – who is set to have his long overdue testimonial game on Thursday September 11 when a Motherwell Legends side take on an Old Firm Select XI – has been a massive admirer of how Mark McGhee has turned the fortunes of the club around.

And the diminutive former striker is hoping the side will continue to play the free-flowing attractive football that summed up their on-field exploits last term, saying: “It’s claimed the best way to defend is attack and last season Motherwell proved that to be right.

“It is good playing with the three up front and going forward and scoring goals.

“The crowd go there to be entertained and they certainly got their money’s worth last season.

“And going by the game last week when they scored four goals in the first half (against Bradford) it is looking promising already.”

On McGhee he added: “I’m delighted he has stayed and you talk to any Motherwell fans and they are delighted as well.

“He brought a new fitness level to their game for a start and got them playing football that was very impressive.

“With what happened last season, the way Mark and the boys managed to continue in difficult circumstances and clinch third spot was amazing.

“Okay we don’t know how long he (McGhee) will be here as some of the bigger clubs will be interested in taking him.

“But hopefully if we get off to another flier we can keep him for as long as we can.”

Meanwhile Colin ‘Psycho’ O'Neill has joined Sieb Dijkstra in the squad of ’Well Legends that will play in Arnott’s testimonial. Log on to www.dougie-arnott.com for more details on the game.

Motherwell are set to receive a £120,000 windfall from Cardiff City for the sale of Ross McCormack.

They were due compensation from the FA Cup Finalists because the out-of-contract Scotland star is under 24.

McCormack’s move might have gone to a tribunal if the two clubs hadn’t agreed a fee, but the Welshmen have paid up.

Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale said: “We reached agreement quickly with Motherwell and there was no need for a tribunal.”