Call off drives Mark McGhee loco

Jan 14 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

MOTHERWELL boss Mark McGhee fears his sides recent revival could be scuppered after Saturdays Scottish Cup fourth round tie against Inverurie Locos was postponed.

The Fir Parkers have picked up seven points from their last three league encounters which has seen them move away from the relegation zone.

But an arduous week is now in store for the Steelmen as they get set to play three matches in six days, a schedule that will see them travel to Dundee this Sunday (January 18) and then to the Highlands the following Wednesday before they entertain Falkirk a week on Saturday.

Its obviously a frustrating disruption to our plans because we prepared well for this game (against Inverurie), McGhee said.

The win over Hearts on Wednesday night put us in a positive frame of mind.

We were also looking forward to a really interesting cup tie which pitted an SPL team against non-league opposition. It promised to be a great occasion for both clubs and for both sets of fans.

Looking forward to the upcoming set of fixtures which begins with a tricky match against Dundee United, who have lost only once since mid-September, he added: That has its own pressure and with trips to places like Dundee and again to Inverurie, its a lot of hours on buses for the players in such a short space of time.

Were going to have to ensure weve got our preparation for those trips absolutely spot on.

Motherwell took more than 2000 supporters to Love Street in their last away outing in the SPL, something that added to what was an already special atmosphere as St Mirren fans and players said farewell to their home of 115 years.

But given the away trip to in-form United this weekend McGhee does not expect many fans to make the trip north for the re-arranged Scottish cup tie three days later.

I think its almost an impossible ask for most of our supporters to make both trips in such a short period of time, McGhee admitted.

Inverurie is far and Wednesday will be a working day and you take other factors into account like the current financial climate, it being so close to the festive period and also things like the weather which, if inclement, can make for icy and treacherous roads.

So I certainly wouldnt be disappointed in the slightest if the majority of our fans didnt make the trip, it would be understandable.

The Motherwell boss revealed that a number of trialists have been training at Fir Park since the turn of the year and more are set to follow, with several bounce games to be arranged as he runs the rule over several potential signings.

Already two Polish goalkeepers have been brought in until the end of the season (see page 71).

However McGhee insists other outfield players will only be awarded contracts if they improve his current first 11, saying: Im not looking to strengthen the squad, I am looking to strengthen the team.

That's two different things.

I will only bring in players that I believe, in the long run at least, are going to be better than what we have or are going to put pressure on the guys in the team.

Meanwhile midfielder Kenny Connolly left Motherwell on Monday after reaching the end of his current contract.

The 21-year-old was handed an extended six month deal during the summer to allow him to fully recover from a horror leg-break sustained against Kilmarnock reserves back in late 2007.

His rehabilitation has been complete for some time and Connolly has found himself a regular for the reserves as well as occasionally filling in on the bench at first-team games.

However, the midfielder has been unable to break into manager Mark McGhee's long-term plans and has opted to leave Fir Park in search of regular football.