McGarry looks forward to clash with former 'Well boss

Feb 25 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

MOTHERWELL forward Steven McGarry is relishing the prospect of a reunion with former manager Terry Butcher this weekend.

The Steelmen head north to face Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday looking to consolidate their position in the top six and extend their impressive unbeaten league run to nine games.

But McGarry, who was signed by Butcher during the Englishman’s successful tenure in the Fir Park hotseat, has warned his teammates not to expect an easy match against the SPL’s bottom side, now managed and currently undefeated under the stewardship of Butcher and another former ’Well boss, his number two Maurice Malpas.

“Terry signed me here when I came down from Ross County (in January 2006),” McGarry told the Wishaw Press.

“I was meant to sign a six-month contract until the end of the season but I came in and trained for a week and he gave me an 18-month deal. So I was really pleased with that.”

He continued: “I got on really well with Terry and Maurice.

“I know when Maurice was manager he didn’t have as successful a time as he could have but he is a good man and definitely a good coach.

“The two of them work well together.

“Terry has got a lot of passion and he will have the Inverness players up for the game.”

Butcher was in charge of the Lanarkshire club during a spell where the club suffered major financial problems.

Having assisted Eric Black, Butcher took full control of first team affairs in 2002 shortly after the club had gone into administration.

During one of the most difficult periods in the club’s history he was praised for the way Motherwell showed great resolve on and off the pitch.

McGarry added: “I spoke to him when I was at Phil O’Donnell’s funeral and he was saying that he is always looking out for us and checking our results.

“He still has an affiliation with the club and the Motherwell fans really liked him as well.

“When he was manager here I really enjoyed coming in and working for him.”

Butcher has taken Inverness to within just one point of eleventh-placed Falkirk thanks to a three-match unbeaten league run since taking charge at the beginning of the month – something that has not surprised the 29-year-old McGarry.

He said: “He makes you want to play for him and is very passionate about what he does.

“I think he can keep them going. It is a good club up there and hopefully he will do pretty well but not against us obviously on Saturday.”

Meanwhile the former St Mirren striker believes Motherwell have the consistency to stay in the top six for the remaining seven fixtures before the split but admits it will be a tight run-in.

“We are only a point ahead of Hibs and Hamilton,” McGarry said.

“This week we could drop points and we could drop two places.

“It changes week to week but if we keep our consistency then I don’t see why we can’t stay in the top six.

“There is a bit more to play for this year with the two teams going into the Europa League next year as well.”

McGarry has admitted to being frustrated at his lack of first team action.

His last start was against Hamilton in December but he has no complaints given the run the side have been on saying: “The boys have been doing really well.

“I just need to bide my time and hopefully the manager will stick me in again.

“I’ll keep my head down and work away and if there is a chance I need to take it.”