New Motherwell boss Gannon set to ring the changes

Jul 15 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

MOTHERWELL gaffer Jim Gannon is set to run the rule over a number of trialists when his side return from European duty at the end of the week.

The Steelmen flew out to Albania yesterday (Tuesday, July 14) for the first leg of their second qualifying round tie against KS Flamurtari in the Europa League.

It follows their 3-1 aggregate win over Welsh Premier League minnows Llanelli in the first round.

Gannon has been left with a threadbare first team squad since the departure of a number players this summer including David Clarkson, Graeme Smith, Stephen Hughes and Paul Quinn.

The former Stockport County boss has made just one new signing so far, acquiring highly-rated Tranmere midfielder Steve Jennings, with the 24-year-old expected to go straight into the starting line-up for tomorrow night’s match at Stadiumi Flamurtari.

Ex-Hibee Damon Gray, who was on loan at First Division Partick Thistle last season, has taken up 40-year-old Gannon’s offer of a trial with the Lanarkshire outfit.

The forward will be joined by ex-Swindon goalkeeper Pat Kanyuka as Motherwell look to recruit a stopper to compete with current number one Michael Fraser.

Another striker Sam Williams is also heading north on trial after recent loan spells at Wrexham, Brighton and Colchester with Gannon keen to plunder the lower divisions in England for bargain buys.

The ’Well flew to London on Tuesday morning before heading out to the less familiar climes of southern Albania and the coastal city of Vlore for their clash with KS Flamurtari – a side that finished sixth in their domestic league last season.

And club captain Stephen Craigan admitted to knowing very little about tomorrow’s opposition saying: “It’ll be an awkward tie.

“We have been told that they are a relatively young side but that there will be a big crowd at the game.

“We don’t know what to expect but we will be well looked after and taken care of as players always are.”

Meanwhile the Fir Parkers have been dealt a blow after new kit suppliers Canterbury Europe entered administration this week.

The business will continue to trade under administrators KPMG while they try to find a buyer for the business and assets.

Alan Provan of Provan Sports Ltd, who are responsible for the kit supply and the operation of the club shop said on Motherwell’s website: “Sufficient kit has been supplied to the first team and youth departments so there is no question that the teams will not have the required stock for the season.

“We will be attempting to make contact with the administrators as soon as possible and will inform supporters of any developments as soon as they are made available.”

He added: “As far as we’re concerned it’s business as usual until otherwise informed.”