Former Motherwell Fc Players Thread

[dinnae-punt-it]

Skippy clearly not too happy with the hierarchy:

 

McDonald: Why I want A-League move

 

Ben Somerford May 26 2017 1:15AM

The 33-year-old striker, who failed to net in 26 caps for the Socceroos, opted against triggering a contract extension with Scottish Premier League club Motherwell earlier this week.

 

McDonald is currently holidaying in Spain with his English wife and three children and will weigh up his options over the next few weeks, but hasnt ruled out remaining in the United Kingdom or even trying his luck in Asia.

 

However, the Melbourne-born striker appears most keen on the A-League, saying an Australian switch will get the juices flowing.

 

Ive been away for so long, a lot of people havent seen the best in me, McDonald told FourFourTwo.

 

Everyone will always go over my international career. Its always great to represent your country, albeit not going as well as I wouldve liked, but Ive developed a hell of a lot.

 

In terms of coming home, thatd certainly be something thatd get the juices flowing. Showing people exactly what I can do.

 

I dont need to necessarily prove myself, but Id like to show people what Im about.

 

 

McDonald (right) alongside Lucas Neill, Mark Schwarzer & Tim Cahill

 

McDonald, who hasn't played for Australia since 2012, insisted he still has plenty to offer at club level, having netted 25 goals in the past two seasons for Motherwell.

 

He said after two-and-a-half years with Motherwell, in his second spell with the Steelmen, he wanted a fresh challenge and the opportunity to achieve things.

 

When you get older you dont want to become stale and settle, McDonald said.

 

Im still wanting to achieve things personally and possibly pursuing going to the A-League would give me that as well.

 

Ive plenty to offer. Ive got plenty of years to go. Im 33 now but I think as you get older you develop and you understand your body. You look after it.

 

I definitely think if youre coming back home, the amount of games that are played, the way the staff look after you over there, the full-time professionalism, theres plenty of years left in my legs.

 

 

McDonald at Motherwell last season

 

McDonald came close to returning to the A-League in January with both Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets making a play for him.

 

The former Celtic man held advanced talks with Wanderers coach Tony Popovic and the deal was all but agreed, until Motherwell scuppered it by demanding a transfer fee.

 

McDonald admitted the Scottish clubs position had left a sour taste in his mouth for the past four months, leading to his exit.

 

Theres been opportunities to come and Motherwell disappointingly turned down the last one, he said.

 

It was a bit of a sore one, everything was set and agreed and Motherwell pretty much put the blockers on it.

 

Ive got to be honest, probably for the last four or five months of the season it had a little effect on me, in terms of where I was at.

 

It made my decision clearer on what I wanted to do. Whether its in Australia or not, my time at Motherwell is up now and Im keen to try something different.

 

McDonald hasnt played domestically in Australia since his time with Gippsland Falcons before leaving for Southampton as a 16-year-old.

 

Hes visited and holidayed in Australia on numerous occasions but admitted settling down with his family in his homeland was attractive.

 

Ive lived all my adult life in the UK, he said.

 

I left as a 16-year-old. Ive got a young family myself now, so I would like to give back to them in terms of that lifestyle.

 

But its just going to have to be whats right for me on a footballing level and also for the family as well.

 

 

McDonald memorably scored for Celtic against AC Milan in the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League

[scoojy]

He can huff/disagree all he wants, but I don't see an issue in Motherwell wanting a fee for a contracted player.

[weeyin]

Every time Skippy has turned down a move, for whatever reason, it's always a "sore one".

 

Remember when we knocked back a bid from Rangers and he was moaning it was his "dream move"? Then went to Celtic shortly after.

 

Moaning is in his DNA on and off the park.

[wellowell]

He was shit last few months obviously now saying it was because can he was in a huff I right Scott .Nothing to do with fact he is getting on a bit

[Mitch]

He was shit last few months obviously now saying it was because can he was in a huff I right Scott .Nothing to do with fact he is getting on a bit

 

Are you serious? He was the first name on the teamsheet for us (along with McHugh). You will be surprised how much we are going to miss someone of his quality. Very hard to replace on our budget.

[ONeils40yarder]

He was far from shite, and we are certainly going to miss him but I felt that towards the end of the season he was looking really weary, possibly down to his age, or the position we were asking him to play or just because he was actually in a cream puff...regardless of that, he was one of our most important players over the past few years and we'll struggle to replace his will-to-win and experience for next season.

 

On his actual comments, sometimes things are best unsaid. Whats 4 months in the grand scheme of things...heehaw. Motherwell were well within their rights to put the blockers on a move for one of their most influential and effective players when there clearly was no benefit to the Club. Skippy should have had the professionalism to understand that, without getting stroppy.

 

To be fair to him, hes possibly seen the preferential treatment that Pearson has been afforded, and maybe wanted something similar. Hopefully the days of the 'old boys network' are drawing to a close.

[ropy]

We were paid for the preferential treatment

[Dezz]

Does anyone know how much we got for Pearson when he went to India?

[capt_oats]

Does anyone know how much we got for Pearson when he went to India?

The fee that was reported in the press at the time was £100k. Whether that was what we actually got or not, who knows?

[Dezz]

The fee that was reported in the press at the time was £100k. Whether that was what we actually got or not, who knows?

I know it didn't work out when he came back but £100k for what was essentially a 4 month loan isn't too shabby.

[capt_oats]

I know it didn't work out when he came back but £100k for what was essentially a 4 month loan isn't too shabby.

Again, I've no idea if that's what we got or not but it was probably an unexpected bonus to be offered cash for a 34 year old for what was essentially a loan.

 

The only thing you could say is that it seemed to leave us scrambling about looking for another central midfielder. Had we retained Pearson would it have been likely that we'd have brought in Clay and Lucas on trial?

[Guest]

To be fair to him, hes possibly seen the preferential treatment that Pearson has been afforded, and maybe wanted something similar. Hopefully the days of the 'old boys network' are drawing to a close.

 

Tbf, if the Aussies had said 'here is £100k for him' he'd have been out the door like a shot.

 

Big bad Motherwell, seeking a payment for an under contract player that we have no interest in losing.

[ONeils40yarder]

Aye...to be fair, I did forget that we received some form of payment for Pearsons jaunt to India, and on the face of it thats fair enough.

 

What we don't know is if the Aussies didn't offer us a payment for Skippy, what made them think we would be easy to deal with?

 

Also, the Pearo thing almost backfired spectacularly given that we really have went a huge part of the season without a stable, Premier League level central midfield. In hindsight, I'm not sure it was the smartest thing to do at the time.

[capt_oats]

Aye...to be fair, I did forget that we received some form of payment for Pearsons jaunt to India, and on the face of it thats fair enough.

 

What we don't know is if the Aussies didn't offer us a payment for Skippy, what made them think we would be easy to deal with?

 

Also, the Pearo thing almost backfired spectacularly given that we really have went a huge part of the season without a stable, Premier League level central midfield. In hindsight, I'm not sure it was the smartest thing to do at the time.

 

There's probably an argument that this could well have informed our position with McDonald as well tbh. We've taken the cash (however much it was) for Pearson and struggled to replace him. There's every chance we've reflected on that and thought "let's not do that again".

[daver]

It may have been the way negotiations were carried out that left a bad taste in McDonald's mouth. It may have been suggested we wouldn't be looking for a fee then changed our minds and asked for one. Otherwise I can't see how he could be annoyed that we weren't prepared to let one of our best players walk away from a contract for nothing.

[Guest]

Given how things have been over the past couple of years, and the way we've managed to grab money, I'd be surprised if there was any indication that we'd let him go for free.

A-league clubs aren't permitted to pay transfer fees, so it's not even like we're in a position to try and change the terms later on in a deal to try and fleece them.

[Well-Made]

Think the only chance Skippy would've went for free in January would've been if we were coasting in the top 6 and safe from relegation worries.When you take the fact we weren't into consideration it's only right we looked for some dosh to at least get a replacement in for him.

 

Think Skippy has been a little silly to come out with that statement to be honest.

 

Are we going to miss him? Too early to say but he has helped create some great memories during his spells with the club and I hope he gets what he's looking for, just not in Scotland....

[capt_oats]

Being honest I find it difficult to get worked up about anything McDonald's said there. He's pretty much just confirmed that what everyone assumed had happened, happened. As soon as it was clear when the window closed that we'd kb'd the Australian offer I don't think anyone expected him to be at Fir Park next season.

 

The club were perfectly within their rights to seek a fee/compensation and let's face it, there was a difference in worth to the squad/team between McDonald and Josh Law (who was also under contract and we let walk for free to Oldham).

 

I totally get that kb'ing the Australian offers twice in one season would be disappointing for McDonald and I don't really have too much of an issue with him acknowledging that. He's had an opportunity to take up and the club have told him (twice) to stay put. That's fine, they were entitled to do that and equally he's entitled to feel a bit disappointed that the move(s) didn't materialise.

 

As others have said in the separate McDonald thread, it's been a pretty natural parting of company. A conscious uncoupling, if you will. The club told him to stay put 'til the end of the season, he's clearly decided that's his cue to leave. He's done his bit for Motherwell now, been a key part in us staying up twice in this recent stint and it's time to draw a line under it.

[daver]

As with his first stint, I don't think anyone can accuse him of alack of cocommitment even although he knew he was leaving. The effort he put in at Accies in particular was striking.

[Kmcalpin]

He can huff/disagree all he wants, but I don't see an issue in Motherwell wanting a fee for a contracted player.

Quite right. He was under contract, why should we have let him go for nought. He could always have offered to buy his contract out I suppose. When he left to go to Celtic he also took the huff until we paid him a hefty sweetener to stay on for a few months longer. All that said he's done a job for us over the years and given of his best.

 

As regards Pearo he was never fit after his return from India and I'm convinced thats a key reason why he didn't perform. It was obvious he was far from ftr in our 7-2 thrashing at Pittodrie.

[Well-Made]

Clarky having to learn to walk again. http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/15313990.EXCLUSIVE_David_Clarkson__I_ve_had_to_learn_to_walk_again/

 

http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/15313990.EXCLUSIVE_David_Clarkson__I_ve_had_to_learn_to_walk_again/

 

27th May

EXCLUSIVE David Clarkson: I've had to learn to walk again

James Morgan

David Clarkson is forced to take it easy Photo by Kirsty Anderson

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After sustaining a career-threatening injury in February, David Clarkson has set off on the long road to rehabilitation. He has invited the Sunday Herald to follow him on his journey over the next few months. It is going well, so far. He’s already learned how to walk again.

DAVID Clarkson's Motherwell jersey from the 2007/2008 season hangs on the wall at the far end of his hallway. It is the shirt that has Phil O'Donnell's autograph embroidered into the chest. It's presence there has a simultaneous purpose. It is a memorial to his uncle who died in front of him on the Fir Park pitch during a match against Dundee United at Christmas 2007. It is also a constant reminder of life's priorities.

On this bright May day, the Clarkson household is a metaphor for Clarkson the player. It is busy and energetic. Wife Natalie flits from room to room, refilling cups of tea and organising the day ahead. She has just returned from taking their six-year-old son Joshua to school. There are brief discussions with David; his three-year-old daughter Jessica floats around the living room at the front of house, returning every once in a while to her dad's side. The Clarkson's are having a new bathroom fitted upstairs. The distant sound of a drill punctuates the conversation. It is a fitting reminder that rebuilding has been a common theme in this household over recent months.

Clarkson has been confined to a lounger in the front room of his well-appointed sandstone Hamilton home for almost 12 weeks. He has been recuperating from the effects of an accidental collision with Billy O'Brien, the St Mirren goalkeeper, during a training session at the end of February. It left Clarkson lying crumpled on the grass, not fully aware of the significance of what had just happened. Specialists call the trauma experienced by Clarkson "a hyperextension of the knee combined with a rotational varus force". In simple terms, his right knee did things knees are not designed to do.

Clarkson is pondering the question: is he afraid of the future? He’s been asking himself that a lot since his world and - almost literally - his knee was turned upside down in that training-ground collision in February. He keeps returning to the same answer.

“I wouldn’t say I’m afraid,” he says. “I do think about whether I am going to play again. I do think ‘is everything going to be all right, is it going to go to plan? In nine months or a year's time, when I am due to come back, is everything going to be all right?' I don't know if that's a fear or just a thought process. It's maybe too early for that because there is so long to go and I have just started doing the rehab. It's very limited stuff that I'm doing just now. Maybe when I am halfway through that's maybe the stage when the fear kicks in and I say 'is this going to be the same as it used to be? Will I be able to play to the levels that I have done for my full career?'

“It was a nice day, the sun was out, it was a bit cold but everything was normal,” he recalls of the fateful day. “I can remember driving to Paisley and I was thinking ‘thank goodness the sun’s out’. I was looking forward to training. It was a typical training session really. It was coming to the end; a ball was crossed in over my shoulder and I went to volley it. I heard the shout ‘keeper’s’ and as I went to hit it my leg was going one way and Billy was coming the other way and I hit the deck.

“It seemed like I was lying on the ground for a lifetime but it was probably only a minute. I don’t really stay down. I thought it was just a bad knock. Normally, I’m straight back up and I just get on with it. The physio [Gav Lee] came over to help me but as I stood up and went to put pressure on my knee, my leg gave way.”

There was a wait at the training ground until he was transferred to hospital. With Clarkson nearing the end of his St Mirren contract and no guarantee of a new one with the club fighting for Championship survival, there was a difficult, distressed phone call to Natalie, too.

“There were so many questions and I didn't have any answers. There was a lot going through my mind at that time: 'is it broken? My deal's up in the summer. I hope this isn't bad. The position St Mirren are in as well I don't want to miss out on being part of helping the boys [to stay up]'."

Clarkson’s diagnosis was as blunt as the blow that had taken him to Ross Hall Hospital in the first instance. He had suffered significant damage to the posterolateral corner (PLC) in his right knee, a trauma injury usually found in contact sports and car accident victims. Though rare, it can have a devastating effect on athletic performance. The bad news did not end there for Clarkson. PLCs rarely occur in isolation. Clarkson, aged 31, had also torn his anterior cruciate ligament.

The sound of the drill whirrs again as Clarkson talks about his operation. He had both the ACL and PLC completely rebuilt by surgeon Colin Walker, an expert in ligament reconstruction, at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Tendons from his hamstring were inserted in his knee to replace the mangled ligaments.

Perhaps the most shocking aspect of Clarkson's injury is the heavy toll it has extracted on a hitherto healthy body. This is the unseen side of injuries to sportsmen and women. We view them as physically superior but in the final analysis they are flesh and bones like the rest of us. Clarkson confesses he was taken aback by the extent of what his rehabilitation would entail. He is now on his second leg brace, a contraption which looks as if it could be a medieval torture device, but he is off his crutches.

“I've literally had to learn to walk again. That was the first part of my rehab. You lose all the strength in your knee and thighs. There was a tremendous amount of effort to get to that point. When you've been walking your entire life you don't think it will be any different but it was naïve of me. It was literally baby steps. I took a video of it just to try to see how far I've come. It might just be little bits but that's what I've been encouraged to do as one of the stages of my rehab.”

Clarkson is posing for pictures, now. He’s laughing, asking whether he should keep the legs of his shorts hoisted up or dropped down. He shows me pics on his mobile phone of his knee post-op. It is the size of a small grapefruit. The knee is still swollen but it requires close inspection to see a discernible difference with his left. A seven-inch scar, still pink and shiny from the surgery traces it's way down the outside of Clarkson's knee.

“I can do one of both and then you can decide,” he laughs again. This is not the comportment of a man who is battling back from serious, career-deciding injury but then Clarkson has never been one for navel gazing. After what happened to his uncle Phil, he is determined to remain positive.

“I think that comes from the fact that we have a massive family. We're all easy come, easy go. I'm glad I'm like that, to be honest. I was never one for getting up tight or putting myself through the mill when times were hard. I just tried to get through them. I don't know whether it's a good thing or a bad thing. It surprises some people as well because it is such a bad injury. But I like a laugh and a joke. It doesn't mean I'm not frustrated. I haven't felt depressed. Maybe I haven't got to that stage yet and hopefully I won't get to that stage. That's when you start thinking 'what if?'"

Clarkson admits he enjoys relaxing but even he has struggled with the interminable boredom of 14-hour days in front of the television watching box-sets. Nevertheless, he has diligently observed his recovery plan. Natalie follows him every time he walks upstairs. The fragility of a footballer's career is perhaps no more apparent in this mental image. But Clarkson is a father, too. He is required to be on his feet and fully operational for more than just financial reasons. There are daily chores to be carried out, parental responsibilities – and he has been unable to fulfil his.

“It's every day stuff, bathing the kids, putting them to bed, giving them their breakfast, taking the wee man to school or his football, taking Jessica to her dancing. It’s left to the rest of our family. I get Joshua asking me when I'm going to take him to his football or when I'm going to take him to school. 'Can you pick me up from school?' 'When's your leg going to be better?' They're asking the kind of questions young kids ask. It's been affecting them as well. They think it's going to be better tomorrow.”

[Haggischomper]

Bloody hell!!

[that hat]

Richie Foran leaves ICT this afternoon

[fizoxy]

Can he still play? Takes a good penalty.

[Yabba's Turd]

Richie Foran leaves ICT this afternoon

Was he not given a 4 year deal? Some compo due if they did.