9.10pm

Wasn't at the Dunfermline game on Saturday as I was away on a stag weekend in Manchester, which included a trip to watch Altrincham v Exeter City (we couldn't get tickets for Old Trafford).  If you think watching Motherwell has been grim this season then you should check out the standard in the Nationwide Conference.  Even Shaun Fagan would look good playing at that level!

Anyway, Ricky WAS at the game, and his report is now available.

Maurice Malpas paid tribute to Celtic-bound Scott McDonald after the game:
"You have to give the boy a lot of credit. A lot of people wondered whether he would go through the motions.  You saw his attitude, his second-half performance especially.  There was a big weight off his shoulders, now he knows he has got his move and I think he wants to go out with a bang.  I think there will be far too much pressure at Celtic Park, I would rather just play someone else, but I would imagine if he is fit on Tuesday he will play.  We will look at other players, there will come a time when I will say 'that is you finished'. Hopefully he keeps on thinking that his next game will be his last."

Malpas hopes someone will emerge from his existing squad to replace McDonald (???), but realises he will need to dip into the transfer market during the close season:
"We can't just go out and buy somebody or go into a Bosman scenario and get someone as good as him, because others will beat us to it.  Hopefully someone steps up and takes the mantle.

"Even before Scott's transfer went through I knew I would get extra players in with some of the Richie Foran money.  I think the club knows that our squad was maybe too tight this season. We got a number of injuries and struggled at times.  That is one of the things that we have been stressing to the board and they have not disagreed.

"We have been speaking quietly behind the scenes with those who are out of contract and obviously we will be chasing players at other clubs.  We will try and get as much work done before the end of the season.  Last season, and this is a criticism of myself and not Stevie Hammell or his agent, we spent too much time on Stevie Hammell.  We will be offering what we feel is our best offer, if the players want to stay, great, if not they can move on.  I won't be going into the end of May and June still trying to find out if a player is going to sign."

MM hopes to see Phil O'Donnell make an appearance for the reserves later this month:
"Hopefully Phil will train tomorrow and start ball work. He has been doing a lot of running without reaction.  I think it's important he proves his fitness. Phil has been out for a long time, he is desperate to get back playing and doing something he enjoys.  It has been a hard time for him having to watch us and doing a lot of hard work.  It's Phil himself driving to try and play in a reserve game as opposed to us pushing him."

Today's Daily Express reports that Brian Kerr is set to quit Fir Park at the end of the season, with Aberdeen, Hibs, Swansea and Swindon all interested.

Paul Quinn is back in the squad for tomorrow night's game against Kilmarnock following his suspension.  Phil O'Donnell (Achilles), Ross McCormack (ankle), Brian McLean and Keith Lasley (both knee) remain on the sidelines.

Gretna have submitted an official application to the SPL to groundshare at Fir Park next season if they win promotion.

Former 'Well boss Terry Butcher is back in Scotland - as the new assistant manager of Partick Thistle.  From Sydney to Maryhill, not much difference eh?

Cast your vote in our new Opinion Poll:

Should Scott McDonald play for Motherwell FC again?