6.30pm

I'm afraid that technical problems have prevented me from updating the site for the last couple of days, so here is a quick summary of the stories we have missed...

As we first reported on Jan 26, the club are set to offer James McFadden a new contract in an attempt to dissuade interest in him from Premiership clubs.  On Wednesday, tabloid reports claimed that Leicester City were preparing a £1 million bid for James McFadden as a replacement for Muzzy Izzet, who seems certain to leave Filbert Street for Middlesborough in a £6 million deal.  But while Black admits Motherwell will always be a selling club and knows they will eventually lose the 18-year-old, he believes it will be more beneficial to the teenager's development if he continues to play first-team football in the SPL.  Eric has already opened contract talks with Faddy, who has a year left to run on his current deal, and hopes to have the matter concluded before the end of the season.  He said:
"I think it's a positive thing when clubs are looking at your young players.  It shows that something is being done right but they are only kids and still learning their trade.  That's what they have to focus on, regardless of their profile in the media.  We are going to start speaking to James again quite soon. He has a year left to go on his current deal but we want him here long term. Hopefully we can sort out something before the summer.  I just think it's vital that James, and all the kids here, get a good grounding and a good football education.  Sure, Motherwell are a selling club and always will be, but so are the other 10 SPL clubs.

"I'm speaking about all our young kids, it's vital they get a good grounding and a good education. They need to be in an environment where they are comfortable and want to learn.  They are only kids and have plenty time to go and explore other avenues once they have fulfilled their potential.  This season the youngsters have responded well but they know they have got to keep working hard.  It can be very daunting for a young kid to go down south as he's not automatically going to get a game with the bigger teams.  It's vital that we try to keep the kids here as long as they can and get them invaluable first-team experience.  If they eventually have a value and a team want them then we will have to let them go.  What we have to then do with the money is ensure it goes back into replacing that type of player and into the youth development system to make it even better.

"I've been really encouraged as I think there has been a massive change in the youth structure in the last couple of months.  Before I came the Under-18s hadn't won a game this season but they have won their last nine in a row and a lot of credit is due there to George (Adams) and Chris (McCart).  That's the way the club wants to go and it's important we have a good youth set-up."

But while concentrating on youth may be his main priority, Black insists he won't turn his back on the French market:
"The trend is to find good players and it doesn't matter if they are French, Slovakian, Hungarian or Scottish.  It's the quality of player that interests me. At this moment I know the French market well and it represents good value for money. If I could find another 12 Ferreres I'd be quite happy."

Third Division side Peterhead have confirmed that they want to Martin Wood on loan until the end of the season.  The 19-year-old has been Peterhead for almost 3 months and they are keen to retain his services.

Stuart Elliott played for Northern Ireland against Portugal on Wednesday night, but missed a sitter in a 4-1 defeat for the Irish.

Motherwell Under-21s lost 3-0 to Livingston at Almondvale on Wednesday.

Time for a new Fans' Poll....

Derek Adams has decided to stay at Fir Park.  Are you pleased with his decision?

Enter our new Prediction League  - cash prizes to be won!