7.10pm

At today's press conference, Eric Black was asked about his team news for Saturday's game against Hearts:
"Deloumeaux is out through suspension. Scott Leitch’s knee is being checked since he trained on the astroturf there has been a slight problem but we are monitoring that and hope that he will make Saturday. Yan Soloy is fit."

Eric was then asked about next season, to which he replied:
"In football there is continuous movement some people move on and new people come in and I have thought about it but the coaches will make the decision when appropriate.

"As far as this season goes we want to finish in a positive manner and the next couple of games will give an indication where we will be sitting in the league. The players have responded magnificently since we came here. Some of the performances have been excellent and Keith Lasley is progressing well as are some of the other young players but as Keith has already indicated we have a dressing room hungry for success and playing for places. What I want to do is have players who are hungry to play, eager for success and improve Motherwell. A competitive atmosphere is always beneficial and I do feel that some of our young players have not reached their peak but with the help of the experienced lads then this hopefully will happen. We have a very competitive bunch of players and this will be seen next season with a couple of new faces coming into the squad."

Eric went on to say that contract negotiations with James McFadden and Keith Lasley were "ongoing".

Keith himself was also present at the press conference, and expressed his desire to remain at Fir Park:
"I am very happy here at Motherwell and I do want to stay with the club."

Keith was then asked if the inconsistency in performances was due to having such a young team:
"Apart from the Rangers game I think we have been pretty consistent especially in our home matches. With another year’s experience and playing with the experienced players here then we should be making a real challenge in the league.

"I know that more will be expected of us next year. The fans expect more quality and we will be working hard to get a higher placing in the table.

"We have another hard game coming up on Saturday against Hearts but we are all working hard the young players and experienced players and hope to take the three points.

"Our home form has been good and even although the results against Rangers and Celtic were not in our favour we played well and possibly deserved to take more from these games. Our away form has not been so good."

He was then asked how he thought he was playing just now:
"I don’t think it is for me to answer that but I can say that I am working hard to keep my place in the squad. As you know we have several players all pushing for a first team place and its up to me to hopefully give 120% at every match and keep my first team place."

"It is helpful that most of the young lads have all come through together and there is great spirit in the dressing room with the more experienced players and ourselves. The experienced players help us along on the park are very helpful in situations as they arise."

Full details of the press conference are available from the Official MFC Site.

7.45am

Motherwell shareholder Dave Wardrope was in attendance at last night's AGM and has very kindly provided us with the following summary of what was discussed:

• The club made another loss last year, due to a general economic downturn, BUT most if not all other SPL clubs are in the same if not worse financial boat than us.  We are ahead of the game.

• The club is looking at undersoil heating.

• The share issue has been delayed until "financial details are sorted out"  

• EB's new management team is well thought of within the club.

Sadly that's all we can tell you.  Dave informs me that many other topics were discusses but unfortunately they're "not for the 'net or general consumption".  Bummer!

Thanks again to Dave for the report!

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Should any of the Fir Park stands be renamed after 'Well legends?

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