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Motherwell FC News
| March 2001 |
| Saturday, March 10 |
It turns out that yesterday's closed-door game was in fact against Dundee at Fir Park, and Motherwell won 3-0. All of the trialists (see below) played at some point, with Said Chiba scoring from a free-kick and James McFadden grabbing the other two.
The Evening Times reports that we currently have six players on trial, although none of them have so far been offered contracts. English pair Mark Nicholls and Lee Hayes, Norwegian defender Arne Moen and an unnamed fellow countryman, Moroccan World Cup star Said Chibba and Nigerian player James Okpli have all been told that their agents will all have to be contacted before the club decides whether they can afford to sign them. It is believed that the four foreign players have all returned home in the meantime.
According to one of the tabloids, Andy Goram was in Italy last night for transfer talks with Brescia. The 36-year-old goalkeeper and his agent met officials from the Serie A club, who tried to sign him when he left Rangers three years ago. Another Italian club and several English sides are also believed to be interested in Goram.
The club's AGM was held at Fir Park last night. Shareholder Dave Wardrope has very kindly provided the following summary of what was discussed:
Financial losses so far have been substantial but were expected and planned for. The club will report a loss again this year, but will break even in 2001-02.
No cuts are planned for the youth scheme - indeed the opposite in fact, with the youth academy planned.
In the medium term, Bosman signings are the way ahead (its a two way thing).
Any scare stories of next year's team being based solely upon youngsters is utter nonsense. The club feels that it is ahead of the game in making the cutbacks and changes now instead of during the close season, as many clubs will do.
John Boyle will not give up and indeed has long term plans based on youth (however the media prefer "club in crisis" headlines. Reporters prefer a one minute answer on crises rather than 20 minutes on long term plans).
The management team (all of them!) are looking forward to the challenge ahead but the club will live within its means. If profits are made or things take a turn for the better financially, any rewards will be ploughed back into the team.
The club is basically in good shape and looks forward.
Relations between the management team are as good as they ever were.
The club is run in an honest and open way - JB was quite adamant about this. This is how all his organisations are run.
The importance of the performance in the Hibs game was not lost on the club itself.
There might well be a share issue in the coming months.
The management made a point of thanking the core support - it is appreciated.
Former Motherwell player Roy Essandoh scored a shock last minute winner for Wycombe Wanderers as they beat Leicester City 2-1 in the FA Cup this afternoon.
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