6.30pm

Tommy Coakley has withdrawn his interest in buying Motherwell FC.  It seems the property developer wanted to buy Fir Park and lease it back to the club, an arrangement John Boyle deemed not to be in the best interests of MFC.

Coakley's spokesman said: 
"After expressing interest in acquiring a majority 76% shareholding in the club and engaging in positive initial discussions with the current owners, Mr Coakley's advisors carried out a detailed due diligence programme.  Following the due diligence period, it is with regret that the deal is unable to go ahead and his offer has been withdrawn.   Mr Coakley's best wishes go to everyone involved at the football club." 

John Boyle's statement was as follows:
"We made it clear at all times during our discussions with Mr Coakley that any agreement had to be in the long-term interests of Motherwell Football Club.  Regrettably, we could not reach agreement that met that objective.

"I’m comfortable with the ownership of Motherwell and remain a wholly committed supporter. Indeed, discussions were only opened with Mr Coakley after he indicated that he was keen to improve the club’s long-term prospects.

"Motherwell Football club remains in robust financial health. It owns its own stadium, it is one of the few clubs in Scotland that is free of bank debt and has returned a modest profit for the past three years.

"We’ve had an up and down season but the club is in good financial shape to meet the challenges of next season and myself and the current board of directors are wholly committed to achieving greater success at Fir Park."

The Daily Record reports that Gretna are interested in offering Motherwell fans a joint season ticket for the new campaign, in an attempt to entice 'Well fans to watch them when Malpas' side are on long-distance away trips.

The Official Site reports that Paul Quinn has yet to sign the new contact offered to him, while there has been no confirmation that Kevin McBride has signed for Darlington.

The Official Site also reports that the pitch drainage problems which caused the Aberdeen game to be postponed in January are currently being resolved.

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