5.20pm

Last night's result: Hibernian 0, Motherwell 2.

Wasn't at Easter Road yesterday as I felt £21 was a bit steep for a fairly meaningless game on a Thursday night, but it sounded like a very accomplished Motherwell performance and a deserved three points.  Simon Lappin put us ahead after only 3 mins with a free kick, with Jamie Murphy doubling our advantage with a second half penalty - his first senior goal.  A fine way to end a memorable season, and an impressive points haul of 60 to boot.

Team (4-4-2): Daniels, Brian McLean, Craigan, Reynolds, Hammell (Darren Smith 33), Lasley, Hughes, Lappin, McGarry, McCormack (McHugh 76), Porter (Murphy 46).
Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Clarkson, Fitzpatrick, Slane.

Motherwell scorers: Lappin (4), Murphy (50 pen).

Booked: none.

Attendance: 7,650.

Sadly, last night's excellent win has been completely overshadowed by the news that Hearts have made an official approach to Motherwell seeking permission to speak to Mark McGhee about the vacant manager's position at Tynecastle - a request the club have rejected.  It remains to be seen if McGhee accepts MFC's stance or resigns, and bear in mind he's often been seen as a bit of a mercenary in his managerial career and isn't slow to jump ship when there's better money on offer elsewhere.  That said, he's be crazy to agree to move to Hearts under their current regime, especially with Motherwell in the UEFA Cup next season.

McGhee was typically non-committal when interviewed after the Hibs game, saying:
"I will be here until something changes and that will require another club, if that's what's going to happen, to speak to Motherwell  Other people might be making plans so we will just have to wait and see.  If someone does come in for me I am going to have to really think long and hard about it.  I have moved before and it has ended up not being the right thing. So I will think twice about anything we do.   And then there will still be a lot of discussion because we have reached Europe. I'm looking forward to that at the moment." 

Today's Express reports that McGhee has already agreed to join Hearts after the Edinburgh side offered to quadruple his wages, while the Record has him looking forward to leading Motherwell into Europe next season.  Newspaper reporting as it's best.

I see that the Phil O'Donnell tribute match at Parkhead on Sunday is a complete 60,000 sell-out.  I'm happy to admit I'll gladly be giving this one a miss, especially now that it's likely to become a title celebration party as well as a Henrik Larsson love-in.