9.15pm
Ricky’s report of the Aberdeen game is now available.
Terry Butcher’s post-match comments were as follows:
“It was a very good performance and once again the players showed great desire and determination to get the three points. I would have preferred us to have killed the game off earlier because Aberdeen did pose a few threats, but we’ve struggled to do that throughout the season and it’s not too good for the heart.
“I think the players deserve credit because they’ve not started to think that we’re finished for the season and are looking to relax – they are all desperate to get as many points on the board as we can. Maybe our improvement this season will turn out to be a rod for our own backs, because people will be expecting us to make it to Europe next season at this rate.
“But in all seriousness, I do feel we are capable of catching Dunfermline in fourth place so maybe James McFadden was right when he predicted that before he left.
“I’m loving things at the moment and it’s been a delight to work with all the people at the club. A lot of people tipped us to go down, so seeing us in the top six sometimes makes me think I’m dreaming and I half expect to wake up and discover that we’ve been relegated.”
When asked about the performance of Stevie Craig, TB added:
“Steven had a great game and I was glad to see him get a goal. He is out-of-contract, but like a few others I hope to get it sorted out this week. Now we’re in the top six things have become a bit clearer and I want to keep this squad together. I feel that if I can do that and maybe add one or two more to give us some strength-in-depth then we can keep improving.”
Stevie is also keen to extend his stay at Fir Park, and said after the game:
“I have really enjoyed my time here and I think I’ve done pretty well, so hopefully the contract situation can be resolved as soon as possible. I’m grateful to the manager for giving me the chance to play in the Premier League after I left Falkirk and I would like to show loyalty to him for what he’s done for my career.
“I’ve not had contact with any other clubs, although I’m not sure if my agent has. But if he has, I’m not aware of it and it would have been without my blessing. You can’t help it if people want to come and speak to you, especially with the way the game is now but Motherwell said they wouldn’t make any decisions until after the top six place was confirmed so now that it has I’ll hopefully know a bit more soon.
“A lot of people said and wrote that we’d go down this season, so I guess we’ve proved them all wrong. There is a real camaraderie and team spirit here, but we also have some very talented players. People are now saying that we’ve over-achieved, but I’m not sure you can say that when we’ve done it over the whole season.”
The latest suggestions of possible signing targets are from Jim Allan, who has put forward the following players:
- Derek Lilley
- Derek Stillie
- Kris Boyd
- James McFadden on loan for a season.
Keep the suggestions coming via email and I’ll compile a list shortly.
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