28.07.97
Motherwell have finally signed Austrian duo Franz Resch and Mario Doerner after reaching a compromise with their former club, Vfb Modling. Both players made their debuts in the 3-0 defeat against Aston Villa at the weekend. John Hendry suffered a reaction to a recurring hamstring problem during the match and will miss the Dunfermline game on Saturday.
Motherwell will NOT be signing French defender David Nuoma as apparantly he is no better than the young players already at the club.
Alex McLeish was forced to field contract rebel Scott Howie against Aston Villa as clearance didn’t arrive in time for new French signing Pegguy Arphexad. McLeish is quoted as saying :
“He should be biting my hand off for the deal that we have offered him. If he thinks he can go somewhere bigger and get more money then that’s his decision. If he wants to go to Europe and into obscurity, he’ll disappear from the Scotland manager’s thoughts”
Today’s Sun is linking Howie with a possible move to Spanish side Seville. Mcleish is understood to be interested in Jonathan Gould, son of Welsh manager Bobby, as a possible replacement. Gould was freed by Bradford City and looks likely to head to Fir Park for a trial period.
Motherwell secretary Alan Dick says in the Motherwell Times that Alex Mcleish will have “some” of the money received for Mitchell Van der Gaag to spend on new players.
24.07.97
Motherwell Trialist Frank Rolling broke his nose in the 3-3 draw at Carlisle on Tuesday and looks like missing the rest of the pre-season games. Meanwhile, Alex McLeish is trying to sort out international clearance for Rolling and compatriots David Nouma and Pegguy Arphexad in an attempt to avoid a repeat of the trauma over Austrian pair Mario Doerner and Franz Resch.
Motherwell and Falkirk have agreed to play in a testimonial match for Chris McCart. The date and venue have yet to be decided.
23.07.97
Mitchell Van der Gaag has completed a #400,000 move to Dutch side FC Utrecht, while Chris McCart has signed for Falkirk on a free transfer.
Motherwell drew 3-3 with Carlisle Utd last night, with goals from Tommy Coyne, Alex Burns and Greig Denham.
Another player to be linked with Motherwell is Hibs defender Gordon Hunter.
22.07.97
Today’s Sun reports that Mitchell Van der Gaag is about to complete a #370,000 move to FC Utrecht. It appears that Alex McLeish has decided to let the defender go now to give him cash for new signings, bearing in mind that Mitch would be able to leave for nothing next summer under the Bosman ruling.
The Sunday Mail reports that Motherwell are interested in French striker Roger Boli, brother of former Rangers player Basile, who has recently been freed by Le Harve. Other possible transfer targets include French goalkeeper Pegguy Arpexad, defender David Nouma and St Mirren midfielder Stuart Taylor.
FIFA have ruled that unless Motherwell and Vfb Modling settle the dispute over Austrian pair Franz Resch and Mario Dorner, then it will be put on their appeals committe agenda for September 1 when they will issue a binding decision. It appears that the document produced by Modling is legal and binding, therefore FIFA have ruled that the Austrian side can keep the duo for another year. Resch and Dorner have returned home and are consulting their lawyers, but Modling insist they’ll only allow the players to join Motherwell if a #225,000 fee is paid.
Hibs are now favourites to sign Jean Marc Boco, who was rumoured to be interesting Motherwell.
Chris McCart is expected to finally sign for Falkirk today, after turning down a late offer by Partick Thistle.
Motherwell drew 0-0 with part-time English side Ashington at the weekend. French defender Frank Rolling played in the match as a trialist.
Scott Howie has turned down a new contract and looks set to leave the club. Reserve ‘keeper Steve Woods is also out of contract and is a target for Partick Thistle.
Motherwell won a closed doors game against Kilmarnock 5-0. Frenchman David Nouma scored in the match, and along with goalkeeper Pegguy Arpexad is available for nothing under the Bosman ruling. The 22 year old can play as a centre half or striker.
15.07.97
A report in today’s Daily Record claims that Man Utd boss Alex Ferguson wants Alex McLeish to join to Old Trafford coaching staff.
14.07.97
The Sun reports that Alex McLeish is being lined up for a move to Celtic to become No2 to new coach Wim Jansen. Jansen doesn’t know the Scottish scene and has been advised to bring in an assistant manager, and McLeish is out of contract and would be able to move to Parkhead for nothing immediately.
Shaun McSkimming will miss the start of the season after twisting his knee while doing some running before reporting back for pre-season training.
Motherwell have asked for a FIFA ruling after the move for Franz Resch and Mario Doerner hit a snag. Vfb Modling have produced a document signed by the pair which states that they will stay with the club for a further year, but secretary Alan Dick claims it is not an official contract.
The Sunday Mail reports that both Motherwell and Kilmarnock are keen to sign former Lens defender Hean-Marc Boco who has been training with Ayr Utd. Personal terms could be a hurdle for the Frenchman.
Freed Motherwell striker Roy Essandoh is being targeted by Irish side St. Pats and by clubs in Austria.
08.07.97
Motherwell are reported to be interested in former Celtic striker Gerry Creaney, who has recently been released by Man City.
Motherwell and the SFA have lodged official complaints with FIFA over Vfb Modling’s handling of the transfers of Franz Resch and Mario Dorner. The Austrian club are still refusing to accept that the pair can leave under the Bosman ruling and so far have not handed over an international clearance certificate.
Click here for even more information on next summer’s Euronet 1998 tournament.
04.07.97
Austrian pair Franz Resch and Mario Doerner have accepted one year contracts with Motherwell after their former club Vfb Modling backed down over their demand for transfer fees. The pair will each net #50,000 for their one-year deals.
The discount period for season tickets at Fir Park ends tomorrow (Saturday). Club secretary Alan Dick reports that sales have been going “very well”.
Click here for information on Euronet 1997, a footie tournament involving Internet teams from all over the UK which took place on 28/29 June this year in Middlesbrough. We are considering trying to enter a ‘Well team next year! I know it’s a long time away, but is anyone interested???