Inside Left.net

Motherwell v Llanelli

While most of us are enjoying the warm summer weather, for others the work continues. Jim Gannon, new manager at SPL side Motherwell faces the second big test of his managerial spell at the Lanarkshire club as he gets ready for the start of Motherwell’s European adventure.

In tonights Europa League first qualifying round tie, Welsh side Llanelli come to Motherwell, or, more precisely Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium. The Tinmen are perhaps feeling confident of a win given the turmoil and upheaval currently happening at the club.

Since former manager Mark McGhee left for Aberdeen, Motherwell have lost no less than 7 players from its roster, while speculation about two more, Stephen Hughes and Paul Quinn continues.

With the demise of Setanta and their TV revenue, worth an estimated £1m to clubs like Motherwell comes a period of financial assessment and reorganisation, but there is no denying that, while the club having recovered well since the dark days of administration back in 2002, Motherwell may need to sell before they can buy. The sale of David Clarkson to Bristol City (for anywhere between £600k and £800k depending which report you believe) gives Gannon a transfer budget to spend on rebuilding for next season and may well stop the hemorrhaging of the past few weeks.

That Motherwell have a potentially tricky tie was highlighted perfectly last Saturday as the Steelmen went down 3-1 away to Welsh side Rhyl (a former Welsh Premiership winner back in 2004). Gannon should certainly not underestimate their opposition tonight. With only just enough ‘experienced’ players to field a full XI, the U19 squad will be called upon to fill the ranks, with youngsters Steven Saunders and Jonathan Page looking to make their European debut.

Team News, courtesy of the BBC