Weakened Motherwell a boost for Reds
Saturday 27 June 2009
Jim GannonLLANELLI'S hopes of springing a major European shock have been boosted by the news that Motherwell have just 12 recognised outfield players in their squad.
Former Stockport boss Jim Gannon (pictured) is set to be named as the new chief of the Scottish Premier League outfit after being made redundant when the cash-strapped Edgeley Park club went into administration.
But 'Well had to lodge the names of their 25-man Europa League squad with Uefa last week and, after losing six of the first-team regulars that played under Mark McGhee last season, the Lanarkshire club were left with no option but to supplement their European selections with 10 members of their under-19 team.
Goalkeeper Graeme Smith, defenders Brian McLean and Bob Malcolm, midfielders Stephen Hughes and Maros Klimpl and striker Cillian Sheridan are all either out of contract or have left the club following the expiry of loan spells and Motherwell confirmed earlier this week that an offer from Bristol City has been accepted for David Clarkson.
Paul Quinn could also be heading for the exit door after reports suggested Cardiff were close to agreeing a fee for the defender.
That leaves Gannon with a major rebuilding job to undertake, with the first round first leg qualifier against Llanelli to be played in Airdrie on Thursday.