Well slump to an embarassing defeat in Europa League

Well and Llanelli players
By grabar
July 3 2009

New Well boss Jim Gannon now understands the size of the task he has at Fir Park after his new side slumped to one of the most embarassing in the club's 123 year history.

Gannon's hands were tied by the inability of the previous regime to hold on to seven of the top players from last season. He couldn't call upon Graeme Smith, Maros Klimpl, Paul Quinn, David Clarkson, Bob Malcolm, Stephen Hughes and Brian McLean.

This meant debuts for Michael Fraser and Ross Forbes aloing with the inclusion of a number of unfamiliar faces in the side, while the bench was populated by a series of youngsters.

Things looked okay in the opening stages as Well swept forward against the part timers from Wales but without really testing their keeper in any way. It was therefore a bit of a surprise when Llanelli took the lead on 28 minutes but their was no surprise in the way the goal was lost.

Initially the defence failed to cope with a long throw and from the resultant corner Jones headed home with barely a challenge - all too familiar for anybody who has watched the Well in the last couple of years.

Boss Gannon said after the game, "We had an experienced centre half who didn't compete for a header, all the tactical stuff goes out the window if that happens. Players have responsibilities on the pitch and they have to fulfil them to the best of their responsibilities, and I'll judge my players on that."

It then took Motherwell until the 90th minute to make the visiting keeper make a save!

It will be interesting to see how many of this side survive for the start of the SPL season on 15th August given what else Gannon had to say, "I am not going to come out with excuses, I look across that pitch and I am optimistic about some of the players I see. Everybody is talking about players who need to come in to supplement the squad but there are players out there who will have to be replaced."

I am sure some established faces will be unsure of their future after last night's inept performance.