New strikers give Motherwell fans optimism of better season

Motherwell supporters must be thinking that things can only get better after a year in which they flirted with the very real prospect of relegation. The Well’s loyal following were tortured by their team’s away form as they lost 15 of 19 on their travels.

It’s clear where improvement needs to be made.

Reinforcements were needed up top after the loss of top scorer John Sutton to St Johnstone.

Only relegated St Mirren scored less than the 53 goals that Ian Baraclough’s men managed in 2014-15. The former Scunthorpe boss has not rested on his laurels convincing Wes Fletcher to move north of the border from York and bringing club legend David Clarkson back to Fir Park.

Clarkson made over 200 league appearances in his first spell at the club, thrice registering double figures in the famous claret and amber of his hometown team. Those exploits earned the forward the Player of the Year award in 2007-08 and ultimately a move to Bristol City.

The Bellshill boy, still only 29, found himself at Dundee last September and enjoyed a fruitful campaign, notching eight times in just 23 outings as he reacclimatised to life in the Scottish Premiership.

Now fully reintegrated Clarkson could prove pivotal in Motherwell having a successful year. Pairing him with fellow new signing Fletcher should be a potent combination that will keep defences more than occupied. The Scotland international is priced at 25/1 to top the division’s scoring charts.

Throw in the wide talent that The Well have at their disposal in the shape of Lionel Ainsworth, who scored six and assisted eight goals, and Marvin Johnson, a player who has really caught the eye in pre-season, and it’s easy to see why hopes are high.

With a sense of renewed vigour the divisional handicap of +48 at 8/1 should tempt fans of the Steelmen and others alike.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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