Sometimes there's a man...I won't say hero, because what's a hero? but sometimes there's a man, and I'm talking about Stephen Craigan here. Sometime's there's a man, well there's a man for his time and place. He fits right in there. And that's Craggs, in the heart of the Motherwell defence. and even if he's a committed man - and Craggs is most certainly that. Quite possibly the most committed in this Motherwell squad, which would place him in the running for most committed SPL wide. But sometimes there's a man, sometimes, there's a man...Aw I lost my train of thought there. But aw..hell, I've introduced him enough.
It's been evident for a while now, that Stephen Craigan, the man who has kept Wayne Rooney and Fernando Torres in his back pocket in the last few years, has become Mr Motherwell. In the space of 12 months, he has gone from being almost surplus to requirements under Jim Gannon, to being the rock which the team is built upon, and a man who many believe could manage the club once he hangs up his boots. Being the elder statesman of the team and enjoying his testimonial year at the club, his passion in our Euro endeavours has been displayed for all to see.
At a time when we as Well fans are used to having heart in mouth moments any time a ball is fired in to the box, Craigan and his protege Marky Reynolds have excelled. Last years Euro run saw us ship easy goals to Llanelli, Flamurtari and Steaua, but they have stood firm this term so far and I feel it is down to the confidence that Craggs' passion for the club has generated in the defence. On the field, we are all well aware that he is prone to error, just like everyone else. But it is about how a person recovers that shows their resolve. I'm sure this season at some point we will see him bullet a header past Randolph or be caught flat footed by some crap St Mirren forward.
I'm equally assured that he will lead from the back and instill confidence in Saunders, Reynolds, Page, Hutchison et al as they get more experience in the first team, and will inspire the whole team. Off the field, he is our main media representative. a regular on BBC Scotland for any footballing matters, whether on TV or Radio, he represents Motherwell at any opportunity. Even after Thursday night's game, he bantered with Chic Young about being a "closet" Bear and scooshed him with a water bottle after the second goal went in. He was humble in victory admitting he didn't see us winning by 3, but was clearly proud of the achievement.
This was demonstrated at the final whistle with his chest pumps, clenched fists and cheers that we had made the playoffs and that he had kept that 6 foot 9 inch striker of Aaselunds out the game for 2 games running. Craigan, more than anyone, will be relishing the chance at being the first Well captain to have a shot at taking us to the Europa group stages. Odense will be no easy trip, but will certainly pose less of a threat than the teams we could have been paired with. Despite our 3 goal win against the Norsemen, for a good 25 minutes of the second half, we looked very shaky, and were lucky that Aalesunds are a one trick pony and could not function without Demar Philips. Jamie Murphy is a man on fire, Sutton ran and ran and deserved his goal and Page, who looks uncannily like Russell Howard minus the squint, finished the game off to send the 7500 Well fans home happy. Another plus was the performance of Randolph. While John Ruddy is enduring a bit of a torrid start to his Norwich career, Big Randy looks composed and assured and comfortable in dealing with high balls in to the box. While having only one save to make on Thursday, I reckon he could be a big player for us this year.
So, not long until the SPL season kicks off, not much in the way of new signings, or a sponsor for that matter, but all seems to be Well.
Up The Well!
