Motherwell captain Keith Lasley believes his side’s second-place finish in the Scottish Premiership tops the bill in the club’s recent history.

The 34 year-old midfielder has played a key role this season and it was he who took the
free-kick which lead to Craig Reid’s dramatic injury-time winner against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday to secure a second consecutive, second-place finish.

Speaking exclusively to the Wishaw Press in the Granite City, a joyous Lasley beamed: “For us to even be competing at this level is fantastic. There was a big turnaround in the squad last year and we had a number of injuries to contend with.

“When you add those factors in and consider our resources against the club the size of Aberdeen, it probably all adds up to our greatest achievement as a club in recent times.”

Reid’s dramatic goal sparked wild celebrations amongst Motherwell players, coaches and fans alike at Pittodrie, with Lasley (left) sporting a very fetching scarf wrapped around his head as he and his team-mates took the acclaim of the jubilant 1500 or so travelling supporters.

And cult-hero Lasley, while explaining his own feelings surrounding the day, paid tribute to the club’s ever loyal fans.

He continued: “It’s certainly up there in terms of feelings in my career.

“I’m so pleased for the fans, they backed us the whole game as they have done for the entire season.

“It doesn’t get much better than that.”

As our graphic shows, it's been another sensational season for the Steelmen

As well as the obvious prestige attached to finishing “best of the rest,” Well’s achievement also means an extra £240,000 in prize money and entry into the Europa League a round later than they would have done had they only finished third.

It’s yet another sensational achievement for manager Stuart McCall and Lasley was quick to point out the amazing job he has done for Well.

He said: “He’s been unlucky with the manager of the year awards already being out. I think if people had a vote now, he would be right up there.

“He’s done a fantastic job and hopefully we can keep most of the squad together and push on again for next year.”

Attention now turns to getting that squad signed up for the new campaign, and although the captain hasn’t yet pledged his future, he is confident he’ll be sticking around and hopes his team-mates will do likewise.

He explained: “This year was a big one for me, with it being my testimonial year.

“I’m hopeful to get something sorted out and I’m in dialogue with the club at the moment as are a number of the boys.”

Reid desperate to prolong stay

 

Craig Reid celebrates in front of the Motherwell supporters after the final whistle

Goal hero Craig Reid looks set to secure a new deal with Motherwell after his strike snatched second place with the last kick of the season on Sunday.

The full-back has been on a pay-as-you-play deal since joining as a free agent in February after leaving Morton in January and has impressed greatly in his few short months at Fir Park.

Sunday’s incredible late drama marks an amazing turnaround in the 28-year-old’s football career after leaving relegation-doomed Morton in January to go on to play a vital role in yet another stunning campaign for the Steelmen.

He said: “It’s brilliant how things can turn around so quickly.

“It just shows you what can happen in football if you keep on going and keep your self belief and keep working hard.”

Now the season is over, the Motherwell playing and coaching staff have a few additional weeks of relaxation ahead with second place bringing the added bonus of entry to the Europa League at the second qualifying round stage — a fortnight later than they would have if they had finished in third place.

And Reid is just praying that he will still be involved when it comes to their foray into the Continent.

He continued: “I’d love to stay.

“I’ve loved every minute of it since I came here and, hopefully, I can stay beyond this season.

“We’ve not spoken about anything yet, but hopefully in the near future we can discuss something.”

But no matter his personal situation, Reid was quick to point out the job his team-mates and manager have done to secure yet another crack at the Europa League qualifiers.

He said: “On a personal level I’m just delighted to be here and to have qualified for Europe.

“We’ve heard a lot about our small budget and the players that have left, so it makes it all the better for us

“I think that’s six out of seven seasons the club has been in Europe and it’s great for a club the size of Motherwell to be able to achieve that.”