FIr Park

By Graham Barnstaple
May 8 2012

As we near the end of the season, which team is worthy of the title of the SPL team of the year?

In recent weeks Kenny Shiels has been quick to tell anyone who will listen that hisKilmarnockside have created all sorts of history this season and should therefore be seen as the SPL team of the year.

Sadly I think he is suffering from a bit of myopia, while Killie have done well to win the League Cup this season, they have underperformed in the League. They were 5^th last season and have dropped to 7^th this season, not exactly the achievement Shiels would have you believe.

The Old Firm can’t be considered, as Celtic have done what you expect of them (apart from winning the two cups), and Rangers are a financial basket case. None of the bottom six could be considered either, apart from maybe St. Mirren, who are going to finish in their highest SPL position.

That leaves Motherwell, Dundee Utd, St. Johnstone or Hearts, and given their budget and financial pulling power I would exclude the two city clubs. Narrowing it down to Well or Saints. With Saints having dropped to sixth for the moment the award has to go to Motherwell.

The Well have, allegedly, about the 8^th biggest playing budget in the League and have managed to finish third, effectively winning the League for the sides outside the Old Firm.

The have out performed “bigger” clubs inAberdeen, Hibs, Hearts and Dundee Utd with a very small squad. This small squad has actually been the key to their success with Motherwell choosing to go for a squad of 16 “quality” players rather than 22 of mediocre talent supporting a handful of quality players.

They have had a mixture of experience, Hammell, Craigan and Lasley, supporting a younger squad round about them. The emergence of Shaun Hutchinson as a fully fledged SPL Centre Back has also been a bonus.

Well can now look forward to taking part in the Champions League Qualifiers next season and as a result are my SPL team of the season.