CHRIS CADDEN says he is more than happy for his Motherwell 'dream' to continue after the club batted away interest from Hearts.
A £100,000 bid was tabled for the latest big thing to come through the Fir Park youth academy only for Well chiefs to quickly dismiss it for falling way short of their lofty evaluation for the midfielder.
It was of no surprise. Since emerging into the Motherwell first team two seasons ago, Cadden has become one of the key figures for the Lanarkshire club both on the right and in the middle, going on to rack up over 60 appearances in claret and amber as well as get a cap for the Scotland under-21s.
Having been at the club from the age of nine, there is a deep contentment in a player who has been a consistent performer across three managers. Now working under Stephen Robinson, Cadden admits he is no rush to fly the nest after recent interest.
"It's flattering to have someone put a bid in for you and you're obviously doing something right," he said. "But I'm enjoying being here with Motherwell.
"They are my boyhood club. I've been here since I was nine-years-old. I'm living my dream right now, this is all I wanted to do when I was younger. I'm enjoying myself and I'll keep doing what I'm doing until told otherwise."
SportTimes understands Hearts will not be coming back in for the attacking midfielder, something which will be well received by all at Motherwell who see the hometown boy as a massive part of the plan for the forthcoming campaign. For the man himself, he's grateful for the high esteem he is held in.
"Of course," he said. "The way I look at it it's flattering someone wants to put money towards you.
"I'll just keep doing what I'm doing until told otherwise. It's nice the club think highly of me. It's better than being told 'We've got 10 grand for you, on you go!'
"It's flattering and I appreciate the gaffer's words and what he's been saying. I'm enjoying myself.
"Everytime I walk across that line with a Motherwell shirt I'll just try my heart out."
While it looks like Cadden will be staying at Fir Park, the loss of one man is still being felt by some at Motherwell. Perhaps Cadden more than most.
It was revealed earlier this summer that No.2 and club legend James McFadden would not be returning in a playing or coaching capacity, leaving the door open for Keith Lasley to become Robinson's assistant.
The departure of the former Scotland and Everton man was a hard one for Cadden after the 34-year-old took his young protege under his wing.
"I was on holiday and he text me telling me he wont' be back," he explained. "I was really gutted he left. He was a big influence on me. A few other boys as well, but especially me he's been brilliant.
"The first thing he said to me in the message was that he's always there for me and if I ever need him I've just to pick up the phone.
"We've still text and things like that and will keep in contact. I'll probably meet up with him for a coffee at some point.
"If you look at someone to give you one-to-one coaching I don't think there's anyone better given the career he's had. It's been unbelievable.
"He said he started where I was and he said he reached heights he never thought he would. He's played at the Premiership, Scotland, it's hard to pick someone better."
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