IT WAS a case of the right man at the right time for Motherwell and Ian Baraclough.
The Fir Park club endured one of its most tumultuous periods last season since the dark days of administration as uncertainty loomed over its manager, team and ownership. Following Stuart McCall’s resignation back in November, Motherwell were on one of their worst runs for years. Five straight defeats and only one win in 12 saw the team that had finished second in the previous two campaigns rooted to second bottom of the Premiership table.
On top of that, there were also rumours circulating of a South American consortium that were attempting to come in and de-rail the plan of fan ownership through the Well Society.
Thankfully for all at Motherwell, that outcome eventually fell down as Les Hutchison stepped in to provide the Society with a hefty cash injection that would keep their hopes of one day running the club alive. Now Motherwell’s majority shareholder, the fan group are working towards repaying him and eventually taking over his stake – thought to be around 70 per cent – within the next five years.
It was clear Hutchison’s arrival also had an impact on football matters. The businessman took an active role in the recruitment of a new manager as he sought someone who would not only get a group of players out of the mire, but someone who understood the values of a community club and the added responsibilities that went with it.
Brian McCafferty, the Motherwell chairman, was also part of the panel that was part of the interview process in December last year.
“We were, and still are, delighted with Ian,” he said. “When we interviewed all the candidates for the new manager last year, all were credible and potential recruits.
“But Ian came over very strongly in favour of the community aspect which is what we are trying to achieve. He not only said that but proved it by being involved in a number of different things.
“It is very pleasing that he is saying these things and the players like Keith Lasley and the other players all endorse the ethos here. We are hoping they will all join the Society, too! We want them to buy into this.
“It’s amazing how many of the players really enjoy playing for Motherwell. It is a family club and it’s no wonder that so many go away and come back again. Look at Keith, Stevie Hammell, David Clarkson, Stephen Pearson and Scott McDonald.
“They all say the same thing because of the family and community feel here. We go out of our way to look after them and I don’t think there is anyone who works at the club that isn’t a Motherwell fan. That is part of the reason why people first of all like it here and want to come back.”
Despite spending a vast period of time abroad, Hutchison continues to take an active role in all things going on at Fir Park. As well as having his daughter Leanne on the board, the retired businessman is a constant source of experience for all at the club to draw upon.
It is a priceless asset for Motherwell who are continuing to explore boosting several revenue streams from facilities and function suites to transfer fees.
“Clearly he was as pleased as anyone that we managed to stay up,” said McCafferty following Motherwell’s 6-1 Premiership play-off win over Rangers last season. “The fundamentals have been put in place for our scouting systems, programmes, technology and performance coach specialists in.
“The financial model and business model works. Les gives us a lot of his extensive experience and he’s often helping us on a whole range of matters. Things are going well and clearly he is pleased with what is happening.”
The aim for McCafferty and his board is to grow numbers and funds flowing into the Well Society. The fan group is looking to recruit around another 1000 fans to keep them on track to take over as planned and have started up a direct debit scheme to help make joining more affordable.
However, the club and Society are also keen to forge links with the business community to not only bring in potential revenue, but to give something back to those around them.
“We are trying to engage more with the business community,” said McCafferty. “The Well Society had a business club that, to be honest, didn’t take off as well as we would have hoped.
“But now the Society, the Trust and the club are working together with our contacts and making it more clear what we are trying to do. The result of that is more are showing an interest in being part of the business club.
“If you are running a business locally or nationally and you can link with a club that is part of the community, then there is no better place than being affiliated to Motherwell. We can offer them different benefits including seminars that Les is doing himself as an expert.
“The value is not just being part of the club but being part of one with a community ethos.”
For more information on the Well Society or the Business Club and its benefits please visit www.WellSociety.co.uk
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