MARK McGHEE has stepped up his recruitment drive by handing out a hat-trick of deals to his current Motherwell squad.

The Fir Park boss returned from holiday at the start of the week and has been busy at work working on tying down his out-of-contract stars that helped guide Well to a top-six place.

SportTimes revealed last week that the Steelmen were close to announcing three contracts, and it emerged last night that Craig Samson, David Ferguson and Craig Moore have committed their future to the club for another year.

Goalkeeper Samson joined Motherwell last season and was second in choice to Middlesbrough loanee Connor Ripley, but will now be the front runner to start between the sticks next term.

The 32-year-old has previously been called up for Scotland and has also had spells with Kilmarnock and St Mirren.

Twenty-year-old Ferguson was part of the historic Motherwell Under-20 team that lifted the Scottish Youth Cup for the first time in the club’s history this season.

The versatile player has also turned out six times for the Well first team, as well as enjoying spells out on loan with Alloa, Annan and Airdrie.

Striker Moore was handed fresh terms following a successful spell on loan at Ayr United that saw him net 14 goals in 23 starts.

The 21-year-old burst on to the scene spectacularly by scoring on his debut for the Lanarkshire side back in October 2013, but his progress was then hampered due to injury.

Well boss McGhee said: “We’re pleased to have the first of our business complete in what will no doubt be a busy summer.

“Sammy [Craig Samson] was superb all season long and only failed to get in because of Connor Ripley’s form, but I have faith in him.

“Craig Moore has been fantastic for Ayr and we’ve been watching him regularly. He’ll come back in pre-season and make a strong pitch to be a regular for us.

“David has also been out on loan and his performances there and with the Under 20s are deserving of a deal. Like Craig, he’ll start pre-season with us to stake a claim to be a regular at Motherwell.

“We’ve still in advanced discussions with several other players and hope to conclude deals shortly.”