IAN BARACLOUGH, the Motherwell manager, is confident he will still be at the club regardless of the outcome of next week's Premiership play-off.
The side that finished second in the last two seasons is now two games away from dropping out the Scottish top flight for the first time in 30 years when they come up against either Hibernian or Rangers, with the Glasgow side holding a 2-0 lead from Wednesday's first leg at Ibrox.
Twenty four hours earlier Baraclough joined Motherwell majority shareholder Les Hutchison at a question and answer session at Fir Park, where the new owner was quizzed on the future of the Lanarkshire side.
It was seen as a positive interaction with supporters who are understandably concerned with the slide of their team since August. And while there may be questions asked about how to take the club forward in the summer if they are facing life in the Championship, Baraclough has been reassured he will still be the man to bring them back up.
"Nothing is ever certain in football. The conversations I've had with the owner have been very positive," he said. "You have to plans as if you are going to be in charge. The owner has been very supportive all the way through with me and the rest of the staff.
"He knows we are only four months into a long term plan."
Turning his attention to this afternoon's match against Partick Thistle at Fir Park, Baraclough has underlined the importance of the game for his side to regain some confidence and momentum going into the play-offs.
"There will be a few changes but I want to win the game," he said. "It is a chance for people to impress and make sure they are involved in the play-offs.
"I want to end the regular season on a winning note and it is by no means a dead rubber."
Meanwhile, Partick Thistle's Kris Doolan is aiming to finish the season on a high following last weekend's 4-1 defeat at home to Kilmarnock. It was a result that helped condemn Motherwell to a play-off, but also threatened to take the shine off a strong end to the Thistle campaign.
The Firhill forward said: "Whatever team Motherwell put out I don't know but we'll approach the game properly, focus on our own game and look after what we do. We're keen to bounce back after a disappointment against Kilmarnock."
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