Stephen Craigan believes Motherwell’s business model is helping the club through this difficult period.
The Steelmen are one of several teams facing an uncertain financial future after the SPFL called an indefinite suspension to league football.
Football’s on hold for now. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It’s all but halted all revenue streams for most clubs. Former Well defender Craigan believes that the business model in North Lanarkshire is contributing to their ability to survive.
“They know who they are, they don’t have a big benefactor who’ll come in and roll out the money when they’re in trouble,” Craigan told BT Sport. “They’ve had their troubles over the years but now they are a fan-run club.
“Motherwell are a selling club, that’s always been the business model. When I joined the club even as far back as 1994, I’ve left and come back in different capacities, the aim has always been to get young players into the first-team, sell them on, make a profit and reinvest.
Stephen Craigan is aware of the necessities. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/EuroFootball/Getty Images)
“Stephen Robinson has to try and put these players into the first-team and it has to generate money. When you put it all together, it’s the perfect club from the outside looking in.
“Of course they’ll have their troubles but at this moment it’s good to see they’re on a sound financial footing.”
Knows this well
Craigan has been at Fir Park as a defender, captain, U20s coach, first-team coach and even caretaker boss. He knows fine well the requirements to make Motherwell a success.
Ex-Well stalwart. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The Well may have their issues in this period without football but selling players like James Scott onto Hull City for seven figures will be the type of deals that stand the club in good stead.
Off the park they’re in a good position for now, but like many others, Motherwell have to get back onto the pitch ASAP to maintain that.