Five Motherwell fans are living the dream after signing for the club during the January Transfer Window.
Stephen Grieve (33), David Lindsay (87), Graeme Balmer (35), Joe Smith (31) and Allan Todd (62) all won the chance to officially register as amateur players at the annual Sportsman’s Dinner late last year.
With the formalities now complete, all five will give Stuart McCall headaches when it comes to his team selection.
Both Grieve and Todd are veteran goalkeepers. Stephen is a talented stopper in the Andy Goram mould and Allan almost made it as a ‘Well ‘keeper back in the 1970s but, some forty years later, can now finally realise his ambition.
David, the most experienced of the group, is a right half(!) and was voted the club’s ‘Greatest Ever Fan’ at a ceremony back in 2007.
[pullquote]Not many clubs would allow their supporters this privilege, and it’s something that will live with them forever.[/pullquote]
Joe and Graeme add firepower in attack. Joe has already played and scored at Fir Park as a part of the ‘Matchday Experience’ event last season. Graeme had the honour of representing the supporters at the Phil O’Donnell Tribute Game back in May 2008.
Speaking to motherwellfc.co.uk, McCall said: “They certainly bring experience to the table, that’s for sure!
“In all seriousness, it’s great for these guys to have the opportunity to live their dream. Not many clubs would allow their supporters this privilege, and it’s something that will live with them forever.
“I’ve heard some tough talking in their interviews, so it will be interesting to see how they shape up in the weeks and months ahead.”
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SQUAD NUMBERS:
51: Allan Todd
52: David Lindsay
69: Graeme Balmer
80: Stephen Grieve
91: Joe Smith