Having impressed with Falkirk in the second tier of Scottish football, Billy Davies brought Martyn Corrigan to Fir Park in 2000.
Not even Corrigan could have foreseen this as the start of an eight-year relationship with the club, and nobody could have predicted that he would become a Hall of Famer.
But that’s exactly what happened. And despite his stint playing for Motherwell lasting eight years, he now has a lifetime contract with the club in terms of his love and admiration for the place.
“There’s only one club for me, and that’s Motherwell,” Corrigan said.
“When I first came to Motherwell, the supporters welcomed me in straight away. We fell in love together. The day I left broke my heart, but that’s football. From the first day to the last, I loved the club.
“Billy Davies was there when I first signed and John Boyle came in. They were trying to build a team that would be successful. I walked into the dressing room and saw the standard of quality of the players in there.
“I had to work really hard to get up to that standard. After Billy left, Terry Butcher came in and he was magnificent for me. He was a winner, a defender and a ball player. He suited me perfectly.”
In his eight years and over 217 appearances, Corrigan played his fair share of cup football. From Hampden to Stranraer and everything in between, there is one moment in particular that stands out.
“The semi-final of the CIS Cup when we played at Hearts at Easter Road,” he explained.
“Halfway through that game, I broke my hand. The physio said I needed to come off; my middle finger was going in the wrong direction!
“I’ve got a strange body, so when I break a bone, I don’t really feel it. I said strap it up because I’m not coming off. I’m playing on. He did that and I played the rest of the game. We won the game and got to the final, which was actually the next game I played.”
Most Motherwell fans will recall that late Marc Fitzpatrick winner well at Easter Road under the lights. The jubilation in the away stand behind the goal was clear to see as thousands of Motherwell fans celebrated with relief and joy that they would get to see their team play in the final.
But the supporters of the club do more than just support and sing. As a player, Corrigan always felt the expectation from the stands, which helped him perform to a higher standard.
“One thing about Motherwell is, it’s always been a family club,” the Hall of Famer said.
“It’s always a group of players who are together and work hard. That’s down to the supporters. They demand that.
“It makes you work harder as a team to please them. In my time there, it didn’t matter who came in; we demanded that standard from everyone.”
With the prospect of playing at Hampden Park in a semi-final now a reality for the class of 2024/25, Corrigan believes the squad now has the capabilities to secure more.
“Hampden was one of my favourite stadiums to play in,” he added.
“The atmosphere when you’re running out onto the park is top class. Whether you’ve played there before or it’s your first time, it’s an honour.
“Obviously some of the boys, like Stephen O’Donnell, have played there numerous times. Andy Halliday has some experience there too.
“It’ll be great to have that experience within the ranks to help the boys who aren’t familiar with that feeling.”
As Corrigan reflects back on his time, he can’t help but recall the special relationship he had with the fans and how much that helped him through the not-so-good moments.
“I remember we played in a semi-final at Hampden against Celtic and I was at fault for the last goal,” Corrigan explained.
“Hampden was full and the fans had come out in their droves. I was the last man who passed the ball back to Graeme Smith and he had to check his run. He saved it because he was making the run wide, so Celtic got an indirect free kick.
“Shaun Maloney scored with the last kick of the ball and they got through to the final. I apologised to all the players because I didn’t realise ‘Buzz’ was making a run to the side. Terry Butcher told me not to worry about it, but I was devastated.
“When we got back to Fir Park, there were 1000 Motherwell fans singing my name. That’s what it’s all about; they were always there for me. I’d cost us a cup final chance and they were singing ‘Kasier, Kaiser’.
“I made sure I came out the following week and did well!”
Now retired from playing and teaching people how to drive a car, Corrigan still finds time to come back to Fir Park to follow the team.
“I’m part of the ex-player supporters club,” he smiled.
“I love going back. I know some of the players and know Stuart Kettlewell really well. I still know David Clarkson, who is there, and Alan McDonald, the kit man. They’re all great guys and there are a lot of good people out with them who are still there.
“It’s always been a great club, and it’s so close to my heart. I wish all the boys all the very best.”
