While many fans are anticipating a vacation the playing staff will assemble to face the rigours of pre-season training. No doubt the players' lounge will echo to tales of holiday adventures and the implosion at Ibrox but a couple of introductions will also take place.
Wednesday's Bradford Telegraph and Argus carries a story that the Bantam's defender Simon Ramsden is making his way north for a trial period that will unite him with his former boss Stuart McCall. Ramsden (known to city fans predictably as Rambo) is a 30 year old right back who has made a career with lower division teams in the North of England. He is highly rated by Bradford fans but since joining them three years (signed by McCall) ago he has had lengthy spells on the treatment table.
Motherwell have a couple of gaps to fill in the back line with the departures of Craigan and Clancy at the end of last season and it may be that Ramsden could become a partner for Hutchinson. The report suggests he'll join the squad for weekend departure to the sun.
Hammell and Lasley will be keen to welcome back their old team mate James McFadden as he joins up as a free agent for some pre-season fitness sessions. While it's unlikely that a long term deal might arrive there is a chance that if Faddy fails to secure a club before the season starts then some short term arrangement might allow him to wear claret and amber again .
There's still no news of a decision from Steve Jennings. He left it late last year before agreeing terms and we'll have to hope he make the right choice soon. He extended his stay on July 1 2011 - will the chance of a Champions league outing tip the odds in our favour?
Now that the footballers' holiday is over we can expect the usual transfer rumour mill to start turning. With the financial projections for all SPL clubs now uncertain there will be very few cash payments made to secure players. Loan deals and free moves will be the order of the day.
The first friendly is scheduled for Saturday July 14 when Motherwell travel to Ayr for a 3pm kick off.
Source: FOOTYMAD
