January transfer business: a Motherwell fan's assessment

STV
Henrik Ojamaa© SNS

Fans of SPL clubs have now assessed their squads after the dealings of the January transfer window.

In January we asked fans what they hoped for from the window, now we see if their teams delivered. Motherwell supporter Kris Jack lets us know how his team fared.

How do you think your club did in the January window? Was there one standout piece of business that your team made during the window?

I think Motherwell probably did better than most people think in this transfer window. It is rare for us to bring someone in in January who genuinely makes an impact, but with Henrik Ojamaa signing a 2 and a half year deal just days ago, it looks to be the best mid season signing since Scott McDonald. Keeping a hold of key players like Randolph, Hutchinson and Humphrey, who most speculated could go in the window, has been a boost for the fans and seeing Jamie Murphy turn down a move to Blackpool, just shows how keen the players are to be at Fir Park.

Is there one player that you are pleased that your team managed to keep hold of during January?

I am most pleased at keeping Darren Randolph. The next half of the season is so important to him as he pushes for a place at Euro 2012 with Ireland, that Championship or Premiership clubs may have seemed like a good platform to guarantee him a seat on the plane. When you look at the other goalies in the SPL, Randolph is number one in my eyes, but is probably tied with McGregor and Bell for being the best.

Which team, other than your own, looks stronger after the January window? Any that anyone else made that you'd have fancied?

Hibs look to have bolstered their ranks, but by signing anyone that would have appeared for Fenlon's men. Of the players they have brought in, Claros has courted headlines for knocking back Rangers, so he could have been a decent additon, and McPake will give their defence some experience, once he serves his suspension.

Has the business that your team has done changed your expectations for the season?

I wouldn't say changed expectations, as sitting 3rd at this stage in the season is probably beyond what was expected of us at the start. Ojamaa will be pivotal in the run in, as he has that spark that has lacked this season, despite our lofty position. If the midfield stay fit and Henrik continues to shine, then I would hope to remain as "The Best of the Rest".

Do you think the business your team did during the window will help or hinder crowds at your home games?

Motherwell have a core home support just now of around 3-4000 and they have not seen the best of the season's play at Fir Park. With Ojamaa already a cult hero, last week saw flags and banners for him, I think the crowd might become a lot noisier, if not increase in number. The "choir" has been back for the last few games, so hopefully that will inject some life into the stands and the players in the coming weeks.

You can follow Kris Jack on twitter or read his blog. You can also listen to his podcast.