Tight-knit squad better for Motherwell

Motherwell are happy to work with a more tight-knit squad after four players left this week, assistant manager Stephen Robinson revealed.

Robinson admits Motherwell are looking to strengthen before Monday's transfer deadline, but only with the addition of "one or two'' players.

Theo Robinson, Jake Taylor and Dan Twardzik departed this week while David Clarkson was loaned to St Mirren.

Manager Mark McGhee previously lost out to Preston in a bid to extend Liam Grimshaw's stay at Fir Park, while Craig Moore, Dylan Mackin and David Ferguson were earlier loaned out.

The departures have trimmed a bloated squad and there might be more with the likes of Craig Reid and Jack Leitch struggling for game time, and James McFadden's short-term deal due to expire following Saturday's Premiership game at Dundee.

Robinson said: "Our remit was to get players out before we got players in. It frees up a bit of money to strengthen the squad.

"I don't think it's necessarily four out, four in. We are light in bodies in certain areas and that's what we are focusing on, for now as well as the summer.

"I believe it's better to have a tight-knit squad. Last year when I came here it was a big, big squad, I think there were 30-odd pros at one stage. It creates an environment where players are not happy because they aren't playing.

"It's a tight-knit squad now with some good older pros who look after the young boys coming through.

"Chris Cadden came in on Saturday and did brilliantly but we do need to strengthen in the midfield area. We are looking at every area but we won't be bringing in 10 new faces - it might be one or two that we get in before the window.''

Robinson is adamant any transfer activity will not stunt the development of young players such as Cadden, who made his first start in the 2-1 defeat by Ross County.

There's a plan at the club,'' he said. "The owner (Les Hutchison) wants Motherwell boys or boys from elsewhere who have come through the academy. He wants that to be the heart of the club, which is right for the community.

"But we have to add players around players like Chris Cadden, Ben Hall, Dom Thomas, who can help these players along.''

On the prospect of McFadden extending his third spell as a Motherwell player, the Northern Ireland coach added: "We're being guided by what Faddy is doing in America. He had ambitions to go there but while he remains here, he remains a part of what we are doing.

"He is a great help to the young boys and is a vastly experienced player who adds quality to the squad.''

Meanwhile, full-backs Steven Hammell and Josh Law should both be fit for the Dens Park clash.

"Hammy just had a little bit of illness so he should be fine,'' Robinson said.

"Josh pleasantly surprised us and is not as bad as first feared. He trained on Tuesday so we're hopeful Josh will be available for selection on Saturday.''