Motherwell Move For Stracker

Photo by Jeff Holmes Motherwell have signed York left-back Anthony Straker on loan until the end of the season. The 26-year-old Grenada international comes in as the club's only other left-backs, Steven Hammell and Zaine Francis-Angol, recover from groin surgery that will likely keep them out until March. The former Crystal Palace, Aldershot and Southend player fell out of favour at York after Russ Wilcox replaced Nigel Worthington and he has arrived at Motherwell keen for first-team football. Motherwell boss Ian Baraclough told the club's official website: "Anthony is someone who I have known for some time now and I am delighted to get him on board. "He is versatile enough to play either at left-back or pushed on one at left midfield. He is full of energy, has got pace and a lot of experience being involved in promotion-winning teams down south as well as playing international football. "Most importantly though he is hungry to play and show what he can do. He's the type of character we need at the moment." Straker revealed that he could have been at Fir Park earlier in his career following interest from Baraclough's predecessor, Stuart McCall. Straker said: "When he was Bradford manager he saw me play against him and maybe liked what he had seen. I had a phonecall with him and he said he was willing to have me. It didn't materialise but I am here now. "I have been training and playing reserve games with my club and I feel I am ready and just want to get going." Straker is Baraclough's second signing following the return of midfielder Stephen Pearson and joined Motherwell hours after on-loan Legia Warsaw striker Henrik Ojamaa announced his departure. Baraclough said: "Both Henrik and his agent notified the club yesterday that he wouldn't be taking up our offer. "There is certainly no bad feelings or ill will, we made him the absolute best offer we could, but he wants to try something different. We respect that - that is football. "We asked them for an early answer to ensure we could pursue other targets prior to the window closing next Monday. "On behalf of the club, I would like to thank Henrik for his contribution and wish him every success in his new venture."