Motherwell season preview: Here's to you Mr Robinson

Stephen Robinson has already proved himself an adaptable, tactically-astute manager.

Particularly impressive were his efforts in redesigning his team midway through last season, which involved the promotion of youth talents and Jake Hastie and David Turnbull.

The first named has since been snapped up by Rangers under freedom of contract, while Turnbull would have joined Celtic but for the discovery of a knee injury.

If the Northern Irishman unearths more gems like that this season, his stock will rise even further.

TRANSFERS

In: Casper Sloth, Declan Gallagher, Sherwin Seedorf, Liam Polworth, Christian Ilic, Jake Carroll, Christopher Long, Jermain Hylton, Christy Manzinga.

Out: Jake Hastie, Curtis Main, Carl McHugh, Shea Gordon, Kyle MacDonald, Alfredo Agyeman, Neil McLaughlin, Elliott Frear, Alex Gorrin, Aaron Taylor-Sinclair, George Newell, Christian Mbulu, Shaun Bowers, Liam Brown, Akeal Rehman, Broque Watson, Danny Johnson, Chris Cadden, Reece McAlear.

All eyes will be on Motherwell at the start of the season following a stunning window for the Fir Park club.

The Steelmen said farewell to 20 members of their squad, a total that includes loans that have ended.

Remarkably, though, they now look in better shape than they were last season.

Declan Gallagher, always an impressive performer for Livingston, has added solidity in central defence.

Liam Polworth, just 24 but who’s made 165 appearances for Inverness Caley Thistle, has done likewise in midfield.

However, it has been the additions further up the pitch that have really been causing excitement in the Betfred Cup action.

Wing trio Sherwin Seedorf, Christian Ilic, and Jermain Hylton have arrived from the diverse footballing backgrounds of Wolves, TSV Hartberg and Solihull Moors.

What they share is pace, technique and an eye for goal.

And with Academy graduate James Scott showing his ability to cash in from the supply, the Lanarkshire outfit’s fans are eagerly looking forward to the campaign ahead.