Early momentum under Alfred Johansson tempered by calls for more firepower
Motherwell have begun life under manager Alfred Johansson with optimism, but former midfield player Andy Halliday says the club must prioritise bolstering its attacking options if the team is to build on a promising start.
Johansson’s arrival has already been accompanied by notable movement in the squad. The club have strengthened in midfield with the signing of Joe Hodge from Portuguese side FC Tondela, a move the manager described as a statement of intent. At the same time, several creative players who contributed last season have departed, leaving a question over goals and front-line depth for the campaign ahead.
"They must look to bolster their attacking options,"
The remark from Halliday, who retains close interest in the club, highlighted concerns that while the engine room has been addressed, the finishing and supply lines may be thinner than desirable. The point acquires urgency with Motherwell facing a European qualifier this week — Johansson spoke ahead of the second leg against HJK — and with retained talent attracting interest from larger Scottish clubs.
What has changed at Fir Park this summer
Motherwell’s transfer window has been active, particularly in midfield. The recruitment of Hodge, a central midfielder who featured regularly in Portugal’s top flight last season, has been welcomed by Johansson, who said the player would have room to "flourish and develop further" at the club.
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Arrivals (confirmed) | Joe Hodge (from FC Tondela) |
| Notable departures | Elijah Just; Elliot Watt; Callum Slattery |
| Players attracting transfer interest | Tawanda Maswanhise |
The table above summarises the public movements and links. Motherwell have received significant income from player sales in the past year, which the manager says allows the club to remain strategic when bringing in new signings. Hodge’s arrival, Johansson has argued, nonetheless signals ambition given the player’s experience and pedigree.
Where the balance needs to be struck
Local supporters and pundits have applauded the midfield signing but echoed Halliday’s caution that the attack needs reinforcement. Departures of creative players — namely Elijah Just, Elliot Watt and Callum Slattery — have left spaces in the final third that must be addressed if Motherwell are to compete domestically and make an impact in Europe.
- Midfield recruitment has been successful and welcomed by Johansson.
- Key creative departures have reduced attacking depth.
- Young forward Tawanda Maswanhise is linked with bigger clubs but remains at Fir Park for now.
The situation places responsibility on the club’s recruitment team to find a balance between replacing outgoing creativity and adding genuine goal threats. Johansson has stressed a measured approach to incomings, suggesting the club will not simply spend for the sake of it despite generating transfer revenue.
Implications for the season ahead
For supporters in Motherwell, the coming weeks will be instructive. European ties demand a squad with both tactical flexibility and finishing quality; domestic competition in the Scottish Premiership likewise rewards sides who can both create and convert chances consistently.
If the club’s strategy remains focused on sustainable recruitment, as the manager indicates, the onus will be on identifying forwards who can complement the newly assembled midfield. Halliday’s view serves as a reminder that while the start under Johansson offers cause for optimism, the next phase of transfer business may determine how far Motherwell can realistically push this season.
