Also pays to remember that Motherwell came in having played just 1 match against Scottish opposition vs Falkirk having played 5 thanks to the League Cup group stage. Yes, Falkirk's League Cup games were against tier 2-4 teams, but it's still going to prepare them better for league football vs Motherwell who have been preparing for and playing European teams. Speaking of, this was Motherwell's fourth match in the last 11 days, and they had flown 3.5 hours to Helsinki midweek, whereas this was Falkirk's second match in that period, with the extent of their travel being the half hour drive to Fir Park.
I think Motherwell's aims this season are likely to be 1) qualify for Conference League group stage (never made it beyond qualifying/playoff rounds, this would be first time playing group stage in Europe), and 2) get top half in the split.
Qualifying for Europe for next season is harder as Scotland has dropped in the coefficient rankings meaning only 3 teams qualify for Europe competition (qualifying rounds). They either have to displace Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts in the top 3 (those 3 are pretty much the expected top 3 in the league once again), win the Scottish Cup, win Conference League, or finish fourth and hope that one of the top 3 in the league win the Scottish Cup and/or a European competition.
If they can consolidate their position as one of the top 6 clubs and not show much drop off after losing JBA then I think the club will start to look really attractive to both players and coaches.
I think Motherwell's aims this season are likely to be 1) qualify for Conference League group stage (never made it beyond qualifying/playoff rounds, this would be first time playing group stage in Europe), and 2) get top half in the split.
Qualifying for Europe for next season is harder as Scotland has dropped in the coefficient rankings meaning only 3 teams qualify for Europe competition (qualifying rounds). They either have to displace Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts in the top 3 (those 3 are pretty much the expected top 3 in the league once again), win the Scottish Cup, win Conference League, or finish fourth and hope that one of the top 3 in the league win the Scottish Cup and/or a European competition.
If they can consolidate their position as one of the top 6 clubs and not show much drop off after losing JBA then I think the club will start to look really attractive to both players and coaches.