Mortherwell terminate striker's contract after manager's 'consistency concerns'

Motherwell have announced striker Joe Efford has left the club by mutual consent.

The American, who was signed up until the end of this season, arrived at Fir Park in January 2022 and struggled with injury during his stint in Scotland. The 27-year-old tore his quad in training last October and that ruled him out of action for several months.

He returned for pre-season in the summer but made little impression on boss Stuart Kettlewell, starting once against Kilmarnock in August and making just three outings in total this term.

He has now had his contract terminated despite a lack of strikers at the club, with Conor Wilkisnon, Mika Biereth and Jon Obika all out injured.

Last month Kettlewell had challenged Efford to prove himself, saying: “ It has been a hard time for him, a long-term injury, and from that there have been a lot of stop-start moments.

“There has been a lot of inconsistency, I’m sure Joe will hold his hands up to that as well, in reserve games, games trying to get him up to full fitness in pre-season, and even in training sessions and things like that.

“I’m always a great believer that we can’t just go from zero to full throttle, there has to be a period of time where an individual shows you they can be trusted and they’re offering something on the pitch.

“That they’re showing you quality and showing that they can play in your system, and in a set-up of what you’re trying to do.

“Joe needs to become a guy that shows me he can play in that set-up."

Efford made 31 appearances for Motherwell, netting four goals, and played under three managers in Graham Alexander, Steven Hammell and Stuart Kettlewell.

Announcing Efford's exit, a club statement read: "Joe Efford has left the club having had his contact