Motherwell defender grateful for Fir Park faith after signing new contract

Bevis Mugabi says he is happy to stick by Motherwell after their patience with him at Fir Park.

The Ugandan international has signed a new deal until 2024 with the Steelmen following an impressive run of form at centre-back and right-back this season.

He initially joined the club in 2019 on a short-term deal following a stint at Yeovil Town and it was a tricky beginning for him.

Amid an inconsistent run of games and the Covid pandemic, Mugabi had to work hard to become a Motherwell regular, which he now is under manager Graham Alexander.

He is a fans' favourite and has gone on make 62 appearances in ML1. Mugabi started in Saturday's 1-1 Premiership draw with Aberdeen, as Mark O'Hara's goal cancelled out a Dons opener from Vincente Besuijen.

Mugabi said of his new deal: "I feel good. I feel it has been overdue as it has been brewing for the past few months. I am happy just to get it over the line and now I can focus on the rest of the season.

"It accelerated pretty quickly (in the last few weeks) so now I am looking forward to my next couple of years here. The club has welcomed me from the minute I came in on a six-month contract.

"The club have showed faith in me and they have been patient with me in my performances. They gave me an opportunity, even when I struggled at first, so I just want to pay them back over the next couple of years.

"I was stop-start at first but I think everybody can see the improvement I have made this season. I feel like I have a lot more to prove too."

By the time his new contract reaches its expiry, Mugabi will be closing in on five years at Fir Park, a rare piece of longevity within the modern game.

The only club outside of Yeovil and Motherwell he has represented in his senior career is