Motherwell have held talks with 15 out of contract stars, says boss

Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell says plans are already underway for next season, and they have spoken to 15 players who are out of contract this summer.

Fans have expressed concerns that a number of first-team players could be heading for the Fir Park exit door at the end of this season, if agreements can’t be reached.

That currently affects goalkeepers Liam Kelly and Aston Oxborough, plus defenders Bevis Mugabi, Calum Butcher, Callan Elliot, Paul McGinn and Stephen O’Donnell.

Midfielders Barry Maguire, Callum Slattery and Sam Nicholson’s deals expire in the summer, as does that of striker Jon Obika.

In addition, loan deals for Rangers defender Adam Devine, Blackburn wing-back Georgie Gent and strikers Jack Vale (Blackburn Rovers) and Oli Shaw (Barnsley) expire.

Kettlewell said: “In certain elements we’ve been preparing, way before January, for what comes next season.

“I’m a planner and somebody who likes to do that, but there have been little bits of change and uncertainty at the club, which can have a massive impact on that as well.

“In terms of trying to plan for the future, I’ve been doing nothing but that for a number of weeks and months.

“Even before January, some of these conversations you try to have, but I always caveat that with the need for all parties to take part as well.

“We need that buy-in from players, agents, myself, board level, and we have a new chief executive at the club, so there are a lot of moving parts in there.

“We’ve been all over that for quite some time.”

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