McDonald loving life at Well

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The former Celtic striker moved to Fir Park on a short-term deal in February and helped them preserve their Premiership status, culminating in a 6-1 aggregate victory over Championship side Rangers in the end-of-season play-offs.

Manager Ian Baraclough made no secret of his desire to retain his services and the Australia international was quick to agree a new 12-month contract.

Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, he said: “I was here at the back end of last season and thankfully it went quite well in the play-off at Rangers and we managed to stay up.

“It was a disappointing year for the club but we’ll be looking to put that right this year and hopefully with a top-six finish at minimal. There was a few options abroad and a couple things in England for me but it was all about the family and the warmth of this football club itself.

‘Authority’

“It’s such a tight knit club, somewhere close to my heart and I have had many special memories here. It’s the third time I have signed for the club so hopefully it’s third time lucky and a little trophy with that would be nice.

“I think at the back end of last season performances kicked up. I’m not saying that was all to do with myself but I think now it’s a fresh start for everyone and fresh impetus and the manager can now stamp his authority on what he wants to do.

“That played a massive part in me coming back as well, knowing what he wanted to do with the club and try and push it forward. We don’t want to put too much pressure on ourselves especially after last year.

“In previous season the clubs had quite a lot of success, finishing second the year before and second as well the year before that. I think there will be an expectation from the fans after the last season. They will want us in the top half and that’s where we are aiming.

“A good bunch of us have a lot of football experience under our belts. I think that was a big attraction for the club to get me back and a couple of others. To try and help some of these youngsters push through.

“We have seen Lee Erwin move this summer and signed for Leeds United. Unfortunately at Motherwell like lots of other Scottish clubs it is a selling club so you’re looking to try and develop as many youngsters as possible and make money. It’s a business at the end of the day.”