Tom Hateley is hoping to continue quietly racking up the points with another away-day scalp, this time with victory against Hibernian on Saturday afternoon.
Without fanfare, the Steelmen have crept into second spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, sitting a point ahead of Glasgow giants Celtic.
‘The ‘Well have already racked up six wins from ten SPL outings, including notable away wins at Rugby Park, St. Mirren Park and, most recently, Tannadice.
[pullquote]We’ve got massive belief in our squad that we can win games. It may be a bit of a surprise to see ourselves sitting in second but it’s something we’re relishing.[/pullquote]
And Hateley admits that all the players are thriving under the relative lack of media focus and expectation at Fir Park – something which has allowed the men in claret and amber to produce some of the most entertaining football in the country.
“We haven’t had much of the limelight and I’m happy about that,” the 22-year old considered. “A lot of the press has been about the Old Firm as it probably should be. That has worked well for us. We have just gone under the radar and done what we had to do to get three points.
“We’ve got massive belief in our squad that we can win games. It may be a bit of a surprise to see ourselves sitting in second but it’s something we’re relishing.
“It’s always nice to prove people wrong that don’t think we can do something as a team or individuals. It’s quite a good feeling to do something you’re not expected to do. All the boys love to play football and that’s the most important thing. You try not to focus too much on what’s going on around you or what people think you should be doing. We’ve got players who can win games for us and as long as they keep doing what they’re doing, I’m sure we’ll all be smiling.
“We have got players at this club that can win you games and are quick and good on the counter attack, and we’ve done well away from home so far due to that. Hopefully that can continue.”
Motherwell’s current success is made all the more notable given the relative lack of depth in the ‘Well pool – something exascerbated by the recent absence of Shaun Hutchinson and the long-term injury of Stevie Saunders.
Hateley even concedes that you could pretty much name the Motherwell XI ahead of time, such is the consistency borne out of a lack of experienced repacements. Yet the results keep on coming.
He continued: “We enjoy playing games, I’m young and I’m not getting tired or sore from playing games. It’s something we’re all enjoying.
It will be interesting to see in a couple of months if we get some injuries or suspensions, what will happen. That could be a problem but until something like that happens, and touch wood it doesn’t, then hopefully we can keep doing well.”
The former Motherwell Young Player of the Year also took the time to praise the foresight of many of the upcoming talents at the club.
It was mooted that there was interest in the likes of Jamie Murphy, Chris Humphrey and Hateley himself over the summer.
But the versatile youngster believes the club – and the players – are reaping the benefits from staying on in North Lanarkshire.
“Murph probably had the best opportunity to go elsewhere in the window just gone but he stayed and that’s great for us.” Hateley lauded.
“As young players, all we want to do is focus on playing games. You don’t want to be sitting on the bench or sitting in the stand somewhere. As long as you’re playing games and enjoying your football, and it always helps to be doing well like we’re doing at the moment.”
