'If Watt proves himself again the fans will be won over'

They say never go back... yet that’s exactly what Tony Watt has done.

In fact, when it comes to Motherwell, it’s what a few others have done. James McFadden did it three times, Stephen Pearson had three spells too.

Watt maybe falls into a slightly different category. Yes, he enjoyed a fairly successful two-year spell at Fir Park before his departure in January 2022.

He was popular with fans, scored 19 goals in 70 appearances, and it looked like he’d finally found a home after flitting between eight clubs since leaving Celtic.

Yet he then uppped sticks and left for Dundee united. It was the right move for him at the time - you need to look after your family financially, right?

But some Motherwell fans didn’t see it that way. They took exception to, in their eyes, such betrayal, and it will be interesting to see how they respond to his return.

Manager Stuart Kettlewell said he "jumped at the chance" to bring the 30-year-old striker back to Fir Park.

Injuries to key players, including newly-signed striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, perhaps instigated the move, but Watt himself insists he "was itching to join Motherwell again and can’t wait to get stuck in".

He admits some supporters may need persuading, but at least he’s brave enough to acknowledge that.

And he seems intent in proving himself to fans. If he does that then surely the hurt they felt two years ago when he walked out will be forgotten.