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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Darren Johnstone

Ricki Lamie admits Motherwell to Dundee U-turn is possible amid relegation worries and James McPake factor

Ricki Lamie admits he could perform a dramatic U-turn over his Dundee pre-contract after scoring the crucial goal that sealed top-six football for Motherwell.

The defender netted an incredible equaliser deep into injury-time on Saturday to earn a point that clinched a place in the top half of the Premiership at Livingston’s expense.

The Steelmen now have European football in their sights, while at the other end of the table Dundee are favourites for the drop.

Another factor in Lamie’s proposed switch is that the manager he agreed to play for at Dens Park, James McPake, was axed in February.

And the 28-year-old concedes he will weigh up his options, which includes staying with Graham Alexander ’s side at the end of the season.

The dramatic leveller sparked wild scenes (SNS Group)

Lamie said: “Could I change my mind about the move? Aye, there are certain clauses in the contract.

“I’m not exactly sure how it works but they were inserted due to the position that Dundee have found themselves in.

“They got a point from the derby against United on Saturday so they’re still fighting away and it’s just a matter of seeing how it all pans out.

“Apart from anything else, I agreed to sign for one manager and he’s no longer there. That came as a bit of a surprise after he’d had a couple of good results.

“They tried to make the move happen in January but that didn’t work out so I’ve been telling my fiancee and my family that I’m just concentrating on the job in hand and finishing as high up the table as we can.

“We’ll need to see how the season ends but, as I said to the gaffer here, no matter where I’m going to be next season my only focus at the moment is on winning games.

“The gaffer’s been brilliant with me ever since I signed the pre-contract. We speak regularly and that won’t change. Motherwell have been great with me and, as a player, I just want to keep playing regularly. Then I’ll have stuff to decide.

“It’s a funny old game. I could help Motherwell qualify for Europe next season and maybe even end up playing for them there again.

“Asked what persuaded him to sign a pre-contract with the Dark Blues in the first place, Lamie, who has made 20 league appearances for the Steelmen, added: “James McPake was really keen to get me on board.

“He’d spoken to me earlier, when I left Livingston but before I joined Motherwell so I knew he really wanted me.

“On top of that, I’d started this season really well and then we brought in a few other players who play in my position.

“Now, though, I’ve fought my way back into the starting XI and I’m a mainstay again and the manager’s told me it’ll stay that way as long as I’m working hard.”

Motherwell ended up needing something from the game at the Tony Macaroni Arena after Ross County took the lead late at Aberdeen to propel themselves into the top six.

The Lions took command with strikes from Odin Bailey and Alan Forrest either side of the break before Callum Slattery sparked a stunning comeback with a piledriver from distance in the 72nd minute.

Lamie then headed home from a corner in the 93rd minute to trigger wild celebrations on the pitch among the players and
travelling supporters.

Lamie added: “I genuinely wasn’t aware of other results.

(SNS Group)

“I thought we needed the win to make it so I made my way back to the halfway line smartish.”

The Livingston players were left visibly devastated after coming within seconds of sealing a third straight top-six finish – and Lamie admits he feels for them and boss Davie Martindale.

He added: “They’re a great bunch and, in an ideal world, it would have been great if we could both have taken our place in the top half but Ross County had some other ideas.

“They possibly deserved to be up there with us but all I was concerned about was making sure that we were there.”

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