Motherwell matchwinner Jordan White: Crack at Europe and Robbo factor sold me on joining Steelmen

New Motherwell striker Jordan White reckons the prospect of playing European football is a major carrot for him joining the Steelmen.
Jordan White won the game for Motherwell in Saturday's friendly against Dundee United (Pic courtesy of Motherwell FC)Jordan White won the game for Motherwell in Saturday's friendly against Dundee United (Pic courtesy of Motherwell FC)
Jordan White won the game for Motherwell in Saturday's friendly against Dundee United (Pic courtesy of Motherwell FC)

White (28), who arrives at ’Well on a two-year deal after two years at Inverness Caley Thistle, scored the winner as the Steelmen recorded a 1-0 home friendly success over Dundee United on Saturday. He also believes that the positive influence of manager Stephen Robinson can help him thrive at Fir Park.

“Not many guys get a chance for a crack at European football so that was a massive thing in me joining Motherwell,” White told the Times and Speaker.

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“In terms of the way the gaffer put Motherwell to me and how he talks about the game, how he always wants to improve, that in itself was good enough for me.

“The European trip (a first qualifying round Europa League qualifier on Thursday, August 27) is just an added bonus as well.

“I’ve worked really hard to get here. I’ve always believed I can play in the Premiership.

“I feel that I could have done it before now.

“But now that I’ve got the chance, I don’t think there’s a much better team to establish myself with and progress.”

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Bellshill-born White, a six foot four forward who grew up in Hamilton and is now living in Airdrie, knows the Lanarkshire area well and is fully aware that Motherwell is a great club which he believes can be in the mix for a fine 2020-21 campaign after finishing third last season.

“If we can emulate the third place finish then great but the first protocol is staying in the league,” he said.

“We’ve got a really good squad and there’s a lot of competition for places so I’m looking forward to it.

“I’m good in the air but I think a lot of people just think: ‘He’s a big guy so let’s just lump it up to him’.

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“But I’m very comfortable with my feet. I love the ball into my feet all the timeand I think the way the gaffer wants to play is very much free flowing and attacking.

“You are always interchanging with players and I’ve already seen I need to learn the way Motherwell play.

“It’s certainly different but it’s really good.

“I’ve been picking up things in training. I try to take everything on board.

“The thing that really excites me is the way they go about it, the way they set everything up is top notch.

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“They give you that platform to help improve you as a player and I think that’s really important.”

Saturday's friendly against United saw White and fellow new boys Nathan McGinley, Ricki Lamie, Scott Fox and Jake Hastie all given run outs, as boss Robbo fielded a different side in each half.

David Turnbull also made his return after summer knee surgery, playing the first 45 minutes against the newly promoted Tangerines.

Exactly 18 weeks after Motherwell’s 1-1 draw with Hearts in their last competitive outing, the first half saw both teams tentatively find their way into the swing of things again.

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The breakthrough came 10 minutes into the second half. Robinson’s ingenuity down the right opened the chance for him to cut inside and loop a shot over the goalkeeper.

With United’s number one beaten, the ball crashed down off the bar, with White on hand to tap home.

Motherwell first half: Fox, Cornelius, Donnelly, Hussain, McGinley, O’Hara, Turnbull, Semple, Hastie, Seedorf, Watt.

Motherwell second half: Carson, Grimshaw, Maguire, Lamie, Johnston, Campbell, Polworth, MacIver, Hylton, Robinson, White.

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Dundee Utd first half: Deniz, Robson, Connolly, Graham, Freeman, Powers, Harkes, Chalmers, Pawlett, Fotheringham, Smith.

Dundee Utd second half: Deniz, L Smith, Neilson, Sporle, Reynolds, Davidson, King, Mochrie, Clark, Glass, Appere.

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