Rangers target Liam Kelly among player departures at Motherwell

A total of 10 first-team players are leaving the Fir Park club this summer

Motherwell have confirmed that goalkeeper Liam Kelly is among five first-team players who are leaving the club this summer.

Kelly, who has been heavily linked with a move back to Rangers, is on a list that also features Callan Elliot, Calum Butcher, Barry Maguire and Blair Spittal, who has already agreed a deal at Hearts.

Goalkeeper Liam Kelly is one of five first-team players Motherwell have confirmed are leaving this summer

Loan players Georgie Gent, Adam Devine, Adam Montgomery, Oli Shaw and Jack Vale are returning to their parent clubs.

Stephen O’Donnell, Bevis Mugabi, Callum Slattery, Sam Nicholson and Matty Connelly have been offered new deals and are in negotiations, while Paul McGinn has agreed a deal until summer 2025 with the option of another year, and goalkeeper Aston Oxborough until summer 2025.

Players who are under contract anyway are Theo Bair, Dan Casey, Shane Blaney, Andy Halliday, Harry Paton, Ross Tierney, Davor Zdravkovski, Lennon Miller and Moses Ebiye.

At under-18 level, Shay Nevans, Robbie Garcia, Arran Bone, Kyle Aitken, Josh Bogan and Adam MacDonald are leaving.

Extensions have been agreed with Dylan Wells (summer 2026), Olly Whyte, Max Ross, Ewan Wilson and Mark Ferrie (all summer 2025)

Under contract are Brannan McDermott, Luca Ross, Ross Nelson, Scott Williamson, Zack Tormany, Derin Marshall, Zack Flatman, Campbell Forrest, Mikey Booth and Devon Johnston.

Midfielder Blair Spittal has already agreed a deal with Hearts

Boss Stuart Kettlewell told the club’s website: “It’s never nice to see players leave the club but I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all who are departing.

“Barry Maguire is a product of the academy here and has worn the colours with pride. He has been a credit to work with and I wish him well.

“Blair Spittal has been a standout since I arrived at the club last year. This season has been one of his best in football and he given everything. He has given us some memorable moments this season and has been an integral part of the team. I hope his next move is a successful one and he continues to thrive.

“Calum Butcher has been a top professional and is a real leader here. Particularly last year, he was at the heart of our defence that was a key part of us turning around results. We offered Calum a contract, however terms couldn’t be agreed and, as a result, he will now move on.

Sam Nicholson has been offered a new contract and is in negotiations (Image: SNS Group)

“He is a top-professional, a pleasure to work with and a great guy. I send my best wishes to him for the future.

“Liam Kelly will also be departing this summer, after a tremendous three-and-a-half years at Motherwell. He has been an excellent player to work with, who on top of performing on the pitch, has been a leader behind the scenes.

“He has ensured every player has been welcomed and enjoyed being in the dressing room. He moves on with our best wishes.”

Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell is grateful to those who played their part in the season just past

Kettlewell added: “I’m really happy to get Aston and Paul on board for next season.

“Paul has been one of our most consistent performers since I arrived, and even prior to that. He is a leader and an excellent professional who the young players can learn a lot from.

“Aston has been patient but has provided stiff competition. Neil Alexander and I think very highly of him and look forward to another season of progress.”