
The following season was to be his first as a first team regular. He did well early on, but only managed to net one goal in five games. That changed, however in September 2002 as Celtic were crushed 2-1 by a magnificent young ‘Well side. The whole of Scotland seemed to want this talented youngster back in the Scotland side. Although Motherwell were in administration, James was obviously worth in excess of £1 million. Teams were offering silly amounts like £400,000. This mostly coming from former Scotland manager Craig Brown’s Preston North End. During the 2002/03 season, Motherwell went on a great Scottish Cup run. McFadden scored against Kilmarnock in the third round, he scored both in the fourth round 2-0 win over Clyde and once in the 4-0 demolition of Stranraer. In the semi-final, Motherwell were drawn against Rangers, which saw an amazing 4-3 match, Faddy scored a cracker, but sadly couldn’t help the team get into the final.
Throughout the season, members of the press and even national coach Berti Vogts commented on how McFadden needed to calm down a bit and gain more maturity. This was because of his poor disciplinary record and his constant arguing with referees. On the final day of the season, Captain Martyn Corrigan was being substituted off and he handed the captains armband to James McFadden. From there Livingston kicked off just after conceding a goal, Faddy intercepted and took the ball on a mazy run past five players and scored an amazing goal. Motherwell won 6-2 that day and McFadden scored his first senior hat-trick. The following season James had netted three goals in three games before Davie Moyes at Everton signed him for £1.25 million. Clearly a bargain for the Liverpool side. He was signed mere 15 minutes before the transfer window closed. A few days later he came off the bench for Scotland and scored his first international goal in a 3-1 win over the Faroe Islands.
Name:
|
James McFadden |
Height:
|
5′ 10″ |
Weight:
|
10st 10lbs |
Date of Birth:
|
14th April 1983 |
Place of Birth:
|
Glasgow |
Position:
|
Forward |
Nationality:
|
Scottish |
Football Career:
Motherwell | 2000 | 2003 |
Everton | 2003 | 2008 |
Birmingham City | 2008 | 2011 |
Everton | 2011 | 2012 |
Sunderland | 2012 | 2013 |
Motherwell | 2013 | 2014 |
St Johnstone | 2014 | 2015 |
Motherwell | 2015 | 2017 |
Queen of the South | 2017 | 2018 |
Well Career:
Apps | Goals | |
League:
|
86 (26) | 37 |
Scottish Cup:
|
6 (2) | 5 |
League Cup:
|
2 | 2 |
Other:
|
1 | 0 |
Total:
|
95 (28) | 44 |