26 year old left back Anthony Straker joined Motherwell on loan in January 2015 from struggling English League Two side York City where he had found himself out of favour.

The full back position at Fir Park had caused the club a bit of a headache during the entire 2014/15 campaign as both Stevie Hammell and Zaine Francis-Angol both suffered injuries which not only required surgery but led to long spells on the sidelines. Untested teenagers David Ferguson and Luke Watt were given a chance to fill the void but the club badly needed experience as a fight against relegation was at hand. Straker of course would be the man new ‘Well boss Ian Baraclough felt could make an impact.

Baraclough on Straker – “He a versatile enough to play either at left back or pushed on one at left midfield. He is full of energy, has got pace and a lot of experience being involved in promotion winning teams down south as well as playing international football.”

His credentials did sound impressive, Anthony possessed a huge imposing athletic frame and initially looked like he would be able to fit in nicely but in truth he had a some-what casual approach to his game where he was often caught out all too often, he did however look more comfortable in a midfield position going forward.

Motherwell have been synonymous with having a number of fine left backs to represent the club, unfortunately for Anthony Straker he’ll probably be best remembered for causing many ‘Well fans to wake at night in a cold sweat due to his defensive performances rather than anything else. In fairness he did have his moments, his best performance was undoubtably the 4-0 win over Hamilton at Fir Park, he also featured in the 5-0 win over a poor St Mirren a short time later, Anthony’s last action in claret and amber was to make a late substitute appearance in the fine 3-1 victory over Rangers at Ibrox in the Playoff Final, he wouldn’t make the 2nd leg due to a family bereavement. Soon thereafter he returned to York City.

Straker actually had to chance to join the club earlier in his career but the deal had fallen through. He had started his career with Crystal Palace and enjoyed spells with Aldershot Town, Wycombe and Southend United. Before joining Motherwell he had won eight international caps for Grenada, he would add to that number later in his career.

Name:	Anthony Straker
Height:	5′ 9″
Weight:	11st 14lbs
Date of Birth:	23rd September 1988
Place of Birth:	Ealing, England
Position:	Left Back
Nationality:	Grenadian

Football Career:

Aldershot Town	2007	2012
Wycombe Wanderers (Loan)	2011
Southend United	2012	2014
York City	2014	2016
Motherwell (Loan)	2015
Grimsby Town	2016
Aldershot Town	2016	–

Well Career:

	Apps	Goals
League:	11 (2)	0
Scottish Cup:	0	0
League Cup:	0	0
Other:	0 (1)	0
Total:	11 (3)	0