Seb Palmer-Houlden believes Motherwell will have serious Barcelona vibes once they click under Alfred Johansson. The striker is excited about the style of football the Swedish manager has brought to Fir Park, even though the Steelmen went into the international break on the back of three defeats.
Motherwell will return refreshed and look to put that right when champions Celtic visit Fir Park a week tomorrow. Palmer-Houlden, a summer signing from Gillingham, says the way the team plays was a major factor in his decision to join.
Playing the Barcelona way
Palmer-Houlden admitted: “The biggest factor in coming here is the football we play. It is everyone’s dream. Everybody wants to get on the ball and play.
“We play like Barcelona sometimes and it is great. That is what you want as a player and a striker. Like I say, the manager was also massive. The way he spoke and his plans and ambitions for the team. He has helped me so much already in the short time I have been here. I am going to learn so much here.”
Motherwell caught the eye with some of their early European performances and made an unbeaten start to the Premiership. The one thing they have lacked has been a regular goalscorer since Tawanda Maswanhise’s golden spell dried up at the turn of the year.
A striker’s dream
Palmer-Houlden hopes to add that finishing touch. “The team creates a lot of chances and they are good chances as well,” the 22-year-old insisted.
“We move the ball well, put in crosses and get the ball into the red zone. It is a striker’s dream and that is what I said to the manager. I understand it and I know the teams and how they play. I know what to expect in the home and away games and how to get results. Hopefully, I can help, my experience can help this team to kick on again this season.
“The boys have been brilliant. I have settled in really well and the boys have been really welcoming. It is nice knowing Jamie (Knight-Lebel) as well. It has been a joy.”
Healthy competition up front
Motherwell also have a number of striking options with Eythor Bjorgolfsson now fit and Callum Hendry edging closer. Palmer-Houlden claimed: “We have a great pool of strikers here. When they are all fit we will have a lot of quality and there will be a really healthy competition, which will kick us all on. You always want competition, it keeps you on your toes and pushes everyone’s levels up.”
The good thing from Motherwell’s point of view is that Palmer-Houlden is not coming into the Premiership cold. He had a previous loan spell from Bristol City up at Dundee. The summer signing from Gillingham said: “I played a few positions at Dundee. I am just looking forward to coming up here and testing myself in the league.
“It will also be good to go and play Dundee again. The Scottish fans are amazing. I know that from last time I was here at Dundee.”
The forward isn’t setting targets, but just wants to help Motherwell make their mark and build on last season’s success under Jens Berthel Askou. Palmer-Houlden added: “No, I just want to make sure I am in the team as much as possible. Then I know I am doing the right thing.
“You have to trust the manager and the team. I just need to make the most of my opportunities, get in the right positions and if I do that I am confident the goals will come.”
