IF the amount of work it has taken to make Riku Danzaki a Motherwell player is a reflection of his ability, then the Fir Park faithful should be getting very excited about their latest signing indeed.
The 22-year-old Japanese midfielder finally had his move to Motherwell from Sapporo via Brisbane Roar rubber-stamped this morning, the end result of weeks of late-night Zoom calls, work permit applications and mountains of paperwork. Not to mention the small fee it took to release him from a pre-contract agreement with the A-League side where he has spent the last two seasons on loan.
Thankfully for Steven Hammell and his club, Danzaki was just as desperate to make the move to Scotland as they were to bring him here, and he may even feature at St Mirren today if clearance comes through from the Japanese and Australian Football Associations in time.
Motherwell manager Hammell is pleased to finally be able to share his excitement about what Danzaki can bring to his team with his supporters.
“I can’t say we are miles away when he’s at the airport with a scarf above his head!” Hammell said.
“He’s a player we like and hope to tie down as soon as possible.
“We don’t know if he will be involved on Saturday. We are waiting for clearance and paperwork done. That’s something we’ve been tracking and putting as much effort into as we can.
“He will bring an energy and intensity to the team. He is a good player, good character with a great attitude.
“He is a good team mate to have in about the place. He’s one who will definitely add to the squad like the others who have come in.
“Being a good character is huge. Every night between now and Tuesday night we will be here ‘til late but as much as we do a lot of research on the players and watch as many game as we can, you need those character references as well.
“The players and coaches who have worked with these players. If we are trying to create an environment and culture in here that is competitive, enjoyable then it’s important you bring the right characters in.
“I’d rather have a seven or an eight out of 10 player that will fit into what we are doing than a nine or a 10 that would be a problem. We want to be really together, strong and a competitive group. Riku will add to that.
“There’s been a lot of paperwork, a lot of late night - even early morning - phone calls with the time difference. The logistics of two other teams being involved makes it difficult. I was doing zoom calls, WhatsApp calls with him and agents…it’s been a long process!
“But the one thing that made it worthwhile was that Riku wanted to come here. That means a lot to me. If you’re bringing a player in and thinking he doesn’t really want to be here, it’s going to be a struggle.
“But he’s been on a plane for a full day and has come in and right away said ‘I’ll do whatever you want me to do’. That shows the character and how much he wants to be here.
“He’s a player the fans will enjoy.”
The Motherwell fans have had precious little to enjoy of late, but last week’s Scottish Cup tie at Arbroath provided some light relief from their Premiership travails, as their team avoided what many had earmarked as a potential shock.
Hammell is hoping that the feelgood factor from that victory can carry through into their game in Paisley today.
“Hopefully it allows us to build some momentum, that’s the plan,” he said.
“It was a tough fixture, when it was drawn we looked at it and thought it was tough, they’re a good Championship team who did really well last season and it’s a tough venue.
“It wasn’t the most free-flowing game, but we controlled it and came away unscathed. So, we use it to build confidence and gain a bit of momentum for the league.
“It was a different style of game and consistent with what we will see a lot between now and the end of the season. The condition of pitches and style we’ll come up against - it was a good test of character and I thought the players mentality and approach was good.”
