IT may have been only four years ago, but a lot has changed during Chris Cadden’s first 99 games in a Motherwell shirt.
The 21-year-old is four years older for a start, the memories of his debut as a substitute in a 4-1 win over Hearts still vivid in his mind. He’s the only Well player remaining from that squad.
But as he faces hitting the century mark this weekend for the Fir Park outfit when they go to Dens Park on Scottish Cup duty, it’s hard to avoid how local lad Cadden has transformed himself into a pivotal first-team star.
“Is it my 100th game is it? I was actually going to ask when it was! That’s alright isn’t it?” asked Cadden when told of the landmark. “I’m delighted. When I was growing up I just wanted to play one game for Motherwell never mind 100. It’s magic, hopefully I can get a wee win.
“All the family will be there. They are there every game. The Cadden bus goes every week! It’s a nightmare for Carol [in the office] to get them all tickets. They are there every week supporting us. It’s normally my dad, my uncle, my mum, my brother [Nicky] when he’s not playing, my girlfriend, her mum and dad, her brother.
“My first game was Hearts here. I got brought at 17 for the win bonus, touched the ball three times, gave it away four! I’m happy to do it and it’s an honour to do it at the club I’ve grown up with.”
Cadden is now targetting Scottish Cup glory.
“I won the Youth Cup with Motherwell and then the cup final last year, so this one would be nice. It would be magic.”
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