McFadden talks up Butcher

New Sydney FC coach Terry Butcher has been given a massive tick of approval by Everton star James McFadden.

McFadden, who was given his start by Butcher at Scottish club Motherwell, says the former England international galvanised the financially crippled club after they collapsed into administration.

"When he took over, he was right up against it," McFadden told the official Everton website.

"But Terry was great to me and full of encouragement for the younger players. He took the kids at training as well as the first team."

"Terry has brought so many players through at Fir Park and given them the confidence to play."

23-year old McFadden has just come off a club-best season with Everton, scoring seven goals and starting to fulfil the potential which saw him dubbed the "Scottish Rooney" when he arrived at Goodison Park in a £1.25 million deal in 2003.

McFadden also paid tribute to his former club for allowing him to consider a switch to the A-League.

"Terry's a great young manager but Motherwell did the right thing letting him speak to Sydney because of what he has done for the club," McFadden said.

"He will be a big miss because he has done well."

Meanwhile, Motherwell's Australian striker Scott McDonald has handed in a transfer request, claiming he's ready to step up his career after missing the Socceroos' World Cup squad.

"Missing the World Cup squad brought home to me that I need to keep challenging myself to get the most out of my ability," McDonald told tribalfootball.com.

"Motherwell, their directors, coaches and fans are first class, but I have noticed I've lost my zip in the last couple of months."

However, the former Gippsland Falcons striker denied he was set to follow Butcher back to Australia.

"I can also state categorically that I do not want to follow him to Australia. My decision for leaving is that I feel my career will be furthered by moving to a new club," McDonald said.

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