Motherwell drop Brown complaint

Scottish Premier League club Motherwell have withdrawn a complaint about Craig Brown’s departure from the club.

Brown, 70, and assistant Archie Knox had guided Motherwell to fifth on the SPL table when they resigned their posts on December 9, joining strugglers Aberdeen the following day.

Motherwell accused Aberdeen of ‘gross discourtesy’ for poaching the duo without their permission and launched a complaint to the league.

But on Thursday, just two days before both clubs face each other, Motherwell dropped their appeal.

“During a difficult time for Scottish football and when clubs are about to enter discussions on a major league re-structuring, we are of the view that it is not in anyone’s best interests for two Scottish Premier League clubs to be involved in an ongoing dispute,” a Motherwell statement read.

“Following constructive discussions with Aberdeen, we have reached an agreement to draw a line under the matter and have formally withdrawn our complaint to the SPL in relation to their employment of Craig Brown and Archie Knox.”

“We have always maintained a good working relationship with Aberdeen and look forward to that continuing in future.”

The two sides meet at Pittodrie Stadium on Saturday in what is sure to be a hotly contested encounter, with Aberdeen aiming to halt a seven-match losing streak.