Despite the anti-climax of the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Peter Houston's Dundee United, Well can be rightly satisfied with a season that has seen them secure a place in the Champions League qualifiers.

Stuart McCall's men also racked up 62 points to better their previous SPL high water mark of 60 points achieved under Mark McGhee in 2008.

Now with Keith Lasley, Stevie Jennings, Tim Clancy, Stevie Hammell and Lee Hollis all considering new deals, Humphrey is desperate for his mates to nail their colours to the Fir Park mast once again.

He said: "It is vital for us that the out-of-contract lads sign on again. We have a small and tight squad and over the last two seasons we have really improved as a side and we can again.

"But keeping experienced players like Las, Hammy and Jenno will be vital for us next season. If we can do that and add one or two then I don't see any reason we can't repeat a third-place finish.

"We have got to hope the lure of Champions League qualifiers will be a big incentive to them to sign on again."

Humphrey was once again a standout for the Steelmen but the Well winger admitted it had been a disappointment to bow out on a loss.

He said: "We wanted to go out on a high and repay our fantastic support but it was not to be.

"But no-one can take away third place from us and it is still unbelievable to be playing in the Champions League qualifiers next season."

Well took the field to a standing ovation and the strains of the Champions League anthem pumping around the ground while skipper Stephen Craigan, playing in his final game for the Fir Park side before retirement, had his name chanted from all four stands.

But home hopes of ending the season on a high were undermined after just eight minutes. Darren Randolph produced a superb double block to deny Arabs hitman Johnny Russell, but when the ball broke to the striker for a third time he made no mistake from point blank range.

United sealed victory eight minutes from time when Russell found Jon Daly who chipped over Randolph.