WILLIE PETTIGREW believes that James McFadden's departure may be Motherwell boss Stuart McCall's most astute move of the summer.

The 31-year-old returned to the club for a second spell in February 2013 following his release by Sunderland.

However, injury restricted Faddy to just 23 starts in the Premiership this season as Well surged to an impressive second- place SPFL Premiership finish and once again booked a Europa League slot.

But with the former Scotland talisman thought to have been the highest earner at Fir Park, his departure has allowed McCall to mount an early summer recruitment drive.

Josh Law, younger brother of former Steelmen playmaker Nicky, has signed a one-year deal at Fir Park, having left non-league Alfreton Town.

Czech keeper Dan Twardzik has joined on a two-year contract after the 23-year-old goalkeeper left Dundee and new deals for Stevie Hammell and Stephen McManus have also been thrashed out.

Steelmen strike legend Pettigrew said: "I think that James McFadden had pretty much run his course at Motherwell.

"He came in last season and did really well but in the season just gone there have been niggling injuries and if you look at the way Stuart has played him he has either had 60 or 70 minutes or come off the bench.

"Football is an increasingly young man's game and with James on the type of big money he was then I think it became clear that could be utilised to bolster the budget.

"It could well be that James' departure - and I wish him all the best - has helped fund the moves for Law and Twardzik, and if so then you have to say that is sound business."

While Fir Park 1970s icon Pettigrew reckons it was the correct call to let Faddy go, he is delighted that Well vice- captain Stevie Hammell has penned a new two year deal.

Pettigrew also expects skipper Keith Lasley to follow suit and he said: "Both Hammell and Lasley have been very loyal and are playing every week to a very consistent level.

"Obviously Hammell had his testimonial last summer and Lasley will be rewarded this summer, so I don't think there should be any concerns that he won't sign a new contract.

Pettigrew added: "I was also very pleased to see that big (Stephen) McManus has signed a new contract.

"He had a fine season for us at centre-back and he is a real linchpin defensively."

However, when it came to McManus' centre-back partner, Shaun Hutchinson, Pettigrew says it is a certainty he will move on this close season.

The Well strike legend said: "If Shaun was going to sign a new deal at Motherwell he would have done so by now.

"He has done it all at Motherwell and played alongside some very good centre-backs like Stephen Craigan and now big McManus and the time is probably right for him to go.

"But you look at how things are shaping up at Motherwell and we are in such a stronger position in comparison to this stage last close season.

"As long as the manager stays then I think we will be up there challenging again."