Theo Bair completes move from Motherwell to Ligue 1 side Auxerre

Motherwell have completed one of the most successful pieces of transfer business in recent Scottish football history by selling Theo Bair to Auxerre.

The Canada international has joined the Ligue 1 side for a fee believed to be in the region of £1.5million – 12 months after manager Stuart Kettlewell was widely questioned for bringing the striker in from St Johnstone.

Bair only scored once in 38 appearances for Saints after arriving from Vancouver Whitecaps and, although he scored on his Motherwell debut, it was only around the turn of the year that his Fir Park career took off.

The powerful frontman was unleashed in a central role and started to use his pace to get in behind and his strength to dominate central defenders.

His confidence took off after hitting two goals against Livingston on December 30, which doubled his tally for the season and kick-started both his own and his team’s fortunes.

The 24-year-old forward hit 13 goals in the final 18 games of last season for Motherwell, form which earned him a place in the Canada squad for the Copa America, where he featured in the third-place play-off on Saturday.

“My time at the club has been unbelievable,” Bair said on Motherwell’s website.

“These have been some of the most enjoyable moments of my career. I love this club and I will always be a supporter.

“I wish everyone nothing but the best.”