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  • Archive

    Clancy focused on Inverness

  • Archive

    McCall reflects on Killie stalemate

  • Archive

    Kilmarnock draw in pictures

  • Archive

    TV: McCall accepts draw

  • Archive

    TV: Craigan on Killie draw

  • Archive

    Motherwell 0 – 0 Kilmarnock

  • Archive

    The Academy Experience: In Pictures

  • Archive

    MFC TV goes live

  • Archive

    Get with the programme!

  • Archive

    Law keen to build on early success

  • Archive

    Clancy focused on Inverness

    Tim Clancy insists ‘Well aren’t looking any further than their next game after a 0-0 draw with Kilmarnock kept the Steelmen in second place.

    The Irishman, a former Kilmarnock player, continued his recent excellent form at the heart of the Claret and Amber rearguard, partnering Stephen Craigan for ‘Well’s seventh clean sheet in twelve SPL outings.

    And despite continuing the Fir Parkers’ recent good run, the 27-year old insists the players aren’t looking beyond next Saturday’s clash with Inverness in the Highlands.

    “We are not even looking at the top six at the moment; we are taking every game as it comes,” he said.

    “It is a good result for us as it keeps our good run going; that is four unbeaten. Inverness next week may suit us better playing away from home, and we might get another win but it will be very difficult as always.”

    Reflecting on the match, he continued: “It was a good game, a no score draw but it was an exciting nil-nil with chances at both ends with both teams playing really well. A draw was probably a fair result.

    “It’s a good result as Killie play good football as they showed when they scored three against Celtic last week. To keep a clean sheet is a positive step for us, but at home you are looking to win these games to get into, and stay in, the top six.”

    Clancy spent four good years at Rugby Park and it may have been safe to assume that he was keen to prove a few doubters wrong.

    [pullquote]It was a good game, a no score draw but it was an exciting nil-nil with chances at both ends with both teams playing really well. A draw was probably a fair result[/pullquote]

    However, that didn’t enter the defenders mind and he insists he holds no bitterness towards his former employers or their manager, Kenny Sheils.

    Asked by the gathered press if he had a point to prove to the Northern Irishman, Clancy said, “No point to prove at all, I really enjoyed my time at Killie.

    “At the end I wasn’t playing as much as I would like. When this move came up it was good for both parties, therefore no real point to prove. Kenny Shiels knows me as well as any manager so there was no point to prove and no hard feelings.”

    Although the game finished goalless, Kilmarnock did have the ball in the net midway through the first half when Manuel Pascali headed home a corner from the left.

    The Italian was denied by Craig Thomson’s whistle; the official having blown for a foul on Stephen Craigan.

    It was a call the Motherwell stopper agreed with, “I was underneath him and he had two hands on Crags’ (Stephen Craigan) shoulders. Sometimes you can get away with it but I thought it was the right decision. We would have felt pretty aggrieved had the goal being allowed to stand.”

  • Archive

    McCall reflects on Killie stalemate

    Stuart McCall admits that a draw was probably the fairest result after a hard-fought battle with Kilmarnock ended 0-0.

    Anssi Jaakola was in sparkling form to deny the best of ‘Well’s chances, a save from Chris Humphrey and a spectacular double-stop in the second half proving particular highlights.

    Yet, Killie will look back on their own close-calls, most notably a super Gary Harkins drive, which rattled the post, with Darren Randolph beaten.

    And the Steelmen boss believes a point each is just about the right result after a lively encounter.

    “We were strong in defence, although they had a lot of possession and looked to be a threat. We’ve snuffed them out, big Darren hasn’t has much to do,” said an analytical McCall.

    “We could have been better in the last third, but overall it was a decent game. We can’t turn in sparkling performances week in week out, but if we give our all and play strong and solid then I’m happy. We’ve deserved to win a few games this season 1-0, and today we could have nicked it – but, in fairness, they could have nicked it too.

    “They are a good side, you don’t score three against Celtic if you’re not. They’ll be pleased with their performance, but a draw was about a fair result.”

    [pullquote]We can’t turn in sparkling performances week in week out, but if we give our all and play strong and solid then I’m happy.[/pullquote]

    The gaffer singled out Tim Clancy for particular praise after his fine display against Killie.

    The Irishman was solid against his old employers, and continues to look a marvelous purchase by McCall.

    “I’ve been really pleased with Tim Clancy,” the former Bradford boss lauded. “He’s had one dodgy game where he scored an own goal, but he’s been solid.

    “You could tell he was up for it and he did well today. You’ve got to have clean sheets to build a good base”

    McCall hopes that an attractive display – albeit goalless – sent the Fir Park fans home happy.

    The nature of a televised early kick-off, allied with the financial realities afflicting most supporters at the moment, meant that the attendance was modest.

    But rather than bemoan that fact, the ‘Well boss aims to entertain those who do make the pilgrimage.

    He continued: “Everyone knows the hardship of life at the moment and football is expensive. Hopefully we can send people home happy.

    “Today, we seen some decent stuff, and our fans stayed. It was nip and tuck towards the end – we could have got one, they could have got one – so it would have been nice to reward them with a few goals. We go to Inverness next week and look forward to it.”

  • Archive

    Kilmarnock draw in pictures

    Pictures from the 0-0 draw with Kilmarnock in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Fir Park.

    These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

    [svgallery name=”kilmarnock221011″]

  • Archive

    TV: McCall accepts draw

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall admits a draw between his side and Kilmarnock was just about the correct result.

    -CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

  • Archive

    TV: Craigan on Killie draw

    Stephen Craigan spoke to MFC TV after ‘Well drew a blank against a stubborn and dangerous Kilmarnock side at Fir Park.

    -CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

  • Archive

    Motherwell 0 – 0 Kilmarnock

    [tab:Match report]

    twitter Kris Jack at Fir Park

    Motherwell and Kilmarnock had to settle for a share of the spoils from an entertaining affair, as Saturday’s lunchtime kick off ended 0-0.

    Finnish goalkeeper Anssi Jaakola kept his side in it with a string of punches, flaps and saves to keep Motherwell’s frontline at bay.

    But Paul Heffernan also had chances to win it for Kilmarnock, but failed to produce anything to breach the Well defence, despite opportunities for the nine-goal frontman.

    As expected, Stuart McCall named an unchanged starting XI from the win at Hibernian, and indeed the previous four matches to that.

    Shaun Hutchinson took a seat on the bench for the first time since being injured at Celtic Park while Tom Bradley replaced Lee Hollis as back-up goalkeeper.

    Kenny Shiels also stuck with the same Kilmarnock side that grabbed a draw from the jaws of victory in their 3-3 thriller with Celtic last week.

    Both sides attitude to free flowing football had been praised to the hilt this season, so a certain level of spectacle would have been hoped for by those in attendance, watching at home or listening to the live broadcast on MFC TV.

    The 12:45 kick off brought with it a biting chill, with those who opted for their armchairs certainly being kept warmer than anyone inside Fir Park.

    Nicky Law and Jamie Murphy tried to heat the crowd up after two minutes, when the young forward got to the bye-line, but his cross across along the six-yard box evaded Michael Higdon.

    Gary Harkins then shot straight at Darren Randolph from a well-worked free kick, drawn from a Jennings foul.

    Chris Humphrey and Tim Clancy earned corners for the ‘Well, with the second causing a game of pinball in the box. Keith Lasley, then Humphrey had efforts blocked, as Killie struggled to cope with the early pace of the hosts.

    Humphrey almost broke the deadlock on 14 minutes. A lofted ball from Stevie Hammell was brilliantly controlled on the chest by the Jamaican. He composed himself and shot low across the keeper, only for Jaakola to pull off a great save.

    Kilmarnock were being kept to passing and shooting from distance, with no real bite to their attacks.

    Michael Higdon almost put ‘Well in front when he shrugged off his marker in the box and worked the space for a shot. But he fired in to the side netting. A few moments later, a Hammell free kick was palmed out by Jaakola, who again had to look lively to react to Tom Hateley’s inswinging corner.

    Kilmarnock tried to come back in to the game with James Fowler driving wide when he should have tested Randolph. Paul Heffernan was then robbed of a shot at goal by a last ditch tackle from Hammell.

    Heffernan then hit the post from Shiels pass, before Tim Clancy cleared, as Killie threatened to piece together a spell of pressure. 

    Manual Pascali had the ball in the net from a wicked set piece, but the goal was rightly chalked off for his use of Craigan for leverage.

    In response, Motherwell went up the other end, and only a block by Pascali stopped Jamie Murphy’s bullet header from going on target.

    As the second half began Heffernan went close for Killie when he beat Law to the bye-line, but his cross was easily cut out by Randolph. Law then had Jaakola flapping at a dinked cross from a similar position.

    The impressive Anssi Jaakola was on hand moments later to prevent a brilliant team goal, not once but twice. A four man move with Law, Lasley, Jennings and Higdon, ended with Higdon playing in Jennings with a lovely back heel. His half volley stung the Finn’s hands, as did Higdon’s blasted follow- up.

    Tom Hateley was next to have a pop, when he cut in from the right on to his left foot, but curled his effort just wide.

    Liam Kelly shot wastefully over the bar as both sides probed for a late goal.

    A magnificent sliding tackle by Steve Jennings was all that prevented Heffernan scoring the vital goal. The Killie danger-man evaded two challenges at the edge of the box, and just as he was about to pull the trigger, the Liverpudlian midfielder threw himself in to the striker’s path, blocking the shot.

    Jennings was soon threatening at the other end, blazing over form a poorly cleared corner, before Law’s deep cross from the left was hit too long.

    Nicky Law tried in earnest to conjure a last minute winner for the Well, but his cross was blocked out for a throw in, the last act of the game.

    Motherwell remain four points clear of Celtic after the Fir Park stalemate, meaning they stay 2nd in the SPL for at least another week.

    [tab:As it happened]

    twitter Kris Jack at Fir Park

    Full Time – 0-0! Once again, the similar styles of McCall and Shiels teams produces a stalemate.

    90mins – One minute of added on time.

    88mins – Keith Lasley gets fouled and Man of the Match at the exact same moment.

    85mins – Poor corner cleared to Jennings who loops his shot wide. Anyone for some last minute drama?

    85mins – a surging Hateley run ends with another cross in to 6 yard area, with no one going front post for it. Next passage earns a corner.

    84mins – Kelly booked for hauling back Hateley, Daley wins corner with pace, Dayton on for Harkins.

    77mins – Randolph does well to stop Shiels with his legs, after the former Hibs man ventured in to the box.

    67mins – Pascali blooters ball in to South stand again from free kick. Humphrey and Murphy off, McHugh and Daley on.

    66mins – Craigan booked for foul on edge of box. Killie broke form loose Murphy pass, Craggs couldn’t get out the way…

    Attendance – 4184 not bad for a TV game. Thanks for coming folks!

    61mins – Heffernan shoots right down Randolph’s throat form 18 yards. Bread and butter save.

    60mins – A long ball form Hammell, has Murphy stretching to get on end of it, but he’s just too short.

    59mins – Pascali blooters a shot somewhere in to the South Stand form about 35 yards. Waste!

    56mins – Hateley cuts in from right on to his left to curl a shot just wide form 18 yards.

    53mins – Jaakola makes 2 terrific stops from Jennings and Higdon to stop Well taking lead. Great build up to Jenno’s shot, watch it on MFC TV

    50mins – Heffernan beats Law to the byline but cross is gathered by Randolph.

    49mins – From free kick, Well break through Murphy, but he takes a touch to much in the box.

    48mins – Keith Lasley booked for foul on Pursehouse.

    47mins – Clancy heads cross out for corner, Humphrey breaks away but is too fast for team mates and attack peters out.

    46mins – This game is very reminiscent of Rugby Park in August, minus the sky splitting sunshine. Good play but no edge as yet from both teams.

    46mins – Higdon fouls Pascali on halfway with a forearm to the face. Unintentional obviously.

    45mins – The teams re-emerge for the second half. 45 minutes for Well to make it count and go 4 points behind Rangers and 6 ahead of Celtic.

    HT: Correction! Pascali fouled Craigan and had goal disallowed for Killie. The wonders of television replays eh?

    HT: Nicky Law seems to be the fan favourite today; all the #motherwellmessi is missing is the goals of his Argentinean muse.

    Half Time 0-0. Not a classic, but both teams having a go. How are all you Twitterati enjoying it? #WellvKillie

    43mins – Jamie Murphy heads wide via deflection from Hateley’s cross. Higdon heads wide from resulting corner.

    42mins – Clancy does well to head behind from Pursehouse cross. Kilmarnock Goal disallowed from corner for pushing.

    39mins -Killie Free kick 25 yards out is blasted right in to wall. Numbering on Kilmarnock shirts is very hard to make out so apologies.

    39mins – Jaakola finally catches a ball, when Murphy’s cross form the right bounces in to his arms. Other end Hammell gives away a free kick.

    37mins – Heffernan hits the base of the post with Randolph rooted. Closest effort to a goal yet

    35mins – From corner, Humphrey bursts away, but his cross is knocked out for corner

    34mins – A great last ditch tackle from hammell prevents Heffernan form pulling the trigger.

    33mins – James Fowler strides forward unchallenged but hits a daisy cutter well wide of Randolph. 1st real effort for Killie.

    30mins – A succession of corners and crosses fails to provide the opening goal, but it feels like it could be coming soon #jinxedit

    28mins – From corner, Hateley has Jaakola clawing the ball out from under bar, Craigan’s header falls on top of net. Getting closer…

    27mins – Law draws foul on Main Stand wing. Hammell free kick looks to pick out Higdon, but Jaakola tips round for corner.

    25mins – Higdon holds off his marker to earn space in the box, but fires hard in to side netting. Close form the big man. #handsupforhiggy

    23mins – Liam Kelly free kick floats wide form distance with no takers in box.

    20mins – Foul on Jennings by McKeown. Hammell free kick headed back across goal, ends up back with Hammell crossing, Murphy fouls back post.

    20mins – Gone so far Well fans, who has been the standout player? #WellvKillie

    19mins – The shaky start seems to have switched to Kilmarnock now, as they are misplacing passes all over the shop.

    17mins – Harkin’s deft cross is too clever for Heffernan and sails comfortably wide.

    14mins – Humphrey forces Jaakola in to a vital stop, bringing Hammell’s ball down on his chest before lashing it towards the bottom corner.

    12mins – Hammell and Law combine to send Law down the left. His low cross is poked out for a corner.

    11mins – Humphrey sends Murphy scampering on goal, but Sissoko thwarts him.

    8mins – Humphrey then Clancy win corners, second win causes pinball in box, before Kilmarnock clear lines.

    7mins – Motherwell need to settle it a bit, some slack passes causing groans amongst the fans.

    5mins. Tim Clancy makes an excellent block and clearance only for Jennings to foul. From free kick, Harkins gets a shot in at Randolph.

    2mins – Law sends Murphy down the left, but his ball in to corridor of uncertainty, evades the onrushing Higdon.

    1min – The teams are out, showing their Red Cards to Racism, Well back to the Claret and Amber for today’s game. COME ON YE WELL!!

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “I thought we started really well, got in behind them and got balls in across the face. We had a couple of chances.

    “They came back into it and Harkins hit the post. The second half, we weren’t at our best, there is no doubt about that. But we can’t be at our best week in, week out.

    “I was delighted with the way we defended. Although they had a lot of possession we snuffed it out and big Daz (Darren Randolph) hasn’t had a lot to do. I said before the game they are a good side, you don’t score three goals against Celtic if you’re not. I think a draw was a fair result, there is no doubt about that.

    “The only disappointing thing, we had a lot of set plays and we’ve been good at them recently, but the final ball wasn’t as good as we would have hoped, in the second half anyway.”

    Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels:

    “It’s another draw that we needed to turn into a victory.

    “We came, as we always do, to win the game with an attacking philosophy and it didn’t happen for us again.

    “I’d like to get my emotions balanced because I’m really disappointed for the players and supporters because yet again we got it tactically right.

    “We took the football out of Motherwell – their quality was reduced because they had to change from invention and creativity to playing a little bit more direct and trying to get in behind our young full-backs.

    “That’s an option they chose, I’m not being critical. It was testament to how we kept the ball and our invention and creativity was prevalent again.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”74″]

  • Archive

    The Academy Experience: In Pictures

    Almost 70 youngsters took part in the Motherwell Community Trust’s Academy Experience project during the October Week Holiday.

    The youths, aged between 6 and 12, went through a comprehensive coaching module which included game awareness, technique development, balance, creativity and nutrition.

    The kids had separate training sessions with Keith Lasley, Stevie Hammell, Gordon Young, Jamie Murphy and Kenny Black – one of which took place on the pitch here at Fir Park.

    Earlier today, participants finished the course with a talk from ‘Well boss Stuart McCall who presented each one with a commemorative certificate.

    Pictures from the week are available to purchase over a range of items from www.motherwellpics.com. Check it out to see if you can spot your son or daughter.

    The whole week was a roaring success and the Community Department are already inundated with requests for the next programme. For further information call then on: 01698 239 926 or go to their website at www.motherwellsoccerschools.com.

  • Archive

    MFC TV goes live

    Motherwell Football Club is tonight delighted to launch its new official web TV channel, MFC TV.

    The new service will provide a raft of features including exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, pre and post match interviews with Stuart McCall and the first-team squad, match highlights, U19s coverage as well as the latest from our commercial and community departments.

    Not only that, the club will now provide full audio commentary from every single Motherwell match, home and away.

    Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said, “MFC TV has been four years in the making and we are delighted to have eventually got it off the ground.

    “We will start modest, giving the fans access to the club that they have never previously had. However, the plan is very much to grow the product and we expect to expand into some really exciting areas over the next few weeks and months.

    “The mantra running through this club is very fan focused and we hope MFC TV will further enhance links between the club and its supporters.”

    MFC TV is available now priced at just £1.99 for the first month (available on Credit/Debit card or via PayPal). At the moment, no yearly subscriptions are available however this will change following the launch of the ‘Well Society.

    -CLICK HERE – MFC TV-

  • Archive

    Get with the programme!

    The Motherwell Official Matchday Programme is on sale on Saturday morning as Kilmarnock visit Fir Park for the Sky Live clash.

    With a new editorial team and a new producer in Curtis Sport, the 64-page magazine has been a hit with fans in our seven home games so far this campaign and this edition is definitely one to collect.

    What’s inside? Well, manager Stuart McCall gives his thoughts on the first round of fixtures, thanks the fans for their support and urges caution in the games ahead.

    Skipper Stephen Craigan returns with his view from the dressing room and there is a superb feature interview from Alan Temple with former Killie defender Tim Clancy. The Irishman talks candidly about having to leave the Rugby Park outfit, the international inspirations of his team-mates and how he plans a trip to Euro 2012.

    There is a special 12-page section dedicated to our visitors, Kilmarnock. Not only is there a rundown of the current squad and a review of the season so far, we get the views of Killie fan Michael Higgins, there is an excellent Q&A with veteran midfielder James Fowler and Peter Elder remembers a 3-2 win against the Ayrshire side from 1994.

    And that’s not all. As well as match reports from both the Dundee Utd and Hibernian (makes for pleasant reading), regular features such as From the Press Box with Gavin McCafferty, The Travelling Fan with Keith Foster – a late sub for Yir Elder, On This Day with Graham Barnstaple and we also Show Racism the Red card.

    Wait, there’s more! James and Clare Quinn are the latest to take part in our ‘FANATICS’ series. We have the latest from the Under 19s, The Ticket Office, the Commercial Department and the latest stats, facts and figures for the 2011/2012 campaign.

    The programme is available for £3 and is currently on sale from the Club Shop and Jack Daniels as well as the usual sellers located in and around the ground pre-match.

  • Archive

    Law keen to build on early success

    Nicky Law is aiming to justify the praise as Motherwell host Kilmarnock on Saturday afternoon.

    The Fir Parkers have won a host of admirers for a fluid, offensive start to the campaign, which has seen the ‘Well ascend to second spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

    Indeed, the Steelmen have been the surprise package of the season thus far, losing only three of their first eleven SPL encounters.

    It has brought effusive praise from many quarters, including – Killie boss Kenny Shiels, who lavished praise upon Stuart McCall’s charges, particularly the midfield and full-backs.

    “I know he was complimentary about a few of the lads here; calling Tom and Stevie the best full-backs in the league – nobodies buying that,” Law joked.

    “No, but Tom and Stevie probably are as good full-backs as there is in this division. They have been absolutely brilliant for us; the whole team has.

    “We’ve changed the formation a little bit in the last few weeks, playing with a three in the middle and with three up front, effectively.

    “Because this team passes the ball so well it doesn’t matter where I’m playing really. At the minute it’s working well, with Jenno sitting and me playing beside Las. It seems to have suited us so far, so it’s good people are recognizing that.

    “It’s hard to single anyone out as standing out because the group has worked so well together.

    “As a club we’ve had so much praise from everyone and it’s good to hear. As a group our feet are still on the ground, and the praise is great – but I’m sure, come February, if we lose a few we’ll get plenty of stick.

    “We just need to keep working hard and winning as many games as we can.”

    [pullquote]As a club we’ve had so much praise from everyone and it’s good to hear. As a group our feet are still on the ground, and the praise is great – but I’m sure, come February, if we lose a few we’ll get plenty of stick[/pullquote]

    The Steelmen are currently on a four-match unbeaten run, which has included three victories – dominant wins at Tannadice and Easter Road proving particular highlights on the road.

    It has been one of the most impressive openings to a top-flight season that Motherwell have ever recorded.

    Some fans have even, optimistically, suggested that someone at the club looks into getting a hold of the UEFA Champions League theme.

    Such suggestions are a bit of fun, and indicative of a marvelous start to the season in North Lanarkshire – but Law knows what the real targets are ahead of the visit of Kilmarnock.

    “We’re not getting carried away,” he continued. “We know we’ve only played eleven games. It’s about collecting as many points as we can, as early as we can, and the aim is still to get in the top six.

    “We had a good start, winning four out of the first five matches. But that’s all it was: a good start. I don’t think we really believed we would carry on so well. Winning seven out of eleven is more than anyone could have expected.

    “It’ something we’ve spoke about; the need to get as many points we can early. At the moment all the pitches are nice and we can play our football.

    “There’s a nine point gap to seventh place at the moment, and the aim is a top six spot, so it’s good to have that early breathing space.”