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The Motherwell players were put through their paces at Dalziel Park this morning ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Panathinaikos at Fir Park.

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Ahead of the SPL opener at the weekend, Ross County have very kindly offered to meet the costs of Supporters Coaches heading to Dingwall.

In what is a fantastic gesture from the newly promoted side, any ‘Well fan going will now be able to travel free of charge via any Supporters Association coaches heading to the match.

To secure your spot, get in touch with any of the affiliated branches: CLICK HERE FOR CONTACT DETAILS.

[pullquote]“It’s also a clear demonstration of football clubs in the SPL working together and showing solidarity in difficult financial times.[/pullquote]

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said, “I would like to acknowledge and thank Roy MacGregor and the rest of the board at Ross County FC for such a wonderful gesture.

“It is particularly welcome given the additional costs, travelling and sacrifices ‘Well fans have to make due to the clubs’ participation in European competition.

“It’s also a clear demonstration of football clubs in the SPL working together and showing solidarity in difficult financial times.

“I hope as many Motherwell fans can make the journey north for our first ever competitive match at the Global Energy Stadium to open what is sure to be an exciting season ahead.”

Tickets for the match in Dingwall are available now from the Fir Park Ticket Office: CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.

Motherwell take on Panathinaikos in the UEFA Champions League this Tuesday but you can pre-order your matchday magazine now.

Not only is this game the biggest in the club’s 126-year history, the magazine will be the biggest and arguably the best ever produced for a ‘Well game.

An astonishing 84-page publication priced at just £4, it represents a piece of history that you simply mustn’t miss.

But what’s inside…?

Well, there is the usual update from both Stuart McCall and the club skipper Keith Lasley who both look forward to an historic night. Chief Executive Leeann Dempster, the spine of the clubs’ progress in recent years, also introduces the magazine and welcomes everyone to the match.

The Hamilton Advertiser’s Andy McGilvray has an exclusive chat with Tom Hateley; the full-back talks about trying to overcome the odds against the Greek giants and bathing in the riches of the later rounds of the competition.

But that’s not where the features end. Judith Toner, formerly of the Wishaw Press, caught up with the legendary Stephen Craigan, the clubs’ most apped player in European competition, to ask what it will be like watching as opposed to taking part in such a high-profile match for the Steelmen.

The Press Association’s Gavin McCafferty spoke exclusively with national boss Craig Levein on his hopes for Scottish clubs in Europe and the continued progression of young Scottish talent at the highest level.

The features keep coming…

Celebrity Steelman Tam Cowan recalls tales of Euro trips past in his own unique and, at times, colourful manner. It’s a laugh-a-second article that you absolutely cannot miss although perhaps the easily-offended might want to skip a page. Club director Andrew Wilson also jotted down his experiences and pictures from the draw in his Diary of Nyon which gives an interesting insight into some of the nuts and bolts of the operational side of the UEFA machine.

There is also an 18-page section dedication to our visitors from Greece. Not only is there the low-down on the club and the recent changes at the Olympic Stadium, but a player-by-player account of the stars likely to line up in green at Fir Park.

The Scottish Sun’s Kenny MacDonald caught a word with Panathinaikos’ French defender Jean-Alain Boumsong about what he and his teammates expect from their trip to Lanarkshire. There is a breakdown of Greek footy, a bio of Greek players who have graced the SPL as well as a guide to Athens for those travelling over for the return leg.

But wait, there’s even more…

Craig Anderson, author of the excellent SPL Stats blog, has penned a detailed account of the rise and success of the Champions League tournament. We’ve got a good luck message page with everyone from the ‘Greatest Ever’ Andy Payton, through Ian St John, Willie Pettigrew and Joe Wark to James McFadden and David Clarkson.

Don’t miss the Euro Quiz and a review of the Under 16’s who picked up the prestigious Dennis Law trophy in Aberdeen recently. There is also match reports from Everton and Accies as well as the latest up-to-date ticket information.

This is one piece of Motherwell history you won’t want to miss.

Magazines will be in the ‘Well Shop from Monday and sellers will be outside the ground before the match in their usual spots.

To make sure, you can pre-order now and have one sent to your home, getting there on the day of the match. Do that by CLICKING HERE.

Striker Henrik Ojamaa has been included in the Estonia squad for their forthcoming friendly match against Poland in Tallin.

Ojamaa, 21, won his first international cap against Croatia in May and has played four times in total for the Sinisärgid including a standout performance against the French in early June.

He will now hope he can continue that form when the teams meet at the A. Le Coq Arena on August 15th.

Speaking to motherwellfc.co.uk, Ojamaa said: “I really enjoyed playing for my country during the summer and it’s a big honour to get another call-up now.

“Although they never made it past the Group Stages, Poland showed their qualities during Euro 2012 and will be a tough test for us but we are all looking forward to it.”

Motherwell FC are on the lookout for new members of staff to join our Matchday Kiosk team.

We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and hard working people to prepare and serve at our kiosk outlets on all home match days.  Some experience of customer facing sales would be an advantage.

Obviously you need to work a match day so if you are a Motherwell supporter please remember this!  We have had lots of supporters put themselves forward for these jobs and then decide they don’t want to work particular games.  This causes us problems with staff shortages so please if you apply, be prepared to work games when asked.

Working hours are dependent on match days and kick-off times with the average shift being 3 – 4 hours. All applicants will receive full training and £7 per hour as their rate of pay.

We are also looking for match day kiosk supervisors.  Experience in food preparation, good organizational skills.  Working hours are dependent on match days and kick-off times with the average shift being 5 – 6 hours. All applicants will receive full training and a goof rate of pay.

We are looking to recruit another 10 staff for the match next week so please respond asap.

If you are interested, please email Tracey at the club on: kiosks@motherwellfc.co.uk

Assistant boss Kenny Black was pleased the workout his players got as ‘Well breezed past First Division Partick Thistle in a bounce game this afternoon.

The Steelmen dominated much of the match against a very young and inexperienced Jags side.

Estonian International Henrik Ojamaa put the Fir Parkers ahead just before the interval before Stuart Carswell doubled the advantage six minutes into the second period.

[pullquote]It is essential to get as many games in as we can – it’s about minutes on the park and sharpness for the players.[/pullquote]

The visitors pulled one back with five minutes to go with a lovely free-kick from the edge of the box but youngsters Dale Shirkie and Steven Higgins added some polish to the performance with two late strikes.

Black told MFC TV: “It’s another 90 minutes for a lot of the squad with the likes of Henrik Ojamaa, Jamie Murphy, Stuart Carswell and Chris Humphrey all getting vital game time.

“It is essential to get as many games in as we can – it’s about minutes on the park and sharpness for the players. That’s why we like to have two games in each week of pre-season to give everyone in the squad an opportunity to get ninety minutes or close to it.

“The lads did well and the two late goals probably gave the game a more accurate reflection on how things went.

“We perhaps could and should have made it even more handsome with some of the chances we created but there were a lot of positives to take from the match and we’re that bit more prepared for Panathinaikos on Tuesday.”

• WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH KENNY BLACK ON MFC TV
• WATCH MATCH HIGHLIGHTS ON MFC TV
• EXCLUSIVE MATCH PICTURES ON THE MFC FLICKR PAGE

Having already completely sold out of both home and away shirts, time is running out if you wish to be a 2012/13 Player sponsor.

We have only Stuart Carswell’s European shirt and ten player boots left to sponsor; you can see who is still available by CLICKING HERE.

As a sponsor, your name or company name will be listed in our award-winning matchday magazine and on the official club website – motherwellfc.co.uk.

Your name will be highlighted by our PA announcer alongside that of your chosen player on a matchday if he is selected in the first-team; fantastic exposure for any small business or as a special gift to the ‘Well fan in your life!

At the end of the campaign, you will be invited to the annual sponsor’s evening.  Mix and mingle with Motherwell stars from the past and present before your chosen player joins you at your table for dinner and later, presents you with his jersey.

The evening also includes a fabulous three-course meal, an intimate Q & A with the Management Team, as well as entertainment from Fir Park favourite, Tam Cowan.

For more information or to sponsor a player please contact 01698 338008, email (including your contact telephone number) commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk or book online here: http://www.motherwellbuyonline.co.uk/.

‘Well versus Panathinaikos is sure to be one the biggest games in the clubs’ 126-year history; why not watch it from the best seat in the house.

Dine in style with one of our excellent European packages available for the match on Tuesday 31st July (7.45pm KO).

You will need to be quick though as places are filling fast.

Centenary Meal Package

You will be welcomed to the Centenary Suite and shown to your table by match host, ’91 Cup Legend Stevie Kirk.

A pay bar facility is available via our attentive staff offering a drinks service direct to your table. Enjoy Stevie’s pre-match chat and hear the team news first.

Relax until kick-off when you take up your seat in the centre of the Phil O’Donnell Stand for the match. Half-time refreshments are served at your table and a pay bar facility is available for an hour post-match.

• Access to and use of centenary members bar.
• Three course meal.
• Complimentary matchday magazine and team sheets.
• Half-time refreshments

£99 per person

Millennium Meal Package

You will be welcomed to the Centenary Suite and shown to your table by match host, ’91 Cup Legend Stevie Kirk.

A complimentary bar available via our attentive staff offering a drinks service direct to your table. Enjoy Stevie’s pre-match chat and hear the team news first.

Relax until kick-off when you take up your seat in the centre of the Phil O’Donnell Stand for the match. Half-time refreshments are served at your table and a complimentary bar facility is available for an hour post-match.

• Access via Centenary Suite.
• Scrumptious three course meal.
• Complimentary bar for an hour pre and post match, thereafter a cash bar facility will be in operation.
• Complimentary matchday magazine and team sheets.
• Half-time refreshments

£155 per person

Attention all Centenary & Millennium Members…

You still have time to book your own seat in the Centenary or Millennium section of the Phil O’Donnell Stand for our first venture into The Champions League…

Watch all of this evening’s goals as a Bob McHugh brace and a Tom Hateley penalty hands ‘Well a 3-0 win over Hamilton Accies.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

Bob McHugh is hoping to build on his double against Hamilton Accies with the new season right around the corner.

The striker has been forced to sit out the majority of pre-season with a niggling hamstring injury that has plagued him since the team returned for pre-season in late June.

It’s a familiar story for the 21-year old who has enjoyed little luck in the last eighteen months.

[pullquote]Obviously getting the double is a wee confidence boost and hopefully that is a sign of things to come for the season ahead.[/pullquote]

However, the former Scotland Youth International is hoping his brace tonight can act as a lunch pad for the forthcoming season, including next week’s Champions League showdown with Panthinaikos.

“First and foremost I wanted to get through the match injury free,” he told MFC TV.

“I’ve been nursing a hamstring injury since coming back from Portugal so to finally get 45 minutes under my belt is the most important thing for me.

“Obviously getting the double is a wee confidence boost and hopefully that is a sign of things to come for the season ahead. I had two good finishes but two good assists as well so thanks to Omar and Lawsy for that.

“I’m hoping this year will be my year. I just need to get the head down again, work as hard as I possibly can and hopefully when I get my chance I can stay injury-free and take that chance.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH BOB EXCLUIVELY ON MFC TV-