fbpx
News

Latest News

  • Archive

    Dempster selected for ECA role

  • Archive

    October Week Academy Experience

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

  • Archive

    TV: JJ delighted with another win

  • Archive

    Motherwell U20s 3 – 0 Aberdeen U20s

  • Archive

    Under 20s to take on the Dons

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Celtic Park

  • Archive

    TV: McCall bemoans ‘respectful’ ‘Well

  • Archive

    Celtic defeat in pictures

  • Archive

    Celtic 2 – 0 Motherwell

  • Archive

    Dempster selected for ECA role

    Leeann Dempster has been chosen to sit on the European Club Association (ECA)’s Marketing & Communications Working Group.

    The Motherwell Chief Executive, who has been in post at Fir Park for five years, will join representatives from the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Man Utd, Arsenal, Juvenutus, AC Milan, Feyenoord and Galatasaray on the 22-person committee.

    The Steelmen were invited to join the ECA after consistent qualification for European football between 2008 and 2013 and join Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Aberdeen from the SPFL.

    The club was quickly promoted from associate to ‘ordinary’ membership, alongside Celtic as one of only two Scottish clubs with voting rights.

    The ECA is the sole, independent body directly representing football clubs at European level. It replaced the G14 Group and the European Club Forum, both dissolved at the beginning of 2008. ECA was fully recognized by UEFA and FIFA in a formal memorandum of understanding, which was signed in January 2008.

    Chaired by Sandro Rossell of Barcelona, the Marketing & Communication Working Group oversees issues on club football marketing, communication and promotion, and aims to define a coherent and up-to-date strategy around commercial opportunities.

    Leeann commented: “I am really delighted and honoured to be asked onto the committee and look forward to working alongside my colleagues from some of the top clubs around Europe.

    “It’s an area where I’ve had experience, not only in football, but other industries and I hope to play a part over the next membership cycle.

    “I hope my involvement will prove beneficial both to the ECA and obviously to Motherwell FC.”

  • Archive

    October Week Academy Experience

    Motherwell FC will again be offering young people between the ages of 6 and 12 the opportunity to experience life as a professional footballer.

    The Academy Experience programme returns during the up-coming October Week Holiday period.

    The Experience is a week-long intensive programme which will replicate the coaching received by professional players, and will include training sessions with members of the first team squad and coaching staff and a training session on Fir Park.

    Comprehensive coaching will include game awareness, technique development, balance, creativity, and nutrition. Academy Experience is designed to take young players to the next level of performance, and to instil in them the skills and confidence they require to develop their potential.

    Coaching will be delivered by our highly-qualified SFA accredited coaches, and the young people will be rubbing shoulders with the first team professionals and youth squads. Participants will also be presented with a certificate signed by Motherwell Manager, and former Scotland star, Stuart McCall.

    The five-day programme – 14th-18th October – costs just £55. Players should bring their own packed lunch, and appropriate footwear and clothing – and a change to allow for inclement weather.

    To book please call the Community Trust on 01698 239 926 or online at www.motherwellsoccerschools.com.

    Also running during the October Week is the introduction of Mini Steelkids Morning Sessions which is aimed at children between the ages of 3-5 years.

    Our Mini Steelkids programme is our most prized asset & probably yours too! The sessions are extremely popular within the local community with all centres almost full to capacity.

    The sessions will take place for 2 hours between 10am-12pm and will aim to give children a good physical and social foundation to start both football and general sports skill training.

    The coaching is very much focused on creating a child who is motivated, confident and has a positive attitude towards football and physical activity.

    To book please call the Community Trust on 01698 239926 or online at www.motherwellsoccerschools.com

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

    Highlights from tonight’s Under 20’s clash against Aberdeen at Fir Park where the young Steelmen ran out emphatic 3-0 winners.

    -WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    TV: JJ delighted with another win

    Jonatan Johansson spoke of his satisfaction as the Under 20s extended their winning run to four matches.

    The young Steelmen haven’t lost for a month and have recorded consecutive wins over St Mirren, East Fife, Rangers and now the Dons.

    His side have scored ten and conceded just one in that run, a deflected David Templeton free-kick, which has seen the Fir Parkers jump from fifteenth to fifth in the SPFL Under 20s table and progress into the Third Round of the SFA Youth Cup.

    Tonight’s empathic win over the Dons highlighted the improvements in his side and the 106-times capped former Finnish International praised his players for their attitude and desire in the last four weeks.

    [pullquote]We are getting away from the youth football mentality and starting to play a bit more like men.[/pullquote]

    He told MFC TV: I’m delighted and thought it was a really good game which I enjoyed watching.

    “It was a great start to the game with Dom (Thomas) pressing well and releasing Moore who had a good first touch and did well to stay on his feet to score.

    “In the second half we scored early as well and that all comes from if you play as a team and support each other, you’ll get a little bit of luck.

    “When we were losing games at the start of the season it was because of mistakes and sloppiness in defence. We have worked hard on that and managed to cut it out.

    “I always knew we were a good side on the ball and even when we were losing, we were scoring goals so that was never really a concern. We are getting away from the youth football mentality and starting to play a bit more like men.”

    -WATCH HIS INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Motherwell U20s 3 – 0 Aberdeen U20s

    The Under 20s made it four consecutive victories with an emphatic 3-0 win over Aberdeen at Fir Park.

    Craig Moore opened the scoring after just ninety seconds before Bob McHugh doubled the advantage a minute into the second half.

    McHugh grabbed his second, and Motherwell’s third, ten minutes from time to seal the win and another three points, which moves the Steelmen up to fifth in the table; four points behind top-of-the-table Hamilton Accies.

    Jonatan Johansson made four changes to the starting eleven that beat Rangers last midweek.

    Ross Stewart, Fraser Kerr, Dale Shirkie and Chris Cadden dropped out, replaced by Max Currie, McHugh, Paul Lawson and the returning Euan Murray, who was making his comeback following a hamstring injury.

    The home side got off to the perfect start when Moore scored his ninth goal of the season just only ninety seconds in.

    He showed his predatory instincts when he rifled low under the keeper after good build up play on the left flank by Dom Thomas.

    To their credit, the young Dons responded quickly through Nicky Low who cracked a shot off the under side of the bar after Currie had punched out a cross from the right.

    The young ‘Well keeper had to be on his toes again minutes later when left-back Craig Murray’s cross-cum-shot required a good save at his near post.

    At the other end, Aberdeen ‘keeper Danny Rodgers pulled off a stunning full length save to deny Paul McCafferty, whose fizzing 25-yard shot was heading for the top corner. From the resultant corner, Morgyn Neill saw his header cleared off line.

    Just before the break, centre back Michael Rose was given a free header but it was straight at keeper Currie.

    Much like the first half, Motherwell made an excellent start to the second and doubled their lead within the opening minute. Moore combined with McHugh with the latter driving across the keeper and into the bottom left corner.

    Aberdeen almost pulled one back within a minutes= when Gregg Wylde’s pass across the six yard box found Stephen O’Neill at the far post but his shot from a tight angle was cleared off the line by Neill.

    Down the other end, Dom Thomas almost set up a third for ‘Well when his ball across the 18 yard box found Moore but the striker’s shot slipped narrowly wide of the left had post.

    Motherwell enjoyed the bulk of possession in the early stages of the second half, with the next effort coming from McHugh but his twenty-yard strike flew just over the bar.

    The Steelmen continued to press and Jack Leitch’s free kick picked out Adam Cummins whose looping header was turned over by Rogers. From the corner, McCafferty was unlucky with a volley from the edge of the box.

    Aberdeen came close to reducing the deficit midway though the half when Craig Stories headed an O’Neill cross over the bar. That chance came at perhaps Motherwell’s sloppiest period of the match. However, with ten minutes left, McHugh added an exclamation mark with a third. And what a strike it was!

    The 22-year old picked up a loose ball 30 yards out, took a good touch to set himself before unleashing a swerving shot which rocketed past Rogers high into the top corner.

    In the dying minutes, keeper Currie made his contribution in an outstanding all round team performance when he kept out a Wylde effort with his feet with the winger through one on one.

    Sub Dale Shirkie almost made it four in the final minute but his fine run was ended with a brave save from Rogers.

    Motherwell: Currie, Cummins, Ferguson, Murray (Cadden – 60mins), Neill, Lawson, McCafferty (Higgins – 83mins), Leitch, McHugh, Moore, Thomas (Shirkie – 83mins).

    Subs not used: Morrison, Hall, McCall, Anderson

  • Archive

    Under 20s to take on the Dons

    Motherwell Under 20s will be looking to make it four wins on the spin when they face Aberdeen at Fir Park on Tuesday.

    Jonatan Johansson’s men have won back-to-back league matches against St Mirren and Rangers, either side of a comfortable 3-0 win over East Fife in the SFA Youth Cup.

    Now the young ‘Well side, who could jump as high as third in the table with a win, face the Dons who are bottom of the pile.

    The Steelmen lost heavily in both matches against the Reds last season; 5-1 at Pittodrie was followed by a 4-0 thrashing at Fir Park.

    The match will kick-off at 6pm.

    PRICES:

    Adults and Concessions:
    Season book holders or Well Society membership: £2
    Standard: £3

    Under 16:
    Season book holders or Well Society membership: £1
    Standard: £2

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Celtic Park

    Highlights from Celtic Park as goals from Anthony Stokes and Kris Commons consign Motherwell to a 2-0 defeat.

    -WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    TV: McCall bemoans ‘respectful’ ‘Well

    Stuart McCall claimed his side gave Champions Celtic ‘too much respect’ in the aftermath of the 2-0 defeat in Glasgow.

    Motherwell failed to trouble Celtic until the closing stages but, by that point, the match was gone courtesy of goals from Anthony Stokes and Kris Commons.

    The Steelmen, who started in an unfamiliar 4-1-4-1 formation, were guilty of standing off their opponents and being a little careless in passion, both of which combined to cost ‘Well the match according to McCall.

    “We didn’t get off to a great start,” he told MFC TV after the match.

    “We gave them too much respect. Okay, they came out the traps, knocked the ball about but we didn’t get close enough.

    [pullquote]We gave them too much respect. Okay, they came out the traps, knocked the ball about but we didn’t get close enough.[/pullquote]

    “We lost a poor goal and at times, were sloppy on the ball. We didn’t do enough with it.

    “It’s probably the only place I will come and play with one up; as a manager I always prefer to have two, but with the options they have on the flanks, we had to mindful of that.

    “Would I have done anything different? Not in terms of our shape, no. For our game plan to work we needed to keep the ball better and be effective in possession, but unfortunately we weren’t.

    “But we’ll go away and look at things, assess it and come back strong when we face Hearts at Fir Park in two weeks time.”

    -WATCH HIS INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Celtic defeat in pictures

    Pictures from the 2-0 defeat to Celtic in the Scottish Professional Football League Premiership at Celtic Park.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix and Craig Foy Photography.

    [svgallery name=”celtic051013″]

  • Archive

    Celtic 2 – 0 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

     Phil McGhee at Celtic Park

    Motherwell failed to capitalise on Celtic’s midweek European exertions as the Parkhead side cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win.

    Sadly, for the Fir Park fans in the stadium, they watched their side surrender a seven game unbeaten run with little fight, with the Celtic ‘keeper Fraser Forster not required to make a single save until five minutes from time.

    With only three points separating the teams at kick-off, and both sides enjoying great league form, a close encounter was anticipated. Injuries to James McFadden and Henri Anier forced Stuart McCall into making two changes with Iain Vigurs and Lionel Ainsworth coming into the starting line-up.

    Undoubtedly the loss of the Estonian striker was a blow as John Sutton was asked to lead the attack on his own. But with five players across the midfield, the ploy was for Ainsworth and Zaine Francis-Angol to push forward on the wings and supply Sutton.

    However, after an early break when Sutton used his strength to get past Efe Ambrose at the edge of the box then failed to find Francis-Angol, play was contained to the visitors half. A series of crosses tested the ‘Well back four but there was nothing for the home fans to get excited about.

    Indeed most of their attention and boos were directed at Keith Lasley after his strong blocking tackle on Adam Matthews resulted in the Celtic full back being stretchered off with a shoulder injury.

    Then after 22 minutes, and out of nothing, Celtic took the lead. James Forrest’s cross was bouncing away from goal as Lee Hollis came out to punch clear. But as he attempted to get beyond Teemu Pukki, the ball took an awkward bounce and he only succeeded in playing the ball in front of Anthony Stokes.

    Although the angle was tight, the on-form Celtic striker lashed the ball high past the stranded ‘keeper and into the unguarded goal.

    The goal forced ‘Well to be a bit more adventurous and up until half time, the Fir Park players looked much more comfortable as they passed the ball around and pressed towards the home goal.

    However, It took a fabulous save from Hollis on the half hour to deny Kris Commons what would have been a killer second goal.

    At the other end, Ainsworth was causing Emilio Izaguirre some problems and after two hefty challenges from the Honduran full back, referee Iain Brines produced his yellow card. From the resultant free kick, Simon Ramsden found Sutton but his knock down bounced around the penalty box with no takers.

    Motherwell’s first attempt at goal came a minute from the break but the ball wouldn’t come down quickly enough for Ainsworth 20 yards out and his volley sailed high over the cross bar.

    Hopes of a more promising second half from ‘Well were dashed after only four minutes when Celtic doubled their lead.

    A careless pass gave possession to Commons in the middle of the park and he headed for goal almost unchallenged, skipping round Stevie Hammell at edge of the box before dinking the ball past the advancing Hollis to double ‘Well’s task.

    And Celtic might have added more as Hammell blocked Virgil van Dijk’s shot and Hollis denied Forrest with his feet. Just short of the hour mark Stuart McCall took the gamble of bringing on a less than fully fit Anier for Vigurs.

    Minutes later Ainsworth limped with Fraser Kerr taking over in midfield. It might not have changed the game but a high challenge from Izaguirre on Fraser went unpunished by the referee, fully aware that a foul would have resulted in a second yellow for the Celtic player.

    In the closing stages Motherwell looked busier in and around the Celtic box.

    Stuart Carswell’s cross forced Forster to punch clear but although the ball landed in front of Anier his quick return was blocked.

    In the 85th minute the Celtic ‘keeper produced a stunning save to deny Sutton his sixth goal of the season.

    Francis-Angol delivered a terrific cross into the six yard box and Sutton’s downward header looked certain to give ‘Well a late consolation goal until Forster dived low to his left to palm the ball away.
    [tab:As it happened]

     Ally Reilly at Celtic Park

    FT: Celtic 2 – 0 Motherwell

    90mins: 3 minutes added on

    86mins: Motherwell sub, Lasley off for Lawson. Also a Celtic sub, Izaguirre off for Balde

    85mins: Forster finally called into action with a great save to deny Sutton from 8 yards. Seconds later, Sutty volleys just past the post!

    82min: Right, another corner………front post delivery headed clear then returned by Carswell and punched clear by Forster

    80mins: Another ‘Well corner comes to nothing. Frustrating day at the office as we’ve not troubled Forster once.

    75mins: Celtic sub: Pukki off for Biton

    71mins: Kerr hacked down by Izaguirre but nothing given?! Can only assume ref thought he didn’t have the ball under control?

    69mins: Commons gets a bit of space between our defence and midfield, turns and shoots well over the bar.

    63mins: Corner to Motherwell….Celtic clear.

    62mins: Motherwell sub, Ainsworth off for Kerr. Lionel looked to be carrying s knock

    58mins: Stokes should have burst the net there after a quick break from Celtic. Blasted well over though!

    57mins: Motherwell sub, Anier on for Vigurs

    54mins: Hollis with another good block with his feet from Forrest. Under a lot of pressure now.

    50mins: Van Dijk afforded too much space around our box and manages to weave his way through. Thankfully Hammell is on hand to block

    48mins: GOAL – Commons makes it 2-0 with a fine individual effort to be fair.

    47mins: Forrest cuts inside Hammell then back outside and gets a shot away. Straight at Hollis.

    46mins: Second half underway. COYW

    HT: Celtic 1 – 0 Motherwell

    45mins: Francis-Angol’s cross is headed to the edge of the box where Ainsworth is lurking. Volley’s well over from 20 yards though.

    44mins: Last 5 minutes have been ‘Well’s best spell of the game. Still to test Forster though.

    39mins: Izaguirre booked for a reckless tackle on Ainsworth

    35mins: Izaquirre fires just past the post from 25 yards

    33mins: Corner to ‘Well……set piece cleared with ease

    29mins: Great save from Hollis 1v1 with Forrest!

    24mins: First sort of chance there for ‘Well. Ramsden found Sutton in the box but his touch is heavy and Van Dijk clears.

    22mins: Almost two there as Commons gets on the end of Izaguirre’s cross and heads inches past the post!

    20mins: GOAL! Stokes makes it 1-0. Ball takes a bizarre spin away from Hollis and Stoke finishes well from a tight angle

    17mins: Struggling to get any sort of meaningful possession here. Camped in our own half and defending resolutely.

    13mins: Forrest replaces the injured Matthews

    9mins: Matthews goes down under a heavy challenge in the box from Lasley. Las got the ball, however Matthews is now being stretchered off

    3mins: Danger as Izaguirre’s cross causes some indecision in the box. Hollis gathers at the second attempt.

    1min: Game is underway. COYW!

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “Once we grew into the game I was fairly happy, but both goals are poor from our point of view.

    “We gave them a little bit too much respect.”

    Celtic manager Neil Lennon:

    “Against a very good Motherwell team, it’s an exceptional performance.

    “Looking at the players yesterday, you could see they were all in good condition, and I think they were just looking forward to getting out there and playing again.

    “We controlled the game and some of the chances we created were great.

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”162”]