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Motherwell FC is looking for volunteers to help assist the groundstaff on Saturday morning, prior to the Partick Thistle game.

Safety & Facilities Manager Alan Marshall explained, “Forecasters are predicting heavy rainfall on Thursday, but dry for most of Friday and Saturday, which is encouraging.

“The pitch is wet after a weeks of almost uninterrupted rain, but is in much better shape than it was prior to the Aberdeen game in late January.

“Looking back, club staff had to work extensively on the morning of that match to ensure the game went ahead.

“It’s very possible we will not require the volunteers, but we are planning and preparing for the worst, and additional bodies to help work on the pitch (and surrounding areas) would be of great help to Mikey Ellis and his team.

“It is very much a precautionary request at this stage, but we don’t want to be caught short if the forecasts are wrong.

“If we do need the help, we’ll make sure people who put themselves forward get a complimentary ticket for the match.”

Fans would be required to be at the ground at approximately 9am. If you feel you can help, then please email your contact details (mobile phone number) to amarshall@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Extended highlights from the Excelsior Stadium as a late Cadden strike earns ‘Well all three points against St Mirren.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Jonatan Johansson praised the character of his side as they battled to beat St Mirren at Airdrie this afternoon.

The Steelmen, picking themselves up from their first defeat of 2014 last week, took the lead early in the second half, but were quickly pegged back by a more experienced Saints side.

However, the youngsters regained their composure and finished stronger, eventually netting a ninetieth minute winner to secure the three points.

Although identifying areas for improvement, the Finn commended his players for taking all three points.

[pullquote]Full credit to the lads, they steadied the ship, lifted themselves and finished the game really strong, and it proved important with the late winner from Chris Cadden.[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV after the match, Johansson said: “It wasn’t our best performance, but the win is massive for us.

“Although we scored twice, our second half wasn’t great. We got ourselves ahead via a set piece, which was pleasing, but for the next twenty-five minutes, it was all St Mirren all they deservedly equalised.

“But full credit to the lads, they steadied the ship, lifted themselves and finished the game really strong and it proved important with the late winner from Chris Cadden.

“We’ll take all the positives and confidence from the win and prepare for what will be a good test next Tuesday against Rangers.”

-WATCH JONATAN’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Chris Cadden’s ninetieth minute winner helped Motherwell Under 20s to a hard-fought 2-1 win over St Mirren this afternoon.

After an entreating but ultimately goalless first-half, ‘Well got themselves ahead shortly after the interval, Morgyn Neill heading home his first ever for the Under 20s, meeting a Jack Leitch corner.

Saints battled back and deservedly leveled when on-loan Aberdeen front man Josh Magennis smashed a cut back high past substitute Max Currie.

But, as the game ticked into stoppage time, 17-year old Cadden collected the ball and curled a lovely shot low past McGowan to secure all three points.

Jonatan Johnasson made two changes to the side that lost to Hibs seven days ago.

Ross Stewart dropped out and was replaced by Lee Hollis in goals. Steven Higgins had to be content with a place amongst the substitutes with trialist Ryan Finnie slotting in at full-back. That meant regular right-back Cadden moved to centre midfield, with Dale Shirkie partnering Craig Moore in attack.

Saints have an experienced looking side with Josh Magennis, Adam Campbell and Gary Teale named amongst their starting eleven.

And it was two of those three who combined to create the first chance after ten minutes, Campbell’s ball from the right perfect for the Irishman but he could only head over from eight yards.

Campbell had a shot of his own shortly after, but dragged it wide. Motherwell’s first effort didn’t come until the 21st minute, when Jack Leitch fired a shot wide of the post.

That sparked an end-to-end chance-fest with Lewis Morgan and Campbell both forcing Hollis into saves. At the other end, Leitch fired wide and Moore lifted a lob over the bar.

Both teams continued to create, Dom Thomas fired high over before Barry Cuddihy went close with an shot just over Hollis’ bar.

Then, with twelve minutes to the break, Motherwell created the best chance of the half.

Cadden released Finnie who burst down the right. His excellent near post cross fell for Craig Moore who sent a volley crashing towards goal, only to watch on as McGowan somehow tipped it around for a corner.

Before the interval, Morgan had another effort for Saints that drifted wide and Moore almost got in on the end of a nice McCafferty return ball, but could get no real purchase on the sliding shot.

It was a first half full of missed chances but, with about seventy seconds of the second period gone, ‘Well got themselves in front.

Jack Leitch’s corner was perfect for Morgyn Neill and he leaped well to power home a header off the underside of the bar.

Both teams had made changes at the interval with Max Currie coming on in place of Lee Hollis and Lewis McLear was introduced for Gary Teale, and both were involved as Saints looked to level quickly.

The winger was sent scampering down the right and although he had good options in the middle, he opted to take the shot on, Currie tipping around. Thirty seconds later, the same player was again denied when his striking shot was tipped over by the 16-year old stopper.

Saints were really turning the screw by this point and Currie had to again look smart to deny Campbell, before blocking from McLear for a third time.

However, the hosts would eventually get themselves level. McLear collected on the flank, knocked it inside to Adam Brown who squared it to Magennis. The striker took one touch inside his marker before lashing it high past a helpless Currie.

Both teams introduced a flurry of substitutes, which interrupted the flow of the match.

Indeed, it took until the 85th minute for the next chance to come, Euan Murray heading a Leitch corner just wide of the post.

A minute later, sub Steven Higgins almost won it for ‘Well when he created space in the area with a beautiful flick, but his low shot was expertly blocked by McGowan.

Then, as the match ticked into stoppage time, ‘Well got the crucial and match-winning second. McCafferty collected on the right, cutting in, he squared the ball for Dale Shirkie. He flicked it forward to Cadden who took one touch before curling a low shot into the corner, kicking off wild celebrations from the Claret and Amber men.

Incredibly, Saints could have leveled in the fifth minute of stoppage time. A long free kick from the back was headed on by Magennis, sending Campbell through one-on-one with Currie. Fortunately, the on-loan Newcastle hitman lacked composure, and his shot was weak and straight at the ‘Well stopper.

It was the last action of a pulsating ninety minutes. ‘Well move up at least one spot with the win and now face a stiff test against league-leaders Rangers next week.

Motherwell: Hollis (Currie – 46), Finnie*, Ferguson, Murray, Neill, Leitch, McCafferty, Shirkie, Moore (Anderson – 78mins), Thomas (Higgins – 85mins), Cadden

Subs Not Used: Hall, McCall, Johnstone, Mackin

*Trialist

Motherwell club sponsor Cash Converters is delighted to announce that the January Player of the Month is Keith Lasley.

Lucky ‘Well fans Kazz Ferguson and Chelcie Burt won the Cash Converters Player of the Month competition and they presented Keith with the award at Fir Park this morning.

Speaking to MFC TV, the skipper said “I am absolutely delighted, I want to thank everyone who voted for me and Cash Converters for hosting the award, along with Kazz and Chelcie for coming in this morning to present the trophy.

“The Christmas and New Year period was kind to us and that continued into January, with the result at Celtic Park the obvious disappointing exception.

[pullquote]The Christmas and New Year period was kind to us and that continued into January, with the result at Celtic Park the obvious disappointing exception.[/pullquote]

“We hope to build on that in February with two important games at Partick Thistle and Dundee United.”

Look out for the next vote at the end of February to be in with a chance of presenting the award to the winner. Simply visit our Cash Converters SPL Facebook page by CLICKING HERE.

The Cash Converters Football Facebook page will also give you the opportunity to enter the draw to take part in the next Convert for Cash, and the chance to win a whole host of other prizes.

Youngsters heading to Fir Park for Saturday match with Partick Thistle can get in for just £5.

It’s excellent value for families, particularly a parent or grandparent taking a couple of kids (Under 16), with savings of as much as £14 on regular prices.

Any youngster paying in will also receive a SPFL Sticker Album and x2 Packs absolutely free of charge thanks to our friends at Topps.

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “We’ve really enjoyed the games with Partick Thistle this season.

“The Jags brought 1,200 fans to Fir Park back in August and they were a credit to their club; fantastically well-behaved with loads of colour and noise.

“Similarly, we had just short of 1,600 at Firhill in late December, so there’s a real interest in this match.

“No doubt both sets of fans will be desperate to get back to the football after a weekend without a game, two in our case. That, and both teams have everything to play for in the SPFL Premiership.

“By reducing tickets for Under 16s to just a fiver, we hope to entice families to come along and enjoy the atmosphere and cheer their team on.”

The match is pay-at-the-gate, so there is no need to pre-purchase tickets. Thistle fans will be housed in the Maxim Office South Stand, behind the goal.

MATCHDAY PRICES:

• Concessions are listed as Over 60s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
• Juveniles are listed as Under 16s.
• The cheaper priced ticket is for the East Stand only.
• If you are new to Fir Park, check our handy ‘New Fans’ section that will detail everything you need to know about matchdays.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 07745494631 / 07711 992161 or email <a
  

Motherwell Under 20s will be keen to get back to winning ways when they take on St Mirren at Ralston tomorrow.

The young Steelmen side had been on a great run of form until they met an experienced Hibs side last Tuesday, and crashed to a 3-0 defeat.

However, confidence will still be high with Johansson’s squad when they make the short journey to the St Mirren Training Centre tomorrow afternoon.

‘Well won the last time the teams met back in September – goals from Dom Thomas and Craig Moore securing a 2-0 win.

The match is scheduled to kick-off at 2pm.

Motherwell FC is today devastated to learn of the death of the clubs’ Greatest Ever Player, Andy Paton, aged 91.

Paton was born into a footballing family on January 2nd, 1923 in the little Ayrshire village of Dreghorn. His three uncles had already played professional for clubs such as Newcastle, Derby, Spurs and Swansea, so it was almost inevitable Andy too would follow in those footsteps.

In 1937, aged just 14, the young defender was making a name for himself in the blue and white of Irvine Meadow.

Five years later, aged 19 and a little and into the 1942/3 season, Paton decided to take the plunge and leave Kello Rovers, accepting a trial invitation from then Motherwell manager, John ‘Sailor’ Hunter who eventually signed him.

Sixteen years later, including skippering the club for their first ever trophy success in the 1950 League Cup Final, beating the all-conquering Hibs 3-0 at Hampden Park.

Andy, who’d played in all ten League Cup ties, and had been part of the 1945 beaten finalists (war time), beamed with pride as he lifted the silverware high into the grey Glasgow sky.

Moments before he himself was lifted, shoulder high by his jubilant teammates, displaying the gleaming trophy to the adoring fans that had travelled to Mount Florida from Lanarkshire.

Even greater success would follow the next season with one of the clubs’ greatest ever achievements.

Having disposed of Forfar, St. Mirren, Dunfermline, Rangers and Hearts, Stevenson’s men took their place opposite Dundee in the Scottish Cup Final in April 1952.

With the weather blustery and overcast, the Taysiders, with the wind at their backs, dominated proceedings with ‘Well Captain Willie Kilmarnock forced to clear off his own goal line no less than three times!

After the teams changed round, it was Motherwell who took advantage of the conditions, scoring four without reply to secure the Scottish Cup for the first time in the Clubs history.

Less than a month later, Paton was rightly rewarded for his football style, when at last he achieved two (official) Scotland caps, away to Denmark and Sweden, to add to his previous three War time caps.

Sadly and somewhat inexplicably, this would be the first and last time Andy would represent his country.

Come the summer of 1958, Paton bid a fond and sad farewell to Fir Park on a free transfer and joined Hamilton Accies who he would later manage.

With over 500 (official and unofficial) appearances over fifteen seasons for Motherwell Football Club, there can be little doubt the impact this Ayrshire man had on the clubs’ history.

Speak to fans of a certain generation, and Andy will be spoken of in almost reverential terms. The kind of player who had you on the edge of your seat, the kind of player you would pay money to watch.

In 2006, the club rewarded him after being voted the ‘Greatest Ever Player’ by supporters at a ceremony at Fir Park. Andy, a true gentleman, was on hand to accept the award with a humble grace that typified his personality.

It’s unlikely Motherwell, and maybe even football, will see such a talented, and at times maverick, defender ever again.

May he forever rest in peace, firmly etched in Motherwell FC history as the Greatest Ever Steelman.

Words: Eddie Ferguson (GLF)

Stuart McCall is hopeful most of his injured stars will be back in contention for next Saturday’s match with Partick Thistle.

The Steelmen will have sat it out for three weeks by the time they face the Firhill side on their own turf, allowing a number of players to recover from knocks.

Simon Ramsden and Lee Hollis both went under the knife, Fraser Kerr has struggled with an ankle ligament and Iain Vigurs missed the Dons match with a foot injury.

After watching his squad beat Morton 5-1 in a bounce match this morning, McCall revealed: “We were disappointed at losing Rammers (Simon Ramden) for two games as important as the ones with Celtic and Aberdeen.

[pullquote]Both Lee Hollis and Iain Vigurs returned to training on Tuesday and are progressing nicely and with another week they should be in the frame for Thistle.[/pullquote]

“He had been performing really consistently and had made a big contribution to the winning run we had built up prior to the trip to Parkhead.

“We had hoped to have him back for Thistle, but that will not be the case and he is still a few weeks away.

“As for Fraser Kerr, his ankle injury has proven not as bad as we feared at first.

“Again with the extra week for it to settle down, hopefully he will have a chance of making it for Saturday week. But that will be a wait and see situation.

“But both Lee Hollis and Iain Vigurs returned to training on Tuesday and are progressing nicely and with another week they should be in the frame for Thistle.”

Motherwell Chief Executive Leeann Dempster has emailed fans about a significant change to ‘Well Society memberships.

An extract of Leeann’s email can be found here:

You may have known that prior to Christmas, the Society board commissioned a survey to gauge the feeling amongst both members and non-members.

The purpose of the survey was two fold. Firstly we wanted to get supporters thinking about the ‘Well Society again and why it is important to the club. The second reason was to get feedback, which we could use to inform us on how to move forward and what to do next with the Society.

We had around 1,000 supporters who completed the survey. The numbers were roughly split between those who had joined and those who had not.

For those who had already joined, the feedback was focused around the positive elements of the ‘Well Society such as the understanding of the need to convince others to join, the fact that they felt we needed more visibility and more events to get more members and that ultimately, the success of the idea of supporter ownership hinged on many more joining to reach the target.

For those who have not joined the feedback focused principally on the fact that they thought the ‘Well Society is a good idea, that they planned to join it at some point in the future (80% said they intended to join) however paying £300 or £1000 upfront is just too much to manage at the moment.

Now from just £10 a month

The feedback from the survey gave us food for thought and the board of the ‘Well Society and the club met to discuss and debate how we could tweak the Society in order to overcome the barrier of upfront payment.

We were previously advised that we could not ask for payments over a prolonged period of time i.e. a £10 a month type arrangement. However, in light of what you are telling us, we revisited this and challenged the advice. I am pleased to say that we can now accept payments on a monthly basis via standing order.

This means that from as little as £10 a month (or more, if you can afford), you can now join the Society or, if you are already a member, upgrade your membership.

Upgrade your membership

One of the key aspects of achieving our aim of raising £1.5m and full fan ownership is not only attracting new members, but also convincing those who have already committed to upgrade their membership to the next level.

If you’ve already committed to the Society, and its aims and objectives, I am asking if you would consider taking the next step to become either a ‘Claret ‘ ‘Amber’ or ‘1886’ member?

If we can convince people to invest further, not only is their tangible benefits including doubling the discount on your Season Ticket, a signed ball, be in the 2014/15 squad photo, a signed bottle of Claret and much more, you will also further propel the Society towards it’s overall aim.

What’s better, we’ve made the transition from one membership level to another that little bit easier on the wallet by offering the monthly payment options.

If you’d like to know more about what we have changed or to work out a plan that works specifically for you then all you need to do is contact Alison by email at wellsociety@motherwellfc.co.uk, by phone on 01698 338006 or simply by popping into the office.

You can also download an application form by clicking here or a standing order mandate form by clicking here.

Why should you do it?

The club needs your help to make the transition to supporter ownership – it can’t happen unless more supporters join or upgrade, take an interest and ultimately add money to the funds already raised.

We think that £10 a month makes the Society more affordable to everyone, be it joining or upgrading, and we have listened to how to make changes to make it successful.

You now know that monthly payments are available on upgrades, our plan is to leave you to consider the options and hopefully you’ll chose to contact Alison.

If however we don’t hear from you within the next week or so, it is our intention to follow up this email with one to one phone calls. This means you’ll be contacted either by myself, or a Well Society member or a player – all will try to convince you of the need to join.

I’ll finish by saying that it was John Boyle who started us on this journey; he wanted us all to share in the ownership and support the club – for the club to be secure and for us to prosper.

We will continue to try and convince you of this purpose.

Yours,

Leeann Dempster
Chief Executive