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    Partick Thistle Magazine Preview

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    Norris to ref Jags clash

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    Possible fan assistance on Saturday

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    TV: Highlights from Excelsior Stadium

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    TV: Johansson hails Steelmen character

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    St Mirren U20s 1 – 2 Motherwell U20s

  • Archive

    Keith Lasley wins January award

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    Kids tickets reduced to just £5

  • Archive

    Under 20s to take on St Mirren

  • Archive

    Andy Paton: 1923 – 2014

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    Partick Thistle Magazine Preview

    The thirteenth domestic Steelmen Matchday Magazine of 2013/14 is on sale when Partick Thistle visit on Saturday.

    But what is inside the 68-page issue?

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall and Captain Keith Lasley both return with their regular columns.

    The Fir Park gaffer is desperate for another game after a three-week break and reviews the changes at Thistle during the January Window, whilst the skipper recalls how difficult it was against the Jags the last time the teams met at Fir Park.

    The feature interview is with midfielder Paul Lawson. The former Ross County midfielder talks about how much he is enjoying life at Fir Park, despite facing a battle for a regular spot in the starting eleven.

    ‘Laws’ also features as the next in the centre-page souvenir poster collection.

    There is the usual extensive section dedicated to our visitors, Partick Thistle.

    As ever, Ray Morrison introduces the Jags and there’s a player-by-player breakdown of who is likely to line up for the Dons.

    We also report from Firhill and the Thistle and Dundee United shared the points in a 1-1 draw two weeks ago.

    Graeme McGarry’s ‘Us and Them’ feature also returns, speaking to Dunfermline midfielder Ross Forbes.

    Ross talks about how much he enjoyed his time at both Motherwell and Thistle and his tough call to leave both clubs in the search of regular first team football…

    ‘From the Press Box’ returns with regular host, the Herald’s Scott Mullen and the last of our Eggheads ‘Quarter Final’ clashes pits Stuart Carswell against Zaine Francis-Angol.

    We have a tribute to the late, great Andy Paton, who passed away seven days ago as well as a unique story about five ‘Well fans who are living the ultimate dream, signing a contract with the club.

    But wait, there’s more!

    Our match reports section takes a look back at the 2-2 draw with Aberdeen in January as well as the Under 20s 2-1 win over St Mirren

    We have the latest from The Ticket Office, Commercial and Community Departments as well as the latest stats, facts and figures from the 2013/2014 campaign.

    We also take a statistical look at the match official and the ‘Junior Steel’ kids page that will test the youngster’s quiz minds with puzzles and ‘Did you know’ facts.

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

    You can also order back editions or take a season-long subscription to the magazine by visiting the website of our publishers – Curtis-Sport – CLICK HERE.

    Fans who collect the Steelmen Matchday Magazine should note that the abandoned Inverness magazine has been wrote off as it’s possible the postponed match won’t be for some time. Thanks to the understanding of our partners, Curtis Sport, to keep ‘Well fans as up-to-date as possible, they have kindly offered to underwrite the cost of the print, saving the club a four-figure sum. However, we are also aware that fans, collectors in particular, are always keen to get a hold of these rare issues. To that end, a limited number of 100 will be available in the ‘Well Shop and online at Curtis Sport’s website.

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    Norris to ref Jags clash

    Referee for Saturday’s SPFL Premiership clash with Partick Thistle at Fir Park is Euan Norris.

    The 36-year old will be handling his second Motherwell game of the campaign. Ironically, the other was the last time Thistle were at Fir Park back in August with the Steelmen running out narrow 1-0 winners thanks to a John Sutton goal.

    Euan took charge of two matches last season too.

    He was the man in the middle for the 1-1 draw with St Mirren at Fir Park in August 2012 and also the memorable 3-1 victory over Celtic last April.

    Norris, handling his seventh SPFL Premiership match of the campaign, will be a familiar face to Fir Park fans having officiated four matches during the 2011/12 season too.

    He started with the 4-2 away success against Dunfermline at East End Park in late August, the 1-0 win at Easter Road in October, the 3 – 0 defeat at Ibrox in January and the 6-0 demolition of Morton in the Scottish Cup in early February.

    The season previous was also two matches. The first, a 0-0 draw with Inverness was instantly forgettable. However, the other was one that will live long in the memory. Celtic were beaten 2-0 at Fir Park; John Sutton netting a brace.

    His overall record over the last six seasons in charge of ‘Well reads nine wins, two defeats and two draws from thirteen games. ‘Well have scored 22 goals in those games, conceding ten.

    Thankfully, FIFA referee Norris usually likes to keep his cards in his pocket with only 44 cautions handed out in all those games, with an even 22 flashed at a ‘Well players.

    He had only produced one red to a player wearing Claret and Amber and that was Shaun Hutchinson for a second bookable offence in that match with St Mirren last season.

    Euan will be ably assisted by Derek Rose and Ross Haswell with George Salmond on fourth official duties. Gerry Evans is the referee observer and George Douglas is SPFL delegate.

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    Possible fan assistance on Saturday

    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.

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    TV: Highlights from Excelsior Stadium

    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

    MFC TV

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    TV: Johansson hails Steelmen character

    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

    MFC TV

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    St Mirren U20s 1 – 2 Motherwell U20s

    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

  • Archive

    Keith Lasley wins January award

    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.

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    Kids tickets reduced to just £5

    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:

    ADULTS:    £22 / £18 
    CONCESSIONS:                        £15 / £14
    JUVENILE:    £5
    • 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
  • Archive

    Under 20s to take on St Mirren

    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.

  • Archive

    Andy Paton: 1923 – 2014

    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)