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Action pictures from Dalziel Park as the Motherwell squad return for pre-season training.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

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Motherwell have been drawn to face Stjarnan F.C or Bangor City FC in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the UEFA Europa League.

The Steelmen are in the competition for the fifth time in the tournament’s six-year existence, but have as yet to progress past the ‘Play Off’ stage.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall will bring his side back in for pre-season training this Wednesday before pitting his wits against either Rúnar Páll Sigmundsson or Neville Powell next month.

In recent years, the Fir Parkers have faced stern opposition in the way of Steaua Bucharest, Aalesunds FK, Odense BK, Levante U.D. and FC Kuban Krasnodar.

The match dates are Thursday 17th and 24th July. Full details of home/away as well as ticket and travel information will be posted as soon as they are confirmed.

Motherwell FC is pleased to announce the Season Review 13/14 DVD is now on sale at the ‘Well Shop.

Season 2013/14 had it all: drama, tension, excitement and a sensational finale.

Motherwell fans witnessed yet another record breaking season for The Steelmen, one that looked against the odds as injuries began to take their toll and Stuart McCall’s squad was stretched to its limits.

However, Motherwell battled on and smashed their post war points record, racking up an astonishing seventy points, winning twenty-two games and scoring sixty-six goals along the way.

Now you can relive the thrills and spills of this epic season on this exclusive DVD.

Every goal is here, from Henri Anier’s late winner against Hibs at Easter Road last August, all the way through the twists and turns leading up to the dramatic final game of the season; a shootout against Aberdeen where Craig Reid’s injury time strike propelled The Steelmen into second place and sent the away fans into raptures!

‘Well Society members who have renewed their benefits can pick up their complimentary copy from The Chapman Building at Fir Park.

Non-members can purchase a Season Review DVD for just £10 from The ‘Well Shop either in person or online at www.motherwelldirect.co.uk.

Motherwell FC can today confirm Henri Anier has been sold to 2. Bundesliga side FC Erzgebirge Aue for an undisclosed fee.

Discussions between the clubs have been ongoing for a period of time before an agreement was eventually reached.

Anier joined the club last season on loan from Viking FK, scoring seven goals before signing for the club on a full-time basis last January.

He went on to score a subsequent two goals in the second half of the season, eventually taking his tally to nine goals in 40 appearances during 2013/14.

Speaking to motherwellfc.co.uk, the Estonian said: “I had a big decision to make leaving Motherwell as it has been a brilliant place for me to play football.

[pullquote]I really enjoyed things on and off the park. However, this was a good option for me and for the club, so it is one I had to take.[/pullquote]

“I want to wish everyone at Motherwell the very best of luck for the future and thank everyone for all their support in the last year.”

‘Well boss Stuart McCall added: “We have managed to keep the majority of our squad together this summer but when an offer comes along for a player, the club has to consider it.

“I’ve already been working on several options to replace Henri and now that his move is official, we will now look to pursue them.”

Everyone at Motherwell Football Club would like to thank Henri for his contribution during his spell at Fir Park and wish him every success in his future career.

Motherwell FC Community Trust is once again running their ever popular Summer Soccer Camps during the school holidays for boys & girls aged 5-15 years.

The camp will be held at Fir Park with coaching sessions taking place on the Fir Park AstroTurf & in the Maxim Office Park South Stand Gymnasium.

The coaching sessions will be delivered by SFA accredited coaches & will focus on passing, shooting, tackling as well as fun competitions and small sided games.

The participants may also have the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the Motherwell FC first team players as they prepare for the Europa League Qualifiers & the start of the Scottish Premiership 2014/2015 season.

Prices for the Soccer Camp are £11 per day & £50 for the week.

The dates for the courses are as followed:

• Week 1 – 30th June – 4th July
• Week 2 – 14th July – 18th July
• Week 3 – 28th July – 1st August
• Week 4 – 4th August – 8th August

Further information on times, a detailed breakdown on what you need to bring with you as well as bookings phone the Motherwell Football Club Community Trust on 01698 239 926 or alternatively visit www.motherwellsoccerschools.com.

Motherwell will kick off their SPFL Premiership campaign with a home match against St Mirren.

‘Well will then face Dundee United (a), Inverness CT (h), Kilmarnock (a) and St Johnstone (h) to complete the first month of the new campaign.

Other notable dates are the first Lanarkshire derby of the season against Hamilton Accies, which is on Saturday 27th September at Fir Park. The first at New Douglas Park is on New Years Day – Thursday 1st January.

The first Celtic match is in Glasgow on Saturday 20th September with the first home match against the title-holders not until 6th December.

The festive period has been kind with away trips to Paisley and the aforementioned trip across Lanarkshire the only travelling to contend with.

>> FULL FIXTURE LIST FOR 2014/15

Motherwell FC is today delighted to confirm Lionel Ainsworth has signed a new one-year contract at the club.

The winger enjoyed a fantastic debut season whilst on loan from Rotherham United last term.

In just 23 starts, the 26-year old scored eleven goals and assisted in twelve, helping the Steelmen finish runners-up to Celtic for the second consecutive season.

With his contract at the Millers due to expire this summer, Motherwell have managed to beat off competition from north and south of the border, and overseas, to secure his signature for at least one more year.

Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, Ainsworth said: “I’m very happy. I’ve had a summer thinking about what’s going to happen and to be honest I never wanted to leave.

[pullquote]I’m happy to have it sorted and I love the club. In the short space of time I’ve been here everyone in and around the club have been brilliant  and I feel at home here.[/pullquote]

“I managed to hit the ground running last year and hopefully I can carry that on to next season.

“It would be amazing if I could score more goals next season and get more assists but I know I have to go out there and give my all to keep my spot in the team. We achieved great things last year and I’m sure we can go out and do it again.”

‘Well boss Stuart McCall added: “We are delighted to have Lionel on-board again and it’s another piece of our summer transfer work taken care of early.

“He made such a massive contribution last season, particularly around the Christmas and New Year period when he was flying high and practically unplayable in certain games.

“To have such a scoring threat from midfield is vital for any side, but he also contributes by creating goals for our strikers.

“With a strong pre-season behind him and the platform of playing in the Europa League to look forward to, it should be a big season for him.”

-WATCH LIONEL’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Motherwell FC can today confirm Shaun Hutchinson has left the club to sign for Championship side Fulham.

The 6ft 2-inch powerhouse arrived at Fir Park from Wallsend Boys Club back in 2007 after catching the eye during the annual exit trials staged by the English FA at Lillieshall.

He enjoyed seven excellent years in North Lanarkshire, making his debut against Hamilton Accies in May 2008 aged just 17.

He went on to play a further 142 times in Claret and Amber, including numerous Champions League and Europa League games, netting nine times in total. He was also named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year in 2012/13 as ‘Well cruised to their first of two consecutive runners-up spots.

Although the club offered Shaun an extended deal, ‘Well boss Stuart McCall was resigned to losing him with significant interest from elsewhere.

“I had mentioned to his agent that we would offer him slightly improved terms from last season, but it was fairly clear that there was some big hitters looking at him,” McCall told motherwellfc.co.uk.

“Shaun has been excellent for Motherwell and this move is a reward for all his hard work and dedication.

“We will obviously miss him, but at the same time, we wish him well in what is a superb move.”

Hutchinson was understandably sad to be leaving what has become home for him, but was excited at the prospect of joining a club like Fulham.

He said: “I was a difficult decision to leave Motherwell and I had to really think hard about it.

“It has been a fantastic apprenticeship for me and I am very appreciative of what everyone at the club has done. The fans have also been brilliant and I want to personally thank them for their support.

“However, this is a great opportunity at Fulham and I can’t wait to get started. “

Hutchinson may make a speedy return to Fir Park with the Cottagers due to play a pre-season friendly in North Lanarkshire on July 12th. Tickets for that match are available on the gate priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Motherwell FC is delighted to announce the partnership with programme publishers Curtis Sport has been extended by another year.

The Fir Parkers have enjoyed three excellent seasons with the West Midlands based company, collecting several awards along the way.

And with a new editor and fresh ideas for the forthcoming European and SPFL season, 2014/15 promises to be the best ever for ‘Steelmen’.

General Manager Alan Burrows commented: “We have made steady progress with the magazine each year and Stuart Curtis, the designer Karl Wheeler and the rest of the team deserve huge credit for their continued drive and determination to improve the product

“They are the absolute best at what they do, which is recognised each year by being at the top of the table in the various awards and votes.

[pullquote]It has been a huge privilege for me to have worked so closely with them over recent season and with a new Head of Club Media set to be appointed, it should give the magazine a refreshed look and feel.[/pullquote]

Curtis Sport are again offering subscriptions ahead of the new season ensuring you have every home programme the club produces.

Just £90 (UK only) sent in a hard backed envelope and dispatched in time to arrive for the day of the game!

This offer includes all friendly, league, domestic cup and European games played at Fir Park.

To order your subscription, or for back-dated programmes from 2011/12 onwards, head to the Curtis Sport website.

Motherwell FC is pleased to confirm Fulham will visit Fir Park for a pre-season friendly match on Saturday 12th July.

The game against the Craven Cottage side, managed by experienced German Felix Magath, will the clubs’ only home pre-season friendly match prior to the Europa League Second Qualifying Round the following Thursday.

It won’t be the first time the Londoners have been guests at the home of the Steelmen in recent times though. Back in 2003 they travelled north and played out an entertaining 2-2 draw. Louis Saha and Steve Marlet on target for the tourists that day with ‘Well earning a deserved share of the spoils thanks to an Alex Burns double.

The friendly will provide a stern test ahead of impending European and domestic commitments.

To confirm, the match will take place at Fir Park on Saturday 12th July 2014, kick-off is 2pm.

Admission will be available on the gate priced at:

• Concessions are listed as 15 and under, Over 60s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.

It has also been confirmed that the Steelmen will once again head for Portugal for a pre-season training camp. Stuart McCall and his squad will be in the Algarve from Sunday 29th June to Friday 4th July.

Upon their return, ‘Well will likely take part in two closed-door bounce games before the Fulham fixture.