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Ladies:

Motherwell ladies are still on track to achieve manager Graeme McArthur’s target of remaining unbeaten to the close of the season after a convincing 7-0 result against Stranraer at home last weekend.

The ladies took control right from the first whistle, dominating possession and creating endless chances. Stranraer worked tirelessly to keep Motherwell from penetrating their back line, but couldn’t stop the inevitable.

A barrage of attacks on the visitor’s rear guard in the first half of the game was just too difficult to control. As the half time whistle blew, Well ladies had a comfortable 5-0 lead.

A few early changes into the second half meant fresh legs for well ladies and an opportunity for younger players to shine and that they did, helping the team score two more goals to add to the tally. A slightly slower paced second half performance, but a well deserved three points to take away from the game.

McArthur said: “I was really pleased with the first half performance, but we need to learn how to keep it going throughout the second half. I felt we controlled the game throughout and were rarely threatened, but our speed of play can be better and we know that. I felt in the first half we moved the ball exceptionally well and played some wonderful football, which we need to continue to carry on doing as we have shown we are more than capable of doing so.”

This weekend coming sees tough competition for the ‘Well ladies and one the squad is very much looking forward to, Graeme continued “We are looking forward now to the Renfrew game where a win would see us leapfrog them into 3rd place in the league, however we’re well aware how tough the game will be, and the players are firmly focussed on a good performance and hopefully getting 3 points”

Fixture info:

Renfrew Stallions v Motherwell Ladies
Sunday 12th October
Harmony Row
2pm KO

Under 9s:

Fixture Info:

Sunday 12th October, The Under 9s play at K-Park, 12noon – 1.30pm.

Under 11s:

The Under 11s squad played the same tough Central team from last week. Another difficult learning curve for the girls, but Coach Laura Daly was pleased with how the girls performed “I’m so proud of all my girls, they passed the ball so well but unfortunately we were just pushed off the ball a bit by bigger and tougher opponents.

“We definitively held our own in the 2nd half which was a real test of character after a hard lesson last week. I am confident if we continue to grow and develop as a squad, experience will go a long way to help us beat physically stronger teams like this.”

Fixture info:

Saturday 11th October: The Under 11s Travel to Huntershill to play Rossvale yellow, 11am KO.

With only two weeks remaining in this competitive season, Charlie Bennett (the man behind the scenes) tells us about his role at the club and just why he is so passionate about all that is claret and amber.

Name:

Charlie Bennett

Job Title:

General Manager, Motherwell Football Club Community Trust

How long have you been at Motherwell FC:

I started in April 2010

How did you get involved at the club:

I worked with North Lanarkshire Council and we did some partnership working with the club around lifelong learning and health and wellbeing. Through this I got to know former Chief Executive, Leeann Dempster. After 34 years with the Council I took early retirement. Leeann heard about this and offered me a role at the Fir Park to revamp the community programme. I’ve been here since.

Tell us a bit more about your job role what are your key objectives:

My role as General Manager is the strategic development of the Trust across its four key themes of increasing participation in sport, health and wellbeing, lifelong learning and regeneration. Our key objective is to use sport to inspire and motivate people and communities to profoundly change their lives for the better. I’m also tea maker for Linda Gibson and no stranger to the hoover in the Cooper Stand.

What do you enjoy most about your job:

Making Linda’s tea!

No seriously, there are lots of things to enjoy. Personally I have enjoyed the challenge having such a varied role brings. It’s not unusual for me to be talking to the Scottish Government in the morning, attend a meeting with other SPFL clubs in the afternoon, and be talking with parents in the evening.

Professionally I enjoy the fact we can have a really positive effect on people’s lives. Over 100,000 people a year attend our programmes and access our resources, which is fantastic. We’ve been able to create a range of job opportunities for young people too and it’s wonderful that hundreds of people, male and female from very young to not so young, every week are playing for Motherwell FC at a community level. Some of the boys playing in our community teams are moving through to Academy set ups with Motherwell FC and other teams, which is something we are very proud of too.

Can you tell us any inside info into plans for the facilty at Muirhouse:

We’ve just finished the community consultation, which means we can take forward our plans to the Council and funding bodies. There’s still a lot to do but it’s an exciting project with real community benefit.

You often attend the ladies games, what’s your thoughts on this season:

I’ve really enjoyed watching the Ladies. We have some really good players in the team and people may be surprised at the technical ability on show. We beat Claremont 9-1 earlier in the season with two guys standing beside me describing Pammi Liddell as a ‘top burd’ after she flicked the ball with her heel over her head and volleyed into the top corner. The goal you scored a couple of weeks ago too Dibsy when you waltzed through the opposing defence was also class.

There have been disappointments. Drawing with Claremont, and Kilmarnock and losing to Paisley Saints probably cost us the runner up spot in the league.

I think generally it’s been a good season. There has been a turnover of players, which has meant there hasn’t always been continuity in selection, but we have improved the squad significantly throughout the season and we have good quality now.

Women’s football has been a huge learning curve and nerve-wracking at times. Some of the players we have signed are really big personalities and have been top international players. It was quite daunting speaking to Linda Gibson when she was considering moving to us, and meeting with the likes of Toni Mason, Amy Bulloch, and Ainsley Duncan (sorry Douglas ;-)) to convince them to sign for a Second Division team in its first season. Pammi Liddell just petrified me (and still does – only kidding ;-))

What are your aspirations for the ladies team:

Put simply we want to be in the Scottish Women’s Premier League in two seasons. When we get there the plan is not just to survive, but to challenge for the league and cups. We are under no illusions there will be challenges along the way but that is our vision. We also want to see Motherwell players in Scotland jerseys.

Ami Bulloch, Ainsley Douglas and others in our team are capable of doing this, but we need to be in the SWPL for this to realistically happen. We’re looking for other players such as Demi McCulloch, Nicole Goodwin, Karen Wright and young Natasha to name just a few to push on in the new season and prove how good they really are. Laura Smith can be important for us next year. She has the skill and desire to play at a higher level.

We also, very much, want the Ladies and indeed all our players to enjoy being part of the Motherwell family and to feel they are valued as well as challenged.

What’s the squad looking like for next season:

Very competitive. We have been successful in retaining Toni Mason, Ami Bulloch, Pammi Liddell, and a certain Dibsy Templeton for the season ahead, which is a huge boost for us. Although we can’t talk to players who are currently with other teams until the season finishes at the end of the month we’re confident of bringing several high profile players with SWPL, and international experience to Fir Park.

If we manage to sign all our targets, and we are quietly confident we will, allied to the talent we already have in the squad I think we can promise the fans an exciting brand of football next season.

What goals had the club set itself for it’s first year up and running:

I think in terms of female football it was to get a ladies team playing in the SWPL, complete our player pathway, establish the Performance Centre, and create more awareness of the female game.

Have you achieved these goals:

Yeah I would say we have to a great extent achieved those goals. The Performance Centre is particularly exciting and unique in the UK. It’s probably more European than British in its focus and great credit needs to go to Ainsley Douglas and Linda Gibson for its concept, design and delivery. Our Facebook stats say your blogs reach 14,000 users so I think we are creating that awareness too.

What goals have you set as a club for next season:

For the ladies we’ve set a target of winning the league, gaining promotion, winning the league cup and having a good run in the Scottish Cup. If that’s not enough we want to achieve this through fast, exciting, attacking football whilst respecting other teams – which sadly sometimes is not the case in our current league.

What does success look like for you:

Motherwell FC Ladies winning the Scottish Women’s Premier League and our players representing Scotland in the European Championship and World Cup.

What has been your most memorable moment at MFC so far:

In terms of the ladies there have been very many great goals, saves, and laughs but the most memorable moments have involved meeting people. I particularly enjoyed meeting Anna Signeul ,the Scottish Ladies Team Manager. She has been incredibly supportive to us and is such a genuine person. I hope her hard work and commitment to the Scottish Ladies team is repaid with a play off victory against the Netherlands.

Almost forgot – another memorable moment is when Pammi Liddell brings in pizza

Hmmm! Sounds like there’s a story to tell there Pammi/Charlie!?

Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me Charlie, it’s a real privilege to get the chance to speak to such an important cog in the wheel here at Motherwell. You do a fantastic job, thank you for giving us such an in depth insight! Keep up the great work. I wish you all the luck in your venture for silverware and promotion, as well as the ongoing plans to get the fantastic new Muirhouse facility in motion

Motherwell FC have teamed up with Topps to allow youngsters to select their top performer each week at Fir Park as part of a brand new social media campaign.

Young Well fans can now have their say with the ‘Kids Choice’ Match Attax Man of the Match award. From the 80th minute of any home Motherwell FC league game supporters can make their selection via twitter, by ‘tweeting’ their choice to @motherwellfc and @MyTopps with the hashtag #MatchAttaxMOTM.

The player with the most votes will win the ‘Kids Choice’ Match Attax Man of the Match award, with Topps randomly selecting one lucky ‘tweeter’ to present a very special award to the player – a giant Match Attax Man of the Match Trading Card.

The winner will also get the paparazzi treatment, with photos of the presentation appearing in the next edition of club’s Matchday Programme, Steelmen!

General Manager Alan Burrows said: “When Topps brought this idea of creating a kids’ Match Attax Man of the Match Award we thought it was a brilliant concept. It gives our younger supporters the opportunity to get involved on a Matchday, have their say, and get the chance to present the award – just like you see on TV.

“We want to create memorable experiences on Matchday at Fir Park and this is another example of working together with one of the game’s sponsors to put something exciting in place.”

The fifth domestic Steelmen Matchday Magazine of 2014/15 is on sale when Dundee visit Fir Park on Saturday.

But what is inside the 68-page issue?

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

McCall chats about they key elements to improving the clubs’ poor recent run of form and Lasley speaks about the feelings from the dressing room.

The feature interview is with former Scotland International defender Stephen McManus. The former Celtic and Middlesbrough man reveals his ambition to one day follow in the footsteps of his old pal Paul Hartley and move into coaching, but not before his time on the pitch is finished at Fir Park.

Mick also features as the next in the centre-page souvenir poster collection.

But that’s not where the features stop!

There is an in-depth section dedicated to our visitors, Dundee.

As ever, Ray Morrison introduces the Perthshire side and Andy Paterson talks through four vital characters in the Saints side likely to cause issues.

The big features keep coming…

Graeme McGarry catches up with one of Motherwell’s favourite sons, David Clarkson, who will make an emotional return with his Dundee side tomorrow.

Clarkson, nephew of the late, great Phil O’Donnell speaks openly about the support from the fans and his feelings for the club. He also talks about new challenges ahead at Dundee and what he hopes to achieve over the next few years back in Scotland.

‘From the Press Box’ returns with regular host, the Herald’s Scott Mullen and ‘Voices from the East Stand’ blogger Eddie McGuigan once again gives a fans viewpoint on recent happenings.

We also have a full report from the Paterson’s Trophy Supplies Matchday Experience 3 and Eddie Ferguson’s feature looking at every Motherwell manager in history continues and focuses on ‘Babe to Boss’ Ian St John.

Our match reports section takes a look back at the 3-1 defeat at Firhill a fortnight ago. There’s also an in-depth report from the Under 20s 1-1 draw with Inverness CT in the SPFL Development League and the ‘Getting to know you’ focuses on defender Dom Thomas.

We have the latest from The Ticket Office, Commercial and Community Departments, and update from the Well Society as well as the latest stats, facts and figures from the 2014/2015 campaign.

We also take a statistical look at the match official and the GIRFEC sponsored ‘Junior Steel’ kids page returns and is sure to test the youngster’s quiz minds with puzzles and ‘Did you know’ facts and a new Man of the Match feature sponsored by Match Attax.

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-Sports – CLICK HERE.

Motherwell players have been putting extra hours in on the training field ahead of this weekend’s match with Dundee.

The Steelmen have trained every day this week, including Wednesday afternoon, the regular ‘day off’ for the squad.

Grueling sessions have helped top up some of the fitness and sharpness, including Reid who missed that last game against Partick Thistle through injury.

Now the former Celtic and Morton full-back is hopeful that will translate onto the pitch when Paul Hartley’s Dundee visit Fir Park this weekend.

[pullquote]We’ve been training hard and have been in every single day this week. We have worked extensively on how we plan to play and also increasing the fitness levels.[/pullquote]

Speaking at the Press launch of the Topps Match Attax Motherwell Man of the Match vote, the 28-year old told MFC TV: “We’ve been training hard and have been in every single day this week. We have worked extensively on how we plan to play and also increasing the fitness levels.

“When things are tough, everyone needs to stick together. We are a really tight group and hopefully we can show the quality we have in the squad.

“The obvious aim right now is to try and get results and start climbing the table.

“Everyone has been hugely frustrated with how things have gone. We’ve been inconsistent; we thought we had turned a little corner against Celtic but the Accies games knocked the stuffing out of us a little.

“These two weeks have given us a little time to clear our heads, work on things, much like it did back in September. We had a good couple of results after that break and we’re looking to do so again.”

Referee for this Saturday’s SPFL Premiership clash with Dundee at Fir Park is Brian Colvin.

Brian will be handling his second Motherwell match of the new 2014/15 season..

The other was the controversial point at Celtic Park, when Kris Common’s disputed penalty earned the hosts a point after John Sutton had put the Fir Parkers in front.

He also handlde two during the 2013/14 campaign. The first was the League Cup Third Round clash at Livingston one year ago.

Bob McHugh put the Fir Parkers ahead before James McFadden made it two with a deft back-heel flick. Livi reduced the deficit late into stoppage time but it wasn’t enough as ‘Well progressed to the Quarter Finals with a 2-1 win.

The other match came three weeks after that success at Almondvale when ‘Well edged out Hearts 2-1 at Fir Park.

Ryan Stevenson gave the visitors the lead but Craig Moore scored a cracker on his league debut to level things before Shaun Hutchinson powered home a header to secure all three points.

Brian took charge of two ‘Well matches the previous season, too.

The first was his first ever in charge of the Steelmen – a 3-1 win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park last October.

Jamie Murphy had put Motherwell in a commanding lead with two goals before the break. Nicky Law added a third with a cheeky dink over the goalkeeper before Saints pulled one back late on.

The second was a 2-2 draw with St Mirren at Fir Park. Michael Higdon opened the scoring for the Steelmen only for Connor Newton and Lewis Guy to put the visitors ahead.

Step forward James McFadden with another piece of brilliance from a dead ball, curling a free-kick high past Craig Samson to rescue a point.

In those five matches, he has produced just six yellow cards, three of which were flashed at players in Claret and Amber, and one red for Livi’s Jason Talbot for a reckless lunge at Stevie Hammell.

He will be assisted by Willie Conquer and Ralph Gordon with Alan Muir on 4th Official duty. Brian Winter is the referee observer with Kevin Collins as the SPFL delegate.

Motherwell FC club sponsor Cash Converters is delighted to announce the August and September Player of the Month winners.

Stopper Dan Twardzik received the award for August while club captain Keith Lasley received the September gong.

It’s been a difficult couple of months for ‘Well but both Twardzik and Lasley have proven their importance on countless occasions and have always given their all for the club.

Young Motherwell fan Ben Brown won the Cash Converters Player of the Month competition and got to congratulate his hero in person.

Ben presented Keith with his award at Fir Park earlier this week and received a Cash Converters Player of the Month pennant, signed by both players, as a souvenir of his experience.

Look out for the next vote at the end of October to be in with a chance of presenting the award to the winner. Simply visit the Cash Converters SPL Facebook page for all the details.

Extended highlights from The Bet Butler stadium as ‘Well go down 3-0 to Rangers in the SPFL Development League.

Jonatan Johansson spoke of his disappointed as ‘Well’s two-month unbeaten run came to an end against Rangers tonight.

Despite being level at the interval, three second-half goals from the hosts separated the sides.

It was Motherwell’s first loss since the reverse against Aberdeen in the middle of August and the former Finnish International says more hard work is required on the training ground.

[pullquote]The boys have done really well for me but this may be a wake-up call and a realisation of the things we’re not that good at and we’ll look to put that right[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV on Motherwell’s Official You Tube channel, Johansson said:”I didn’t think we played well and I didn’t think we coped with their physical side, which was disappointing.

“We were getting in the box but it looked like we didn’t believe and were just expecting the ball to come to us instead of going into an area looking to cause trouble.

“We’ll go through the DVD tomorrow and we can see what we could have done better. It’s about being positive, especially as we’ve been on a good run.

“The boys have done really well for me but this may be a wake-up call and a realisation of the things we’re not that good at and we’ll look to put that right.”

A wasteful Motherwell U20s lost for the first time in two months, going down 3-0 to Rangers at the Bet Butler Stadium.

Much like last week against Inverness, the Steelmen created plenty of chances but weren’t clinical against Rangers whose three second half goals were enough to win the game.

Jonatan Johansson made just two changes to the side that drew that game at Fir Park last week, Max Currie and Adam Cummins dropping out, replaced by Ross Stewart and Ben Hall.

And the Finn would have been delighted with the start the visitors made, attacking from the first second, Chris Cadden forcing Liam Kelly to tip around.

After numerous corners and a lovely Cadden cross evading Higgins by only a matter of inches, there was plenty to be positive about on the away bench.

But as the half crept on, Rangers settled down but it was ‘Well who created the next chance; Cadden again the man after wriggling clear of Kristian Gibson but his low shot lacked venom and was comfortable for Kelly to clutch.

It took Rangers thirty minutes to register a chance at goal. Andy Murdoch’s stinging drive cannoned off Jack McMillan. When the ball eventually flashed back across goal, Junior Ogen’s low shot was comfortable for Stewart.

Seconds later, the ‘Well goalkeeper was again called into action, racing off his line to block well from Ryan Hardie.

The hosts were getting the upper hand and just a minute later, Murdoch saw a low shot cannon off the post and bounce clear.

However, they would very much get the benefit of the doubt shortly after when ‘Well would put the ball in the net. Dylan Mackin’s low shot was palmed away only for Ross McLean to tuck the rebound away. The youngster wheeled away to celebrate but was cut short by the assistant’s flag, who ruled him offside. It was very, very tight.

Rangers weren’t in the mood for mercy though, and they went immediately on the attack again and could have scored, but for the brilliance of Stewart. A cross from the left was begging to be headed in and Ogen’s contact was good, but Stewart showed terrific reactions to make the save from point blank range.

After weathering the storm, ‘Well finished the half stronger and could have got their noses in front. Mackin looped a header at goal, only for Kelly to tip it wide then Higgins had a shot of his own, but it was straight at the Rangers keeper who saved.

It was anyone’s game going into the second half but the Steelmen made a nightmare start as Rangers got the opening goal inside 80 seconds. A long, hopeful ball over the top should have been dealt with by the ‘Well defence, but Hardie got in behind David Ferguson, held off the defender before drilling through Stewart and into the net.

It quickly went from bad to worse for Johansson’s men as the hosts doubled their lead four minutes later. It was a strike of some quality from Murdoch, a stinging shot from 25 yards, but the ‘Well boss will have been frustrated at the time afforded to the midfielder to take on the effort.

Incredibly, Rangers almost made it three when the same player, Murdoch, ran off his midfield markers and shot low at Stewart, thankfully for ‘Well it was straight at Stewart.

Motherwell, to their credit, refused to give up and created numerous chances to get back into the game.

Higgins’ low shot forced Kelly to save with his feet at the expense of a corner and the same player should have scored shortly after, getting on the end of an excellent Thomas cross only to bundle over from six yards.

Cadden fired a half volley at goal before whipping a great cross across the face of goal with no takers in Claret and Amber. Thomas also shot over as ‘Well searched in vain for a goal back.

However, it was Rangers who would have the final say, adding a third with virtually the last kick of the ball. With ‘Well flooding men forward, a long, searching clearance allowed Hardie to race clear of McMillan and finish past Stewart.

Motherwell: Stewart, McMillan, Ferguson, Hall (Watt – 46mins), Neill, McCall (R.Leitch – 79mins), Mackin, Cadden, Higgins, Thomas, McLean

Subs Not Used: Currie, McNulty, Anderson, Campbell

Welcome to Show Racism the Red Card’s annual Fortnight of Action. The 2014 Fortnight of Action will unite Scottish football in making a stand against racism. We believe that it is vital to highlight the anti-racism message at this time, in conjunction with Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE).

All professional clubs will make a stand against racism over one weekend whether at home or away. We have coordinated the participation of the clubs’ actions to make it the biggest and most high profile fortnight so far.

At every SPFL game on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th October, clubs will be united in calling for an end to racism in football and in society. Players in over 40 European countries are involved in similar events as part of the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network against racism and discrimination.

Show Racism the Red Card has received excellent support from football clubs, football authorities and football fans over the length and breadth of Scotland – we would like to take this opportunity to thank you all.

We have heard of many instances where supporters have been proactive in promoting the anti-racism message, making it clear that racism and discrimination are not welcome at their club. We urge fans to continue to support the anti-racism message; it is the responsibility of us all to ensure that it is carried beyond the Fortnight of Action and beyond the terraces.

Neil Doncaster, Chief Executive of the SPFL, said: “Football is a powerful medium to break down barriers and promote tolerance. Our clubs have supported Show Racism the Red Card since season 2003/04 and once again, this united action in support of the campaign sends out the positive message that football is a game to be enjoyed by all.”

Keith Lasley, Motherwell FC Captain and MFC’s Fortnight of Action Ambassador, added: “As a club, we are once again fully supportive of the Show Racism the Red Card campaign. Football is a sport that should be enjoyed by everyone or anyone, regardless of race, colour or creed and we are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow clubs and leagues to eliminate racism in all its forms.”

The campaign will continue to speak to all football clubs, the football authorities and the police to eradicate all forms of racist behaviour.

The SPFL and its clubs deplore all forms of racism and any racist behaviour will not be tolerated at SPFL.

This year the campaign has continued to develop partnerships with local authorities to deliver educational workshops combined with football coaching sessions in a number of regions.

The workshops are delivered by a dedicated team of education workers and ex-professional footballers. They are a very positive method of educating our young people about the negative impact racism has on Scottish society.

Here’s a brief outline of what’s taking place during the Fortnight of Action this year:

• Anti-racism football festivals and projects across Scotland.

• Show Racism the Red Card actions at SPFL, Scottish Women’s Premier League, Scottish Women’s Football League, Scottish Junior Football matches.

• ‘Unite Against Racism’ actions at UEFA Champions League fixtures.

• Educational workshops in schools and community groups across Scotland.

Football is a sport that is followed by people across the world, and football matches should be an enjoyable experience for all, whatever their background. We all have a part to play in stamping out racism in football and society.

If you see or hear racism or sectarianism at any level of football, please report it to the stewards or police.

Our website also includes updates on Fortnight of Action events and more information on the Show Racism the Red Card campaign in Scotland.

www.theredcardscotland.org.

Show your support for tackling racism and sectarianism:

Follow us on twitter: @SRtRCScotland.

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/theRedCardScotland.