Latest News

[tab:Match report]

Graeme McGarry Fir Park

Motherwell moved off the foot of the Scottish Premiership with a 1-1 home draw against Kilmarnock today.

However, Ian Baraclough will be disappointed not to have claimed all three points after playing the entire second half against 10 men.

A fine strike by Tope Obadeyi gave Kilmarnock an early lead before his team-mate Daryl Westlake saw red after picking up two bookings in quick succession just before half-time.

Scott McDonald levelled for Motherwell directly from the second of those free-kicks awards, his first goal since returning to Fir Park.

The home side had plenty of possession after the break but could not create the opportunity that would have given them a crucial and perhaps deserved win.

After an overnight downpour in Lanarkshire, the match went ahead after the pitch passed a morning inspection but, with the surface cutting up badly in areas, both sides deserve credit for trying to play football.

The Motherwell fans were screaming for a penalty after just five minutes when Marvin Johnson got his toe to the ball ahead of the onrushing Kilmarnock goalkeeper Craig Samson, the winger tumbling to the ground only for referee John Beaton to show him a yellow card for simulation. Television pictures clearly show the official was incorrect.

Josh Magennis then shot wide as Killie threatened for the first time and at the opposite end a snap-shot by McDonald from the edge of the area drew the first save of the match, Samson saving well low to his right.

The visitors moved ahead after 19 minutes, Nathan Eccleston breaking down the left before feeding the ball across the 18-yard line where it eventually found its way to Obadeyi arriving from the opposite flank. Josh Law looked to have forced the winger wide but he produced a thunderous finish high past George Long into the roof of the net from an acute angle.

Motherwell tried to respond quickly and a Johnson cross from the left presented a good opportunity to Conor Grant but Samson managed to tip his goal-bound header over the bar.

Grant then swung in a corner that Stephen McManus met with a crashing volley but Kilmarnock captain Manual Pascali bravely threw himself in the way of the strike to block.

Kilmarnock were looking dangerous on the break and Craig Slater came close to doubling their lead as he cut inside from the left flank past a couple of challenges and sent a right-foot effort inches past Long’s right-hand post.

Johnson was providing a threat for the home side and again he got a cross into the area, this time for McDonald, whose header was smothered on the line by Samson.

McDonald then had a half-volley blocked behind by Lee Ashcroft, and from the resulting corner Grant’s low delivery was blazed over by Louis Laing from a good position as the home side tried to level before the break.

They were given a boost on 44 minutes as Kilmarnock were reduced to 10 men, Westlake receiving his second yellow card for a foul on Johnson on the edge of the area having been booked for a poor tackle on the same player just minutes before.

The free-kick was to prove doubly costly as McDonald curled a lovely right-foot effort up and over the wall to nestle in Samson’s bottom right-hand corner and haul Motherwell level on the stroke of half-time.

Kilmarnock manager Gary Locke sacrificed the attacking threat of Chris Johnston at half-time, sending on defender Ross Barbour to shore things up at the back with his side a man light.

The visitors were succeeding in limiting Motherwell to half-chances and shots from distance and they were willing to put their bodies on the line to block any efforts that the Steelmen did get away.

Indeed, they almost regained the lead on a foray forward when Eccleston received the ball from a throw-in with his back to goal before rolling Laing and flashing a high effort just past the upright.

Lionel Ainsworth was sent on as Motherwell tried to break the stubborn Killie rear-guard down and he almost put the ball on a plate for McDonald after being played in on the right channel by Law, Ashcroft doing well to stretch and cut the ball out just in the nick of time.

Motherwell found it difficult to create any clear-cut openings as frustration set in amongst the home support and, despite some late pressure, the visitors held on for a point.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Fir Park

FULL TIME’ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
It ends 1-1 here at Fir Park.

90 3 minutes added on

85′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
Killie sub, Eccleston off for Miller.

83′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
Motherwell sub, Johnson off for Dom Thomas.

82′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
Ainsworth’s shot is sent looping into the air to Sutton who from an awkward position, fires straight at Samson.

80′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
Killie sub, Obadeyi off for Cairney

76′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
Cross field ball comes to Johnson who, on his weaker foot, scuffs it well wide.

70′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
Motherwell sub, Erwin off for Sutton.

68′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
Almost a rare one as the ball falls to Lasley 25 yards out. He hits it first time but it floats over the bar.

68′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
Pascali has to be at full stretch to knock Ainsworth’s cross wide of the post for a corner.

62′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
Eccleston does well to turn Law on the wing and fizzes a shot just wide of the post.

57′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
After a bit of pingball the ball comes to Erwin 10 yards out who tries the spectacular overhead….well wide.

55′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
Motherwell sub, Grant off for Ainsworth.

54′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
Johnson drills in a shot from a narrow angle which Samson opts to beat away to safety.

51′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
Long deals with Slater’s 20 yard shot which bounced just in front of him.

46′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
There’s been a Killie sub, Barbour on for Johnston.

46′ | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC
Second half is underway.

HALF-TIME | 1-1 | #MFCvKFC

Scott McDonald curls home the free-kick to make it 1-1

GGGOOOAAALLL!!!

44′ | 0-1 | #MFCvKFC
RED CARD: Westlake is sent off for a second booking. Two wild challenges on Johnson.

42′ | 0-1 | #MFCvKFC
Another ‘Well corner after McDonald’s shot is deflected wide. Laing fires the corner wide of the post.

39′ | 0-1 | #MFCvKFC
From the corner the ball breaks at the edge of the box, two Killie players run into each other and ref gives a foul.

39′ | 0-1 | #MFCvKFC
Grant forces another good save from Samson, this time it was a low shot which was heading for the bottom left corner.

35′ | 0-1 | #MFCvKFC
McDonald gets his head on the end of Johnson’s cross but again Samson is on hand to make s good save.

34′ | 0-1 | #MFCvKFC
Slater does well, cutting in from the left and drags his right footed shot just past the post from just inside the box.

27′ | 0-1 | #MFCvKFC
McManus gets a volley on the end of Grant’s corner but Pascali gets his body in the way of it.

26′ | 0-1 | #MFCvKFC
What a save from Samson to tip McDonald’d close range header over the bar!

22′ | 0-1 | #MFCvKFC
‘Well win a corner…McManus heads Grant’s delivery well over the bar.

20′ | 0-1 | #MFCvKFC
Goal, Obadeyi cuts in from the left and unleashes a shot into the top corner. 1-0 to Killie.

17′ | 0-0 | #MFCvKFC
Another shot on goal for Killie. This time it is straight at Long from Johnston.

12′ | 0-0 | #MFCvKFC
McDonald forces Samson into a good diving save with a shot from the edge of the box. Positive start.

9′ | 0-0 | #MFCvKFC
Magennis picks the ball up about 20 yards out and gets a left-footed shot away. Well wide in the end.

6′ | 0-0 | #MFCvKFC
Johnson booked for simulation as he went down in the box under a Samson challenge. Looked harsh?

3′ | 0-0 | #MFCvKFC
Killie win a corner, after a bit of panic it’s swept clear by Lasley.

2′ | 0-0 | #MFCvKFC
Erwin gets his head on Johnson’s drilled cross but it flies harmlessly wide of the post.

1′ | KICK-OFF | #MFCvKFC
Lasley and Johnson get the game underway.

Pre-match | #MFCvKFC
Both teams are out the tunnel. ‘Well in claret and amber, Killie in their usual blue and white stripes.

Pre-match | #MFCvKFC
Players just out doing their pre-match warm-ups. Just under 20 minutes to kick-off #COYW

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough:

“Second half I thought we stopped doing the things that got us into good positions first half.

“It can be perceived that it can be easier against 10 men, but it’s only easy if you make it easy by moving the ball quicker and we didn’t second half. We made it difficult for ourselves.

“But first half was an excellent performance, we put it into areas that caused them problems, we put it into areas that were our strengths, wide areas.

“Marvin [Johnson] was putting in cross after cross, he tormented the full-back who eventually lost his head and got himself booked twice.

“We just needed that final belief to get on to the end of one of those balls, I don’t know how many chances we created but it was a lot and you expect to come away from it with a little bit more than what we did.”

“It’s a step in the right direction and it’s a point closer to where we want to be, but there’s a bit of frustration that we dominated the game and didn’t capitalise on it.”

Kilmarnock manager Gary Locke:

“I think you saw with the reaction of the Kilmarnock fans at the end, every one of them stayed and applauded the team off the pitch,” said Locke.

“They have certainly seen the effort and commitment from the players in blue and white, and if they’re happy then we’ll be happy as well.

“Again, enormous credit to the players, the effort, the commitment, the desire not to get beat. I’m sitting here a really proud manager.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”223″]

HELP CONTINUE THE PROGRESS

A couple of weeks ago we asked fans to do everything they can to boost the attendance for the Dundee game. There was a great response to that and similar pleas from elsewhere, unfortunately it was a very disappointing day with a defeat sending Motherwell to the bottom of the league.

But the disappointment did not derail the progress that the club is looking to make. Since then Scott McDonald has been brought back to Fir Park and now two young players, Luke Watt and Dom Thomas, have signed long-term contracts. The appointment of a physical performance coach was also confirmed.

The fans responded brilliantly too with some tremendous vocal backing against Inverness. The supporters recognised the fight and effort shown from the start and their encouragement helped us to a memorable 2-1 victory.

Everyone is determined to keep the momentum going and once again we need the fans’ help. There were just over 3,500 fans at Fir Park against Inverness, and their loyal support was vital in securing a great three points. With more fans, the noise could be even more inspiring as the team look to get off the bottom of the league against Kilmarnock.

So, again, we are appealing to everyone to come along to Fir Park and encourage others to do the same.

Also, the club is working hard to improve the pre-match experience for the fans and is making the Cooper Suite more attractive for families ahead of the Kilmarnock game. A simple decision to switch your pre-match pint to the Cooper Suite can really help the club grow its income and have an impact on the club’s quest for success on the park. Small individual actions can make a big collective impact.

Thanks again for your support and enjoy Saturday’s game.

Brian McCafferty
Chairman

Chris Cadden has joined Lanarkshire neighbours Albion Rovers on loan until the end of the season.

The 18-year old has been a virtual ever-present in Jonatan Johansson’s Under 20s team this season, netting five times from 21 appearances.

The promising attacking midfielder, who can also operate as a marauding full-back, made his debut for Motherwell’s first-team last season in the 4-1 home win over Hearts.

He also appeared off the bench in the dramatic 3-3 draw with Hibs and the fine 2-1 win over Inverness. He has the same number of appearances this term too, turning out against Ross County, Hamilton and Dundee.

[pullquote]He will be playing in a team full of confidence and if he can get that vital first-team experience, whilst helping Rovers achieve their objectives, then everyone can win[/pullquote]

He joins top-of-the-table Rovers, who are pushing for the League 2 Championship and automatic promotion, and will go into their squad for the weekend’s match against fifth-placed Annan.

‘Well boss Ian Baraclough said: “This is a great opportunity for Chris to get into competitive first-team action on a week-to-week basis.

“Rovers have an impressive set-up, with good people running the club and a solid, experienced management team in Darren Young and Sandy Clark.

“He will be playing in a team full of confidence and if he can get that vital first-team experience, whilst helping Rovers achieve their objectives, then everyone wins.

“We wish them both the very best of luck over the next few months.”

‘Well boss Ian Baraclough says his side must build on last week’s win when they take on Kilmarnock on Saturday.

The Fir Parkers finally brought their miserable run of form to an end with an impressive, battling 2-1 victory over high-flying Inverness seven days ago.

They face a side on a similar run of form to the Highlanders. Gary Locke’s Kilmarnock are unbeaten in their last five matches, and will have an eye on one of the two top six places still up for grabs.

However, Baraclough insists his side have put down a marker and his challenged his squad to go and repeat the feat once again.

[pullquote]We need to use last week’s performance as a marker and go out there on Saturday against Kilmarnock looking to build.[/pullquote]

He told motherwellfc.co.uk: “We need to use last week’s performance as a marker and go out there on Saturday against Kilmarnock looking to build.

“A lot of hard work went into that win last weekend both before and during the match. We certainly don’t want to undo that by not showing the same level of commitment, desire and skill tomorrow.

“Yes, we will need to be mindful of Kilmarnock, particularly given they’re on a five-game unbeaten run, but the onus is on us as the home side to go out there, set the agenda and really get the fans behind us again.

“They were magnificent last week – right from the first minute you could sense they were as up for it as the players were. That gave everyone even more encouragement and we will hope for something similar tomorrow.”

Motherwell FC is today delighted to confirm exciting winger Dom Thomas has put pen to paper on a new three-and-a-half year contract.

Thomas is one of the country’s brightest young talents and one of the most exciting to emerge from the club’s Elite Academy in several years.

After eighteen months of attention-grabbing performances for the Under 20s, Ian Baraclough gave the skillful attacker his first-team debut at the tail end of 2014 at St Mirren Park.

And he has made some telling contributions already, including an impressive home debut against Aberdeen and a delightful assist against St Johnstone in late January to rescue a point.

The 19-year old has an old-fashioned, direct style with an uncanny ability to go past players, leading to chances and goals, which has got supporters excited by his emergence in recent months.

He has now committed his long-term future to the club with a contract that will run until the summer of 2018.

[pullquote]I am really pleased Dom has extended his contract with the club as he has the potential to be an excellent footballer.[/pullquote]

Speaking to motherwellfc.co.uk, Ian Baraclough said: “I am really pleased Dom has extended his contract with the club as he has the potential to be an excellent footballer.

“He’s still young and learning but his raw talent and enthusiasm for the game is infectious. We are being careful about how we use him at the moment, but there is no doubt he has it within himself to go and play at the very top level.

“From the club’s point of view, this is the second young talent we have managed to secure on a long-term deal this week.

“It’s front and centre of our strategy to not only recruit tangible assets from elsewhere, but to produce them through the Academy and ensure we get proper value from them both when they wear our colours, but when we trade them on.

“I look forward to working with Dom and others over the coming weeks, months and years.”

Motherwell FC is pleased to confirm the first batch of Tunnel Tiles have now been installed at Fir Park.

In the final few moments before a crucial game, footballers face a tense wait as they psyche themselves up for the 90 minutes of battle ahead.

Now the Steelmen have some extra help achieving a winning frame of mind – with the first phase of the inspirational wall of support and memory unveiled in the tunnel for last weekend’s game with Inverness CT.

Amongst other improvements, the plan will see the drab walls of the current passage leading from the dressing room to the pitch transformed in to a motivational tile mosaic featuring messages of support or memories of fans past and present.

Each white tile will be 25x20cm in size and will carry your own personal message or memory (A maximum of four rows, with a 16 character limit per row) and the Motherwell logo, carved in claret for all time.

You’ll also receive your official certificate of authenticity at the point of sale, followed by a letter offering a choice of dates for you to come along and visit the tunnel to see your special message in place.

The price for this memento is just £25! The next batch will also sit adjacent to a large, granite based Phil O’Donnell Tribute that will form the centrepiece of the new tunnel.

If you want to be amongst that and add your special mention in the tunnel, contact us on 01698 333333, commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk or buy online now by clicking the link below.

Player shirt sponsorships are available for each of the new signings from now until the end of Season 14-15.

Player Sponsorship is a fantastic opportunity for you, your company, sports club or children to show their support for a particular first team player.

As a player sponsor, your name or company name will be listed in the ‘Steelmen Matchday Magazine’ for the remainder of the season – ideal exposure for any small business.

At the end of the campaign, you will be invited to the annual sponsor’s event, where you can meet the squad and enjoy a three course meal with your table hosted by one of our first team players.

Shirt presentations will take place at the event and we can look forward to an overview of the season from the management and team, as well as entertainment from a guest speaker.

For more information or to sponsor a player please contact Diane  on 01698 333333 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk. Please note prices below are inclusive of VAT.

What’s still available for 2014/15?

HOME (£150):

• Stephen Robinson
• Mark O’Brien
• Marvin Johnson
• Anthony Straker
• Louis Laing

AWAY (£150):

• Stephen Robinson
• George Long
• Mark O’Brien
• Marvin Johnson
• Anthony Straker
• Louis Laing
• Nathan Thomas

Kilmarnock visit Fir Park  on Saturday and we are putting on a fantastic lunch menu in our hospitality suites.

It’s on a Saturday and it’s a 3pm kick off so an idea opportunity to combine a lovely afternoon meal with a game.

The Suites are already filling fast so it is sure to be an great atmosphere.

All hospitality packages include your match ticket, programme, team sheet and half time tea.

A Former player will host the afternoon with your chance to meet first team players and club staff whilst enjoying your afternoon’s football .

On the menu will be:

Soup
Scotch Broth
Served with continental roll & butter

*********

Main course
Stuffed Crusted Chicken
Served with a tomato jus

*********

Sweet

White Chocolate & Raspberry brulee cheesecake
Served with fresh cream

Tea coffee & mints

You have a choice of three packages:

• Centenary Claret: Arriving at 1pm prompt for meal. Full service with access to a pay bar till kick off and then again for an hour post match. All this in the comfort of our Centenary Lounge. Book now from only £60 for an adult and £45 for a child under 16.
• Centenary Amber: Arriving at 1pm prompt for meal. Full table service with complimentary bar and then again for an hour post match. All this in the comfort of our Centenary Lounge. Book now from only £99 for an adult and £55 for a child under 16.
• Millennium Ticket: Enjoy a lighter bite with a complimentary bar for one-hour pre & post. Soup pre-match and half time refreshments, team sheet, match day programme for only £70 for an adult and £35 for a child under 16.

Remember, Season Ticket holders can upgrade to hospitality for just £25.

If you would like to book a place at our fantastic Hospitality Lunch, please phone Jennifer Reston on 01698 338 008 or email jennifer.reston@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Conor Grant hopes to be the latest on loan Evertonian to kick-start his career whilst at Fir Park.

The 19-year old has made an impressive introduction to life in Scottish football, scoring once and setting up two in his opening three matches.

And the midfielder knows he isn’t the first Toffee to ply his trade on loan at Fir Park either.

Lukas Jutkiewicz and John Ruddy were both extremely successful recent examples; John Spencer also made a huge impact whilst on loan from Goodison Park back in the late 1990s.

The youngster knows he treading a well-walked, successful line, but hopes he can maintain similar standards, helping ‘Well out of trouble whilst progressing his career with his parent club.

[pullquote]“I knew players had come to Motherwell and done well and progressed their career, so I looked at this as a good chance for me to come up and show what I can do.[/pullquote]

Speaking to the broadcast media ahead of this weekend’s match against Kilmarnock at Fir Park, Grant said: “I knew players had come to Motherwell and done well and progressed their career, so I looked at this as a good chance for me to come up and show what I can do.

“This is the first opportunity I’ve had to come out, and I want to take everything out of it that I can. It’s even the first time I’ve been away from home, so it’s a great experience for me.

“I’m learning all the time. I’ve loved every minute of it so far; the best way to describe it is ‘real’. This is the next stage for me, playing senior professional football under pressure. Obviously we lost the first two games but I felt we’ve shown signs of improvement and to win at the weekend was brilliant.

“We’ve got to take confidence from that and kick on now.”

Motherwell FC can today confirm Faroese goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen has left the club by mutual consent.

The 28-year old former Blackburn and Man City stopper was in his second spell at Fir Park, signing in the summer of 2013. He leaves having made 23 starts for the Steelmen.

Everyone at the club would like to thank Gunnar for his contribution and wish him every success in his future career.