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Motherwell head south down the M74 to take on Annan as the Betfred Cup Group stages continue apace.

And the Steelmen will face their first ever competitive fixture at Galabank without the services of last season’s top scorer Louis Moult, who will go under the knife to correct a historic groin complaint.

But there is a boost as captain Keith Lasley returns from suspension and is available for selection.

The second Group F fixture in the Betfred League Cup comes with added importance due to the defeat to Rangers last weekend, but McGhee is feeling confident.

The Steelmen were given a confidence boost ahead of tomorrow’s match in the shape of Aussie forward Scott McDonald.

And the gaffer added: “We’ve got Louis missing out but thankfully everything surrounding Scott McDonald’s future has been resolved.

“What happened was we opened the door for Scott, in a sense, and said ‘if this is what you want and it’s important for you and your family then we’ve got to accept that that’s what you’re going to do’.

“But, then we gave him our arguments and told him why we hoped he wouldn’t go and out of all of that, Scott and ourselves decided that he was staying.”

He added: “We don’t have a player who was barred from going where he was planning to or anything like that.

“I’ve always had a good relationship with Scott and I think having went through that process now and taking the attitude we did, our relationship is even better.”

In games against lower-league opposition, goalkeepers always play a pivotal role and that will be the case on Saturday.

Craig Samson was given the nod last weekend against Rangers and produced one or two vital blocks and it’s that level of concentration that will be vital tomorrow.

The 32-year old has over 300 career games and that experience will be vital as he aims to retain the number one shirt, with former Inverness Caley stopper Dean Brill breathing down his neck.

“I spoke to the manager at the end of the season and said if he was going to bring someone else in on loan, it probably wouldn’t have been for me,” Samson admitted. “I would rather have gone to play somewhere.

“But knowing he was bringing another goalkeeper in permanently, then that’s when you know you are fighting for a place.

“I want to play. I am not here to sit on the bench. People last year maybe thought I was happy just sitting there but you are not, you want to play every game, and this is a big year for me. I want to do well and push on in my career again.”

Ahead of Saturday’s fixture, the former Scotland squad stopper said: “We’re all just gelling together at the moment and going in to competitive games early is helping us gel even quicker.

“Last Saturday was a good test for us to start and it’s one we felt we could’ve won.

“We’ve got to go and win the next three games now, the manager’s told us that after the game – he made it clear.”

Saturday’s opponents Annan have a much-changed squad from last season, with Jim Chapman having to bring some new faces in to make up for the departures.

And the League Two side impressed against Rangers on Tuesday night, despite losing 2-0 at Ibrox.

The Galabankies held their own in front of a crowd of over 30,000, with the deadlock being broken from a long range wonder-goal.

And, on their own patch, they will once again fancy causing an upset against a Premiership side, having seen off Hamilton Accies in the Scottish Cup last year.

There is a Motherwell link in the squad, with former Under 19s midfielder Adam Asghar playing a pivotal role for the Borderers.

Although never making the breakthrough into the Fir Park first-team, Asghar played a significant part in the then Gordon Young squad. The 21-year old has also had loan spells at Dumbarton and East Stirlingshire and a short tenure at Alloa.

Boss Jim Chapman also has three Frenchman at his disposal, with Raffi Krissian, Jean Guy Lucan and Tony Ribiero as well as former St Mirren striker Lewis Guy.

Ticket prices

There are approximately 450 tickets left that Annan will sell on the gate at Galabank priced at:

Adult: £12

Youth (under 16) – £6

Student – £6

Over 65 – £6

Other Fan information points:

• Any disabled supporters will be accommodated in the designated disabled area. Any away support requiring to use the areas designated for disabled should make their way to the home entry area and they will be escorted from there to the designated areas.
• The MUGGA car park will be available for general parking.
• Any Motherwell support that can produce a valid ticket will be allowed entry to the Club bar area.

Goalkeeper Craig Samson insists that Motherwell must win their remaining three fixtures in the BetFred League Cup.

And with Annan Athletic up next on Saturday, the stopper hopes he will retain his spot in nets.

Speaking to the press on Thursday, he said: “It’s good to get the first game of the season under my belt.

“We’ve had a good pre-season so far and it’s still on-going, with Dean Brill coming in the two of us have had to impress the manager and luckily for me he picked me on Saturday – and its up to me to stay in the team.”

He added: “Every player wants to play but it’s different for a goalkeeper – you won’t get 10 minutes here to impress, 15 minutes there; you’ve got to sit and bide your time and take advantage when you get the chance.”

Ahead of Saturday’s fixture, the 32-year-old said: “We’re all just gelling together at the moment and going in to competitive games early is helping us gel even quicker.

He added: “Saturday was a good test for us to start and it’s one we felt we could’ve won.

“We’ve got to go and win the next three games now, the manager’s told us that after the game – he made it clear.”

The referee for Saturday’s BetFred League Cup group stage match against Annan Athletic at Galabank will be Nick Walsh.

The young official took charge of his first Premiership game last season – a 1-0 victory for Ross County at home to Partick Thistle.

However, in his days as a fourth official, Walsh has some history with the Steelmen.

In a defeat to Aberdeen, Walsh sent McGhee to the stands which resulted in a one match ban for the manager.

He also intervened with the referee’s decision to book captain Keith Lasley, instead ensuring that the referee issued a red-card instead.

Saturday’s assistants are Frank Connor and Ross Haswell.

‘Well boss Mark McGhee believes the clubs relationship is stronger with striker Scott McDonald due to the way his potential transfer was handled.

Speaking to the press this morning, McGhee addressed the issue and referred to McDonald as a huge help both on and off the pitch.

The Aussie was heavily linked with a move away from the Steelmen just two weeks after signing a new contract – with an Australian A League Club making a bid for the forward.

And despite the situation becoming potentially difficult, McGhee claimed that everyone involved handled it expertly.

He said: “Scott was a huge part of our performances last year and I’ve put a lot at stake in terms with how the team’s going to shape up around him this year – to lose him now would be catastrophic to the start of the season.

“It wasn’t a straightforward transfer – it was about his life and his family; big issues that we had to respect.”

He added: “What’s happened was we opened the door for Scott, in a sense, and said ‘if this is what you want and it’s important for you and your family then we’ve got to accept that that’s what you’re going to do’.

“But, then we gave him our arguments and told him why we hoped he wouldn’t go and out of all of that, Scott and ourselves decided that he was staying.”

McGhee went on to explain that this did not cause any problems and has not led to a volatile working atmosphere with the player.

He said: “We don’t have a player who was barred from going where he was planning to or anything like that.

“I’ve always had a good relationship with Scott and I think having went through that process now and taking the attitude we did, our relationship is even better.”

The ‘Well boss also highlighted the need for Scott McDonald to stay due to other injury concerns.

He said: “With Louis Moult about to undergo surgery and Jacob Blyth having endured a stuttering start with a few niggling injuries he’s had, we could have potentially been going to Annan with no strikers on Saturday.”

The Steelmen have been given a boost with the return of captain Keith Lasley ahead of Saturday’s match.

Motherwell FC can this morning confirm an offer from an Australian A League Club for Scott McDonald has been rejected.

Whilst no official bid was received until around 12 noon AEST today (3am UK), ‘Well boss Mark McGhee and Chief Operating Officer Alan Burrows spoke at length with the player yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon and a positive consensus was reached, meaning Scott will remain a Motherwell FC player for at least one more season.

‘Well boss Mark McGhee said: “Scott is an extremely important part of our plans as we believe he is one of the very best strikers in the country.

[pullquote]Scott is an extremely important part of our plans as we believe he is one of the very best strikers in the country.[/pullquote]

“Alan Burrows and I chatted with the player for some time on Wednesday and there was a lot of common ground. It’s obvious Scott has a deep affinity for the club and wants to try and help us in this new season.

“The actual interest came fairly out the blue and the prospect of a return home is obviously intriguing for anyone in that scenario, however, it was also clear he still feels there is unfinished business in the SPFL, which was great for us.

“That meant, when an official did eventually come in during the night, it was a fairly simple one for us to politely reject.”

Motherwell FC can today confirm that Craig Moore has completed his loan move and has re-joined Ayr United for the 2016/17 season.

The 21-year-old forward enjoyed a positive season in League One with Ian McCall’s side as the club secured promotion to the Championship.

[pullquote]We think Craig’s a great player, but he won’t be getting much game time here with us.[/pullquote]

‘Well boss Mark McGhee said: “We think Craig’s a great player, but the way things have worked, we need to be a little clever with our budgets.

“It’s about him getting as much game time as possible and we’ll see where he is come December. We have a call-back option in January, so that gives us some flexibility.”

 Follow ‘Dibsy’ on Twitter 

Mark Kirk has recently been appointed his first managerial post in the Women’s game as he takes over at the helm of Motherwell LFC.

Mark comes to the club with an array of experience already behind him having been involved in coaching roles at not only Rangers and Hamilton Ladies, but also at East Kilbride FC in the Lowland league.

The new boss is eager to make an impression and already has his sights set on league silverware! Let’s meet the new man in charge.

Name: Mark Kirk

Age: 28

Newly appointed position within the club:

Head Coach at first team Ladies squad.

How did you get involved at the club:

I’ve been involved in the game now a long time and when this post came up, it seemed too good an opportunity to miss. I’ve been really grateful for all I have learned from those I have worked with in the past, but I’m ready for a new challenge and so, here I am!

How many years have you been coaching:

In all, I have been coaching 10 years and working at various levels from children to adults, both male and female.

Previous coaching roles:

In Women’s football I have worked with Rangers and Hamilton Accies Ladies teams as a reserve head coach and assistant to the first team. In that time I also managed EKFC amateurs providing pathway for the lowland league side. I have really enjoyed what I have done so far but I am excited for the challenges that lay ahead.

Were you involved as a player before taking on a managerial role at Motherwell FC:

Yes, I have been lucky enough to have played for many years, often against the likes of Motherwell in my youth! (Which seems a long time ago now!) I really enjoyed my time as a player but my passion for coaching and management is what drives me now.

Have you always had an interest in Women’s football:

Yes. I had been introduced to woman’s football 8 years ago by Kevin Murphy. At that time Kevin was Manager at Hamilton Accies LFC but is now in charge at Rangers Ladies. He asked me to deliver a few sessions at Hamilton and my interest has grown ever since.

Are you impressed with the level of ability within the Scottish women’s game:

From my time in Women’s football I have been very impressed with the ability and strides in the game. I believe the level of ability will continue to increase due to girls having more opportunities now to play. I know I have inherited a squad with an abundance of talent and I am already looking forward to what we can achieve together in the future.

What impresses you the most about the set up at Motherwell FC:

The club is fantastic. The vision and plans for the future are inspiring. The size of the club for me is key and the full pathway and how hard they work in the community is second to none.

What inspired you to accept the managerial role at the Women’s first team:

I’ve seen the ladies play many times and that was enough to get my attention. The potential is endless. I think for me, the ambition, desire and drive of everyone involved to get this team to the level they want to be competing at is inspiring.

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

I will be responsible for managing team selection, tactics, training and matches.

I will also be keeping a close eye on development to make sure we have players coming through our pathway to our first team. My vision is to continue to develop and strengthen a healthy positive and high performance culture at the club.

What qualities do you look for in a player:

I think for me, good work rate, attitude and personal traits are the top 3.

You have inherited a talented and experienced squad who are already half way through their competitive season and going strong…some may say a managers dream! What are you looking forward to the most working with this squad?

I find it a unique position to be joining the club mid season. The team has been performing really well in recent weeks and are going strong in the league, currently sitting on the top spot. I look forward to sharing my aspirations and ambitions with the squad very soon.

How would you describe your coaching style:

Attacking, penetrative football.

What are your aspirations for the Ladies first team:

Short term, my target is promotion to SWPL2. My long term aspiration is to be a competitive premier league club. I am aware there may be obstacles on the way, but it’s a challenge I will thrive upon.

What goals have you set for the team for the second half of the season:

I have yet to sit down with the players due to the mid-season break however it will be simply to strive for promotion.

How do you plan on achieving these goals:

For me it’s fairly simple. Players will need to demonstrate a hard work ethic at training and in games. There will be a real focus on individual and collective team performances.

What does success look like for you:

Accomplishing goals and targets set in a positive hardworking environment, starting with me, the coaching staff, the players and club together.

What are your personal aspirations as a coach:

To manage at the highest level in Scottish Women’s Football.

Thanks for the chat Mark. I know everyone at Motherwell Ladies is looking forward to working with you, all the best of luck to you and your squad in achieving your goals. I’m sure I’ll be catching up with you again at the close of season and hopefully celebrating a league promotion!

Follow Mark Kirk, new Motherwell LFC manager on Twitter @markkirk88

Follow me on twitter @dibsy_

Tickets for Motherwell’s Betfred Cup clash with Annan Athletic are still available to purchase.

As of Monday afternoon, there are approximately 600 tickets left of the 992 tickets allocated to Motherwell supporters.

Fans can get their tickets from the Fir Park ticket office priced at:

• Concessions are listed as Over 65s and Under 16s

Action images from today’s 0-2 loss to Rangers at Fir Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

[svgallery name=”rangers160716″]

‘Well boss Mark McGhee was disappointed to lose to Rangers in the BetFred League Cup today, but believed his side performed well and had the better chances.

A late strike from Martyn Waghorn put the game beyond Motherwell and denied the Fir Parkers any hopes of a bonus-point penalty shoot-out on a day when the ‘Well were extremely unlucky not to take anything from the match.

But manager Mark McGhee, despite being frustrated by the result, was impressed by his players and is encouraged heading in to the new season.

He said: “It’s a huge disappointment not getting anything from the game or at least not taking it to penalties – but the performance was good.

[pullquote]We went out there today not knowing what it would feel like but there were a lot of positives in it. [/pullquote]

“We went out there today not knowing what it would feel like but there were a lot of positives in it.

He added: “The new boys came in and did well and I was happy with that.

“But to be honest Rangers play different from us, they’re going to keep more possession but that’s not the way we play. We had the better chances than Rangers and they had the ball in front of us a lot but that didn’t trouble us and we were disciplined.

“Maybe that’s why this was a good game after all; it got us focussed.”

Joe Chalmers featured in midfield today in the absence of captain Keith Lasley, and the manager was happy with his performance.

He said: “We think Joe’s a good player, he’s got a lot of ability and he even has more than he showed today. He did a good job in there, he was disciplined and he even shaved his beard a bit more to make himself look like more of a player and I was pleased with that.

Looking ahead to Annan Athletic next Saturday, McGhee added: “It won’t be about rotation, I’ll be fielding the strongest team I can get out there to win the game against Annan.”