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  • Archive

    This weekend’s ‘Signing Zone’

  • Archive

    Motherwell v Hamilton: A closer look

  • Archive

    Topps launches all-new SPFL Match Attax

  • Archive

    Hamilton matchday magazine preview

  • Archive

    Lucas: Focused on my game

  • Archive

    McGhee: Derby clash is massive

  • Archive

    Collum in charge of Lanarkshire derby

  • Archive

    Save well with Utilita Energy

  • Archive

    Tait helps launch Match Attax collection

  • Archive

    Lucas signs for the Steelmen

  • Archive

    This weekend’s ‘Signing Zone’

    The club’s pre-match ‘Signing Zone’ continues this week prior to the Hamilton Premiership fixture at Fir Park. 

    And for the fans, it provides an opportunity to meet summer signing Luka Belic, who has arrived on a loan deal from West Ham, and defender David Ferguson.

    So why not come to Fir Park a little earlier before tomorrow’s Lanarkshire derby, where both players will be in The Well Shop’s ‘Signing Zone’ from 12.45pm until 1.15pm, to meet fans, sign autographs and pose for selfies.

    Each week, two different players will take their seats as the season progresses as part of the developing fan engagement programme here at Fir Park.

    Share your pics on twitter  @motherwellfc using #MFCSigningZone or facebook.com/motherwellfc

    The club shop is situated at the Cooper Stand and is open from 9.30am.

  • Archive

    Motherwell v Hamilton: A closer look

    Motherwell host Hamilton Academical in the first Lanarkshire derby of the 2016/17 season tomorrow.

    The fixture comes at a time when the rivals next to one another in the Premiership table, with Accies in 9th and the Steelmen in 8th, joint on five points.

    The derby clash is a big occasion for ‘Well fans and Hamilton supporters alike, but for Mark McGhee, Saturday’s fixture presents an opportunity for his side to spring into form following a number of new arrivals and the return of some key players from injury.

    Speaking to the press yesterday, McGhee described Saturday’s clash as a measure for the season ahead.

    He said: “This is our local derby and it’s hugely important to our supporters.

    “It’s a game when suddenly there’s more supporters than the 4,000 that turn up here every Saturday and that’s because everybody in the local area is a

    Motherwell or Hamilton supporter in some shape or form and of course there’s the traditional bragging rights to that.”

    He added: “It’s a massive game and it’s also a game against a team who I would presume or expect to be at the same level as us.

    “Therefore we’re going to be competing with Hamilton and teams like that around us in our mission to get in to the top six.

    “It’s an opportunity for us to get a measure on how likely that is to pan out.

    “If we can get one over Hamilton here at Fir Park, it puts us in a good frame of mind for the season ahead.”

    The last time the Fir Parkers took on their rivals, a solitary strike from Louis Laing, who has recently moved to Notts County on loan, was enough to secure all three points for the ‘Well at New Douglas Park.

    While it’s been a tough place for the Steelmen to visit in recent years, the story has been different at home, with a number of high scoring league games over the past few seasons, including a 4-0 home win for the Fir Parkers back in March 2015.

    But as with most derbies, it can often be a tough one to call, with both sides notching impressive wins over the seasons.

    Saturday’s fixture will be no different, with both sides hungry to add three points to the board.

     

    Last seasons top scorer Louis Moult recovering from injury is a huge boost for manager Mark McGhee.

    His return would be massively significant for any Motherwell fixture this season, let alone the all-important Lanarkshire derby.

    Stepping off the bench last weekend and converting from the penalty spot to level proceedings at the Global Energy Stadium was the mark of the strikers hard work and determination to come back from an arduous injury spell.

    This weekend’s big match could be Moult’s first start since returning to full fitness, making him the one to watch this week.

    “It’s great to be back and to get a goal on my return” the forward said; “but ultimately I’m disappointed that we didn’t get the three points last weekend.

    “I thought we did well on the whole and it actually became a bit more difficult for us when they went down to ten due to the way they had to alter their shape.”

    Last Saturday was the end to Moult’s injury lay-off, and the Englishman admitted it was tough being out of action.

    He said: “It was frustrating for me to have to sit on the side-lines, but in a way it came at a good time with the extra week given to us from the international break.

    “It was important that we didn’t rush back and now I’ve managed to gain more fitness now because of that extra week.

    “I’ve had two full weeks of training before the game tomorrow, so I like to think I’m ready and I know that I’m raring to go.”

    The Englishman got a good taste of the Lanarkshire Derby last season and is glad he’s back for Saturday’s game.

    He said: “I’m looking forward to it tomorrow, I’ve just come back to the team last week so I know I’m not guaranteed to start.”

    “Having played in this fixture last season I know what the atmosphere is like. We managed to get a good result at their place and we should have won here as well but they managed to get a last-minute penalty, so it would be nice to go out there and get the win tomorrow.”

     

    Hamilton Accies don’t need much of an introduction to ‘Well fans, with the Lanarkshire Derby a standout in the fixture list for both sets of supporters.

    Since Hamilton’s promotion to the top flight in the 2008/09 season, the rivalry has intensified – with tomorrow’s visitors recording 35 wins in 120 league clashes.

    For Martin Canning and assistant Guillaume Beuzelin, it’s their third trip to Fir Park since they took charge at Hamilton back in January 2015.

    Their first visit ended with the Steelmen notching a 4-0 victory in front of a jubilant home support.

    However, the next time the duo came to the home of the Steelmen, the outcome ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

    The club and the current management team have been involved in some hugely positive results on their own patch though, with few ‘Well supporters needing a reminder of the 5-0 loss to today’s visitors back on New Year’s day 2015.

    It’s been a mixed start to the season for tomorrow’s visitors, who currently occupy ninth spot in the table.

    Three goals in the final 20 minutes saw Hamilton surrender a one-goal lead to lose 3-1 away to Hearts last week.

    Ali Crawford, who converted Grant Gillespie’s driven cross to give Accies a lead at Tynecastle, is perhaps Hamilton’s biggest threat to the Fir Parkers tomorrow.

    The season got off to an encouraging start for Accies, with a daunting trip to Ibrox the first fixture of the season for the club.

    If it weren’t for Martyn Waghorn’s strike on the hour mark, Martin Canning’s side would have left Glasgow with all three points.

    A draw was a hugely positive start to the campaign though, and with a few mixed results after that, the Accies now find themselves in ninth place – level on points with the Steelmen in eighth.

    The club had a busy summer window, securing a number of signings including Georgios Sarris from the Turkish leagues and Danny Seabourne from Partick Thistle.

    One of the big signings was the arrival of ex-AC Milan and Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati, who penned a one-year deal with the club.

    The 35-year-old has made eight appearances for the Accies so far this season, scoring in the 3-0 League Cup clash with St Mirren.

    The Italian defensive-midfielder, who arrived on a free, will shore up the Hamilton midfield this season and could prove to be a shrewd signing for tomorrow’s visitors.

    The club will be hoping to have another successful season and maintain their Premiership status this term.

     

  • Archive

    Topps launches all-new SPFL Match Attax

    Good news Motherwell fans – Topps Match Attax all-new Scottish Premiership 2016-17 collection lands in shops today!

    Well fans of all ages can get involved in this year’s collection, which features all-new card types and all your favourite Motherwell players.

    Available now, Topps Match Attax, the world’s most successful football trading card game, offers fans of all ages a fun-filled addition to the new SPFL season. Featuring all of Scotland’s Premiership and Championship clubs, there are over 300 cards to collect including ‘star players’, ‘rising stars’, ‘top-rated man of the match’, ‘awesome penalty takers’ plus 100 club cards.

    This year’s collection also boasts more limited edition cards than ever before, and a guaranteed shiny card in every pack!

    “SPFL Match Attax is continuing to grow in popularity year on year, and our latest SPFL edition trading card game promises to be a huge hit with our collectors,” said Steve Conner, National Sales Manager at Topps.

    “The new collection is bigger and better than before, with even more new cards to collect, giving fans the opportunity to play a fresh, new version of SPFL Match Attax.”

    There are 336 cards to collect, including brand new ‘rising star’, ‘awesome penalty takers’ and ‘star players’ cards to enhance gameplay.

    The SPFL Match Attax Starter Pack retails at £4.99 and includes a collector binder, A2 play pitch a game guide, and a six card packet containing an exclusive gold limited edition card. A packet of nine cards will be £1 for collectors.

    There is also the SPFL Match Attax Collector’s Tin available, retailing at £5.99, with 45 cards including a bronze, silver or gold limited edition card, all packaged in a mini tin to keep collections safe and travel handy!

    Get the latest news and updates by following @toppsmatchattax on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat!

  • Archive

    Hamilton matchday magazine preview

    The fifth issue of the Steelmen match day magazine is on sale ahead of Saturday’s Lanarkshire derby at Fir Park.

    What can be found inside the 68-page programme?

    The highly anticipated return to fitness of last season’s top scorer Louis Moult was marked with a goal last weekend. The Englishman is this week’s feature-interview, where he discusses his journey back from injury, the atmosphere during a derby match and his aims for the season ahead.

    Along with the regular pre-match column from manager Mark McGhee and club captain Keith Lasley are new features including ‘Goal Zone’, ‘5 Fast Facts’, ‘Picture of the Week’ and ‘Getting to Know You’ – where goalkeeper Craig Samson is profiled.

    As part of the clubs aims to work closely with the Motherwell FC Community Trust and The ‘Well Society, the regular updates from Dawn Middleton at the Trust and Craig Hughes at the Society remain in the latest Steelmen programme.

    This week’s main features include a look at opponents and rivals Hamilton and a continuation of last season’s A-Z piece, where we arrive on the letter W. Jock Wallace and Mickey Weir are included in the insightful piece by Andy Paterson.

    Our match reports section looks back on the Fir Parkers long trip north to Dingwall, where McGhee’s side came away with a well-earned point.

    An update on Stephen Craigan’s U20s side is included too, reporting on the youngster’s results against Aberdeen, Hibs and Dundee United.

    Get all the latest from the Ticket Office as well as an in-depth look at tomorrow’s match-officials.

    All this and more is available for £3 and is 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 subscription to the magazine for the rest of the season by visiting the website of our publishers, Curtis-Sports.

  • Archive

    Lucas: Focused on my game

    New signing Lee Lucas is ready to focus solely on his football now that his contract and injury worries are behind him.

    The 24-year-old Welshman spoke to the press this morning for the first time since penning a short-term deal with the club.

    And he was in good spirits ahead of this weekend’s Lanarkshire derby, with the player admitting he is delighted to be able to focus on the matches ahead with no other concerns.

    [pullquote]I’m staying now so I can just focus on my football; go in to training every day knowing that I’ll be here till January and possibly longer.[/pullquote]

    He said: “It has dragged on a little bit considering I’ve been here since the second week of pre-season but I’m delighted now that it’s all sorted.

    “I’m staying now so I can just focus on my football; go in to training every day knowing that I’ll be here till January and possibly longer.”

    Speaking about his previous injury worries, Lucas said: “The past two years at Swansea were a nightmare for me injury wise, but I came here at the start of pre-season and I felt ready and good so to get that slight setback was frustrating.”

    He added: “To be fully fit now and to be in training with the boys and feeling good and feeling strong, I’m just delighted to be honest and I’m looking forward to the games ahead and to staying fit too hopefully. “

    [pullquote]I came here at the start of pre-season and I felt ready and good so to get that slight setback was frustrating.[/pullquote]

    It is a sign of the type of player and professional that Motherwell have signed, as the midfielder took a risk, committed himself to the club and was rewarded with a contract.

    He said: “I came here to prove myself and my fitness and I think that was the major doubt at the start really.

    “We had a good pre-season, I signed a temporary contract so I could play in those League Cup games which allowed the manager to look at me more and see me in that environment and those games.”

  • Archive

    McGhee: Derby clash is massive

    ‘Well boss Mark McGhee knows that a good result in the Lanarkshire derby this weekend will put his side in a positive frame of mind.

    Ahead of this weekends crunch match with local rivals Hamilton, the manager was in good spirits ahead of what he expects to be a tightly contested fixture.

    Speaking to the press this morning, McGhee described Saturday’s clash as a measure for the season ahead.

    He said: “This is our local derby and it’s hugely important to our supporters.

    “It’s a game when suddenly there’s more supporters than the 4,000 that turn up here every Saturday and that’s because everybody in the local area is a

    Motherwell or Hamilton supporter in some shape or form and of course there’s the traditional bragging rights to that.”

    [pullquote]It’s a massive game and it’s also a game against a team who I would presume or expect to be at the same level as us.[/pullquote]

    He added: “It’s a massive game and it’s also a game against a team who I would presume or expect to be at the same level as us.

    “Therefore we’re going to be competing with Hamilton and teams like that around us in our mission to get into the top six.

    “It’s an opportunity for us to get a measure on how likely that is to pan out.

    “If we can get one over Hamilton here at Fir Park, it puts us in a good frame of mind for the season ahead.”

    The Fir Parkers boss was asked about the latest addition to his squad, Lee Lucas, and he was confident the Welshman will make for a good addition to the team.

    He said: “Lucas is a different type of midfielder from the others, he’s more of a footballer, more creative and we needed someone in there like that.

    [pullquote]Lucas is a different type of midfielder from the others, he’s more of a footballer, more creative and we needed someone in there like that.[/pullquote]

    “He’s a different option or he can play alongside Lasley, Clay and also Carl McHugh when he comes back and Lee can just change the balance of it a wee bit.”

    The midfielder has been with the club since the start of pre-season, and McGhee was suitably impressed with the 24-year-old.

    He said: “He’s shown up well and he was unlucky to get injured and put back down the pecking order but he stuck with it and he’s proved that over and over in training with his attitude and he’s popular among the other boys.

    “He’ll be a good addition for us.”

    On injured, summer signing Carl McHugh, McGhee shed some light on his progress.

    He said: “Carl called Alan Burrows yesterday and he said he’s starting to feel better which is good, not right yet, but he’s on the mend so that’s a positive because it’s a nasty thing he’s got.”

  • Archive

    Collum in charge of Lanarkshire derby

    Referee for Saturday’s Lanarkshire derby clash with Hamilton here at Fir Park is the experienced Willie Collum.

    One of Europe’s most recognisable officials, Willie will be handling his first ‘Well fixture of the campaign, after taking charge on three occasions last term.

    The last time he took charge in a Motherwell fixture was here at Fir Park, when Celtic clinched a 2-1 victory on a day when the Steelmen put in a sound display.

    The other two fixtures also ended in 1-2 home defeats. The first was at the hands of Aberdeen when Marvin Johnson’s early opener was cancelled out by Niall McGinn and Ash Taylor.

    The second, at the end of January, ended with Ross County taking the points to Dingwall when Stephen Pearson’s late goal wasn’t enough to earn the Fir Parkers anything after Jackson Irvine and Brian Graham had put the Staggies into a commanding lead.

    Those results are on the back of the six he took charge of in the 2014/15 campaign too.

    His overall record in charge of the Steelmen reads nine wins, eighteen defeats and seven draws from thirty-four matches (in all competitions).

    In those games, Motherwell have scored 46 and conceded 62.

    71 players have gone into the book, 33 wearing Claret and Amber, while six players have been dismissed – Ian Murray of Hibs at Easter Road seven years back, Jerard Aafjes at Falkirk seven seasons ago, Paul Dixon at the end of 2009/10, Henrik Ojamaa at the Caledonian Stadium and Fraser Kerr down at Rugby Park. Stephen McManus was shown a red card against Aberdeen but that was later rescinded after an appeal and Louis Laing was given his marching orders last January on his Fir Park debut.

    Willie will be assisted by Kylie McMullan and Anthony Cooper with Colin Steven listed as fourth official.

  • Archive

    Save well with Utilita Energy

    Motherwell FC can today announce that Utilita Energy are the Official Energy Partner of the club for the 2016/17 season.

    The club will work with Utilita Energy to highlight its outstanding products and services.

    One of those services is its long-term commitment to be cheaper than the Big Six energy suppliers.

    Utilita will also offer free smarter meters for every customer, installed in less than half the industry standard.

    As part of the deal, every ‘Well fan who switches to Utilita Energy will also receive a £25 voucher to be redeemed at the Motherwell FC Club Store.

    Free Limited Edition Motherwell FC-branded In-Home Display covers will also be available later in the season.

    [pullquote]The club have some great ideas and have been so welcoming to us – now we look forward to working with them to engage with Motherwell FC fans in North Lanarkshire and beyond.[/pullquote]

    Last season, Utilita Energy was the Official Presenting Partner of the Scottish League Cup and has further underlined its commitment to Scottish football with this exciting deal.

    Only last week, Utilita Energy welcomed its 400,000th customer and expects to reach half a million in early 2017.

    Jem Maidment, Utilita Energy’s Head of Communications said: “These are exciting times for Utilita Energy as we continue to grow – and Motherwell FC can significantly help us on our journey.

    “The club have some great ideas and have been so welcoming to us – now we look forward to working with them to engage with Motherwell FC fans in North Lanarkshire and beyond.”

    Alan Burrows, ‎Chief Operating Officer at Motherwell Football Club, commented: “We at Motherwell FC are delighted to welcome Utilita Energy to the club as our Official Energy Partner.

    “Utilita Energy understand football and the connection clubs have with their supporters, and in developing this fantastic offer our fans can save money by switching their supply to them while benefitting from a £25 voucher that can be spent in the club shop.”

    Motherwell fans can sign up NOW. Just go to utilita.co.uk/motherwell-fc and type in the promo code ‘MOTHERWELL’ when switching – or call 0345 206 8777 and quote ‘MOTHERWELL’.

  • Archive

    Tait helps launch Match Attax collection

    Topps, the UK’s leading collectibles company, today showcased their new SPFL Match Attax 2016-17 trading card game collection with the support of ‘Well defender Richard Tait.

    Available now, Topps Match Attax, the world’s most successful football trading card game, offers fans of all ages a fun-filled addition to the new SPFL season. Featuring all of Scotland’s Premiership and Championship clubs, there are over 300 cards to collect including ‘star players’, ‘rising stars’, ‘top-rated man of the match’, ‘awesome penalty takers’ plus 100 club cards.

    This year’s collection also boasts more limited edition cards than ever before, and a guaranteed shiny card in every pack!

    Steve Conner, National Sales Manager at Topps, said: “SPFL Match Attax is continuing to grow in popularity year on year, and our latest SPFL edition trading card game promises to be a huge hit with our collectors. We’re delighted to have the support of the clubs here today, all of which feature in this year’s collection.

    [pullquote]The new collection is bigger and better than before, with even more new cards to collect, giving fans the opportunity to play a fresh, new version of SPFL Match Attax.”[/pullquote]

    There are 336 cards to collect, including brand new ‘rising star’, ‘awesome penalty takers’ and ‘star players’ cards to enhance gameplay.

    The SPFL Match Attax Starter Pack retails at £4.99 and includes a collector binder, A2 play pitch a game guide, and a six card packet containing an exclusive gold limited edition card. A packet of nine cards will be £1 for collectors.

    There is also the SPFL Match Attax Collector’s Tin available, retailing at £5.99, with 45 cards including a bronze, silver or gold limited edition card, all packaged in a mini tin to keep collections safe and travel handy!

    Get the latest news and updates by following @toppsmatchattax on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat!

    Read more at at the SPFL website here.

  • Archive

    Lucas signs for the Steelmen

    Motherwell FC is today delighted to announce that midfielder Lee Lucas has signed a short-term deal with the club.

    The former Swansea man has been with the club through the summer on a trial with a view to impress the manager.

    And impress he did, as the 24-year-old penned a deal that keeps him with the Fir Parkers until January – with potential for the deal to be extended.

    Well boss Mark McGhee said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to sign Lee – he’ll be a valuable addition to our squad.

    [pullquote]We look forward to continuing to work with Lee for the duration of his contract and hopefully beyond.[/pullquote]

    “As we’ve seen in recent weeks, injuries can hit at any point and Lee adds depth to the squad as well as bringing real ability and a great option. He is a technical midfielder, a good passer; a little different to what we have.”

    Lucas himself said: “I’m delighted – I’ve been here a while now so it’s nice to get it sorted now and just concentrate on my football, help out the team and I just can’t wait to get involved.”

    He added: “It’s been great here so far, the boys have been brilliant from day one and they helped me settle in straight away.

    “Now that the contract is all sorted and done, I can just focus on my football and enjoy my time here even more.”