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  • Archive

    Craigan: We handled the game well

  • Archive

    Hearts U20s 0 – 3 Motherwell U20s

  • Archive

    Club recruit new Commercial team

  • Archive

    Supporters Direct survey launched

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

  • Archive

    St Johnstone defeat in pictures

  • Archive

    Robinson: Bitterly disappointed

  • Archive

    Motherwell 1 – 2 St Johnstone

  • Archive

    Get in the picture with Utilita Pix Angels

  • Archive

    This weekend’s ‘Signing Zone’

  • Archive

    Craigan: We handled the game well

    Under-20s boss Stephen Craigan was happy to see his side return to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Hearts tonight.

    The Northern Irishman described the comfortable win as an example of the up and down nature of football.

    Speaking to MFC TV at full-time, Craigan insisted his side can still do better.

    He said: “That’s the up and down nature of under-20s football.

    “Hearts were young tonight as well and I must say that, I’m not going to stand here and say we were amazing against a really good side or a really experienced side – they were quite young.”

    [pullquote]First and foremost we handled the game well, I thought we were comfortable at spells in the game.[/pullquote]

    He added: “First and foremost we handled the game well, I thought we were comfortable at spells in the game.

    “But sometimes when we were a little bit comfortable we became a little bit sloppy in possession.”

    You can watch Craigan’s full post-match interview on MFC TV’s YouTube channel.

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Hearts U20s 0 – 3 Motherwell U20s

    Motherwell under-20s returned to winning ways with a convincing 3-0 win over Hearts tonight.

    An early Jordan Armstrong header was followed up by a second half brace from Shea Gordon as the Steelmen dominated and deserved their win in the Development League fixture against the Edinburgh outfit.

    Manager Stephen Craigan called on senior players Jacob Blyth, Lionel Ainsworth and Russell Griffiths for the clash at Ochilview Park – whilst giving the ever-present Barry Maguire and Tom Fry a rest.

    And it was nearly Blyth who made the difference in the 12th minute – leaping high to get his head on Jake Hastie’s looping cross, only to be denied by a superb save from Hearts stopper Paul Gallacher.

    The keeper could only push it over the bar though and from the corner that followed, Hearts were punished.

    Ainsworth delivered a pinpoint cross to the free head of Jordan Armstrong who made no mistake from six yards to give the Steelmen an early lead.

    Despite dropping to the bench, Maguire didn’t get the rest he might have been expecting. The young centre-back was thrown in to the action in the 20th minute when Craigan was forced to bring off Luke Watt due to a tight hamstring.

    It took the hosts 35 minutes to register their first attempt on goal, and in truth the Steelmen were never in trouble.

    Callumn Morrison, 25 yards out, struck a powerful effort on goal but it soared comfortably over Griffiths’ crossbar.

    It summed up the first half for the home side, who barely troubled Motherwell and were lucky to be only one down going in to the break.

    The visiting ‘Well youngsters looked set to double their lead just five minutes in to the second half after Gallacher spilled Turnbull’s powerful low effort to the feet of the advancing Shea Gordon, but the linesman’s flag denied the midfielder from tapping home.

    Zidan Akers cut inside from the left flank just before the hour mark, but the Hearts man dragged his effort wide of the near post and Griffiths remained untested.

    Shortly after the hour mark, Motherwell doubled their advantage and it was a terrific goal too. A long ball was flicked on brilliantly by Blyth in to the run of Hastie and the winger, unselfishly, cut back for Gordon who stepped on to the pass to slide home and double the Fir Parkers lead.

    Just over five minutes later, Motherwell had three and it was a terrific goal too.

    Adam Livingstone’s deep cross was tucked away superbly by Gordon for his second goal of the night. The midfielder struck a side-footed volley back across goal and beyond the helpless Gallacher.

    Substitute James Scott, who replaced Blyth, skipped past his marker down the right flank but but overcooked his cross under little pressure as the game wound down.

    Craigan’s men held on to their clean sheet on a night when they were dominant and well worth all three points at a rain soaked Ochilview Park.

    Motherwell U20s: Griffiths, McMillan, Livingstone, Watt (Maguire ’20), Armstrong, Campbell, Ainsworth (Fry ’67), Turnbull, Blyth (Scott ’74), Hastie, Gordon

    Unused subs: Pain, Agyeman

  • Archive

    Club recruit new Commercial team

    Motherwell FC has completely revamped its Commercial & Hospitality Department with three recent recruits.

    Heading the new department is Suzanne Reid, who joined the club back in mid January after twelve years at Celtic FC. Suzie, a life-long ‘Well fan, was Sponsorships Manager for the Hoops for a decade, but joins on at ‘Well to lead the club’s entire commercial operation.

    Also joining is Peter Gemmell, who has taken the role of Business Development Manager. Peter has spent several years at the Scottish FA and was a focal part of the successful Business Club ran by the Association. Peter has also worked in sales for Camelot.

    Finally, Bernadette Brannan is the clubs’ new Hospitality & Events Manager. Bernadette, who has also worked for Celtic FC as well as roles in both the public and private sector, will oversee all aspects of the club’s matchday hospitality offering, as well as all MFC club events, both internal and external, as well as day delegates and conferences.

    [pullquote]I hope current, lapsed and new commercial partners, sponsors, advertisers, as well as supporters, will start to see and feel a difference.[/pullquote]

    Head of Commercial & Marketing Suzanne said: “I am delighted with the Commercial team we’re putting together at Motherwell, one focused on making significant improvements to what we offer.

    “I have spent the first six to eight weeks reviewing what we do as a club and will make positive changes wherever required. I hope current, lapsed and new commercial partners, sponsors, advertisers, as well as supporters, will start to see and feel a difference.”

    Chief Operating Officer Alan Burrows added: “I am thrilled to have attracted three members of staff with the knowledge, experience and talent that Suzanne, Peter and Bernadette possess.

    “On top of these three appointments, over the last eight months we’ve added a brilliant Fan Engagement Manager in Ryan Murrant, who has been making great progress on a number of fronts.

    “In addition, journalist Lewis Irons also joined our media team from the Galloway Gazette and Stuart Harker joined Paul Matthew in the Pitchcare Team from the gWest course in Perthshire. We’ve also made significant improvements to the Ground Maintenance and Accounts & Finance teams too, but will always look to improve in all areas.”

    To get in touch with our Commercial Team, email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk or call 01698 338008

  • Archive

    Supporters Direct survey launched

    Supporters Direct Scotland has launched its Scottish Football Supporters Survey for 2017 – with a clear message to ‘Well fans: your voice is heard.

    Officially recognised as the lead supporters group in Scotland by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and the Scottish Football Association (Scottish FA), Supporters Direct Scotland has established a formal means to engage with the game’s key decision makers and represent fans’ views.

    Outcomes from 2016 were formally presented to the Scottish FA’s Professional Game Board and the Scottish FA Congress, the latter of which includes representatives from all areas of football in Scotland.

    You can read more about the results of the 2016 survey, and the resulting “asks” by visiting www.scottishsupporters.net.

    This year’s survey covers issues that affect the national game, how football is governed and now also includes more specific club-related questions following a new consultation with supporters and clubs themselves.

    Supporters who participate can enter a free draw to win tickets to Scotland’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against England on 10 June.

    CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2017 SCOTTISH FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS SURVEY

    The survey is open until 2 April 2017.

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

    Extended highlights from Fir Park as despite plenty of chances, Motherwell lose 1-2 to St Johnstone.

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    St Johnstone defeat in pictures

    Images from today’s 1-2 defeat to St Johnstone in the Ladbrokes Premiership at Fir Park.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

    [svgallery name=”stjohnstone180317″]

  • Archive

    Robinson: Bitterly disappointed

    ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson was bitterly disappointed after his side lost a game which they largely dominated this afternoon.

    In his first home game in charge of the Steelmen, the Northern Irishman watched on as his side were denied a penalty and hit the post in the final minute.

    And in an interview with MFC TV post-match, the manager expressed his disappointment.

    He said: “I’m not sure we can create many more chances. There were around five or six clear, clear chances that on another day we would’ve scored and will score from.

    “Ryan Bowman’s header that runs across the line and a stonewall penalty on Chris Cadden which I find incredible that it wasn’t given.

    [pullquote]I’m not sure we can create many more chances. There were around five or six clear, clear chances that on another day we would’ve scored and will score from.[/pullquote]

    “It’s people’s livelihood and the clubs livelihood – that’s how serious it is.”

    He added: “I understand though because I know the referee’s have a massive job with the speed of the game the decisions can be so difficult for them and they need help with them.

    “If you look back on that again – it’s a penalty. Can he make the mistake? Well we can’t afford people to make mistakes.

    “But we had chances after that and we had good desire and commitment levels from the players so I can’t ask for much more.”

    You can watch Robinson’s full post-match interview on MFC TV’s official YouTube channel.

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Motherwell 1 – 2 St Johnstone

    [tab:Match report]

    Stephen Robinson carried no luck for his debut appearance as Motherwell manager.

    Despite twice falling behind to a Liam Craig double, his players should have had more than a Scott McDonald goal for their tireless energy and efforts as they laid siege on Saints’ goal for large periods of the game.

    Injury and suspension meant that Carl McHugh partnered Zak Jules at the centre of the home defence, with David Ferguson holding on to the right back slot.

    Louis Moult was back after suspension and within 60 seconds he worked a one –two which sent Chris Cadden in behind the visitor’s defence only for his firm cross to be held by Zander Clark at the second attempt.

    After a positive start though it was ‘Well’s reformed defence which was caught flat footed after eight minutes when Graham Cummins’ cross picked out the unmarked Liam Craig and from six-yards he bulleted his header past the helpless Craig Samson.

    In the 16th minute Elliot Frear curled his cross into the box to find Scott McDonald being grappled to the ground by Joe Shaughnessy but referee Greg Aitken ignored appeals for a penalty.

    A minute later Cummins’ rising shot forced a good save by Samson to turn the ball over his cross bar.

    ‘Well’s best chance arrived on the half hour mark when Moult chested down Stevie Hammell’s cross for Craig Clay, whose low drive was on target until it deflected off Cadden.

    A rare slip from the impressive Carl McHugh sent Saints racing towards the home goal but Samson saved his blushes comfortably blocking Steve McLean’s angled drive.

    The remainder of the half was largely spent around the Saints’ box as the Steelmen pressed for an equaliser.

    Frear, growing in confidence on the left wing, whipped in a cross which McDonald teed up for Cadden who should have done better from 10 yards than drive the ball over the bar.

    However, that miss was overshadowed four minutes from half-time. McDonald played in Moult and after his run was blocked by Clark, McDonald latched on to the loose ball, rounded the ‘keeper only to slice his finish wide of a begging goal.

    Two minutes later the Aussie striker made amends as ‘Well grabbed a deserved equaliser.

    Another great cross from Frear found its way to Clay and, although his shot was blocked, McDonald reacted to turn and squeeze the ball over a packed goal line.

    Saints swapped ‘keeper’s at half-time and the experienced Alan Mannus was lucky not to concede a goal ten minutes into the half.

    Frear’s corner was glanced towards goal by McHugh and Jules touch from a couple of yards seemed certain to give ‘Well the lead until Tam Scobbie blocked on the line.

    Louis Moult then had a couple of efforts at goal – steering a shot just over and then just wide of Saints’ goal.

    Just when it looked like the Fir Parkers had a goal in their sights, the Perth side hit them on the break, with what turned out to be the winning goal.

    McLean’s cross from the right was back headed by Ferguson but only to the waiting Craig who slammed his shot back across Samson and into the corner of the net to put the Saints back in front.

    The ‘Well boss immediately sent on Ryan Bowman for Hammell and as Saints defended their lead Frear, after an impressive home debut, made way for Lionel Ainsworth.

    In a storming finish, Moult rose to meet Cadden’s cross only to power his header wide of the post.

    Then, in injury time with Jacob Blyth on for the injured Jules and ‘Well camped in the visitor’s box, Bowman’s header drifted beyond the diving Mannus, rebounded from the inside of the ‘keeper’s post along the goal line and beyond the other post, to deprive the home side of a thoroughly deserved point.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

     

    FT’ | Motherwell 1 – 2 St Johnstone #MFCvSJFC

    90+2′ | 1-2
    Off the post! Bowman’s flicked on header comes back off the woodwork at rolls across the face of goal.

    90+1′ | 1-2
    Motherwell sub, Blyth on for Jules.

    Three minutes added on…

    87′ | 1-2
    Close! Cadden clips a ball in from the right but Moult can’t quite rise high enough to head on target.

    82′ | 1-2
    Motherwell sub, Frear off for Ainsworth

    MATCH ATTAX | Young ‘Well fans can vote for your Man of the Match. Tweet your name, age, choice and #MatchAttaxMOTM now!

    77′ | 1-2
    Davidson booked for time wasting.

    69′ | 1-2
    McDonald tries his luck witha free-kick from 30 yards but it’s relatively comfortable for Mannus.

    68′ | 1-2
    Motherwell sub, Bowman on for Hammell.

    66′ | 1-2
    Goal – Saints first venture forward in this half produces a goal. Fires beyond Samson with plenty of time.

    64′ | 1-1
    St Johnstone sub, Davidson on for Alston

    63′ | 1-1
    Great ball in from Frear which finds Moult 12 yards out but he drags his shot just wide of the post. Positive start to the half

    61′ | 1-1
    The Steelmen have a free-kick wide on the right, Frear clips it in but Mannus is off his line and punches clear.

    59′ | 1-1
    Decent effort from Moult there. Chest then volley but it’s over the bar from just inside the box.

    55′ | 1-1
    Corner for Motherwell……saved on the line by Mannus! Jules denied from close range, great chance!

    53′ | 1-1
    Moult has to improvise slightly but manages to get a volley on target from Frear’s awkward cross.

    Clay gets the second 45 underway. COYW!!!

    St Johnstone make a sub at half-time, Mannus on for Clark

    HT: Motherwell 1 – 1 St Johnstone #MFCvSJFC

    44′ | 1-1
    Moult skins his man down the left and fires in a great ball which eventually falls to McDONALD who fires home! Come on!

    GGGGOOOAAALLL!!!!!!

    42′ | 0-1
    What a chance! Moult’s shot is saved and it falls to McDonald with the goal gaping but slices his shot wide of the post!

    39′ | 0-1
    Swanson cuts inside but Clay gets enough on the shot to take the sting out of it. Samson gathers.

    35′ | 0-1
    Chance! McDonald sets up Cadden but he is leaning back and blasts over the bar from 10 yards!

    32′ | 0-1
    Saints counter in a 2v1 situation but Jules does well to guide MacLean away from goal and from narrow angle shoots at Samson.

    30′ | 0-1
    Moult chests the ball down to Clay whose shot cannons off Cadden but deflects away from goal

    18′ | 0-1
    Samson called into action, parrying Cummins’ powerful drive over the bar.

    15′ | 0-1
    Strong penalty claim there! Frear will the ball in, McDonald wrestled to the ground but nothing given!

    11′ | 0-1
    McDonald tees up Pearson on the edge of the box but he is a bit off balance and slices his shot wide

    8′ | 0-1
    Goal – Saints take the lead, Craig heading home from a Cummins cross.

    7′ | 0-0
    Cadden blocks Craig’s cross which results in a corner which Hammell heads away at the front post.

    4′ | 0-0
    St Johnsone win a free-kick about 35 yards from goal. Alston tries his luck but it’s well over the bar.

    1′ | 0-0
    Chance already for the Steelmen. Cadden bursts down the right but sees his cross gathered by Clark

    St Johnstone get the game underway.

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson:

     

    St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright:

     

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”316″]

  • Archive

    Get in the picture with Utilita Pix Angels

    Utilita, Motherwell Football Club’s official energy partner, want to put you in the picture.

    Look out for the Utilita Pix Angels outside Fir Park before tomorrow’s game against St Johnstone, get your picture taken by them and share it on Twitter #utilitafootball and you could win a signed Motherwell top if you do.

    Get your match tickets at the ticket office tomorrow morning and make the most of your match day experience here at Fir Park.

    For more info on Utilita go to utilita.co.uk/football/motherwell-fc

  • Archive

    This weekend’s ‘Signing Zone’

    The ‘Signing Zone’ continues this week prior to tomorrow’s fixture against St Johnstone.

    So why not come to Fir Park tomorrow afternoon and meet first-team stars Stephen McManus and January recruit and Russell Griffiths, who 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 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