The wait is over – competitive football returns.
And for the Steelmen, Hampden Park is the scene for the first match of the 2017/18 campaign.
Following a busy transfer window, Stephen Robinson’s side head in to tomorrow’s clash with a number of fresh faces and an abundance of optimism.
Much like the supporters, Robinson is eagerly awaiting tomorrow afternoon’s fixture following the summer break.
“We’re as ready as we can be at this stage,” the manager said, “the cup competition comes early – really, really early – and my feeling is that I’d rather have people 100% ready to play.
“We’re probably lacking about 5% match fitness or so but I think everyone’s more or less in the same boat.”
He added: “We’ve only been back for around three weeks so we’ll get better – especially our understanding in players because we’ve brought in nine new players.
“There might be one or two more before the start of the league season, so it’ll take a bit of time to gel but in terms of having everyone ready for selection, that was our goal at the start of pre-season and that’s where we are.”
One player who is ready and raring to go is summer signing Craig Tanner.
The creative midfielder, who arrived from Plymouth Argyle, has enjoyed a positive pre-season and admits that the new signings have settled in well.
He said: “When I found out that [tomorrow’s] fixture was at Hampden it will be a great honour to play there so I’m looking forward to it and I’ll be happy to be able to tick that off my list.
“Friendlies are good in the sense that you get to know your team mates, try a few things out and get your fitness levels up, but there’s nothing better than a competitive game.”
He added: “Training was looking very sharp and there’s a really good buzz around the place.
“It doesn’t really phase me going in to games so early, because if you do your fitness work in pre-season you’ll come in in good shape anyway.
“We may not necessarily gel in the first one or two games but like I said, training is looking sharp and the foundations are there going forward.”
Tomorrow’s opponents will be eager to start the Betfred Cup on a positive note against the Fir Parkers.
Finishing 6th in League One last season meant the Spiders narrowly missed out on the play-off spots.
But Gus MacPherson will be hopeful of gaining some early momentum against Premiership opponents tomorrow afternoon and potentially improving on their performance in the Betfred Cup last term.
In a group alongside Airdrieonians, Stenhousemuir, Queen of the South and eventual group winners Partick Thistle, the Glasgow outfit finished fourth in Group E.
And with a similarly tough group this time around, the Spiders supporters will be keen to see their team put in a strong showing, starting tomorrow.
Queens Park V Motherwell | |
Saturday 15th July 2017 | |
3.00pm | |
Hampden Park, Glasgow | |
Available on the gate |
Admission prices are as follows:
ADULTS | £12 |
CONCESSIONS | £6 |
- Concessions are listed as Under 16s, over 65 and over and students
- Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Darren on 07722 912666 or email darren@mfcdsa.com.
If you can’t make it to Hampden tomorrow, don’t miss the action by tuning in to mixlr.com/motherwellfc for live commentary or follow the match on Twitter @MotherwellFC
You can see the match highlights on MFC TV’s YouTube channel, as well as full reaction and a match report right here on the official website.
Please note: ‘Well fans can park in the main car park outside Hampden, on a first come first served basis, or the overspill on Letherby Drive.