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    Under 20s to face Saints

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    TV: Highlights from Seaview

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    Craigan: Hard to take

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    Crusaders 3 – 2 Motherwell U20s

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    Update from the Chairman

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    Hartley signs for the Steelmen

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    Grimshaw makes Steelmen return

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    McMillan departs on loan

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    Heneghan departs for Sheffield Utd

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    Morrison joins Clyde on loan

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    Under 20s to face Saints

    Fresh from their battling performance against Crusdasers in the Irn Bru Cup, the U20s are back in league action when they face St Mirren on Tuesday night.

    The young Steelmen have taken four points from their first two Development League matches, beating Dundee Utd before drawing with Aberdeen last midweek.

    Saints on the other hand started with a draw away at Partick Thistle before going down 1-2 at home to Kilmarnock last Tuesday.

    The game will take place at Stirling Albion’s Forthbank Stadium. Kick off is 5pm, entry to the match is free of charge.

    NEXT THREE MATCHES

    Motherwell U20s vs St Mirren U20s
    Tuesday 5th September 2017
    Forthbank Stadium, Stirling
    Kick off: 5pm

    Partick Thistle U20s vs Motherwell U20s
    Tuesday 12th September 2017
    Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie
    Kick off: 6pm

    Heart of Midlothian U20s vs Motherwell U20s
    Monday 25th September 2017
    Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir
    Kick off: 7.30pm

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Seaview

    Extended highlights from Seaview where the under 20s lost 3-2 to Crusaders in the IRN-BRU Cup.

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    Craigan: Hard to take

    Under-20s boss Stephen Craigan described his sides 3-2 loss against Crusaders as “hard to take”.

    The Northern Irishman lifted his side, who trailed 1-0 at half-time, to put in a positive second half display and lead with five minutes to go.

    But a 92nd minute winner for the hosts dealt a sickening blow for the young Steelman and Craigan hopes his team can learn from it.

    [pullquote]We’re here for learning purposes and they need to take something from that, but it’s hard to take and the young boys are absolutely distraught in there.[/pullquote]

    Speaking to MFC TV at full time, he said: “In the first half we were a little bit naive – we looked a bit timid and we looked a bit scared but that’s because it’s a real physical challenge against Crusaders who are a good side.

    “Then we went in to half-time, thankfully just one down, and I said we need to show more belief and we managed to get Davie Turnbull ahead of the ball and George and James held it up more for us.”

    He added: “We should have seen the game out but we’re here for learning purposes and they need to take something from that, but it’s hard to take and the young boys are absolutely distraught in there.”

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    Crusaders 3 – 2 Motherwell U20s

    Motherwell under-20s suffered cup heartbreak at the hands of Northern Irish side Crusaders – losing 3-2. 

    A 92nd minute winner brought the hosts from behind to snatch victory at Seaview in Belfast.

    But a spirited ‘Well side, who led until the 84th minute through George Newell’s neat finish, can be proud of their hard-fought performance.

    Manager Stephen Craigan named two over-age players in his starting eleven in 20-year-olds Newell and Jack McMillan.

    And the Fir Parkers enjoyed a positive start to the match, having more of the possession against their strong opposition.

    It was the lively Newell who looked most likely to cause the hosts problems in the opening exchanges, nearly latching on to a lofted ball over the defence before ex-Burnley stopper Brian Jensen rushed out to gather it.

    The summer arrival was on the receiving end of what looked like a blatant push in the box ten minutes later, but referee Kris Hames waved play on.

    A corner two-minutes later from Liam Brown found captain Davie Turnbull at the back post, but the back-pedalling youngster couldn’t hit the target.

    A decent opportunity then fell for Adam Livingstone who saw his curled effort from the edge of the box fly over the crossbar after he was afforded too much time and space.

    From then on the hosts grew stronger in the match though and nearly went ahead in the 26th minute.

    A low, ambitious effort from right-back Billy Joe Burns looked to be destined for the bottom, far corner, but Morrison did well to get across his goal. The stopper spilled the ball though and Jamie Glackin looked set to prod home in to an empty net, but Morrison did well to recover in the nick of time.

    Two minutes later though, the breakthrough arrived. A good cross from marauding full-back Burns was nodded beyond Morrison by Philip Lowry.

    Ten minutes before the break, the home side looked to have doubled their lead but the linesman’s flag cut any form of celebration short.

    A speculative effort from Michael Carvill came crashing back off the crossbar only to fall kindly for Lowry, who rattled the crossbar again from four yards with what was the last real chance of the half.

    Craigan’s youngsters clearly took on board the manager’s half time team-talk and came bursting out of the traps at the start of the second period.

    A couple of half chances fell for Newell who looked especially lively after the intermission.

    However, it was Turnbull, who had also grown in to game, who levelled proceedings at Seaview.

    Campbell slipped Livingstone down the left flank and the positive full-back beat his man at pace before sending a tremendous low ball across the face of goal for Turnbull to tap home.

    The midfielder then turned provider as the youngsters took the lead.

    The ‘Well number eight skilfully lifted the ball over Sean Ward before sliding a perfectly weighted ball for Newell, who pealed off his marker before side-footing first time beyond Jensen.

    And that moment looked set to be the difference, with Motherwell holding their own and nearing an impressive second round victory.

    But Burns, who had been a threat going forward on a couple of occasions, popped up with two sickening blows for Craigan’s side.

    The leveller came from a set-piece, with the Crusader’s full-back curling his freekick in to the top corner from distance, but in truth Morrison will be disappointed he didn’t keep it out.

    With the game poised and on the brink of heading to extra-time, Owens lofted a ball towards the back post where Burns was on hand to nod low in to the net from close range.

    It brought a disappointing end to the youngsters trip to Belfast, but it was one that they could take a lot of positives from during an eventful afternoon at Seaview.

     

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    Update from the Chairman

    It has been hectic at Fir Park over the last few months, with the management team extremely busy reshaping the squad for the 2017/18 campaign.

    We have seen a significant turnover of players, which isn’t exactly the way we want to do things, but was necessary in this instance to refresh the club and give us a renewed look and feel.

    I want to praise the efforts of manager Stephen Robinson, Head of Recruitment Martin Foyle and COO Alan Burrows, who have worked tirelessly to move players on and recruit players in. Early signs are extremely encouraging, with the club having won seven of the opening nine matches, and with a Betfred Cup Quarter Final against Aberdeen to look forward to later this month.

    Away from the pitch, the Board has also been faced with some decisions around players potentially exiting the club. Since late May, we have received eight separate bids for three different players, Ben Heneghan, Chris Cadden and Louis Moult, all of which the Board has rejected until we sold Ben to English Championship side Sheffield United yesterday afternoon.

    The primary reason for the bids being rejected is that they haven’t came close to matching our value for the player.

    When we assess value, which is always subjective, you look at the timing of the bid, the impact on the team on the pitch, the morale of the squad and supporters as well as our ability to source adequate replacements against the financial terms on offer.

    With the exception of Sheffield Utd’s yesterday, each bid failed that test.

    We have gone on record as saying this club will not just accept any bid placed, that we will be far more aggressive in trying to retain proper value and will only sell if we believe it’s in the best interests of Motherwell Football Club.

    Only then do we believe we can get proper value for players, both now and in the future. There is a good feeling around the club at present. That doesn’t just happen, it needs to be worked at and we have a team who are prepared to do that.

    To continue this good work, we will need your support as fans and ‘Well Society members, effectively owners of the club.

    Over the next few weeks, you will see a number of initiatives launched by the Society designed to help continue with this policy, which I strongly believe is essential for the club to prosper in the long term.

    Together, the club, its fans and its players can continue to grow and ensure a healthy, sustainable future.

    The future is bright, the future is Claret and Amber!

    Best,

    Jim McMahon
    Chairman

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    Hartley signs for the Steelmen

    Motherwell FC is today delighted to announce the signing of central defender Peter Hartley on a one-year loan deal from Blackpool.

    The 29-year-old arrives in Lanarkshire following stints at clubs like Bristol Rovers, Plymouth Argyle, Sunderland and, most recently at the Seasiders.

    The Englishman offers experience at the back and is a real threat going forward too, as he showcased for the Pirates last season, netting six goals in 25 appearances.

    Hartley made his senior debut in 2006, aged 18, when he signed his first professional contract with the Black Cats.

    A loan spell with Chesterfield in 2008 was followed by a move to Hartlepool where Hartley scored his first professional goal in a 1-0 win over Tranmere Rovers.

    He followed that up with his second goal just six-weeks later as the Pools kept a clean-sheet and won 3-0 against Millwall.

    [pullquote]I’m delighted, obviously I know two or three of the boys here and when the gaffer rang me with the opportunity to come here I was straight here, literally.[/pullquote]

    Hartley was courted by the club back in 2015 and again earlier this summer, but it’s third time lucky on Deadline Day 2017.

    The defender will wear the number 6 shirt recently vacated by Stephen McManus, and chatting to MFC TV he said: “I’m delighted; I know two or three of the boys here and when the gaffer rang me with the opportunity to come up I was straight here, literally.

    “I spoke to the manager three or four times throughout the summer and it didn’t work out so I chose to go to Blackpool and then the opportunity came up again to come to Motherwell on deadline day so I took it with both hands.”

    Stephen Robinson added: “We tried to bring Peter in earlier in the summer so we’re absolutely delighted that we’ve managed to bring him in on a season-long loan.

    “Peter is an experienced defender who has played at a high level in England so is a coup for us. He’s someone who will coach and organise our defensive line, and provides a huge threat in the opposition box at set pieces.

    “I’m happy with the shape of the squad now – we’ve revamped things this summer and we’ve brought in some really promising young players and now with Peter we have got that crucial experience at the back.”

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    Grimshaw makes Steelmen return

    Motherwell Football Club is today delighted to announce the return of the versatile Liam Grimshaw.

    An academy graduate at Manchester Utd and a former captain of the Red Devil’s U21 side, Grimshaw enjoyed a loan stint at Fir Park two years ago, signing on deadline day back in September 2015.

    His high-energy, committed style endeared him to the Steelmen faithful and his performances and impact improved almost on a weekly basis.

    Indeed, by the time his stay was cut short in January 2016 to allow United to trade him on to Championship side Preston NE, the Fir Parkers were on a terrific unbeaten run, with the 22-year old at the heart of it.

    Sadly, his big move to Deepdale didn’t get off to the best start as a knee injury ruled him out for the rest of the campaign almost immediately after making the switch.

    Although he made a positive start to the 2016/17 season, first-team football dried up and he would eventually join League One Chesterfield on loan during the January 2017 Transfer Window, making thirteen appearances for the Spireites.

    [pullquote]I am thankful to everyone at Motherwell for again showing faith in me and I aim to repay it in the best way possible over the next year.[/pullquote]

    He returned to Preston in the summer, but hasn’t featured in new boss Alex Neil’s plans, and following a release, has joined on for an initial one-year deal, subject to registration formalities.

    ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson said: “When Grimmy became available it was a no-brainer for us, really.

    “Not only does he give us fantastic versatility in that he can play in defence, full-back or in midfield, but he’s a superb character who will fit exactly with the type of mentality we’re trying to create here.

    “He was popular with the supporters too because he’s one of these lads who will not only run all day, but is tough in the tackle with a never-say-die attitude. However, it’s important to remember that he’s got good ability and by the time he moved to Preston, he was providing us with a real threat from midfield.

    “I am really looking forward to working with him again.”

    Grimshaw, a member of the ‘Well Society, spoke of his delight at returning to the place where he has enjoyed his football the most: “I’m buzzing to be back as I only have amazing memories of the club and the supporters.

    “It’s by far the best time I’ve had in football when I was last at Motherwell and it provided me with the launch pad I needed following years in the youths at United.

    “I am thankful to everyone at Motherwell for again showing faith in me and I aim to repay it in the best way possible over the next year.”

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    McMillan departs on loan

    Motherwell FC can today confirm that defender Jack McMillan will join Livingston on a Development Loan until January.

    The 19-year-old full-back will move to the club vying for first-team football for the next four months.

    In-form Livingston currently sit sixth in the Scottish Championship with a spot in the semi-final of the Betfred Cup still up for grabs when they face Hibs later in September.

    McMillan will work under the guidance of David Hopkin at Livi until he returns to the Steelmen at the turn of the year.

    [pullquote]We’ve seen just exactly what a Development Loan can do for the young lads and it’s a great opportunity for Jack.[/pullquote]

    ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson believes the defender will be able to take his career to the next step with the help of a loan spell.

    He said: “We’ve seen just exactly what a Development Loan can do for the young lads and it’s a great opportunity for Jack.

    “When Chris Cadden returned from his spell at Albion Rovers he came back a more mature player and one who was ready to push for a spot in the first-team.

    “I hope for the same from the all the boys who have went out on loan this window.”

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    Heneghan departs for Sheffield Utd

    Motherwell FC can today confirm defender Ben Heneghan has left to join English Championship side Sheffield Utd for an undisclosed fee.

    Heneghan joined ‘Well last summer and was a mainstay in the heart of the Steelmen’s defence last campaign and this.

    He scored his first goal for the club against Rangers on the opening day of the SPFL Premeirship and made his fiftieth start last weekend against Hearts.

    Heneghan said: “I am obviously really pleased to be joining such a big club like Sheffield United in the English Championship, but I leave Fir Park with a heavy heart.

    [pullquote]I’ve also enjoyed a great relationship with the supporters and I want to wish them, and everyone at Motherwell, all the very best for the future.[/pullquote]

    “I’ve loved my time in Scotland and the people at the club have been first class with me from the moment I walked through the door. It has been a great opportunity.

    “I’ve also enjoyed a great relationship with the supporters and I want to wish them, and everyone at Motherwell, all the very best for the future.”

    ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson added: “Ben has been excellent for the football club; he’s a top footballer and a brilliant lad.

    “It’s a very good piece of business for the football club both now and potentially in the future and we’ve got an experience replacement lined up.

    “On behalf of everyone at Motherwell, I want to wish the lad all the very best of luck going forward.”

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    Morrison joins Clyde on loan

    Motherwell FC can today confirm that young goalkeeper Peter Morrison will join Clyde on a Development Loan until January. 

    The 19-year old will move to the League Two side to gain some valuable first-team experience under the guidance of manager Jim Chapman.

    Peter has come through the youth set-up at Fir Park and has become a regular starter for Stephen Craigan’s Under-20s side in recent seasons and will still be available for selection for the Northern Irishman’s side.

    [pullquote]Development Loans are obviously crucial for young players and we hope to see the boys come back with more experience and push for a first-team spot here.[/pullquote]

    The teenager will be set for four months of first team football before making his return to Fir Park at the start of 2018.

    And ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson said: “It’s a great opportunity for PJ to go out and get some first-team football with Clyde.

    “Development Loans are obviously crucial for young players and we hope to see the boys come back with more experience and push for a first-team spot here.”