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The referee for Saturday’s Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Kilmarnock at Fir Park is Bobby Madden.

The match will be Bobby’s first in charge of the Steelmen this campaign after he officiated four times last term.

Included in those four fixtures was a 1-0 loss against Ross County, a 3-0 loss away to Hearts, the 3-1 home loss to Aberdeen and a 2-1 away win against this weekend’s opponents Kilmarnock.

The win against Killie was a hugely important result for Motherwell and the ideal start for Stephen Robinson who took charge for the first time as interim boss.

Madden’s overall record in charge of the Steelmen reads seven wins; fourteen defeats and one draw from twenty games. The Fir Parkers have netted 28 times, and conceded 44. In those twenty-one games, he has booked 60 players, 30 of those cautions flashed at players wearing Claret and Amber.

Three players have been sent for an early shower, Anthony Stokes for a lunging tackle on Keith Lasley at Celtic Park last season, Stuart Carswell – who came off the bench against Partick and picked up two yellows – and Keith Lasley in the after he picked up a late red card for a late challenge on Kenny McLean.

Bobby will be ably assisted by David McGeachie and Alastair Mather, with David Munro on fourth official duties.

Extended highlights from Forthbank Stadium as the Under 20s beat St Mirren 4-1 in the Development League.

Stephen Craigan praised his players for ‘finding a way to win’ as they blew off the cobwebs of Saturday’s defeat in Belfast to beat St Mirren this evening.

After a slow start, ‘Well were perhaps a little fortunate to go in level at the break.

However, a slight change of both shape and personnel allowed the hosts to take a real grip of things and three second half goals confirmed the convincing 4-1 win.

And Craigan was satisfied with the victory, particularly given his side’s heavy schedule over the last seven days.

[pullquote]However, they grew into things and eventually found a way to win the game, which is the most important thing.”[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV, he said: “The first-half looked as if we were suffering a bit of a hangover from the weekend, maybe feeling a little bit sorry for ourselves.

“We had a tough game against Crusaders and even last week, we played an hour with ten men, so we’ve put a lot of work in over the past seven days.

“However, they grew into things and eventually found a way to win the game, which is the most important thing.

“When it’s scrappy, bitty and with not much fluency, it’s up to players to make those adjustments and after having a bit of a go at them at the break, they responded perfectly.

“4-1 maybe flattered us slightly given St Mirren put in a lot, but I’m really happy with the players after an extremely busy week.”

Motherwell U20s bounced back from Saturday’s disappointment in Belfast to beat St Mirren 4-1 at Forthbank this evening.

Goals from Davie Turnbull, Adam Livingstone, Shaun Bowers and James Scott ensured the victory for the Fir Parkers in a frantic ninety minutes that threw up numerous chances at both ends.

Stephen Craigan made four changes to the side that lost so cruelly in Belfast against Crusaders three days ago.

Out went the suspended Dylan King along with Jack McMillan, Allan Campbell and George Newell. In came Shaun Bowers, Ross MacLean, Alfredo Agyeman and the experienced Steven Hammell, playing his first match since picking up a hamstring injury against Berwick Rangers in the Betfred Cup back in July.

Saints named a young side themselves, with the only ‘overager’ being former Dundee United midfielder Dale Hilson, who at 24 was the visitors most experienced player by some distance.

The match kicked off in glorious sunshine in Stirling but the pleasant autumn weather was the only positive in a fairly tame opening ten minutes. Hilson brought it to life with a low shot cutting in off the right, but it was timid and rolled harmlessly back to Morrison in the home goal.

Motherwell’s first real attack brought about the game’s opening goal. Turnbull picked up on a loose ball some thirty yards from goal and following a fairly fortuitous ricochet, found himself in one-on-one with Henry. The young midfielder kept his composure and coolly slotted into the far corner.

Saints’ management team will have been pleased with the response though and they were level within ten minutes.

A corner from the right bounced through to Hilson at the far post. His shot was blocked by the outrushing Bowers but bounced dangerously across the box for Dylan McKendry who smashed it home from only a few yards.

That goal kicked off a really strong period for the visitors. Conor McBrearty’s shot from distance forced Morrison into a save before striker Sam Jamieson passed up a guilt-edge chance inside the six yard box, but could only watch on in horror as his effort cannoned off the underside of the bar.

Adam Livingstone’s fizzed shot from wide on the left was all the Fir Parkers could really muster in an otherwise disappointing first-half.

The interval gave Craigan and McManus time to change things about and a half-time change saw Dylan Falconer introduced in place of Alfredo Agyeman.

However, the game plan was almost out the window within twenty seconds when Andrew McDonald’s cross-cum-shot smashed off Morrison’s left-hand post before being cleared. Conor O’Keefe also saw his turn-and-shot balloon over the bar as Saints went in search of a second.

However, ‘Well were growing into things and the direction of traffic was more and more towards the away goal. In fact, only a wonder save from Henry denied James Scott, who got on the end of a Livingstone cross, but his header was somehow tipped on to the bar by the Saints stopper and out for a corner.

Three minutes later the same two players combined, but this time Scott’s header looped over the crossbar.

However, it looked more of when rather than if Motherwell would score and within five minutes of that Scott header, Adam Livingstone put the Steelmen back in front. Ross MacLean picked up on a loose second ball in the middle of the park and quickly spread it wide for the fullback. Driving forward, the 19-year old cut inside before smartly nutmegging the goalkeeper for his third of the campaign.

Another five minutes passed before ‘Well added a decisive third. Stevie Hammell’s terrific free kick was pinpoint for Bowers who had found himself in space inside the area. The former Celtic man was brave to beat Henry to the ball and headed it into the empty net to put the hosts on course for their second win of the campaign.

James Scott was causing havoc in the second half and he almost scored a belter, winning it wide, beating a marker before curling a shot that was well held by Henry. However, he wouldn’t be denied for long though as he was well placed to head home Hammell’s corner to complete the scoring.

Motherwell: Morrison, Bowers (Semple – 85mins), Livingstone, Armstrong, MacDonald, Hammell, MacLean, Turnbull, Scott, Agyeman (Falconer – 46mins), Brown

Motherwell FC is delighted to announce the club and Cash Converters will team up again for the seventh consecutive season.

In what is one of the longest running partnerships in Scottish football, Cash Converters will continue to have a significant brand presence at the club and around the stadium, including the prominent site on the John Hunter Stand apron.

And for the first time, Cash Converters will support the Motherwell FC Community Trust by donating match tickets to enable families in the local area to attend home games.

Family time together is key in helping develop a bond and there’s nothing like a day at Fir Park to cement that. However, due to financial constraints, not everyone is in a position to attend so Cash Converters, via the Trust, plan to give everyone the chance to have a fun and an enjoyable day out at the football.

[pullquote]Motherwell FC is a community club and this latest initiative, which Cash Converters have kindly offered, will allow us to continue and expand the good work we are doing in the local area.”[/pullquote]

Michelle Holmes, Cash Converters’ UK Head of Marketing said: “Cash Converters play a big part in local communities and we are delighted to support Motherwell FC and the Motherwell FC Community Trust and the fantastic work they do. We are keen to use our tickets to give families a special experience at the game and really enjoy a family day out.”

Suzanne Reid Head of Commercial and Marketing added: “I am delighted Cash Converters have extended their partnership and thank them for their continued support of the Club. Motherwell FC is a community club and this latest initiative, which Cash Converters have kindly offered, will allow us to continue and expand the good work we are doing in the local area.”

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

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

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.”

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 26^th 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.

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