Latest News

The SPFL Trust will give away a brand new car to one lucky supporter at Sunday’s Betfred Cup final.

The official charity of the league this week launched Superdraw and have offered up the prize of a Hyundai i10.

Tickets will be sold around Hampden Park before kick off, priced at £2. One winning ticket will be drawn during the half-time break.

Every penny of profit from the SPFL Trust Superdraw will be used to support community activity across SPFL clubs. 

The SPFL was recently ranked the fourth most community engaged league in the world, in the widely respected annual RESPONSIBALL ranking in a field of the world’s 25 biggest clubs. This marks a three-place rise, year on year.

Analysis on behalf of the SPFL concluded that clubs engage with about 772,000 people every year and earlier this year, the SPFL Trust launched its mission to engage with one million people annually by 2022.

Clubs engage with people through a range of meaningful programmes which support identifiable need in the communities in which clubs are based.

They engage in a range of community programmes which show how sport can be used for good. These focus on improved physical and mental health, raising education standards, developing citizenship, and providing specific help to families in need.

Twenty-three clubs now have registered charities, up from three a decade ago, with every SPFL club committed to engaging communities.

The SPFL Trust is committed to making Scotland’s league the most community engaged in the world.

For full information visit spfltrust.org.uk/superdraw

The SPFL Trust’s Gambling Commission Operating Licence is 000-049950-M-327178_001.

The SPFL Trust is committed to gambling responsibility and its social responsibility policy commits to donate sums on an annual basis to GambleAware which raises funds to support research, education and treatment of problem gambling. Visit gamblingcommission.gov.uk or gamcare.org.uk for more information.

Peter Hartley says Motherwell will stick to their all-action style of play when they take on Celtic in this weekend’s Betfred Cup final.

The Steelmen have made it to Hampden by toppling Aberdeen and Rangers along the way, and have done so with a philosophy of playing physical but fair football against their opponents.

With the team also fifth in the Scottish Premiership table, Hartley is targeting an upset on Sunday by sticking to the style of play that has got the team this far.

“It’s a contact sport, isn’t it?” he said “Go and play basketball if you want a non-contact sport.

“We’re a physical team. If we try to play Celtic at their game, they’re going to beat us. We’ve got to play our game and being physical, getting on to second balls, being organised and drilled is what we’re about.

“We’re not going to change the way we are.

“I fully believe we can get a result. I think we’ve got a great group of lads and we’ve shown that we’re no pushover.

“It’s not a fluke or luck that we’ve beaten Aberdeen because we’ve scored five goals against them in three games.

[pullquote]I fully believe we can get a result. We have shown we are no pushover. It’s not a fluke that we beat Aberdeen 3-0 because we have scored five goals against Aberdeen now in three games.[/pullquote]

“I know Celtic’s a completely different team to Aberdeen but we’re going out there with full belief.”

Hartley scored against a star-studded Chelsea side last season, but says it will all pale into insignificance if Motherwell can beat Celtic and lift the Betfred Cup.

The centre back headed past Asmir Begovic at Stamford Bridge as Bristol Rovers narrowly came close to beating a side with £150m worth of talent on the pitch.

“I played in the League Cup against Chelsea last season with Bristol Rovers,” he said. “They put practically a first team out against us. It was a tough game at Stamford Bridge with 45,000 there.

“I managed to score but this is going to be completely different. This is a cup final and there’s a trophy to lift at the end of it.”

The 29-year-old was also on target in the quarter-final win against Aberdeen at Fir Park and has been an ever-present in Stephen Robinson’s defence since making the switch north.

The playing squad turned down the chance to wear suits to Hampden Park for the big occasion, with Hartley saying that’s down to their attitude towards trying to win the match.

“That’s not for us, the suits and stuff,” he added. “That doesn’t win you a game. We are not a suits type of team.

“We don’t want to be sweating on the coach driving to Hampden and YouTubeing how to do a Windsor Knot and stuff like that. We will wear a tracksuit, turn up and do what we’re there to do, which is play football, and hopefully we will come out with a result.

“I fully believe we can get a result. We have shown we are no pushover. It’s not a fluke that we beat Aberdeen 3-0 because we have scored five goals against Aberdeen now in three games.

“I know Celtic are a completely different team to Aberdeen but we are going out there with full belief. We’ll get a game plan and I’d like to think we will execute it.”

‘Well Under 20s suffered just their second loss of the season as Ross County edged a seven-goal thriller in the Highlands on Tuesday.

And it was a spirited performance from the Fir Park youngsters, who battled their way back in to the game after falling two goals behind to an experienced, strong Staggies side – including Billy Mckay and Thomas Mikkelsen.

But ultimately, it was the hosts who edged the encounter and picked up three points in the Development League.

A bright start from Stephen Craigan’s side was knocked by County’s opener, which came somewhat against the run of play.

Thomas Mikkelsen’s downward header on 25 minutes opened the scoring, and things got worse for the ‘Well when the Danish forward bagged his second from 15-yards after half an hour.

With the youngsters still pressing as the first period wore on, the half time whistle was the spark in which Craigan’s youngsters sparked in to life.

Davie Turnbull lashed a 20-yard strike past the diving Ross Munro on the hour mark, and it was very much a case of game on.

No less than four minutes later and Motherwell were on target again to level the match at 2-2, with Luke Watt drilling home at the back post after stepping neatly beyond his marker.

County went ahead just three minutes later though through senior player Billy Mckay, who lifted a cute finish over Rohan Ferguson, making his first appearance in Claret and Amber.

And in a thrilling second half, the Steelmen were level again when Jack McMillan nipped in at the back post and finished low past Munro to make it 3-3.

With 15 minutes left to play, Ross MacIver conjured up the winning goal, crashing a deflected effort beyond the ‘Well youngster to make it 4-3.

Motherwell FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Eddie Wolecki Black as the new manager of the senior ladies team.

The appointment forms part of a complete review of the girls and ladies programme at Fir Park.

Previously the MFC Community Trust has had sole responsibility for the running of all the programmes and teams from under 10s to first team.

Under the new system, the senior ladies team will fall under the direct remit of the club, whereas the development pathway will continue with the Community Trust.

The senior ladies team currently competes in SWPL2, the second tier of the Scottish women’s game. They recently finished third in their debut season at that level. That followed back-to-back promotions in 2015 and 2016.

Wolecki Black, a UEFA pro licence coach, has a sterling reputation within the women’s game. He is best known for a four-year spell at Glasgow City, where he won an historic ‘quadruple treble’ of the SWPL1 title, the Scottish Cup and the League Cup.

[pullquote]“I am absolutely delighted to welcome Eddie to the club and believe it’s a huge coup for us to get him here.[/pullquote]

He also guided City to the quarter final of the Women’s Champions League, eliminated by eventual finalists Paris Saint Germain back in 2015.

That success at Glasgow came after a title-winning season with Junior side Lochee Utd and a year at League Two team Montrose.

After leaving the women’s game, he had a brief spell with Scottish Lowland League side Edusport Academy, before joining Airdrieonians with the team battling for promotion to the Scottish Championship.

Sadly, Eddie took ill at a game against Cowdenbeath at Central Park and was unable to fulfill his role for the remainder of that campaign. He left Airdrie later that year and did some coaching with another lowland league side, BSC Glasgow.

With his health improving each day, he now feels ready to return to management and, alongside assistant Donald Jennow, will spearhead Motherwell’s campaign in 2018.

“I’m delighted to be honest,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to come back in, I’d obviously been looking around and had been unsuccessful in one or two applications.

“But I was contacted by Alan Burrows, we had some conversations which have led to this day so I’m very keen now just to get started.”

Motherwell Chief Operating Officer Alan Burrows added: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Eddie to the club and believe it’s a huge coup for us to get him here.

“Not only is he a hugely respected and qualified coach with experience at various levels, I can see a real huge hunger and determination in him to get back involved.

“I’m delighted Motherwell can be a club that can give people the chance to get their lives back on track after a setback. I am certain Eddie will build on the fantastic progress already made within the ladies team as we strive for promotion to the top level.”

Motherwell will play Hamilton Academical in the fourth round of the 2017/18 William Hill Scottish Cup.

The Steelmen will host the Accies on the weekend of Saturday, January 20, 2018.

Doddie Weir and Colin Cameron conducted the draw on Monday.

Thirty-two teams will take part in the fourth round, with all Scottish Premiership sides entering at this stage.

2017/18 Scottish Cup fourth round draw

Dunfermline Athletic v Greenock Morton

Ayr United v Arbroath

Albion Rovers v St Johnstone

Motherwell v Hamilton Academical

Hearts v Hibernian

Livingston v Falkirk

Dundee v Inverness CT

Formartine United v Cove Rangers

Montrose/Queen of the South v Partick Thistle

Celtic v Brechin City

Peterhead v Dumbarton

East Fife v Brora Rangers

Alloa Athletic v Dundee United

Fraserburgh v Rangers

Aberdeen v St Mirren

Kilmarnock v Ross County

Motherwell Under 20s face a long trip north to face Ross County on Tuesday afternoon in the Development League.

Stephen Craigan’s youngsters will be keen to bounce back to winning ways, following a run of two draws, as they prepare to face the northern outfit at the Global Energy Stadium.

County, sitting in sixth, come in to the encounter on the back of a 3-2 victory over Dundee United last Tuesday. 

And with two points separating County from the Fir Parkers in third, Craigan will be keen to see his side pick up three points. 

You can follow all the action on live twitter @MotherwellFC with kick off at 2pm. 

Highlights from Pittodrie where Louis Moult’s double secured all three points in a comfortable 0-2 win over Aberdeen.

Images from Saturday’s game against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

[svgallery name=”aberdeen181117″]

[tab:Match report]

Grant Russell at Pittodrie

Louis Moult scored his 50th goal for Motherwell as the team won all three points in a excellent performance at Aberdeen.

The striker scored a double within minutes either side of the half-time break to send the Steelmen into next week’s Betfred Cup final on a high.

Manager Stephen Robinson tweaked his formation to switch to a back four, with a midfield diamond seeing Chris Cadden moving to slot in behind the strike partnership of Louis Moult and Ryan Bowman.

After a good start from Motherwell, it was the hosts who carved out the first real goalscoring opportunity. Ryan Christie burst clear on the left byline and crossed to the near post, but Adam Rooney’s flick dropped wide.

The visitors then immediately responded with a great chance of their own with only five minutes on the clock. Bowman held the ball up well to feed Liam Grimshaw on the edge of the box, with Joe Lewis having to stretch far to his right to turn the ball away.

Lewis again came to the Dons’ rescue straight after. Andy Rose found space 10 yards out to the left of the goal, but the ‘keeper stood tall to block his shot.

The Steelmen continued to cause problems. Next Rose had another shot from just inside the box which Lewis tipped back across the six-yard box, but Peter Hartley just couldn’t connect at the back post.

The game calmed down for the majority of the first half afterwards, with neither side able to carve out another real opportunity before ‘Well made the breakthrough with three minutes left in the half.

Tait’s free kick from wide on the right was perfectly placed to meet the head of Moult at the back post, and his header looped over Lewis to give the visitors a deserved lead at the break.

Early in the second half, Motherwell doubled their advantage and it was that man Moult again.

Cadden beat McKenna for pace down the right and his brilliant low cross to the front post was met perfectly by the striker’s run, giving Moult his 50th goal in Motherwell colours.

Motherwell immediately looked to tighten up defensively, withdrawing Bowman for Elliot Frear, who dropped in to the left of midfield, with Cadden moving to the right.

From then on in it was consistent pressure from the Dons, with Robinson’s men looking to capitalise on the counter. Trevor Carson had to be smart to parry May’s near post shot from close range with 20 minutes to spare, but the backline defended expertly to keep Derek McInnes’ side at bay.

Motherwell: Carson; Tait, Kipre, Hartley, Dunne; Rose, McHugh, Grimshaw (Campbell 71), Cadden; Moult (Fisher 87), Bowman (Frear).

Subs not used: Griffiths, Tanner, Plummer, Petravicius.

Aberdeen: Lewis, Logan, Arnason, McKenna, Considine; Tansey (May 45), O’Connor, McLean; Christie, Rooney (Stewart 82), Mackay-Steven (Wright 70).

Subs not used: Rogers, Reynolds, Maynard, Ball.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Pittodrie

FT: Aberdeen 0 – 2 Motherwell

A comfortable afternoon’s work for the Steelmen. Moult on the double! COYW!!!!

FULL TIME!!

90′ | 0-2
Three minutes added on.

89′ | 0-2
Motherwell sub, Moult off for Fisher

86′ | 0-2
Christie booked for a rash foul.

82′ | 0-2
Aberdeen sub, Stewart on for Rooney

81′ | 0-2
Moult sizing up a free-kick some 28 yards out……unlucky. Lands on the roof of the net.

73′ | 0-2
Chance for May as he gets in behind down the left but from a tight angle Carson tips his shot by the post.

72′ | 0-2
Motherwell sub, Campbell on for Grimshaw

70′ | 0-2
Aberdeen sub, Wright on for Mackay-Steven

56′ | 0-2
Motherwell sub, Bowman off for Frear

55′ | 0-2
Great play by Cadden as he bursts pas McKenna and fires a great ball across goal to MOULT who fires in his 50th Motherwell goal!!!

GGGOOOAAALLLL!!!!

A change for the Dons at half-time, May on for Tansey

Aberdeen get the second 45 underway. COYW!!

HT: Aberdeen 0 – 1 Motherwell

A deserved first-half lead for the Steelmen

43′ | 0-1
Tait fires in a deep free-kick to MOULT who evades his marker and heads home!! COYW!!!

GGGOOAAALLL!!!!

40′ | 0-0
Bowman booked. Not a lot in that really.

17′ | 0-0
Grimshaw’s cross can only be headed out for a Motherwell corner….Cadden swings it in but Rose heads wide of the post.

10′ | 0-0
Close again! Rose again calls Lewis into action with a great effort but again the ‘keeper is up to the challenge, palming the ball away from the onrushing Bowman.

9′ | 0-0
McHugh’s shot from inside the box is deflected over the bar for a corner….Cadden’s inswinging corner asks questions of Lewis who has to punch it to safety.

5′ | 0-0
Close again! Rose gets the break of the ball inside the box but Lewis manages to palm away his powerful shot.

5′ | 0-0
Chance! Bowman works the ball to Grimshaw who tries his luck from the edge of the box with a good low effort but its beaten away by Lewis

4′ | 0-0
Christie battles well down the left and gets a low cross in at the front post which Rooney flicks wide of the post.

1′ | 0-0
Early sniff of goal as Dunne gets in behind the Aberdeen defence and gets a good cross in but it’s nodded behind for a corner.

The Steelmen get the action underway. COYW!!!

Out come the two sides here at Pittodrie, with ‘Well in their black away kit. It’s a cold one!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson: “It was a terrific performance today. We had the performance against Ross County but we had the end product today.

“From start to finish we implemented a new system today, we worked on it all week and the boys really bought in to it, really applied themselves well and we probably could have won by more goals today.

“Tactically, I can do what I want but if the players don’t buy in to it or take it on board then they’re the ones who have to go out there on the pitch and deliver it, and they did.”