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  • Archive

    Issues with Cup Final buses

  • Archive

    Sutton departs for Hearts

  • Archive

    New Community Kit available

  • Archive

    Relive the Cup Final on MotherwellPics

  • Archive

    Club express Cup Final thanks

  • Archive

    ‘Well stars left devastated

  • Archive

    McCall proud despite defeat

  • Archive

    Celtic defeat in pictures

  • Archive

    Motherwell 0 – 3 Celtic

  • Archive

    Vote for the Man of The Match!

  • Archive

    Issues with Cup Final buses

    Following last Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final, the club understand that there were a number of issues surrounding the return transport to Fir Park.

    We would like to assure fans that an investigation into these issues has already been launched and the club will report the outcome in due course.

  • Archive

    Sutton departs for Hearts

    Motherwell FC can today confirm John Sutton has opted to leave the club on freedom of contract to sign for SPL side Hearts.

    The club offered 27-year old Sutton the best contract it could but he has chosen to sign a deal with the Gorgie club.

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall added, “We are obviously disappointed to lose John but it’s not the end of the world.

    “We have been preparing for this and already have several irons in the fire. This club, over the last seven or eight seasons, have had a seemingly endless list of quality strikers including James McFadden, Scott McDonald, David Clarkson, Ross McCormack, Chris Porter, Lukas Jutkiewicz and Nick Blackman – all of them hitting double figures in one season.

    “I am absolutely certain we will, once again, be able to find a more than capable replacement.”

    The club would like to thank John for his effort during his three years at Fir Park and wish him the best for his future career.

  • Archive

    New Community Kit available

    The Motherwell Community Trust has launched a brand new kit for kids taking part in any one of the numerous courses that run throughout the week.

    Available for just £17 (or £14 if you trade in an old Community kit), the ‘RESPECT’ kit consists of a stylish amber top with claret and white flashes at the shoulders along with all-claret shorts.

    You can purchase the kit from the Community Trust offices, located in the Davie Cooper Stand, from 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm Monday to Friday (or late night on a Thursday until 8pm).

    Meanwhile, kids who attend the Bank of Scotland Midnight League on a Friday night at Wishaw Sports Centre should note that from this Friday (27th May), the class will move to the Fir Park Astro (7pm – 9pm).

    >> Bank of Scotland Midnight League

  • Archive

    Relive the Cup Final on MotherwellPics

    Did you enjoy hospitality with the club at the Scottish Cup Final? Relive some of the magic moments on motherwellpics.com.

    Our photographer for the day, Angie Isaac, captured some of the best moments both at Fir Park and at Hampden.

    You can purchase your special memory of the day over a number of products including photographic pictures, frames, Mouse Mats, Mugs, Jigsaws, Fridge Magnets and much more.

    For the full gallery Click Here

     

  • Archive

    Club express Cup Final thanks

    Motherwell Football Club would like to acknowledge the numerous people involved in the weeks leading up to Saturday’s Cup Final.

    Special thanks are reserved for Gavin Whitefield and his team, over various departments, at North Lanarkshire Council for all their assistance, cooperation and positivity.

    AMEY Roads have been terrific with the installation of all the bunting around the town. To Boris and all the staff at Brandon Parade along with the traders, the majority supporting their local team with such fantastic colour and enthusiasm over the past few weeks.

    Thanks go to Anne Marie Arthur and all the various staff at the Scottish Football Association for the months of hard work that went into to making the game such a spectacle.

    To Strathclyde Police Operations and Traffic departments, Securigroup and St Andrews Ambulance for their logistical assistance

    To the hard-working group who put together, organised, financed and installed the absolutely fantastic card display that, for most ‘Well fans, will be the particular memory of the 2011 Final.

    And finally, to the loyal, dedicated and supportive Motherwell fans that turned up in such terrific numbers and stayed with the team despite it not going to plan on the park.

    Thank You!

  • Archive

    ‘Well stars left devastated

    Motherwell’s beaten stars have vowed to make sure defeat to Celtic acts as a learning curve – as they plan ahead to future visits to Hampden.

    It had been 20 years since ‘Well’s last Scottish Cup final but, after three trips to Hampden this season, the players are hoping the familiarity continues and the club won’t have to wait another two decades for the next Hampden showpiece.

    21-year old Motherwell star Jamie Murphy summed up his mix of disappointment and determination: “That’s not something I want to go through again; standing there as runners-up, watching the other team go up and lift the trophy.

    “It gives you a bit of inspiration to try and get back to this stage and be the one up there lifting the trophy.

    “Being here shows that we do have the ability to make it to finals and we want to play at Hampden and play in semi-finals and finals every year. Hopefully if the squad stays together in the summer then we can be back here soon.”

    Murphy also bemoaned the difference in fortune between two key strikes in the first half – Ki Sung-Yeung’s, which rocketed into the bottom corner and Gavin Gunning’s, which rattled the frame of the bar and bounced out.

    Those chances somewhat set the tone for an afternoon which never looked like being the Steelmen’s day.

    “We had a gameplan and wanted to keep things tight,” Murphy said. “But then Ki scores a goal with his weak foot which is so good that I’m sure he’s never done before.

    “Then Gavin hits the underside of the bar with his shot and that’s the break they needed; just that bit of luck that we didn’t have, and they pushed on from there.”

    Motherwell stalwart and midfield orchestrator Keith Lasley was another player who was visibly devastated by the result after the match but, like Murphy, he clung on to some semblance of positivity following Celtic’s Cup win.

    A European run, two semi-finals, a final and a top-six finish has to be considered a positive campaign for ‘Well – and now the focus is on keeping the squad together and achieving the same next season.

    “It’s key to keep the squad together,” Lasley insisted. “I suppose that’s the down side to having a good season; teams start to circle around your players.

    “If we can keep the core of this squad together then I think we have a good chance of emulating this season.”

    And the 31-year old also paid special tribute to the noisy, colourful band of ‘Well fans who made one half of Hampden their home for 90 minutes.

    Over 16,000 supporters made the journey to Glasgow’s South side, and there was palpable disappointment from Keith that he couldn’t help to give them the trophy they so desperately yearned.

    Lasley lauded: “To walk out and see all those fans was special. I’ve been at this club a long time and you get to know a lot of the supporters, and what they sacrifice to follow this club is unbelievable. I’m really gutted when I think about all of those people.

    “They follow through the bad times and through the good; spend every penny they’ve got, and the support was tremendous, but I expected nothing less.”

  • Archive

    McCall proud despite defeat

    Stuart McCall has described his pride at Motherwell’s effort at Hampden as his courageous Steelmen side fell at the final hurdle of a memorable Scottish Cup run.

    The 53th game of a mammoth season proved a bridge too far for the ‘Well stars, as Celtic ran out 3-0 winners, a result which flattered the Hoops, as a tiring Motherwell side chased the game late on.

    A feeling that it was not fated to be ‘Well’s day was compounded in the first half when Gavin Gunning smashed a stunning drive against the underside of the bar – moments after a similarly blistering effort from Ki-Sung Yeung found the net.

    But regardless of the defeat at Hampden, all ‘Well fans can look back on a season, which has included two semi-finals, a final, top-six football and a respectable European campaign, with a great deal of satisfaction.

    That was the message from Stuart McCall as he praised his weary stars, and looked forward to his first full campaign at the Fir Park helm.

    “We couldn’t ask for anymore in desire, drive and determination and after they scored, we raised our game and started playing like we can do.” Praised McCall. “But there’s no doubt Celtic were the better side.

    “There were a couple of bit of luck, if they had gone for us, could’ve changed the game. They’ve had one long-range shot from Ki which has screamed in, we’ve had one long-range shot which has hit the underside of the bar and come out.”

    “With 15 minutes to go we were 1-0 down and were still in it and then it was the cruelest of cruel deflections.

    “Next it’s going to be hard to top; getting to a League Cup semi-final, a Scottish Cup final and into the top six.”

    The ‘Well gaffer was also desperate to praise the masses of Motherwell fans who made the trip to the national stadium.

    The swathes of claret and amber – who sold out their 16,000-plus allocation comfortably – created an almighty din throughout the match and added colour and character to the occasion with flag, banners and a prodigious card display pre-match.

    Several players, including Keith Lasley and Chris Humphrey described their awe at the following after the match, and McCall was equally gushing regarding the Steelmen faithful.

    “The fans were outstanding,” The former Everton and Rangers midfielder praised. “They stayed with us and the support they gave the team lifted everybody and we’re all proud of the backing we had and we’re just disappointed that we just didn’t produce our best.”

  • Archive

    Celtic defeat in pictures

    Pictures from the 3-0 defeat by Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

    [svgallery name=”celtic210511″]

  • Archive

    Motherwell 0 – 3 Celtic

    [tab:Match report]

    A brave Motherwell side succumbed to a 3-0 Scottish Cup final defeat to Celtic in the torrential Hampden rain this afternoon.

    In a first half of tetchy fouls and trench warfare there was very little between the two sides, yet Lennon’s men went in ahead at the break thanks to a Ki Sung-Yeung’s 25-yard drive.

    Motherwell battled hard in the second-half but Celtic doubled their lead on 76 minutes when a deflected Mark Wilson drive painfully crept past Darren Randolph and into the net.

    And Charlie Mulgrew completed the win with five minutes remaining, lashing home a powerful free-kick from the edge of the area.

    ‘Well fans will be forever haunted by the Gavin Gunning drive, late in the first half, which thundered off the bar and could have completely changed the complexion of a defeat in which the men in claret and amber displayed plenty of courage and intensity – but ultimately not enough cutting edge.

    Stuart McCall sprung something of a surprise in his starting eleven, with Gunning coming in at left-back, and Steven Hammell taking a place in a tight midfield three with Hateley and Jennings. There were no surprises up front, with the retention of star trio Murphy, Humphrey and Sutton.

    Celtic, with an embarrassment of riches going forward, plumped for the partnership of Hooper and Samaras, with Mulgrew a surprise pick in midfield with Brown, Ki and Commons. Lennon’s back four consisted of Wilson, Loovens, Majstorovic and Izaguirre, with Forster taking his usual place in goals.

    The scenes before the match were truly remarkable; two laudable card displays from each side of Hampden, brightening up a dreich day in Glasgow’s South side, and wonderful sheer noise generated by both sets of fans – included the sold-out allocation of 16,000-plus Motherwell fans.

    That was followed by an impeccably observed tribute to the late, great Phil O’Donnell and Ernie Walker, the respected SFA administrator who recently passed away.

    Ahead of the match there was a tangible feeling that, to win, Motherwell would have to weather the early storm of a frustrated Celtic, given their SPL failure the previous weekend. That certainly turned out to be the case as, within three minutes, Gary Hooper struck the bar from a whipped Commons cross. But the flag was already raised for offside, and the ‘Well defence breathed again.

    Motherwell defended well against the territorial dominance of Celtic in the early stages, and the Hoops should have actually been down to ten men within the first ten minutes. Majstorovic made a shocking, studs-up challenge on John Sutton, which made full contact with the big striker’s leg. Calum Murray decided to show only a yellow for the red-card offence.

    That was followed by a booking for Keith Lasley for a fairly reckless challenge, as the Hampden showpiece developed into something of a niggly affair in incessant Glasgow downpour.

    A scrappy affair was enlightened by the only real moment of genuine quality just after the half-hour mark. South Korean midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung – booked moments earlier for a poor foul – was afforded too much space 25 yards out, and proceeded to lash a rasping low drive past Darren Randolph.

    The men in claret and amber appeared to be stung into life by the Boys’ opener, and the Steelmen came within the width of a crossbar from gaining a spectacular equaliser. Gunning, a surprise pick from Stuart McCall, surged forward from left-back and, from all of 30 yards, thundered a stunning effort against the underside of the bar.

    A slightly bizarre refereeing performance from Calum Murray was compounded soon after, as the grounded Stephen Craigan clearly flicked the ball away from Samaras with his arm, while on the edge of the area. A harsher referee may have sent the ‘Well captain off; Murray didn’t even blow for a foul. Craigan, himself, will probably admit he got away with one there.

    McCall’s men emerged onto the sodden turf in the second-half knowing they would need to score at least  once to have any hope of lifting the oldest national trophy in World football, but Celtic were immediately on the ascendancy.

    Indeed, they could have doubled their lead as a Ki corner caused absolute havoc in the six-yard box, only to be desperately scrambled away by the ‘Well backline. Motherwell posted their response almost immediately, with a crisp Chris Humphrey volley at the back-post. But Fraser Forster was sharp enough to get down and grasp the Jamaican’s effort.

    The legions of ‘Well fans who made the short trip down the M73 had the excellent Shaun Hutchinson to thank for keeping them in the game with 25 minutes left to play of a more lively second half. Kris Commons was delightfully slipped through on goal and, as he played the ball across for Hooper to inevitably tap into an empty net, the big Geordie intercepted to lash clear.

    It proved to be only a stay of execution of the Steelme, as Celtic doubled their lead with 15 minutes still to play – and frankly the goal was as cruel as they come. A dreadful Mark Wilson drive deflected off ‘Well captain Stephen Craigan, utterly eluding Randolph and crawling over the line in apparent slow-motion, despite the best efforts of Hutchinson on the line.

    And with Motherwell demoralised, and chasing the game, Celtic added a third and some gloss to the scoreline. The Hoops were given a free-kick on the edge of the area and Mulgrew, a scorer in Celtic’s semi-final win over Aberdeen,  proceeded to power a sweet strike into the corner of the net to end the game. 

    [tab:As it happened]

    90+3mins – FULL TIME – The referee ends the match.

    90+2mins – Shot by Anthony Stokes from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the goal.

    90mins – Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Tom Hateley.

    90mins – Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Tom Hateley from the left by-line to the near post, Sung-Yeung Ki makes a clearance.

    90mins – Centre by John Sutton, blocked by Daniel Majstorovic.

    90mins – The ball is swung over by Tom Hateley.

    89mins – Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Tom Hateley.

    89mins – Centre by Tom Hateley, clearance made by Daniel Majstorovic.

    88mins – Sub – Patrick McCourt joins the action as a substitute, replacing Gary Hooper.

    87mins – GOAL – Charlie Mulgrew: Motherwell 0 – 3 Celtic Charlie Mulgrew grabs a goal direct from the free kick from just outside the box to the top left corner of the goal.

    86mins – Foul by Stephen Craigan on Gary Hooper, free kick awarded.

    85mins – The ball is swung over by Anthony Stokes.

    84mins – The assistant referee flags for offside against Steve Jones. Fraser Forster takes the indirect free kick.

    84mins – Emilio Izaguirre challenges Tom Hateley unfairly and gives away a free kick. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

    83mnis – Foul by Keith Lasley on Sung-Yeung Ki, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Emilio Izaguirre.

    81mins – Free kick awarded for a foul by Daniel Majstorovic on Francis Jeffers. Direct free kick taken by Tom Hateley.

    80mins – Sub – James Forrest joins the action as a substitute, replacing Kris Commons.

    80mins – Effort on goal by Kris Commons from just inside the area clears the crossbar.

    79mins – The ball is delivered by Chris Humphrey, save by Fraser Forster.

    79mins – Sub – Motherwell make a substitution, with Steve Jones coming on for Jamie Murphy.

    75mins – Kris Commons takes a shot.

    75mins – OWN GOAL – Stephen Craigan: Motherwell 0 – 2 Celtic An unfortunate own goal is conceded by Stephen Craigan.

    73mins – Kris Commons has a drilled shot. Save by Darren Randolph.

    71mins – Sub – Francis Jeffers comes on in place of Stevie Hammell.

    71mins – Glenn Loovens has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the right of the goal.

    71mins – Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Sung-Yeung Ki from the left by-line, clearance made by Shaun Hutchinson.

    71mins – The ball is sent over by Charlie Mulgrew, Tom Hateley gets a block in.

    69mins – Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Kris Commons.

    68mins – Kris Commons has a direct shot on goal from the free kick, save by Darren Randolph.

    68mins – Booking – The referee books Stephen Craigan for unsporting behaviour.

    68mins – Unfair challenge on Anthony Stokes by Stephen Craigan results in a free kick.

    67mins – Daniel Majstorovic takes the direct free kick.

    67mins – Subs – Georgios Samaras leaves the field to be replaced by Anthony Stokes.

    67mins – Daniel Majstorovic fouled by John Sutton, the ref awards a free kick.

    66mins – Corner taken by Kris Commons.

    65mins – Kris Commons takes a shot. Clearance made by Shaun Hutchinson.

    64mins – Charlie Mulgrew crosses the ball, save by Darren Randolph.

    64mins – The ball is swung over by Gary Hooper.

    63mins – Foul by Steve Jennings on Georgios Samaras, free kick awarded. Kris Commons takes the direct free kick.

    62mins – Free kick awarded for a foul by John Sutton on Daniel Majstorovic. Direct free kick taken by Fraser Forster.

    61mins – Unfair challenge on Shaun Hutchinson by Georgios Samaras results in a free kick. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

    60mins – Foul by Tom Hateley on Charlie Mulgrew, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Daniel Majstorovic.

    58mins – Handball by Gavin Gunning. Direct free kick taken by Mark Wilson.

    57mins – The ball is crossed by Gavin Gunning, Sung-Yeung Ki manages to make a clearance.

    57mins – A cross is delivered by Chris Humphrey, Glenn Loovens makes a clearance.

    56mins – Centre by Gavin Gunning.

    55mins – The ball is crossed by Charlie Mulgrew.

    54mins – The ball is delivered by Gavin Gunning, clearance made by Kris Commons.

    53mins – Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Gavin Gunning by Kris Commons. Direct free kick taken by Stevie Hammell.

    53mins – Chris Humphrey produces a volleyed right-footed shot from 18 yards. Save by Fraser Forster.

    52mins – The ball is crossed by Gavin Gunning.

    51mins – Corner taken by Sung-Yeung Ki from the left by-line played to the near post, Stevie Hammell makes a clearance.

    51mins – The ball is delivered by Emilio Izaguirre, blocked by Chris Humphrey.

    49mins – Emilio Izaguirre sends in a cross, save by Darren Randolph.

    47mins – The ball is swung over by Kris Commons.

    45mins – The second half kicks off.

    45mins – HALF TIME – The match has reached half-time.

    45mins – The ball is crossed by Georgios Samaras.

    39mins – Chris Humphrey crosses the ball.

    38mins – The ball is swung over by Gavin Gunning, clearance made by Emilio Izaguirre.

    36mins – The referee gives a free kick against Daniel Majstorovic for handball. Stevie Hammell delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from right wing, clearance made by Scott Brown.

    35mins – Drilled left-footed shot by Gavin Gunning comes back of the bar.

    35mins – Centre by Chris Humphrey, Daniel Majstorovic manages to make a clearance.

    33mins – Keith Lasley concedes a free kick for a foul on Georgios Samaras. Shot comes in from Kris Commons from the free kick.

    31mins –  GOAL – Sung-Yeung Ki: Motherwell 0 – 1 Celtic Sung-Yeung Ki grabs a goal from a long way out to the bottom left corner of the goal.

    30mins – Stephen Craigan takes the free kick.

    30minsBooking – Sung-Yeung Ki is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour.

    29mins – Keith Lasley fouled by Sung-Yeung Ki, the ref awards a free kick.

    28mins – Gary Hooper fouled by Keith Lasley, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Daniel Majstorovic.

    26mins – Scott Brown fouled by Stevie Hammell, the ref awards a free kick. The free kick is delivered left-footed by Charlie Mulgrew from right wing.

    25mins – Steve Jennings concedes a free kick for a foul on Scott Brown. The free kick is swung in left-footed by Kris Commons, clearance by Shaun Hutchinson.

    25mins – Centre by Charlie Mulgrew, clearance by Stephen Craigan.

    24mins – Unfair challenge on Gary Hooper by Steve Jennings results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Mark Wilson.

    22mins – The ball is crossed by Mark Wilson, Shaun Hutchinson manages to make a clearance.

    22mins – The ball is swung over by Charlie Mulgrew, Jamie Murphy makes a clearance.

    21mins – Steve Jennings concedes a free kick for a foul on Gary Hooper. Direct free kick taken by Mark Wilson.

    20mins – Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Shaun Hutchinson by Georgios Samaras. Tom Hateley takes the free kick.

    19mins – Steve Jennings concedes a free kick for a foul on Gary Hooper. Daniel Majstorovic restarts play with the free kick.

    18mins – Darren Randolph takes the direct free kick.

    18minsBooking – Booking for Scott Brown for unsporting behaviour.

    18mins – Foul by Scott Brown on Stevie Hammell, free kick awarded.

    16mins – The ball is swung over by Emilio Izaguirre, Steve Jennings manages to make a clearance.

    14mins – Direct free kick taken by Fraser Forster.

    14minsBooking – Keith Lasley receives a caution.

    14mins – Foul by Keith Lasley on Glenn Loovens, free kick awarded.

    14mins – Emilio Izaguirre delivers the ball, save by Darren Randolph.

    12mins – Charlie Mulgrew sends in a cross, clearance made by Shaun Hutchinson.

    11mins – Gavin Gunning fouled by Kris Commons, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

    10mins – Chris Humphrey challenges Emilio Izaguirre unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Fraser Forster.

    9mins – Stevie Hammell takes the direct free kick.

    9minsBooking – Daniel Majstorovic is shown a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

    9mins – Daniel Majstorovic challenges John Sutton unfairly and gives away a free kick.

    6mins – Scott Brown gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Stevie Hammell. Stephen Craigan restarts play with the free kick.

    4mins – Daniel Majstorovic fouled by John Sutton, the ref awards a free kick. Fraser Forster takes the direct free kick.

    4mins – Gavin Gunning sends in a cross, clearance by Daniel Majstorovic.

    4mins – The ball is sent over by Chris Humphrey, Mark Wilson makes a clearance.

    4mins – Kris Commons delivers the ball, clearance by Shaun Hutchinson.

    3mins – Unfair challenge on Georgios Samaras by Stevie Hammell results in a free kick. Scott Brown restarts play with the free kick.

    2mins – Kris Commons delivers the ball, clearance made by Steve Jennings.

    1min – The offside flag is raised against Gary Hooper. Darren Randolph takes the indirect free kick.

    1min – Centre by Kris Commons, Gary Hooper takes a shot.

    1min – Corner taken by Kris Commons from the left by-line played to the near post, Gavin Gunning makes a clearance.

    1min – The game kicks-off.

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “We knew we had to be at our best and a few of us weren’t at their best but we couldn’t ask for anymore in desire, drive and determination,” said McCall.

    “There’s no doubt Celtic were the better side. But the couple of bits of luck, if they had gone for us, could’ve changed the game.

    “They’ve had one long-range shot from Ki which has screamed in, we’ve had one long-range shot which has hit the underside of the bar and come out. After they scored, we raised our game. We started playing like we can do.

    “With 15 minutes to go we were 1-0 down and were still in it and then it was the cruelest of cruel deflections.”

    Celtic Manager Neil Lennon:

    “It’s the first trophy for a few years and the players deserve it – so do the supporters.

    “Motherwell did very well and made a great contribution to the final, but we were superb. We were a bit too clinical at times and tried to walk the ball into the net at times.

    “You can’t deny the quality in the squad, and it manifested itself again today.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”56″]

  • Archive

    Vote for the Man of The Match!

    The Man of The Match for The Scottish Final this weekend will be decided by the fans who can vote on the official Scottish Cup facebook page.

    To vote, simply visit the Scottish Cup facebook page – www.facebook.com/scottishcup – during the Cup Final on Saturday and click Poll where you will be able to view the nominations and cast your vote.

    Make sure you ‘Like’ the cup facebook page NOW and get all the exciting exclusives on the run up to The Scottish Cup Final.