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Following hot on the heels of Henrik Ojamaa penning a long-term deal yesterday, the club are delighted to confirm another young star, Stuart Carswell, has himself agreed a new contract.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall is a huge admirer of the Bellshill-born youngster and has rewarded him with a deal that will keep him at Fir Park until the summer of 2014.

The midfielder has made thirteen appearances in Claret and Amber so far, three of them amongst the starting eleven.

And he hopes now, with some stability, he’ll go on and make a bigger impact in the first-team.

He said: “I am pleased things have been sorted out and I can concentrate on developing as a player here at Motherwell.

“Obviously there is a lot of talent in midfield at the moment but I will keep my head down, keep working hard and if the opportunity presents itself, then I will be ready to take it.”

[pullquote]Obviously there is a lot of talent in midfield at the moment but I will keep my head down, keep working hard and if the opportunity presents itself, then I will be ready to take it.[/pullquote]

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster added, “Everyone at the club has been delighted with the progress Stuart has made and we are extremely confident he will go on and make a big impact in the first-team.

“This is part of our on-going strategy to make sure we secure our young talent on longer term deals, protecting our assets whilst giving players the security to develop both personally and professionally.”

Jamie Murphy has spoke of his desire to complete what could be a successful season at ‘Well after knocking back Blackpool during the week.

The former Scotland U21 starlet could have joined the Championship side on Tuesday but instead opted to stay at Fir Park.

His decision has been met with surprise in some quarters given the amount of players who have crossed the border in recent years.

He said: “First and foremost, I enjoy being here. There were also other factors I spoke about with my parents and my family so we all decided the best thing for me was to stay here until at least the end of the season.

“I don’t think I’m the kind of guy who runs away at the first opportunity. I enjoy playing here at Motherwell and playing in the SPL but I’m sure there will be a time where, hopefully, I move down to England but at the moment it’s not imperative that I do that.

“I’m just looking forward to the rest of the season now and hopefully proving a few people wrong that said I’m wrong to stay.

“I’m looking forward to the games we’ve got coming up. I love playing in the cup and obviously it’s a tough tie we’ve got tomorrow but I’m looking forward to it and also we’re doing so well in the league. That was a big factor and definitely one of the reasons for me staying.

“I already know I’m not going to regret it and it’s all about proving the doubters wrong. It wasn’t the right move for me at the right time so hopefully I can repay Motherwell for still being here.”

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‘Well boss Stuart McCall laughed off suggestions by ‘Ton boss Allan Moore that his side will come to Fir Park tomorrow to ‘Park the bus’.

The Steelmen face the Cappielow club in the Scottish Cup tomorrow with the winner taking their place in Monday’s Quarter Final draw at Hampden.

And McCall expects a tough encounter against a talented Morton side laden with SPL experience.

“Whatever any opposing manager thinks is best for their side to get through is completely up to them, I have no problems with that,” he said.

“I am a believer in horses for courses. If they go anywhere with a game plan and get a result then all the best to them. Whether that will be the case tomorrow, I am not so sure. They have talented players, particularly in attack, but we’ll wait and see tomorrow.

“But, as I always say, week in and week out, it’s all about us and how we perform. The lads have taken great heart from recent performances and it would be nice to go out tomorrow and put in a strong performance.”

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In order to ensure this weekend’s Cup match definitely goes ahead, the club are asking fans to volunteer their services on Saturday morning should the predicted snow fall come to pass.

Safety and Facilities Manager Alan Marshall explained, “Forecasters are predicting significant snow fall either late Friday night or Saturday morning which could give us issues.

“The pitch will be absolutely fine, as will inside the stadium, but as in previous occasions, the surrounding areas – car parks, walkways etc – could cause us some problems.

“The snow might miss us, hopefully it will, but we have got to get a contingency plan in place.

[pullquote]The snow might miss us, hopefully it will, but we have got to get a contingency plan in place.[/pullquote]

“We are looking for as many volunteers as possible to work alongside our ground and maintenance staff to clear any snow, should it fall.

“As a thank you, anyone who assists on the day will be given a complimentary ticket for the match. As we have no idea how many will offer to help, if you plan to come along, bringing your own shovel, if you have one, would be very helpful too.”

Fans would be required to be at the ground at approximately 8am. If you feel you can help, then please email your contact details (mobile phone number) to amarshall@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Motherwell Football Club are tonight delighted to confirm Estonian striker Henrik Ojamaa has signed a two-and-a-half year contract at Fir Park.

The former Derby County youngster has been in incredible form since breaking into the first-team, scoring and setting up four goals in just five appearances.

Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, the 20-year old said: “I am delighted to get thing tied up; it was a goal of mine when I first came here to win a longer deal and it’s great it has happened so quickly.

“I would like to think it has been a reward for me not only for how things have gone, but how well the team have played as well. Working with great players at a great manager, in front of great fans, can only improve me as a player.”

‘Well boss Stuart McCall added, “We are pleased to have it finally tied up. I must pay tribute to the Chief Executive, Leeann Dempster, for the amount of hard work she has put in both with Henrik and his representatives.

“The lad has put himself in the shop window a bit and there was a sniff of interest already from elsewhere but we were always hopeful he would sign with the club.

“He has said how much he enjoys it at the club and like having him around. He can continue to develop here, become a better player and hopefully he’ll play a big part from now until the end of the season and beyond.”

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Motherwell and Scotland legend James McFadden has encouraged supporters to join the ‘Well Society and help the Steelmen become the best fans’ run club in Scotland.

The Everton star was back at his spiritual home today and was desperate to assist in the new scheme that will allow ‘Well fans to eventually take over the running of the club.

He said: “It was good to see everyone at the club today. I’ve been back a few times recently but it is still good to see the people who are still around from when I was here.

“There are a few things that have changed but not too much. When you come back through the door it feels like home; as if you are part of the set-up; a wee trip down memory lane.

[pullquote]When you come back through the door it feels like home; as if you are part of the set-up.[/pullquote]

“I have also been getting involved with the Well Society too. Obviously the club played a big part in my life and my career. You can help secure the future of the club by joining up now. It’s you opportunity to have a say in how our club is run.

“I hope it takes off and the fans, who were so good to me when I was here, can have a stable future both on and off the pitch for years to come.”

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster added, “The Society has until March to demonstrate that it can go forward as a viable vehicle in which to run the club going forward.

“Fans should be aware though that the full yearly membership does not have to be paid in full by then – payments can be spread out if it makes things easier for people.

“We have been delighted with the feedback we have had – the majority of which has been extremely positive. The task for us now is to encourage people to sign up and be a part of our own mini revolution.”

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Stuart McCall admits he is glad to see the back of the January Transfer Window with his squad still fully intact.

The Steelmen accepted an offer from Championship side Blackpool for striker Jamie Murphy but the former Scotland U21 hitman opted to stay at Fir Park.

And with the ‘Well gaffer revealing he hopes to have Estonian Henrik Ojamaa on an extended deal within the next 48-hours, it has been a positive few days at Fir Park.

“It’s positive from a playing perspective (keeping Jamie Murphy at the club),” he said.

“The bid that came in, as late as it did, doesn’t reflect the value I have of him. However, you see clubs up and down the country who need money at certain times of the season – we are the same – and I was more than aware of that when I joined. John Boyle actually told me the aim is to get into the top six and sell a player every season so it is nothing unexpected.

“I was keen to keep everyone at the club towards the end of the last window as we had started so well but I was sure we would lose someone in January. That’s not happened and from a manager’s point of view, I am delighted Jamie will still be a part of our squad.”

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Motherwell FC are encouraging Scots to take a break from their worries today (Wednesday 1st February) – the annual awareness raising day of mental health helpline Breathing Space.

The ‘Well Wednesday’ campaign is supported by Public Health Minister Michael Matheson and BBC presenter Kaye Adams and visited Fir Park as one of their touring van stops to promote the importance of good mental wellbeing.

Motherwell Manager Stuart McCall said “We have formed a strong partnership with Breathing Space and this an excellent opportunity for us as a Club to raise awareness about looking after your mental as well as your physical wellbeing. We try hard to help get health messages across to our fans as we are very much a community club. Hopefully we as ‘the Well’ can help to raise awareness on Well Wednesday”

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator said “We are delighted that Motherwell Football Club are supporting Well Wednesday, it’s great to see the manager Stuart McCall getting involved. Young men in Scotland often find it difficult to talk about their worries, which can sometimes mean problems build up. We hope Well Wednesday will encourage people to talk to friends and family or else phone Breathing Space if they are feeling low or anxious.”

Breathing Space is a free and confidential phone and web based service for any individual who is experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to. The service receives more than 6,000 calls each month, relating to a wide range of issues including relationship difficulties, stress at work, bereavement, isolation, loneliness and suicide.

More information on different aspects of mental health and wellbeing can be accessed through the new Mental Health and Wellbeing zone on the NHS inform website http://www.nhsinform.co.uk/mentalhealth.

Striker Steven Howarth has left the club after coming to an agreement to terminate his contract four months before it was due to expire.

Former Clyde striker Howarth signed a one-year deal during the summer after an impressive stint with Gordon Young’s Under 19s.

However, he has found first-team football almost impossible to come by with Michael Higdon, Jamie Murphy, Omar Daley, Bob McHugh, Henrik Ojamaa and Gary Smith all ahead of him in the battle for a start.

He did spend a short spell on loan at Alloa Athletic earlier in the campaign but failed to make an impact whilst with the Wasps.

Motherwell Football Club would like to thank Steven for his efforts whilst at Fir Park and wish him every success in his future career.

Motherwell reserves were unable to match the exploits of the first-team when they crashed to a two-nil defeat at the hands of St Johnstone this afternoon.

Saints were the much more experienced of the two sides with the Steelmen boasting six players still eligible for the Under 19s amongst their starters. However, ‘Well created enough chances in the first forty-five to win three matches and will be disappointed to lose the match at Alloa’s Recreation Park.

Lee Erwin and Bob McHugh were first to threaten after picking up a Zaine Francis-Angol square pass inside the area. Disaster though as they both appeared to get in each other’s way and the chances went a begging.

The McDiarmid Park side had early chances of their own; the lively Kudus Oyenuga caused problems all afternoon and came close with a bouncing drive from the edge of the area that had Willie Muir scrambling.

Further chances came and went from McHugh, both after great wing play from Chris Humphrey. His first effort had to be hooked off the line by a recover Saints defender; the second was comfortably saved by the visiting keeper.

Down the other end, Oyenuga again came close with a curling effort from the edge of the box that went just over before ‘Well almost got ahead after a move of sublime quality. Eleven passes involving eight different players was started and finished by Ross Forbes. The midfielder got on the end of a lovely Steven Lawless pass over the top but his stinging volley flew just wide.

Oyenuga was Saints main threat and he linked well with former ‘Well striker Cillian Sheridan to fire another strike at Muir. The young ‘Well stopper was equal to the task though and gathered at the second attempt.

However, minutes later, he would have no chance as the Spurs loanee smashed his side in front. The 18-year old collected some thirty-yards from goal, wriggled free from a few challenges before unleashing a low shot into the corner – 1-0 Saints.

‘Well could, and perhaps should have been level almost instantly. Straight from kick-off, a stray back pass allowed Erwin to collect deep inside enemy territory and his cut-back found Forbes on the edge. The midfielder saw his first shot blocked and the rebound volley comfortably saved. However, Saints botched the clearance and Carswell put ‘Well back on the attack. His ball into the box found McHugh unmarked but the former Scotland U19s striker couldn’t believe it when his low shot was expertly turned round the post.

Into the second half and Saints started on the front foot and had two quick fire chances to extend their lead. Sheridan fired a low shot that was well held by Muir and, shortly after, another shot flew at the ‘Well goal but the keeper was relieved to watch it hit the side net when a goal looked on.

Both teams were trading chances – Forbes fired over for ‘Well and Sheridan dragged a shot, from about the same distance, wide. Steven Lawless also had a half-volley comfortably saved by the Saints stopper.

With the game nearing its conclusion, Motherwell passed up a glorious chance to equalise. Humphrey made a terrific bursting run down the right reminiscent of a similar effort at Tynecastle last season. On that occasion, former hitman John Sutton was there to tap home from underneath the bar but, unfortunately for ‘Well, Forbes scooped his shot over. To be fair to the youngster, the ball did bounce just as he was about to strike it into the empty net.

To rub salt into the wounds, Saints’ young substitute scored late on to make it 2-0 – collecting a neat ball over the top to power past Muir.

Motherwell: Muir, Green, Francis-Angol, Page, Murray, Craswell, Forbes, Humphrey, Lawless, McHugh, Erwin

Subs: Hetherington, Pollock, Howarth

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