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    ‘Well Society appoint four-man board

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    TV: McCall looks forward to Hibs test

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    TV: Lasley keen on a return to form

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    ‘Well back ‘Tash Converters’ fundraiser

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    TV: Highlights from Pittodrie

  • Archive

    TV: JJ embarrassed by Dons defeat

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    Aberdeen U20s 5 – 1 Motherwell U20s

  • Archive

    Show Racism the Red Card

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    TV: Defender on the comeback trail

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    Saunders launches Charity Weekend

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    ‘Well Society appoint four-man board

    Motherwell Football Club moved one step closer to fan ownership last night with the appointment of the first four board members of the ‘Well Society.

    The inaugural meeting was held in South Dalziel Studios, just yards from Fir Park, and was well attended by members.

    After a lively opening Q&A between the Motherwell FC Board and the audience, the formal vote took place with members putting a single cross beside the name of the person they felt best suited to taking on this important role. Members were in receipt of statements from all 21 candidates and together they made for an impressive list.

    Votes cast were added to the postal/email votes already received and were counted and independently verified.

    In the meantime, the crowd were able to pose questions to the manager, Stuart McCall along with players Nicky Law, Michael Higdon, Simon Ramsden, Henrik Ojamaa, Jamie Murphy and Omar Daley.

    The management team and players departed after some lively and humorous chat and the results of the vote were announced. The unanimous decision was to appoint Tom Feeley, Sandy Kilpatrick, Graham Barnstaple and Brian McCafferty as the first board of the ‘Well Society.

    There was a further Q&A between the audience and the Motherwell FC Board before a vote of thanks and closure.

    Speaking to motherwellfc.co.uk, Tom Feeley said: “We have a chance of a lifetime here as supporters to have a real say in how our club operates on a day to day basis. I am honoured to be involved and am excited by the challenges that lie ahead.”

    Sandy Kilpatrick added: “There is a big job in front of us.  We will be looking for all of the members, present and future, to help us make this a success.”

    Graham Barnstaple commented: “It is a real privilege for me as a lifelong Motherwell supporter to be involved. A lot of work lies ahead but I am ready for any challenge. We can all make a real success of this!

    Brian McCafferty said: “I’d like to thank all the Motherwell fans who voted for me. I’m very proud to have been selected for the ‘Well Society board.

    “I’m looking forward to contributing to the Society’s goals and working with my fellow members and Motherwell supporters to drive forward this exciting new era in the club’s history.”

    For more information on the ‘Well Society, including information on how to join, please visit https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/the-club/the-well-society/ or contact Alison Wallace on 01698 333333.

  • Archive

    TV: McCall looks forward to Hibs test

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall expects another classic encounter when Motherwell face Hibs at Fir Park tomorrow night.

    When the Steelmen meet the Hibees, goals usually follow. Indeed, the last eight meetings between the two teams have produced an astonishing 36 goals.

    The last 0-0 draw between the two teams was almost seventeen years ago when Scott Howie made his debut between the sticks at Fir Park.

    All the ingredients are there for another exciting affair under the floodlights and McCall hopes for an entertaining encounter that hopefully ends in three points for the hosts.

    [pullquote]I’m looking forward to it and we are looking to get back on a winning run if we can.[/pullquote]

    “I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

    “We’ve had some great encounters here against in Hibs in the last few seasons. Obviously everyone will remember the six-each game and last season with big Michael Higdon’s hat-trick.

    “Even the two each cup game was a terrific game of football. I’m looking forward to it and we are looking to get back on a winning run if we can.

    “We’ve got a run of games now at home and we’ve got to look to take a couple of wins. Every game is difficult and tight and I’m sure Friday will be no different. We want a big performance for our supporters but a result is also vital.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

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    TV: Lasley keen on a return to form

    ‘Well skipper Keith Lasley hopes Motherwell can prove doubters wrong and return to winning ways when Hibs visit Fir Park on Friday.

    The Steelmen have not enjoyed the best run of results recently which has led to some questioning the squad’s ability to replicate last year’s success.

    However Lasley, who is enjoying his thirteenth season in the Fir Park first-team, reckons the players still have what it takes to battling at the right end of the table.

    [pullquote]We’ve not been playing that badly and it’s just a case of trying to get that win and if we get it, it can put us right back on track.[/pullquote]

    He told the gathered press at Motherwell’s weekly news conference: “I think people have been waiting for our bubble to burst for a while now but in the last few years we’ve managed to get a level of consistency which has probably surprised a lot of people.

    “We just keep working hard. Last season we had a spell of a few poor results but managed to bounce back and that is what we’re looking to do again.

    “We’ve not been playing that badly and it’s just a case of trying to get that win and if we get it, it can put us right back on track and all of a sudden you are going into the next game with a lot of confidence.

    “Friday is a home game and a chance for us to get back out in front of our own fans and hopefully get that win that would get us going again.”

    -WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE ONLY ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

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    ‘Well back ‘Tash Converters’ fundraiser

    Motherwell FC players are kicking off the moustache month of madness by showing their support for global charity Movember. 

    The football team sponsored by Cash Converters will replace their usual match shirt with a ‘Tash Converters’ shirt to help raise awareness of the national fundraising drive during November.

    Players, including Keith Lasley and Michael Higdon have also committed to growing facial hair to support the worthy cause, which sees more than 9,500 men die from prostate and testicular cancer across the UK every year.

    Footy fans will catch a glimpse of the new logo when Motherwell meet Hibernian on Friday 26 October at 7.45pm live on ESPN.

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall said: “We are absolutely delighted to get right behind our principal sponsors Cash Converters in backing this worthwhile cause.

    “We all have a bit of a laugh and a joke by wearing and growing the moustaches but the message behind it is to raise awareness of these terrible illnesses. I would encourage everyone to dig deep to help raise as much money as possible as every penny is crucial in the battle against cancer.”

    David Patrick, chief executive of Cash Converters UK, said: “We are so pleased Motherwell FC are showing their support in a spectacular fashion. It is an honour to have their backing and all helps to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer, while raising much needed funds. We are pleased our logo and the support from both football teams will be seen by tens of thousands of people live on TV.

    “Tash Converters is a bit of fun, but comes with a very serious message. We hope the fans will all follow suit and grow a moustache and get donating for this great cause.”

    For more information on the Tash Converters activities planned during November, or to join in the fundraising drive visit www.tashconverters.co.uk

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    TV: Highlights from Pittodrie

    Extended highlights from Pittodrie as Motherwell Under 20s crashed to a miserable 5-1 defeat at the hands of Aberdeen.

    -WATCH EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-
    (No Audio Summary)

    MFC TV

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    TV: JJ embarrassed by Dons defeat

    Under 20s boss Jonatan Johansson was left angered and disappointed with his side following their 5-1 demolishing at Pittodrie.

    The Steelmen were below par all night and a more ruthless Dons side could have made the score line even more embarrassing for the youngsters.

    Johansson was in no mood to pull punches and let his players know just how angry he was in the dressing room after the match.

    [pullquote]The goals we let in were just embarrassing and it is time to do something about that now.[/pullquote]

    Speaking exclusively to MFC TV after the match, he said: “It was five-one going on six or seven; it was very poor, especially the second half.

    “The goals we let in were just embarrassing and it is time to do something about that now.

    “It was men against boys today and that is the first time I’ve thought that this season. They were sharper than us, stronger and bullied us a bit and we got a lesson.

    “I hope the players look at themselves in the mirror and realise they have to be a lot better if they are to make the first team as they are very, very far away at the moment.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

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    Aberdeen U20s 5 – 1 Motherwell U20s

    Motherwell crashed to a poor 5-1 defeat to Aberdeen and a drizzly Pittodrie this evening.

    The Fir Parkers turned in probably their poorest performance of the season to date and two from Cameron Smith and a Declan McManus gave the home side the win.

    BOB McHUGH fired the consolation for the Steelmen but it certainly won’t be a match that will live long in the memory.

    Jonatan Johansson made three changes from the side that lost to Dundee Utd at Fir Park last midweek. LEE HOLLISADAM CUMMINS and FRAZER JOHNSTONE all dropped out, replaced by ROSS STEWARTMORGYN NEILL and DOMINIC GREEN.

    The visitors made the worst possible start when they conceded a penalty-kick inside the opening two minutes.

    EUAN MURRAY knocked the ball square to Stewart whose heavy touch was intercepted by Smith. The young goalkeeper tried to win it back but clipped the striker and the referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot. Smith dusted himself down to slot home the opening goal, placing the ball low to Stewart’s left with the stopper going the wrong way.

    That goal gave the Dons the perfect platform to go on and dictate (and dominate) most of the first-half and they had chances to increase their lead further through Joe Shaughnessy and Smith again but neither forced Stewart into any real saves of note.

    Motherwell, for their part, took twenty minutes to register an effort at Danny Rogers but although DOM THOMAS’ half-volley had the desired power, it was too straight allowing the Dons keeper to clutch fairly easily.

    Winger Alan O’Sullivan headed wide before the Dons finally doubled their advantage. Smith was the man doing the damage once again, collecting on the edge of the box before curling a delightful effort high into the top corner leaving Stewart helpless.

    With the game already looking as if it was drifting away from the visitor, Bob McHugh halved the deficit with his fourth consecutive goal for the Under 20s.

    A header forward by ADAM ASGHAR was flicked on by McHugh into the path of the supporting CRAIG MOORE. The little striker couldn’t get the ball properly under control but it fell fortuitously for McHugh who smashed it home from about eight yards out.

    Despite the set-back of losing their two-goal advantage, the Dons were still looking dangerous with almost every attack. O’Sullivan had a shot blocked and Smith almost nabbed a hat-trick with a back post header but the Steelmen got in at the break just 2-1 down.

    However, any hopes of getting back into the match were quickly extinguished by an astonishing nine-minute hat-trick from Declan McManus.

    His first was a real striker’s finish, nipping in between two centre-backs to tuck home a low, teasing Craig Duguid cross from the right.

    The second, shortly after, was a deft flick on a Rob Milsom free-kick to nutmeg Stewart at his near post and the third was a fine solo goal, racing seventy yards before curling a beautiful effort high past the ‘Well keeper from just inside the area.

    That was the end of the scoring for the evening but it certainly wasn’t the end of the Red onslaught.

    It was wave after wave of attacks from the home side but despite chances for Stephen O’Neill, Rob Milsom, Kieron Gibbons and Craig Storie, it remained 5-1.

    Motherwell’s only real chance of the second half fell to Moore who managed to race clear and on to an excellent STEVIE HETHERINGTON’s pass. However, his attempt at a chip over Rogers sadly ended up in the Markland Stand.

    There was one other half-chance near the end when PAUL McCAFFERTY shimmed clear of his marker but could only pull his low shot wide of the far post.

    It summed up a miserable night’s work at Pittodrie for the young Steelmen side who were second best for the majority of the ninety minutes. There will have been plenty for Johansson, Black, Marshall and Co. to ponder on the long journey home from the Granite City.

    Motherwell: Stewart, Green (Johnstone – 58), Neill, Murray, Leitch, Asghar, Hetherington, McCafferty, Thomas (Trialist – 80), Moore (Shirkie – 80), McHugh

    Subs Not Used: Currie, Ferguson

  • Archive

    Show Racism the Red Card

    Show Racism the Red Card

    Welcome to Show Racism the Red Card’s annual Fortnight of Action. The 2012 Fortnight of Action will again make a stand against both racism and sectarianism.

    We believe that it is vital to highlight the anti-sectarian message as well as the anti-racism message at this time, especially when recent incidents have once again highlighted the problem of sectarianism within our communities.

    All professional clubs will take a stand against both racism and sectarianism at a home game during the fortnight. We have developed the ways in which the clubs are able to take action to make it the biggest and most high profile fortnight so far.

    At every Clydesdale Bank Premier League fixture this weekend, SPL clubs will be united in calling for an end to racism and sectarianism in football and in society. Players in over 40 European countries are involved in similar events as part of the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network against racism and discrimination.

    Show Racism the Red Card has received excellent support from football clubs, football authorities and football fans the length and breadth of Scotland and we would like to thank you for this. It has not been without its challenges though and we urge fans to continue to support the anti-racism and anti-sectarianism messages. We have heard of many instances where real supporters are proactive in promoting the anti-racism and anti-sectarianism messages in and around their club, making it clear that racist / sectarian fans are not welcome at their club.

    Neil Doncaster, Chief Executive of the SPL, said: “Football is a powerful medium to break down barriers and promote tolerance. Our clubs have supported Show Racism the Red Card since season 2003/04 and once again, this united action in support of the campaign sends out the positive message that football is a game to be enjoyed by all.”

    The campaign will continue to speak to all football clubs, the football authorities and the police to eradicate all forms of racist and sectarian behaviour.

    The SPL and its clubs deplore all forms of racism and sectarianism and any racist or sectarian behaviour will not be tolerated at Clydesdale Bank Premier League fixtures.

    This year the campaign has developed partnerships with local authorities to deliver educational workshops combined with football coaching sessions in a number of regions. The workshops are delivered by a dedicated team of ex-professional footballers and they are a very positive method of educating our young people about the negative impact racism and sectarianism have on Scottish society.

    Here’s a brief outline of what’s taking place during the Fortnight of Action this year:

    • Anti-racist / anti-sectarian football festivals and projects across Scotland.
    • Show Racism the Red Card actions at Clydesdale Bank Premier League, Scottish Football League, Scottish Women’s Premier League, Scottish Women’s Football League, and Scottish Cup 3rd round matches.
    • ‘Unite Against Racism’ actions at UEFA Champions League fixtures.
    • Educational workshops in schools and community groups across Scotland.

    Football is a sport that is followed by people across the world, and football matches should be an enjoyable experience for all, whatever their racial or religious background. We all have a part to play in stamping out racism and sectarianism in football and society.

    If you see or hear racism or sectarianism at any level of football, please report it to stewards or police. Our website also includes updates on Fortnight of Action events and more information on the “Show Racism the Red Card” campaign in Scotland.

    www.theredcardscotland.org

    Show your support for tackling racism and sectarianism:

    Follow us on twitter: @SRtRCScotland

    Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/theRedCardScotland

  • Archive

    TV: Defender on the comeback trail

    Steven Saunders is nearing the end of his rehabilitation process after a year on the sidelines.

    The Scotland cap ruptured his Achilles tendon playing for the Scotland Under 21s fourteen months ago.

    After making a brief return in pre-season, years of wear and tear on his knee eventually required surgery and he again went under the knife, ruling him out for the first half of the 2012-13 campaign.

    Now back running at the training ground, the former Queen’s Park defender can see light at the end of the tunnel and hopes to be back in action for the first-team before the turn of the year.

    Speaking at the launch of the Weatherseal/SPL Charity weekend, which will allow supporters the opportunity to vote for their chosen charity that will benefit from activity at all league games on the weekend of 8th/9th December, he told MFC TV:  “I am feeling a whole lot better now that I am out and about and doing some running at training.

    “It’s so hard for any footballer to be stuck in a gym with everyone elsewhere so just to get back to Dalziel Park again, even if it is just running around the park then watching the lads train, has been a massive boost.

    “I was told to aim for Christmas and that is still the target but I am going to see the surgeon again in two weeks and hopefully he will give me the green light to start upping my training.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

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    Saunders launches Charity Weekend

    Motherwell star Steven Saunders today helped launch the first Weatherseal and SPL Charity Weekend.

    And for the first time, supporters will have the opportunity to vote for their chosen charity that will benefit from activity at all league games on the weekend of 8th/9th December.

    A shortlist of five charities has been selected by the clubs. They are: Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), Samaritans Scotland, Shelter Scotland, Football Memories as part of Alzheimer Scotland and Scottish Women’s Aid.

    The chosen charity will benefit from collections at all fixtures. Weatherseal, the SPL’s official home improvement partner will also gift their marketing rights for that weekend. This includes advertising space and digital perimeter display boards.

    Voting is now open via a dedicated website, www.weatherseal-charity.co.uk. The poll closes on 29th October.

    Weatherseal managing director Tony Reilly said: “Weatherseal is proud to be launching this new initiative.  This has been a season about supporters and I am sure they will help raise as much as possible for the chosen charity.”

    SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster added: “This is a great opportunity for supporters to have their say in this new project. I’d like to thank Weatherseal for generously supporting the initiative.”

    John Wilson, spokesperson for Motherwell Supporters’ Trust, said: “It’s good to see a major sponsor give a helping hand to some deserving causes.  Fill the buckets!”

    Michael White Alzheimer Scotland Football Memories project manager said: “Thousands of people with dementia love their football and Football Memories harnesses that passion for the game to improve their lives.  We are therefore delighted to have the chance to take part in a charity weekend launched by Weatherseal and the Scottish Premier League and Weatherseal.”

    Tanya Rhodes, Scottish Women’s Aid media worker added: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Weatherseal/SPL charity weekend, and call upon all Scotland’s football fans to join us in blowing the whistle on domestic abuse. Domestic abuse has a huge effect throughout families and communities, and everyone can play their part in making it STOP.“

    Andrew Sim, Samaritans executive director for Scotland said: “Samaritans is delighted to be a Charity Candidate as part of the Weatherseal and Scottish Premier League Charity Weekend. We see it as a great opportunity to highlight the links between physical activity and mental wellbeing and to tell people about our service and the great work of Samaritans volunteers across Scotland.”

    Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, says: “We are delighted to be one of the charities chosen by Weatherseal and the Scottish Premier League to be involved in this exciting fundraising initiative.

    You may not see Scotland’s homeless children on the street.  Isolated and ignored, they’re hidden away in temporary accommodation.

    And every day our helpline hears more stories of cockroaches, health problems, bad landlords and bitter cold. It’s a disgrace. It’s an outrage. And we need your help to do something about it.”

    CHAS corporate and events fundraiser Criona Knight said: “Football fans always show their mettle for their team, and we want to turn that spirit into votes for CHAS, Scotland’s only children’s hospice charity. We’re so excited to be up for this nomination which will mean so much to the families that we support.”