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As the debate on the future of Scottish football intensifies, the National Football Survey gives you, the fans, the chance to have your say on the major issues affecting the national game.

The National Football Survey is a collaborative effort by the Scottish FA, Scottish Premier League, Scottish Football League and Supporters Direct Scotland to seek meaningful feedback from the lifeblood of the game.

Issues such as league reconstruction, national team performance, rules and regulations, and the matchday experience are all covered in the most comprehensive survey ever carried out in Scottish football.

The survey represents another significant step forward in improving Scottish football and is in keeping with the recommendations of the Henry McLeish Review of Scottish Football commissioned by the Scottish FA in 2010.

Whether you are a Scotland supporter, a fan of an SPL side, SFL side or simply an armchair spectator, the National Football Survey ensures your voice will be heard.

Stewart Regan, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “The National Football Survey is essential in canvassing the views of supporters across the country, regardless of what level of team they follow. The Scottish FA has undergone significant modernisation with the implementation of a new Performance Strategy, Compliance Unit and the rolling out of a new board structure, including the formation of the Professional Game and Non Professional Game Boards.

“None the less, we are committed to continuing that programme of change as laid out in the McLeish Review of Scottish Football. The global economic crisis has had a considerable impact in the financial health of the game in this country and with league reconstruction at the top of the agenda, it is important we listen to the people who make Scottish football the unique, passionate and proud national sport that it is – the supporters.”

Neil Doncaster, Scottish Premier League Chief Executive: “Scottish football has approached a watershed and through the National Football Survey supporters have a great opportunity to share their views and make an impact on all areas of the game. It is the platform to tell us exactly what the game means to you and your family, what you most enjoy, and where you would most like to see improvements.”

“The events of the summer proved how powerful the voice of the supporters is. We are keen to hear their views on all areas of the game and the survey provides the platform to express their views.”

David Longmuir, Scottish Football League Chief Executive: “The input of the supporters has arguably never been more valued or important than it is now. Scottish football needs to be rejuvenated and the only way this can be done successfully is with the support of our fans.

“The age of social media has given all supporters a voice like never before and that voice must be listened to. The National Football Survey will enable all of us to hear that voice and move forward with a product that is exciting to existing fans and a new generation of supporters.”

Paul Goodwin, Supporters Direct Scotland Chief Executive: “Already I have been hugely encouraged by the openness of the three bodies who collectively lead Scottish football. This year in particular has reinforced the need for football to listen to its most important constituency, the supporters.

“Already SDS has held a series of positive roadshows and with the help of the Scottish FA, SPL and SFL, these will become more important as the discussions on league reconstruction develop. Through SDS, the supporters have a voice at the top table of the game. Through the National Football Survey, the fans have the opportunity to have a meaningful input into the future of our national game.”

The National Football Survey will be open until Friday, December 21. Have your say on the future of Scottish football for the chance to win one of the following great prizes:

• A pair of tickets for ALL remaining Scotland home World Cup Qualifiers (versus Wales, Croatia and Belgium) (1 winner)
• Two pairs of tickets for each Scotland home World Cup Qualifier (2 winners per match)
• One of four signed footballs
• One of four Scottish Supporters Club memberships
• One of four Scottish Football Museum tours. 

So what are you waiting for? CLICK HERE to participate in the survey!

Steelmen captain Keith Lasley reckons tomorrow’s William Hill Scottish Cup clash at Pittodrie is too close to call.

The two sides are almost identically matches with six wins, six draws and four defeats from sixteen Scottish Premier League matches.

Even when the two teams met back in September it was difficult to separate with the match ending in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

And veteran Lasley hopes Motherwell’s form on the road continues when the teams lock horns again tomorrow.

[pullquote]The SPL has shown that teams are so evenly matched; it’s all about what happens on the day and Saturday will be no different.[/pullquote]

He said: “The SPL has shown that teams are so evenly matched; it’s all about what happens on the day and Saturday will be no different.

“Away from home both performances and results have been good and we go there on a good run of form which I’m sure Aberdeen will be wary of.

“We also know that although they had a disappointing result the other night, if you take that away they have been doing well themselves.

“Once you get on a run, home or away, you feel confident of winning it and away from home right now, for whatever reason, we certainly seem to be playing better and getting results.

“The wins that we’ve had at St Johnstone,  Inverness and Dundee United have been against teams that were on good runs so that gives us confidence going into the Aberdeen game.”

-WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE ONLY ON MFC TV-

‘Well boss Stuart McCall says his squad will go into tomorrow’s match at Pittodrie full of confidence after a recent good run of away form.

The Fir Parkers have won every match on the road since the 4th Round draw was made but that record will be tested to the max against a rejuvenated Dons side.

Craig Brown’s side are within touching distance of the top of the table and have improved dramatically in recent months.

The previous encounter ended 3-3 with the home side scoring twice late on to nab a draw. McCall is certain his side is eager to put that right.

[pullquote]We’re going in full of confidence although it is a tough tie for both of us.[/pullquote]

He told the gathered press at the weekly Press Conference: “We have a tough draw; when it came out we thought it wasn’t the best but likewise Aberdeen probably thought that too.

“The last three times we’ve played at Pittodrie we’ve won twice 2-1 and really threw it away when we were 3-1 up and played really well. Having said that, that would take something away from Aberdeen as they came back and fought hard to make it three each.

“We’re going in full of confidence although it is a tough tie for both of us. If you ask Aberdeen fans they’ll probably say they’re having a good season yet if you ask Motherwell fans, they’ll say we’re having an iffy season even though we are level with them, almost have the same goal difference and they have a far bigger squad.

“I read Craig (Brown) in the papers saying they have eight or nine injuries although half of them will probably play. If we had that we’d be playing the Under 17s so that is why myself and a lot of people see Aberdeen as the closest challengers to Celtic and reaffirms how tough it will be.”

-WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE ONLY ON MFC TV-

Chris Humphrey’s spectacular strike in the 2-1 win against Dundee United has made the short list for Sky Sports News Goal of the Week. 

The Jamaican International winger smashed home the second goal of the match, firing it high past Radosław Cierzniak in the home goal.

To vote for Chris, either press the red button on your remote whilst watching Sky Sports News or text VOTE E to 84408 (Text costs 25p – Network costs may vary).

Willie Collum will take charge of Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup 4th Round clash with Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Regarded as one of Scotland’s best officials, it will be Willie’s second Motherwell game of the current campaign.

His other match was the 1-0 defeat at Tynecastle in October when Danny Grainger’s long range effort separated the sides.

He’ll be a familiar face to most ‘Well fans having officiated at the top level for many years now, including two Motherwell matches last term.

The most recent was the 0-0 draw with Rangers at Ibrox in early May, Rangers last SPL fixture at their own ground. The other match was Motherwell’s Cup defeat at home to Hibs; Colin Calderwood’s men progressing through to the Quarter Final of the Scottish Communities League Cup on penalty kicks.

He did handle the abandoned Friday Night Football experiment when Motherwell took on Hibs but Steven McLean handled the re-arranged fixture.

The season previous to last, he handled three matches.

He was in charge of the Co-operative Insurance Cup Quarter Final clash with Dundee United at Fir Park; Alan Gow’s late goal booking ‘Well’s spot in the Semi Final. He was the man in the middle for the Semi Final too as Rangers scraped past a brave ‘Well side 2-1; Keith Lasley grabbed the goal for the Fir Parkers.

He also took charge of the 3-3 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle in late April as ‘Well roared back from 3-0 down to secure a point.

Incredibly, Motherwell have never won a league game with Collum in charge. The only victories recorded whilst the Bellshill based whistler has been the man in the middle was the then CIS Cup win against Raith Rovers at the start of the 2007/08 season,  a Scottish Cup success at Inverurie the following season and the aforementioned win over Dundee Utd last October.

His overall record in charge of the Steelmen reads three wins, nine defeats and four draws from sixteen matches. In those games, Motherwell have scored 23 and conceded 30. 33 players have gone into the book, 15 wearing claret and amber, while three players have been dismissed – Ian Murray of Hibs at Easter Road a few years back, Jerard Aafjes at Falkirk four seasons ago and Paul Dixon at the end of 2009/10.

Martin Cryans and Willie Conquer will run the lines with Iain Brines on fourth official duties.

Steelmen goalkeeping coach Gordon Marshall was left disappointed after Darren Randolph’s two-match was upheld at a tribunal this morning.

The Republic of Ireland International was offered a two game ban by the Scottish FA’s compliance offer after a clash with Hearts’ Callum Paterson; an offer the club and player rejected.

However, after a lengthy hearing this morning the three-person committee upheld the ban and he will now miss matches against Aberdeen on Saturday and Ross County the following week.

Marshall maintains the 25-year old was protecting himself and was left frustrated that he will be without his first choice goalkeeper for the next fortnight.

[pullquote]I feel for Darren as he is not like that at all and he’s being doing very well indeed.[/pullquote]

“I am disappointed the ban has been upheld as I think it is harsh on him (Darren),” he told MFC TV.

“In my opinion, he is only protecting himself and with his momentum he can’t get out the way. The two players collide but thankfully Callum Paterson has not been injured; probably a bit frightened more than anything else.

“I feel for Darren as he is not like that at all and he’s being doing very well indeed. But, we move on now. Lee Hollis has got an opportunity to play in the next two matches. He has been very patient at the club and he now has the chance to show what he can do.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

Following a Fast Track Tribunal with the Judicial Panel this morning, Darren Randolph’s suspension has been upheld and he will now miss the next two matches.

The hearing, which lasted for almost 90 minutes, heard contributions from the player himself, alongside goalkeeping coach Gordon Marshall.

However, the three-person panel upheld the initial offer of a suspension and the Republic of Ireland International will now miss games against Aberdeen (Scottish Cup) and Ross County (SPL).

More to follow…

Motherwell FC today notified the Scottish FA of the clubs’ intent to contest the fixed two-match suspension offered to Darren Randolph by the Compliance Officer.

The club lodged the official appeal before 3pm today and the matter will now be referred to the Judicial Panel with a Fast Track Tribunal convened tomorrow (Thursday, 29th November).

The club will make no further public comment on the matter until that process is complete.

Today’s Under 20s match with Inverness CT has been postponed by the match official who was not satisfied the pitch was playable.

Despite protests from both clubs who were happy with the conditions, referee Graeme Stewart forced the cancellation sighting a firm pitch.

No date has, as yet, been set for the rearranged match.

Highlights from Tannadice as goals from Michael Higdon and Chris Humphrey give ‘Well an excellent 2-1 win over Dundee Utd.

-WATCH EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS ON MFC TV-