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The ‘Well Society have appointed three new board members to help them reach their target of fan ownership of the club.

Derek Watson, who works for Motherwell FC’s Community Trust, becomes the youngest member of the board at the age of 23, while Dee Cameron is the first woman on the board.

Colin Macinnes, a consultant in Clydesdale Bank’s private and bussiness banking sector, was also co-opted by the four board members who were voted into their positions in October.

The ‘Well Society, who have a 15% sshareholding in the club and will assume a controlling stake when they raise £1.5million, will now press ahead with the election of two representatives on to the Motherwell FC board.

Derek is a community engagement officer based at Fir Park and plays bass guitar in Motherwell indie band The Banter Thiefs, who will support The View on tour in February and headline their own Scottish tour in March.

He said: “My job is to build up better relationships between the Community Trust and the local community and tell people what we do.

“We are doing a lot of things from dementia cafes for older people to coaching kids from two or three years old.

“I think it’s very important that the ‘Well Society engages with the local community, especially going forward to reach the target of raising £1.5million.”

Derek has also played a central role in improving the atmosphere and colour at Mothewell games as part of a group of fans who congregate in the East Stand and follow the team across Scotland.

“Motherwell are quite a forward-thinking club and have embraced what we are doing in the East Stand,” he said. “There will be a lot of clubs who think we are not wanting these kids to make a racket and bring flags and a drum. But we have got a great relationship with the club.

“It’s very important that the younger generation are involved in the Well Society, that they have an input and are being listened to.”

Dee worked in the sponsor’s lounge at Fir Park for more than a decade until work commitments forced her to stop, and is relishing the task of getting involved with the club again.

She said: “It’s nice to have a female voice in the ‘Well Society because there’s a lot of female members.

“Kids are the future of Motherwell Football Club and we need to get kids involved in the club. If kids go then their mum and dads will want to go too.”

Dee, who lives across the road from Fir Park and is practice manager at the Glasgow-based Buckingham Clinic, added: “We are a relatively small club but we have fans with great hearts and even greater spirits.

“The targets are there and the fans can put the club on a sound financial footing for future generations.

“If we can make it a reality then we will be living and breathing and writing a new historical passage for Motherwell Football Club. I think that’s huge.”

Colin, who is originally from Hamilton but now lives in Renfrew, added:  “I first saw Motherwell back in the mid-1960s when my grandfather took me my first match.

“If we want to see that football is there for future generations then we need to make this work.

“The days of the individual benefactor are gone. It’s going to fall on individual supporters to keep their clubs going.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge. I don’t think it’s anything we can underestimate but if we want to see a successful club in the future we need to take steps.”

The three new members join chairman Graham Barnstaple, secretary Tom Feely, Brian McCafferty and Sandy Kilpatrick on the board.

Young defender Nicky Devlin has today extended his loan deal at Dumbarton for a further 28 days.

Devlin, 19, joined the Steelmen last summer but his season at Fir Park never really got going after a knee injury early in the campaign ruled him out for several months.

The former Scotland U19 International spent the last few months of last season on-loan at Stenhousemuir where he collected the Irn-Bru Young Player of the Month award for April in his first full month at the club.

Having not managed to break into the Motherwell first-team, he re-join his former colleagues at The Bet Butler Stadium back in August.

Having played 14 times, that deal concluded in recent days but the Sons have extended it by a further 28 days until the end of January.

Motherwell have today extended the loan deal of Birmingham City’s young defender Fraser Kerr until the end of the 2012/13 season.

Scotland U21 International Kerr, who was outstanding at Celtic Park on Wednesday, has played fifteen times in the first half of the campaign, including a Europa League debut against La Liga high-flyers Levante in the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia.

He will now battle with the likes of Shaun Hutchinson, Simon Ramsden, Adam Cummins, Steven Saunders, Tom Hateley and Stevie Hammell for a place in the Steelmen rearguard for the SPL run-in.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall said: “I am pleased to get Fraser here for another few months; he will provide good competition for the lads at the back – particularly with Steven Saunders returning to the fold too.

“He’s young and still learning the game and we’ve asked him to fill in all over the place and he has done well for himself.

“He was excellent against Georgios Samaras at Celtic Park during the week; his recovery pace is vital in games like that.

“If we want to finish in the top six and push for European places, then everyone will have a role to play and Fraser will be a big part in that.”

As Jamie Murphy embarks on a new chapter in his career, we look back in pictures at some of the key points of his time at Fir Park.

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Jamie Murphy has today finalised his move to English League One side Sheffield United for an undisclosed six-figure fee.

The move ends Murphy’s eleven-year association with Motherwell FC who he joined back in 2001 at Under 12s level. At every pro-youth level Jamie finished top scorer and was rewarded by signing a professional deal at the start of the 2005/06 season whilst playing for the Under 17’s.

The 23-year old made his senior debut at Celtic Park, introduced as a second half sub in April 2007 and, coincidentally, finished his Motherwell career on the same ground last night – both matches ending 1-0.

Playing predominantly on the left hand side of midfield, Jamie has gone on to score 50 professional goals in 147 starts for the first-team (215 games in total).

He leaves the club with more European appearances (18) than any other player and our all-time top European goalscorer with seven including the first ever Europa League hat-trick.

During his time at Fir Park, Jamie has also represented every level of the national side with the exception of the full squad – on current form that can’t be too far away either.

Murphy has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with Danny Wilson’s Sheffield United who are battling for the League One title and a place in the Championship.

It is with great pride and satisfaction that we have watched Jamie’s career flourish and everyone at Motherwell Football Club would like to sincerely thank him for his outstanding contribution over the last decade and wish him every success at his new club.

Extended highlights from Celtic Park as a brave Motherwell side crash to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Celtic.

-WATCH EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS ONLY ON MFC TV-

Striker Jamie Murphy thanked the Motherwell supporters after what looks likely to be his last outing in Claret and Amber.

The 23-year old was outstanding for the Steelmen at Celtic Park this afternoon and now looks set to join former ‘Well strikers Chris Porter and Nick Blackman at League One side Sheffield United.

An emotional Murphy, who has been at the club for over eleven years and played over 200 matches, was fighting back tears as he spoke to MFC TV for the last time.

[pullquote]I just want to say thank you to each and every Motherwell supporter for everything over the past six years. I have been here so long, it is heartbreaking to leave.[/pullquote]

“It was hard at the end of the match to see all the fans clapping and all the players standing behind me,” he said.

“I just want to say thank you to each and every one of them and all the Motherwell supporters for everything over the past six years.

“I have been here so long, it is heartbreaking to leave. That said the last thing I wanted to do was leave and Motherwell to get no reward or payment for everything they have put in and invested in me.

“I have loads of good memories, made great friends; it has been brilliant.

“I’m sure I’ll be back one day too. Motherwell is in my heart and I hope before I bring my career to a close I can play for the club again.”

-WATCH JAMIE’S FINAL MOTHERWELL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

Although Motherwell left the east end of Glasgow pointless, manager Stuart McCall was full of praise for his side’s performance.

Celtic started the match in spectacular style and peppered the ‘Well goal for the opening ten minutes.

However, the Steelmen grew into things and for the majority of the match, looked more than comfortable.

Tom Hateley had a great chance to his put ‘Well in front from the penalty spot but was denied by a great Fraser Forster block. Three minutes later, Gary Hooper netted the game’s only goal and the Fir Parkers had nothing to show for their efforts.

Although disappointed to lose, McCall was proud of his men and Jamie Murphy in particular, who was turning out for final time in Claret and Amber before a move to England this week.

[pullquote]We grew into the game and I thought the longer the game went on, the better we were and ended up playing some good stuff.[/pullquote]

“Celtic started really well,” the former Scotland International told MFC TV.

“They came out the blocks quickly and we were a bit edgy and could have been two down in the first five minutes.

“Then we grew into the game and I thought the longer the game went on, the better we were and ended up playing some good stuff. We made some chances and if Las had brought his shooting boots he could have had a hat-trick, although he was outstanding.

“I could go throughout the team and praise them all but I’m pleased for Jamie (Murphy). He’s gone out on a really good performance and was terrific all afternoon.

“Overall I have a feeling of pride that we’ve come and gave them a real game but also disappointed as nobody could have begrudged us a point with the effort the lads put in.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

Pictures from the 1-0 defeat by Celtic in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Celtic Park.

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Phil McGhee at Celtic Park

A brave Motherwell returned from Celtic Park empty handed after losing out to a Gary Hooper goal eleven minutes from time.

Having withstood a whirlwind opening ten minutes from the home side, Stuart McCall’s men contributed greatly to an open match which could have gone either way.

Indeed had Tom Hateley not been denied from the penalty spot by a fabulous save from Fraser Forster fifteen minutes from time, ‘Well might have taken all three points to reduce the gap at the top.

It was appropriate that the two on form teams met in the first match of the New Year in a top of the table clash.

Injury and tactics forced ‘Well into two changes. Shaun Hutchison failed to overcome his hamstring injury and Fraser Kerr partnered Simon Ramsden at the back with Tom Hateley deployed in front of a back three.

Michael Higdon started on the bench as McCall preferred the speed and movement of Jamie Murphy and Henrik Ojamaa up front. In what is likely to be his last appearance in a Motherwell jersey Murphy had the honour of wearing the captain’s armband.

Having finished Saturday’s game laying siege to Kilmarnock’s goal, ‘Well started this one on the receiving end of a phenomenal opening from the hosts. For fully ten minutes the visitors failed to get out of their own half as the Parkhead side pressed for the opening goal.

And Motherwell could have conceded a few as Samaras nodded home from an offside position before Darren Randolph had great saves to deny Hooper, Charlie Mulgrew and Kris Commons.

It was eleven minutes before Chris Humphrey broke upfield but having raced past Emilio Izaguirre, Commons slid in to guide the ball back to his ‘keeper.

Gradually the intensity of the home side’s attacks decreased as Motherwell found time and space on the ball.

The visitors also started to find some gaps in the home rearguard and Murphy’s low drive from the edge of the box forced the first save from Foster after 37 minutes.

A minute later Motherwell created their best chance of the half when Murphy slipped the ball past Kayal at the angle of the box but with a gap emerging to the Foster’s left he curled the ball beyond the keeper and post.

Having worked their way back into the game the Fir Park side almost conceded a cheap goal on the stroke of half-time. Mulgrew’s corner was headed back into the six yard box by Victor Wanyama. It looked a comfortable catch for Randolph but he let the ball slip from his grasp and was greatly relived as Efe Ambrose from a couple of yards hoofed the ball over the bar. The big keeper deserved the bit of luck given his performance to that point.

Five minutes after the break slack defending in the home side allowed Zaine Francis-Angol’s cross to find its way to Murphy but his snap shot was blocked by Wilson.

As Celtic flirted around the ‘Well goal, Kerr produced some timely blocks and Randoph a couple of routine saves.

With 20 minutes remaining Motherwell continued to look comfortable in possession after a steady build up Hateley flashed a shot wide from 25 yards.

As the game opened up for both sides Celtic brought on Tony Watt, who made such an impact when he came on at Fir Park last season.

But it was Motherwell who had the best chance to break the deadlock after Kelvin Wilson tripped Murphy as he dragged the ball into the box. With regular taker Higdon on the bench and Murphy having missed the last penalty, Hateley stepped forward.

A bit of gamesmanship from Forster earned him a booking but it paid off when the ‘keeper threw himself to the right to brilliantly beat away what was a well struck penalty from Hateley.

Motherwell paid the ultimate penalty three minutes later when Celtic grabbed the only goal of the game. Georgios Samaras sped down the left and when he squared the ball across the six yard line Hooper prodded it under Randolph.

‘Well refused to lie down though and they might have had a second penalty. A great one – two with Ojamaa sent Murphy through only to fall as he raced past the keeper, with Celtic relieved as the referee awarded a corner.

It was all Motherwell in the closing stages and the introduction of Omar Daley and Bob McHugh put more pressure on the home defence and Keith Lasley passed up a couple of half chances as the clock wound down.

Significantly it was nervous groans from the home fans as the fourth official signalled four additional minutes. However, Motherwell couldn’t grab the equaliser they deserved and captain for the day Jamie Murphy was left to take an emotional bow in front of the pocket of travelling fans.

[tab:As it happened]

Ally Reilly at Celtic Park

FT: Celtic 1 – 0 Motherwell

90mins: 4mins added on

83mins: Celtic subs: Rogne and McGeough on for Commons and Ambrose. Daley and McHugh on for Ojamaa and Francis-Angol too

79mins: GOAL: Hooper makes it 1-0, Gutting for the Steelmen.

PENALTY!!!! Missed by Hateley!!! Good save from Forster though!

71mins: Celtic sub, Watt on for Kayal

58mins: Up the other end Kayal drags his 25 yard effort just past,

56mins: Good footwork from Lasley on the edge of the box creates some space. Just leaning back as he shoots so it goes straight over.

50mins: Uncertainty there as Ambrose and Wilson both leave the ball to each other. Murphy nicks in but his shot is blocked

46mins: Second half underway.

45mins: HT Celtic 0 – 0 Motherwell

37mins: Murphy skips past Ambrose and tries to place his shot into the bottom right hand corner. Just past!

30mins: Having survived that first 15 minute bombardment, ‘Well are getting a little more possession and looking more comfortable

23mins: Just to update, Celtic still on top, 3g connection still terrible!

20mins: First half chance of the game falls to Murphy. Blazes his half volley well over the bar from 18 yards though

15mins: Samaras has been at the heart of most of Celtics attacks and this time the Greek scoops well over the bar from 16 yards

8mins: Randolph has to tip Mulgrew’s close free-kick just over the bar!

6mins: Samaras finds Hooper unmarked at the front post but he aims straight at Randolph. Good stop from the Irishman.

5mins: Commons is set-up on the edge of the box by Hooper. He goes for power and drags his shot just past.

2mins: Samaras has the ball in the net but the linesman has his flag up!

1min: Celtic kick the action off! #SIWY #COYW

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Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“The writing was on the wall when we missed the penalty. With Forster, when you look at him in goal, if he goes the right way, he’s such a big frame.”

“I think it’s a great save. It [Hateley’s penalty] is quite high, I don’t know how far in the corner it was.

“Then we had a good shout for a second penalty. Jamie  says Forster’s brought him down, but you won’t get two here.

“I am really proud of the way we played, especially second half. The first 20 minutes we were a bit nervous and edgy.

“But we grew into the game and I thought for good spells in the second half we had chances and opportunities which we don’t normally get here.

“I thought with the blocks we got and the defending, all round it was just a really good spirited effort and [I’m] bitterly disappointed not to get something from the game.”

Celtic coach Gary Parker:

“We’ve played very well, we created a number of chances. We just couldn’t break them down – they defended well.

“We had 18 shots on goal and we broke them down late on. We deserved the goal and we deserved the three points.”

“We just wanted to win the game and go nine points clear. We’ve got that game in hand over Inverness and we’ve just got to keep going and winning games.

“Everybody’s beating everybody – we lost last week, so it’s difficult.

“They’ve played a lot of football, we’ve had a lot of games. We’re in a position where we want to be and it’s a good time to have a break.”

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