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  • Archive

    February Holiday Programme a success

  • Archive

    McCall welcomes ‘hungry’ McFadden

  • Archive

    TV: McFadden returns home to ‘Well

  • Archive

    TV: Home comforts for Humphrey

  • Archive

    TV: McCall expects tight affair

  • Archive

    Vacancy: Food & Beverage Manager

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

  • Archive

    TV: McCall hails clinical Steelmen

  • Archive

    Inverness win in pictures

  • Archive

    Motherwell 3 – 0 Inverness CT

  • Archive

    February Holiday Programme a success

    Last week, Motherwell Football Club Community Trust hosted the February Holiday Programme for children from 5-14 years.

    Parents had the option to for their kids to attend for a half-day from 8:30am-12:30pm or a full day 8:30am-4pm where they experienced expert coaching from our SFA accredited coaches.

    The Holiday Programme welcomed children of all abilities and attendees had the opportunity to learn the techniques of the game: dribbling, passing, turning, finishing and defending.

    As you can see from the above image, the youngsters who went along had a ball and even had a visit from Motherwell Football Club captain Keith Lasley!

    For more information on the courses offered from the Community Trust, to find out more about soccer centres in your area or to book a future school holiday programme, call the Trust on 01698 239 926 or visit www.mfccommunitytrust.org.uk.

  • Archive

    McCall welcomes ‘hungry’ McFadden

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall is excited at the prospect of working with James McFadden and has challenged the Scotland International to win his place in the side.

    The Steelmen have performed terrifically under the stewardship of the former Scotland midfielder, and currently sit second in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

    McFadden’s arrival has prompted mass excitement amongst the Motherwell support. It was originally thought that discussions would take place on Wednesday, after tonight’s match with Dundee Utd, but an eager Faddy wanted things sorted quicker.

    And, following his arrival, the Fir Park boss has pleaded for patience to allow McFadden to get up to speed.

    “I said yesterday that I wouldn’t speak to James until after the Dundee United match and that was absolutely the plan,” he said.

    [pullquote]Obviously he is itching to get going. There is no doubting his talents as a player; he has had a fantastic career. He doesn’t need to impress us we know his ability. He is fit in so far as training but proper sharpness will only come with matches but his first job is winning a spot in the starting eleven.[/pullquote]

    “However, James actually came and spoke to me about 3 o’clock and we sat down and discussed football. Obviously, things have snowballed in recent days and there has been a lot of speculation. We never talked finances; that would take place between the club, James and his representatives.

    “He just wants to play football, which is obviously great, but we have been going well and the lads currently in the squad have performed brilliantly to get us to second in the table as it stand. He understands that, and knows he will have to win his place in the side.

    “Obviously he is itching to get going. There is no doubting his talents as a player; he has had a fantastic career. He doesn’t need to impress us we know his ability. He is fit in so far as training but proper sharpness will only come with matches but his first job is winning a spot in the starting eleven.

    “We have guys who are currently sitting on the bench who feel like they should be starting, and James will too. We always try and operate on merit and the ideal situation for everyone is he will come in, impress, do well, kick on and the deal will suit both parties.

    “He has been made aware and accepts the circumstances in which he joins up with the squad. I am sure fans will be desperate to see him on the pitch. I’ll probably start getting shouts after twenty minutes in tonight’s match, but obviously I will deal with that and have no worries with that.

    “But it’s an exciting time. We’re getting a player who is really hungry and determined to do well for both Motherwell and himself.”

  • Archive

    TV: McFadden returns home to ‘Well

    Motherwell tonight completed the sensational signing of Scotland International James McFadden until the end of the season.

    29-year old McFadden started his career at Fir Park, scoring 31 goals in 58 starts, before securing a £1.25 million move to English Premiership side Everton back in September 2003.

    He has spent the last decade south of the border with spells at Birmingham City, Everton (again) and, most recently, Sunderland. He has also been capped 48 times by Scotland, scoring 15 goals.

    A hero amongst the Motherwell support, ‘Faddy’ spent significant time training with the club over the summer and again in the last few weeks.

    The board have worked hard to thrash out a deal to bring the Glasgow-born forward back home and after signing tonight, he now goes straight into the squad to face Dundee United tomorrow night.

    [pullquote]The team are flying high near the top of the table, but I hope I can add something to that over the next few months.[/pullquote]

    Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, McFadden said: “I am really pleased to be back here at Motherwell.

    “I need to get back playing competitive first-team football and this is the best place for me.

    “The team are flying high near the top of the table, but I hope I can add something to that over the next few months.”

    -WATCH THE INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    TV: Home comforts for Humphrey

    Chris Humphrey is hoping for more home comforts when Dundee United visit Fir Park tomorrow.

    Motherwell have not lost a league match on their own patch for over three months.

    Coincidentally, it was United who were the last team to take three points back on November 7th when Johnny Russell scored the winner late in the match.

    The twice-capped Jamaican International winger hopes that recent form continues against Jackie McNamara’s men.

    [pullquote]“Our performances and confidence as a team is starting to show at home.[/pullquote]

    He told the gathered press at Motherwell’s pre-match news conference: “Our performances and confidence as a team is starting to show at home.

    “When you’ve got a player like Higgy (Michael Higdon) scoring goals for fun at the minute and everything is going well for him, it couldn’t be better for us; hopefully he can carry that on.

    “It’s such a tight league. You can win two games and be second or you can lose two games and be ninth.

    “Everyone is a threat to us and Dundee United are no different, that’s why it’s important for us to get the points tomorrow to try and build up a cushion from the other teams.

    “We had a great win at the weekend so we’re glad we have this one so soon to try and carry that form into.

    -WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE ON MFC TV-

  • Archive

    TV: McCall expects tight affair

    Steelmen boss Stuart McCall expects a close match when Dundee United visit Fir Park tomorrow night.

    The Terrors won on the previous visit to North Lanarkshire when Johnny Russell scored the only goal of the game eight minutes from time.

    In reply, Stuart McCall took his troops to Tannadice in November and came away with all three points; goals from Michael Higdon and Chris Humphrey securing the win.

    Jackie McNamara is now in the Arabs hotseat, and although they go into the match after a heavy defeat at Celtic Park, McCall is certain there will be little, if anything, between the sides.

    [pullquote]I see them as being very similar to us. They have a similar size of squad and a similar mix of experienced and young players as well as match-winners in the front area, so I imagine it will be an open and entertaining game.[/pullquote]

    He said: “It’s a huge game. I’ve probably said the same in the last two press conferences before Dundee Utd, but they have good players.

    “From middle to front they have Mackay-Stevens, Russell, Daly and Armstrong, and although the got beat at the weekend against Celtic, to score twice shows they are a danger and they could have scored more so they still carry an attacking threat.

    “I see them as being very similar to us. They have a similar size of squad and a similar mix of experienced and young players as well as match-winners in the front area, so I imagine it will be an open and entertaining game.

    “The good thing for us from Saturday is we were against Shinnie, McKay and Doran and kept a clean sheet so the key against United for is that, although I believe we’ll create chances and take them, we need to be a tight and strong defensive unit as well.”

    -WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Vacancy: Food & Beverage Manager

    We are looking for an experience and highly capable Food and Beverage Manager to manage our operation as a leading Scottish Premier League team.

    This is a hands-on role where you will be required to oversee and develop matchdays but also a significant weekly private function and events diary.

    The ideal candidate will have gained at least three years food and beverage / senior operational management experience either from post held working for a prestige contract and event caterer, or within a high quality hotel or country club operation, branded high street restaurant or large scale outlet.

    You will work closely with our existing catering manager and their team but you will have direct responsibility for all food and beverage functions at the club, which directly includes overseeing the smooth operation of all bars.

    We will expect you to be able to ensure a comprehensive and professional Food and Beverage operation focusing on leadership and direction as well as ensuring the highest standards of safety and hygiene.

    We operate a full Food and Beverage service on matchdays and also cater for community and business functions, player meals and supporter events. We have various hospitality, function suites and corporate boxes, which cater variously for 160 guests but are also flexible enough to accommodate smaller numbers. A fully sold match day may have 300 hospitality guests across seven or eight locations within the stadium.

    You will be instrumental in further developing our matchday experience but importantly our non-matchday activities too. It is our aim to be become the ‘must have’ location for any family or business event locally in Lanarkshire therefore this role ideally suited to a manager who enjoys planning events, interacting with customers and FOH. An interest in sports would be an advantage however not essential.

    You should be able to effectively monitor and manage the Food and Beverage team to achieve budget, deliver a quality product and importantly be able to pre-plan, co-ordinate and host a variety of social events for the club, our supporters and the community at large.

    You will also recruit, manage and train our team as well as maintaining excellent levels of customer service and you will be an important member of our team working very closely with our commercial department.

    Ideally educated to a degree level in a relevant course, this post is suited to a highly motivated individual who works well as part of a larger team and will offer the opportunity for a more rounded career in management within the sports and leisure sector.

    Salary for this post is between £20,000 and £25,000 dependent on experience.

    To apply please send a covering letter / personal statement along with a current CV to leeann.dempster@motherwellfc.co.uk. Closing date for applications Monday 25th February with all interviews directly afterwards.

    Only applicants with suitable experience will be contacted.

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

    Extended highlights from Fir Park as a Michael Higdon double and a Nicky Law goal give ‘Well all three points against Inverness.

    -WATCH EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    TV: McCall hails clinical Steelmen

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall was thrilled with his side after their comfortable 3-0 win over Inverness at Fir Park.

    The Steelmen were a goal to the good at the interval when Michael Higdon poked home his seventeenth of the campaign.

    Nicky Law doubled the lead seven minutes after the restart before Higdon volleyed home his second, Motherwell’s third, just four minutes later.

    It was Motherwell’s third win over the Highlanders this campaign, with the Claret and Amber men scoring twelve in the process.

    [pullquote]In the first half it was tight, and they played some nice football. Our forward players caused them a lot of problems[/pullquote]

    A pleased McCall told MFC TV after the match: “It was a good game and Inverness played their part.

    “In the first half it was tight, and they played some nice football. Our forward players caused them a lot of problems.

    “We wanted to get Henrik down the wings, and he did. Higginbotham had a good debut, and the difference was the clinical finishing.

    “Higgy’s second goal was a great strike, and in the end we could have had more. I was really pleased, not only with the three goals, but with performances all over the park.

    “Inverness have caused team problems all season so for us to keep a clean sheet and score three goals is very pleasing.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Inverness win in pictures

    Pictures from the 3-0 win over Inverness Caley Thistle in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Fir Park.

    [svgallery name=”inverness16022013″]

  • Archive

    Motherwell 3 – 0 Inverness CT

    [tab:Match report]

    Kris Jack at Fir Park

    A Michael Higdon double inspired Motherwell to a stunning 3-0 victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Fir Park.

    Higdon’s seventeenth and eighteenth goals of the season sandwiched a Nicky Law strike at the start of the second half, to make it three wins out of three over Terry Butcher’s side this season, and pushed them two points clear of the visitors in second place in the SPL.

    Having had both Fraser Kerr and captain Keith Lasley sent off in the defeat to Kilmarnock last time out, Stuart McCall could have been forced to wring the changes. However, he opted only to replace Lasley by giving Kallum Higginbotham his first SPL start for the club. Steven Hammell took the captain’s armband, while Steven Saunders return from long-term injury to earn a spot on the bench.

    Inverness were unchanged from their midweek draw with Kilmarnock, with Nick Ross looking to make it a goal for the third consecutive match, having scored two in two prior to this match. Former Motherwell favourite Richie Foran missed out through injury as the Caley Jags looked to move four points clear of the hosts in second place.

    Inverness were first to threaten, earning a corner in the first minute, which Gary Warren volleyed over the bar from eight yards. A few moments later, Kallum Higginbotham had the crowd on its feet when he flashed a speculative drive inches wide of Ryan Esson’s goal from 25 yards, as both teams looked to take an early lead.

    Higginbotham then did well to burst through the Caley defence only to cut the ball back behind the waiting Higdon and Ojamaa in the six-yard box. As Motherwell took a grip on the game, Higdon then headed a Steven Hammell free kick on to the roof of the net.

    Inverness then created a couple of opportunities, firstly Billy McKay heading over from a neat Aaron Doran cross, before Owain Tudur Jones shot narrowly wide from about 20 yards. Andrew Shinnie then had the ball in the net after Randolph had parried out a shot from Draper, but the recent Scotland cap was well offside when he tucked away the rebound.

    Gary Warren was booked for the visitors for a foul on Ojamaa and the risk of a red card a few minutes later led to the opening goal. The Estonian burst past Warren again, who had to opt out of the tackle or face an early bath, before finding Higdon all alone six yards form goal to prod home after 29 minutes.

    It was just about a deserved lead, as the ‘Well’s top scorer bagged his fifth of the season against Inverness. The visitors tried to respond, but Doran wasted their best chance, firing well over the bar from David Raven’s pull-back at the edge of the box.

    Higginbotham could have and should have made it 2-0 on his first SPL start when Carswell picked him out in acres of space on the left hand side. However, with too much time to think, he miscued an attempted lob and shot the ball right at Esson who was well out of position.

    The Caley keeper had to look sharp to keep out Ojamaa, before Nicky Law flashed a Humphrey cross just wide, as The Steelmen finished the half on the front foot.

    Just like the first half, it was Inverness who threatened first when Draper picked out the run of Nick Ross,who got in behind the home defence only to blaze over and in to the Maxim Office Park Stand, when he should have at least worked Randolph.

    The visitors had a big penalty shout soon after when it looked like the ball struck Stuart Carswell on the arm in the box, but referee Calum Murray waved play on, much to the chagrin of the away players and support.

    The early Caley danger was heeded as Nicky Law made it 2-0 on 51 minutes. The former Rotherham man found himself with the ball at his feet in the box, before drinking the ball past Esson, evading two challenges and firing high in to the net from six yards. It was Law’s fifth SPL goal of the season, and few defences will give him an easier chance to score.

    Five minutes later, the game was wrapped up for ‘Well as Higdon bagged his second goal of the game. A ball in from the left hand side was head up in the air by Gary Warren, and as it dropped at the edge of the box, the former St Mirren and Falkirk man boomed his volley in to Esson’s bottom left corner. It was a fantastic strike, which sapped the confidence and composure out of Inverness’ game.

    With still half an hour left to play, the home side came under little threat from the Caley forward line, and could have made the scoreline even more emphtaic. Chris Humphrey was unlucky to only find the side netting after winning a foot race with Graham Shinnie to catch a Law through ball, while the pint-sized midfielder himself cracked a great effort off the underside of the bar, after a one-two with sub Zaine Francis-Angol.

    Three goals, a clean sheet and three points were well-earned.

    The Steelmen surge ahead of Inverness in to second spot with a game in hand against Dundee United still to come. The only negative was the loss of Simon Ramsden midway through the second half with fears the experienced defender may have a broken hand.

    [tab:As it happened]

    Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

    FT: Motherwell 3 – 0 Inverness CT. The Steelmen cruise into second place with a victory over Caley

    90mins: 2 minutes added on.

    89mins: Jinking run from Humphrey wins us a corner after his cross/shot is deflected wide

    81mins: Woah! Great curling effort from Law, who has ran the show, crashes off the bar. So close!

    77mins: Humphrey almost completes the rout but his shot hits the side netting after he latched onto Law’s through ball.

    75mins: Ojamaa also off for McHugh

    75mins: Motherwell sub, Higginbotham off for Francis-Angol

    70mins: Good break from a combination of Ojamaa, Law and Higginbotham ends with the latter’s cross being plucked out the air by Esson

    68mins: Motherwell sub, Cummins on for Ramsden

    67mins: Hammell does enough to take the sting out of Tudor Jones’ shot from 20 yards allowing Randolph to gather comfortably

    66mins: Inverness subs, McKay and Doran off for Roberts and Sutherland

    61mins: Quick counter from Inverness but Doran narrows his angle with a heavy touch and Randolph makes a regulation save.

    59mins: Tudor Jones booked for hacking down Higginbotham. Looked more like out of frustration than anything else.

    56mins: It’s time to show your tekkers as Higdon connects as sweet as you like with a left footed volley into the bottom corner. 3-0!

    GREAT GOAAALLLL!!!

    51mins: Nicky Law juggles the ball around the box and eventually pokes it home! 2-0

    GOOOAALLLLLL!!!

    46mins: Ross scoops the ball over the bar when more composure would surely have seen him score!

    46mins: Second half underway!

    HT: Excellent first-half – both teams playing some lovely stuff at times. Higgy’s 17th of the season, moves ahead of last season’s tally.

    HT: Motherwell 1 – 0 Inverness CT

    42mins: Straight after than, a one-two from Higdon and Ojamaa ends with Esson blocking from close range from the Estonian.

    42mins: Great chance for Motherwell! Carswell hooks the ball through to Higginbotham who tries to clip it over Esson. Straight to ‘keeper!

    33mins: Doran almost replies for Caley but see’s his shot dip too late and onto the roof of the net.

    29mins: Just before that Esson had to beat away Hateley’s free kick and Higdon inadvertently deflected law’s shot just past the post.

    29mins: 1-0 Ojamaa rolls in Higdon who slots home into the empty net with ease!

    GOAALLLL!!!

    26mins: Randolph makes a fantastic save from Doran! Shinnie finishes the rebound but is offside, A let off!

    24mins: Corner to Motherwell after Warren slides in to intercept Ojamaa’s cutback to Higdon. Cleared by Caley.

    16mins: And up the other end, Warren has to throw himself in front of Ojamaa’s effort which looked goal bound

    15mins: Jones fires too close for comfort from 25 yards, Just past.

    13mins: Good counter from Caley there! Doran almost slipping in McKay but was intercepted by the sliding Shaun Hutchinson.

    12mins: Shinnie finds a bit of space in front of the ‘Well defence and tries his luck from 20 yards. Low and straight at Randolph.

    11mins: Sharp turn in the box from McKay almost deceives Hutchison. The big man does well to slide in and clear the danger though.

    9mins: Hammell floats in a free-kick from the left. It’s a little too high for Higdon and he can only head over.

    8mins: Randolph has to react sharply to come out and gather Ross’ low cross into the box ahead of McKay.

    4mins: Higginbotham muscles himself into a crossing position in the box. He cuts it back but Higdon or Ojamaa aren’t there to slot home

    1min: Higginbotham looking to get his home debut off to a flyer. He’s unlucky as his 30-yard effort curls wide.

    1min: Hammell deflects the ball out for a corner. Warren is on the end of it but volley’s well wide.

    1min: And we’re off, courtesy of McKay and Shinnie. #COYW

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “Inverness were good in the first half, they knocked it about well and it was an open game. They are free-scoring this season and to keep a clean sheet and get three goals is really pleasing.

    “Some of our football was exceptional at times and we merited the victory. I thought we had some big performances today. I thought Shaun Hutchinson was a tower of strength, Nicky Law in the middle of the park, ably assisted by Stuart Carswell, who covered acres of ground.

    “We’ve got a big game here against Dundee United on Tuesday. The park is in decent nick for this time of year and we’ve averaged three goals in our last five home games.

    “We’re not only winning games; hopefully we are entertaining as well and that’s what fans pay the money for.

    “We want them to get right behind us and I’m sure they will.”

    Inverness CT manager Terry Butcher:

    “They showed more hunger and appetite for the game and got the goal at the crucial time. I thought we started the game very well.

    “You could see our lads were a little bit leggy after the midweek game, they put a hell of a lot into the Kilmarnock game and there was a lot of heartache when we didn’t win the game.

    “We kept the same team because they played so well. There have not been many times we have come up second best against a team and unfortunately it has always been Motherwell.

    “The pivotal moment was the first goal, we defended like amateurs. It gave them a lift and knocked us back.

    “Motherwell were very cute and organised and although we had a lot of possession we couldn’t really create anything when we were chasing the game.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

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