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    Matchday Live: Ross County

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    Collum in charge for Highland showdown

  • Archive

    TV: McCall calls for a cutting edge

  • Archive

    A Sunday Brunch with…

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

  • Archive

    TV: McCall irked at frustrating evening

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    Dundee Utd defeat in pictures

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    Motherwell 0 – 1 Dundee Utd

  • Archive

    February Holiday Programme a success

  • Archive

    McCall welcomes ‘hungry’ McFadden

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    Matchday Live: Ross County

    Motherwell make the long journey north to take on Derek Adams’ Ross County at the Global Energy Stadium.

    TEAMS:

    Ross County manager Derek Adams has a full squad for Saturday’s meeting with Motherwell.

    Midfielder Iain Vigurs returns from suspension, while Ivan Sproule returned from a hamstring injury last week.

    Motherwell have a couple of injury doubts including Stevie Hammell.

    However, Keith Lasley and Fraser Kerr are both available following suspension and James McFadden is set to start on the bench after making his return to the club on Tuesday.

    TICKETS:

    Tickets are available from the Global Energy Stadium. Admission is priced at:

    ADULTS: £20
    CONCESSIONS: £12
    JUVENILE: £10

    • Concessions are listed as Over 65s, Under 18s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.

    TRAVEL:

    There is significant roadworks on the Kessock Bridge in Inverness and fans should factor this in to their journey time north.

    WEATHER:

    It will be a sunny day in Dingwall. Expect a crisp afternoon, temperatures sitting at around 4 degrees at kick-off.

    FOLLOW THE MATCH:

    Motherwell Media will bring you all the action from Fir Park. Graham Barnstaple and Alan Burrows will call every kick off the ball live on MFC TV.

    All the pre, during and post match chat will be on our Facebook page. You can also follow match updates on Twitter and join in the debate on our Foursquare and listen out for Stuart McCall’s pre-match thoughts on Audioboo.

    After the match, the official website and MFC TV will bring you reports, pictures, reaction and highlights.

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Collum in charge for Highland showdown

    Willie Collum will take charge of Saturday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League meeting with Ross County at the Global Energy Stadium.

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

    The first match this season was the 1-0 defeat at Tynecastle in October when Danny Grainger’s long-range effort separated the sides.

    He also took charge of both William Hill Scottish Cup clashes with Aberdeen.

    In the first meeting at Pittodrie, Niall McGinn headed home a late equaliser to cancel out Jamie Murphy’s opener 10 minutes from time and there was disappointment for the Steelmen in the replay as goals from Rory Fallon and Joe Shaughnessy helped the Dons progress to the next round.

    Motherwell were handed a lifeline in injury-time when Michael Higdon netted from the penalty spot, however Craig Brown’s side held firm in the final minutes.

    Most recently, he was the man in the middle for the narrow 3-2 win over St Johnstone in January; Michael Higdon’s hat-trick sealing a terrific three points.

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

    He took charge of 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 Scottish Communities League Cup defeat at home to Hibs; the Easter Road men progressing through on penalties.

    Incredibly, Motherwell win over Saints last month with the first league success with Willie 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 a 1-0 success over Dundee United in the League Cup – Alan Gow’s goal earning the Fir Park side a place in the last four.

    His overall record in charge of the Steelmen reads four wins, ten defeats and five draws from nineteen matches.

    In those games, Motherwell have scored 27 and conceded 35. 35 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.

    Willie Conquer and Stuart Stevenson will run the lines with Andrew Dallas on fourth official duties.

  • Archive

    TV: McCall calls for a cutting edge

    Stuart McCall is hoping for more attacking potency from his side when they take on Ross County this Saturday.

    The Motherwell boss bemoaned a lack of a cutting edge against Dundee United during the week when, despite some neat play up until the opponent’s box, ‘Well failed to trouble Terrors’ stopper Radosław Cierzniak during the ninety minutes.

    The same was also true of the last visit to the Global Energy Stadium, when Motherwell managed little in the way of clear-cut chances on the Scottish Premier League’s opening day.

    However, it has not been a regular occurrence this season and with the SPL’s joint top scorer and assist holder along with the addition of the talismanic James McFadden, McCall is hoping for something altogether more clinical this weekend.

    [pullquote]I’ll be looking for a much better attacking performance both from the Dundee Utd game midweek and the last time we were in Dingwall.[/pullquote]

    “Both the games against Ross County have been close,” he recalled.

    “The 0-0 draw back in August was a really disappointing game, possibly the most disappointed I’ve been at an away game.

    “Defensively we were fine but going forward we did not create anything. When they came to Fir Park, they’d had a little run of scoring a lot of goals and thankfully although they managed to score two, we managed to score one more.

    “No one can take anything away from Ross County; they’ve had some good results recently beating Hearts, Hibs and St Johnstone, so they are certainly a threat. They usually sit with a 4-1-4-1 and are a well-drilled outfit and are hard to break down.

    “I’ll be looking for a much better attacking performance both from the Dundee Utd game midweek and the last time we were in Dingwall.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    A Sunday Brunch with…

    A series of Club events will take place at Fir Park in the New Year as part of the Steelmen Forever drive.

    The Centenary Suite at Fir Park is set to become the venue for ‘Well fans looking for a fry up, good company and a cool beer.

    The first will be a “SUNDAY BRUNCH WITH JOHN GAHAGAN” on Sunday 24th February at 12.30pm.

    If you’ve seen fans favourite John in action before, you’ll understand why this is an ALL ADULT event.  He leaves little to the imagination; it’s certainly not for the feint hearted!

    Further ‘Sunday Brunch’ events will see Q & A sessions with the Motherwell-minded greats as well as guest appearances to be announced on the club’s official website.

    Tickets cost just £20 and are available from the Ticket office.  To book, call us on 01698 338062 or email diane.harvey@motherwellfc.co.uk.

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

    Extended highlights from Fir Park as Johnny Russell’s seventeenth minute goal hands Dundee United all three points.

    -WATCH EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS FROM FIR PARK ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    TV: McCall irked at frustrating evening

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall was left to rue toothless attacking as Motherwell crashed to another 1-0 home defeat by Dundee Utd.

    The Steelmen had plenty of the ball and played some neat football, but a lack of a cutting edge in the eighteen yard box would prove costly.

    United scored a classic breakaway on the seventeenth minute, Johnny Russell finishing a sweeping move up the pitch, and that would prove to be the winning goal.

    In truth, but for a couple of excellent Darren Randolph blocks, the away win might have been more convincing.

    [pullquote]Our attacking play wasn’t as fluid as it was on Saturday but we also must give Dundee United credit for the way they defended.[/pullquote]

    “I was disappointed by the manner in which we have conceded and, ultimately, lose the match,” McCall told MFC TV after the match.

    “We warned the players of their ability to hit on the break with and with talent such as Russell and Mackay-Steven, they are able to do that.

    “Our attacking play wasn’t as fluid as it was on Saturday but we also must give Dundee United credit for the way they defended.

    “When we lost the goal, they sat Ryan in front of the back four and played counter-attacking football and, fair play, they could have scored more goals when we were chasing the game.

    “But we won’t get too downbeat. We are still in a healthy position and look forward to Dingwall on Saturday.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Dundee Utd defeat in pictures

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

    [svgallery name=”dundeeutd190213″]

  • Archive

    Motherwell 0 – 1 Dundee Utd

    [tab:Match report]

    Phil McGhee at Fir Park

    For the second time this season, a solitary strike from Johnny Russell was enough to give Dundee United a narrow 1-0 victory at Fir Park.

    And even the introduction of James McFadden for the final 18 minutes couldn’t save ‘Well from slipping to their first home defeat since November, ironically when United were the visitors.

    In truth this would have been a more convincing win for Jackie McNamara’s men had Darren Randolph not produced a handful of stunning second half saves to give ‘Well some faint hopes of sneaking a draw.

    From the kick-off Motherwell put pressure on a United defence which conceded six goals at Celtic Park on Saturday. The shell-shocked Tannadice backline was bolstered by Jon Daly at centre back leaving Johnny Russell as the visitor’s lone forward.

    Despite camping in United’s half for the first five minutes, though, only a Chris Humphrey drive into the advertising hoardings came close to testing Radoslaw Cierzniak.

    At the other end, Russell’s pace and Gary Mackay-Steven’s trickery always looked threatening.

    And after seventeen minutes the pair combined for the opening goal.

    From a ‘Well corner Mackay-Steven raced upfield and his pass in behind Shaun Hutchison allowed Russell to draw Darren Randolph from his line before calmly slotting the ball inside the keeper’s right hand post.

    The expected storming fightback from the Fir Park side did not materialise. Instead both teams were intent in playing some good possession football, largely in the middle of the park, without threatening either goalkeeper in the first half.

    A rising shot from Henrik Ojamaa after the break and a free kick which Stevie Hammell curled just over the cross bar at least gave an early indication that the second half would be better.

    After 64 minutes Randolph kept ‘Well in the game with an outstretched leg to block Mackay- Steven’s low drive.

    The Motherwell keeper, who rightly earned the man of the match award, then produced three magnificent saves inside two minutes to deny Mackay-Stevens, John Rankin and at point blank range Russell.

    Having survived that, Stuart McCall immediately rang the changes bringing on Bob McHugh and to a thunderous reception, James McFadden, for the final 18 minutes.

    Almost immediately ‘Well were denied a penalty when Michael Higdon’s thumping volley cannoned off Daly’s arms.

    In 78th minute ‘Well came within inches of the equaliser when Cierzniak raced from his line to palm a Tom Hateley cross only as far as Nicky Law but his floated shot over the stranded keeper skimmed off the cross bar.

    Mackay –Steven had the chance to make certain of the points six minutes from time but his drive past Randolph was booted off the line by Hutchinson.

    After the emphatic victory over Inverness CT on Saturday and the frenzy surrounding the re-signing of Faddy, it was a disappointing evening for the Steelmen.

    [tab:As it happened]

    Alastair Reilly at Fir Park


    FT Motherwell 0 – 1 Dundee Utd.

    90mins: 3 minutes added on as Higdon heads tamely to Cierzniak.

    89mins: Faddy free-kick appears to have knocked Rankin out.

    86mins: Dundee Utd Sub, Flood off for Millar

    83mins: Oofft, Daly’s header cleared off the line by Hutchy! And again! This time from Mackay-Steven.

    78mins: Off the bar from Law as Cierzniak comes flapping. Feels like one of those nights.

    74mins: Another handball shout! Again, a difficult one to call on first viewing.

    72mins: Motherwell subs, McFadden and McHugh on for Higginbotham and Ojamaa

    72mins: Quite incredible trio of saves from Randolph keeps us in the game.

    67mins: More pressure from Motherwell results in Higginbotham firing tamely at Cierzniak from just inside the box.

    64mins: Randolph does fantastically to block from Mackay-Steven on a tight angle with his feet.Utd counter attack there looking dangerous.

    59mins: Bit of an onslaught now from the Steelmen! Balls flying about left right and centre in the box but no killer touch.

    54mins: Motherwell sub: Hammell off for Francis-Angol

    52mins: Free-kick in a dangerous position! Hateley ruled to have been fouled just outside the box. Utd defence not happy. Hammell tried the curler but there is too much on it and it’s well over.

    49mins: Ojamaa sprints up the other end and he too blazes well over, this time from 25 yards.

    47mins: Bit of a let-off there. McLean swings a boot at it inside the Motherwell box but scoops it well over. Needed composure.

    47mins: Hutchinson flattens Mackay-Steven and is rightly booked.

    46mins: Second half underway.

    HT: Motherwell 0 – 1 Dundee Utd

    44mins: more frustration as again we got in the box but get crowded out of a shot then Utd get corner for what looked like a wrong decision

    36mins: Ryan tries a shot from 22 yards but it slices off the outside of his boot and sails well wide.

    32mins: Again, Ojamaa picks the ball up in the box but can’t create the angle for a shot. Frustrating

    26mins: Russell is unlucky as he pounces on Hammell’s indecision. Curls it just over from 20 yards.

    23mins: It’s been a good reaction to the Utd goal. Lots of positive play, just lacking that killer pass.

    22mins: Boos ringing out at FP! Home fans think they were denied a penalty after McLean appeared to handle. Hard to call though!

    17mins: GOAL! – Russell slides the ball under Randolph after springing the offside trap. 0-1

    12mins: Game starting to open up. United probing a little more and putting ‘Well on the back foot.

    6mins: Higginbotham looking lively tonight. Cuts in and tries and ambitious effort from range. Doesn’t trouble Cierzniak though.

    4mins: Again creating a bit of an opening there. Higginbotham slid in Ojamaa who cut it back to the danger zone. No takers

    2mins: Sliced clearance by McLean gifts us our first corner of the game.Headed clear to Humphrey who shoots wide.

    1min: Slack defending from Utd gifts Ojamaa a good chance! Can’t get a shot off though unfortunately.

    1min: Teams are out…kick-off just moments away! Teams have switched ends. Carswell and Law kick the game off.

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    Coming Soon…

    Dundee Utd manager Jackie McNamara:

    Coming Soon…

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”137″]

  • 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.”