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    Special General Meeting Update

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    TV: Nielsen returns to Fir Park

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    Steelmen to face Doncaster Rovers

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    Sutton has unfinished business

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    TV: Kerr pens extended deal

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    TV: Sutton signs up again

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    TV: Lawson sets his sights on Europe

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    TV: McCall concedes on two

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    ‘Well to make Morecambe trip

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    Motherwell thrilled to join the ECA

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    Special General Meeting Update

    A meeting was held at Fir Park on Tuesday night (2nd July 2013) to vote through four changes to the ‘Well Society rules. Here are the details of the rule changes and a report of the meeting.

    Four proposed rule changes were;

    (a) By inserting a new Rule 4.1(a) as follows:

    “contract to lend monies (up to a maximum of £500,000) to the Club or any company owning or controlling the Club (the “Borrower”) on such terms and conditions that are approved by the Society Board from time to time provided always that the loan is necessary or expedient to achieve the objects of the Society;”; and the remainder of Rule 4.1 s renumbered accordingly; and

    (b) By amending Rule 4.2 by deleting the words “contract loans or” from that Rule.

    (c) By deleting Rule 20 (a) “A member shall cease to be a member if they fail after written demand to pay their annual subscription.

    (d) By amending Rule 74 by deleting the words “5 April” and inserting the words “30 September”.

    After an open and candid debate between the members present, a vote was taken. The votes cast were as follows:

    a – 91 for, 0 against
    b – 91 for, 0 against
    c – 88 for, 3 against
    d – 91 for, 0 against.

    Therefore all four resolutions were carried.

    ‘Well Society board members and Motherwell directors Derek Weir and Leeann Dempster helped further explain the rationale behind the rule changes, which can be summarised below:

    LOANS

    Since the Society rules were established, Scottish football has experienced significant and completely unprecedented change – mainly the financial collapse of Rangers but also other difficulties including an inability to attract league sponsorship.

    The society bought £150,000 of shares in March to allow the club to meet a temporary cashflow shortage while also facilitating the appointment of two ‘Well Society members to the club board. The club needed the money and a loan was impossible under Financial Services Authority rules.

    This money will now be ring-fenced in a separate bank account. But creating the option to loan funds is a sensible means of further protecting society funds should the club suffer the worst-case scenario of administration before Motherwell fans raise enough money to both secure a majority shareholding and provide a sufficient financial safety net to move forward with complete confidence.

    RENEWAL FEES

    The rule that stated members could be thrown out for non-payment of renewal fees was deleted as this was viewed as overly harsh. It was clarified that members are under no obligation to pay their renewal fees.

    Those who do not pay are still valued and active members with the right to vote. Fees are needed to help the club provide the benefits to members – those who do not or cannot pay forego the benefits but are otherwise full members.

    They can pay the subscriptions in future years and regain the benefits. The choice is entirely with each individual member. The change of date in the rules does not affect members.

    Following the vote a number of other topics were discussed and points raised for action. These included:

    1 ‘Well Society board members Graham Barnstaple and Brian McCafferty, who were appointed Motherwell directors in April, were asked to provide feedback to members from club board meetings. It was agreed that this was a good idea and that the pair would seek to inform members of discussion points without breaching club confidentiality.

    2 There was a call for the introduction of student memberships and for members to be able to gradually upgrade their membership (eg from £300 to £1000) over a longer period. Both these points have been discussed by the society board and club among other membership issues and will continue to be looked at.

    3 One member asked if the club could sell John Boyle’s shares to another interested party while the ‘Well Society are raising funds. It was stated that there was no chance of this happening. John Boyle does not personally benefit from the sale of shares. It was agreed that the “frequently answered questions” section on the website would be updated to reflect this and other common questions.

    4 The point was made that overseas members may feel isolated from the ‘Well Society and do not have the means to enjoy the vast majority of benefits. As above, overseas members are under no obligation to pay their renewal fees and can therefore forego the benefits. But it was agreed that we should look to find ways to involve and include overseas members more closely.

    5 One member stressed that he was very eager to assist the society reach its goals but found little avenue to help. It was stressed that the society needs volunteers and is on the lookout for any member to help. A list of willing volunteers was taken and they will be contacted in the coming days and weeks. Anyone else who was not present is urged to get in touch via the society email and offer to help. The ‘Well Society is a broad team and the more people who help achieve its goals, the better chance of success.

    6 Several members asked about the recruitment process – it was explained that a “kick-start project” is in operation which will increasingly focus on a direct approach to potential new members.

    7 Several members asked whether there could be credit facilities available for those unable to afford the one-off fee up front or over the limited timeframe allowed under external finance rules. It was explained that the legal opinion was agreed that the Well Society could not advertise facilities to spread payments any further under consumer credit legislation.

    8 Board member Sandy Kilpatrick updated members on the Business Club membership drive, which has got under way in the past six weeks following months of planning and research. Companies are being approached to take up new membership packages. Anyone who knows a business which might be interested was urged to take the literature and pass it on.

  • Archive

    TV: Nielsen returns to Fir Park

    Motherwell Football Club is today delighted to confirm the signing of Faroese International goalkeeper Gunnar Neilsen.

    Nielsen makes his return to Fir Park after a brief spell in 2008 when, aged just 22, he spent six months as backup under the tutorship of boss Mark McGhee.

    Now 26, Nielsen, who has spent 2013 at Danish outfit Silkeborg, has signed a two-year deal and will battle Lee Hollis for a starting spot.

    The 6ft 3-inch stopper started his career at Havnar Bóltfelag before switching to Boldklubben Frem. He cemented his reputation there before securing a move to then Premiership side Blackburn Rovers. It was whilst with the Ewood Park side that Nielsen spent time in Scotland with ‘Well.

    Mark Hughes and goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock, who signed him at Rovers, signed him again for Manchester City where he battled the likes of Joe Hart, Costel Pantilimon, Shay Given, Richard Wright and Eirik Holmen Johansen for a first-team berth.

    [pullquote]I’m really pleased to get this sorted and am looking to establish myself as number one and do really well.We finished second last season and if we can do that again it would be a great achievement.[/pullquote]

    He eventually got his Premiership debut on 24 April 2010 as a substitute for the injured Given during City’s stalemate against Arsenal. As a result he became the first Faroese footballer to play in the English Premier League.

    Whilst at the Eithad, he also made his International debut and has been capped by his country on fourteen occasions and is their current number one.

    He was most recently in action for his country in the World Cup Qualifiers against Ireland in the Aviva Stadium and Sweden in the Friends Arena, Stockholm.

    Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, Nielsen said: “I’m delighted to be back and having been at some big clubs where it was hard to get a game, I can’t wait to get playing again.

    “I know Motherwell well from my six months here before and I know it’s a great club to be at.

    “I’m really pleased to get this sorted and am looking to establish myself as number one and do really well.We finished second last season and if we can do that again it would be a great achievement.

    -WATCH HIS FIRST INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

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    Steelmen to face Doncaster Rovers

    The club can confirm another pre-season friendly match away to newly promoted Championship side Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium.

    it’s another stern test for Stuart McCall’s men against English opposition.

    Donny were promoted from League One last season as Champions, their side containing former Steelmen skipper Paul Quinn, who joined last summer from Cardiff City.

    Other familiar faces included the likes of former Scotland International Neil Sullivan and ex-Hibs centre back Rob Jones.

    The match will be played at the impressive Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday 13 July 2013 with a 3pm kick-off.

    Admission prices for the match are:

    Adults: £10
    Concessions: £5
    Under 12s: £1

    CONFIRMED PRE-SEASON INFORMATION SO FAR:

    8th – 12th July: Pre-Season Training Camp in Spain
    13th July: Doncaster Rovers (a): 3pm KO
    16th July: Newcastle Utd (h): 7pm KO
    20th July: Morecambe (a): 2pm KO

  • Archive

    Sutton has unfinished business

    John Sutton revealed he still has unfinished business at ‘Well after admitting he had reservations about leaving the club in the first place.

    The 29-year old departed Fir Park for Hearts in the summer of 2011, but did so with a heavy heart.

    ‘Well had just got to a Cup final but, similar to this summer, had question marks over the future of some of the squad with players like Jamie Murphy, Steve Jennings and Darren Randolph all touted for moves elsewhere.

    In the season he left, the Steelmen fell at the final hurdle both in Europe and in the Scottish Cup and that is Sutton’s motivation as he prepares for the forthcoming campaign.

    [pullquote]We never quite managed to win that Scottish Cup Final and never managed to get into the Europa League group stages, which would be an incredible achievement for a club of our size and, you never knew, this may very well be our year.[/pullquote]

    “When I said last Friday that I didn’t want to leave, I suppose I should say that I choose to go,” he admitted to the broadcast media at this afternoon’s press conference.

    “I remember sitting with the manager (Stuart McCall) in his office. He had not long arrived at the club and we had just got to the Cup Final. I was asking about the future of some of the players in the squad.

    “I asked after a number of players as contracts were up and, a bit like this summer, it was a bit of an upheaval. At the same time, Jim Jefferies at Hearts had made it quite clear that he wanted me to go there.

    “Obviously I made the choice that I did and I must say that I did so with a heavy heart. You can’t say that you regret things in life because you do things that you think are the best at the time and I enjoyed myself at Hearts.

    “But I have unfinished business here. We never quite managed to win that Scottish Cup Final (versus Celtic) and never managed to get into the Europa League group stages (versus Odense), which would be an incredible achievement for a club of our size and, you never knew, this may very well be our year.”

    -WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    TV: Kerr pens extended deal

    Former Birmingham City defender Fraser Kerr has become the fourth signing of the summer after completing a two-year deal this morning.

    The Scotland U21 International, a product of the Motherwell FC Youth Academy, was on loan at Fir Park from the St Andrew’s club last season and performed well when called upon.

    In particular, matches around his debut, including the UEFA Europa League tie in Levante, is where he shone most. In total, he featured nineteen times in Claret and Amber including twelve starts.

    At just 20-years old, standing 6ft 3 in and deceptively quick, Kerr has all the tools to develop and Stuart McCall wants the youngster to form part of his new-look squad for 2013/14.

    [pullquote]My aim is to try and establish myself as a first-team player. The second half of last season was interrupted by injuries so I am hoping to stay injury free and play some more regularly this season.[/pullquote]

    Although he signed a deal some weeks ago, the club had to wait until today to register the player following his contract expiring with the Blues on June 30. He will wear the number 20 shirt this season.

    Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, Kerr said: “I am absolutely delighted to sign for Motherwell. When I was up on loan last season, I knew even then this is the place I wanted to be when my contract at Birmingham City expired.

    “I am really grateful for the manager for showing faith in me. My aim is to try and establish myself as a first-team player. The second half of last season was interrupted by injuries so I am hoping to stay injury free and play some more regularly this season.

    “Pre-season has been great so far; I just can’t wait for the games to get going again.”

    -WATCH HIS INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    TV: Sutton signs up again

    Motherwell FC is this morning delighted to confirm John Sutton has re-signed for the club on a two-year contract.

    The 29-year old was made redundant by Hearts yesterday, paving the way for his return to Fir Park after two seasons in the Capital.

    Sutton, of course, was a Motherwell player between 2008 and 2011, recruited by the then boss Mark McGhee from Wycombe.

    The Englishman netted 44 times in 115 appearances in Claret and Amber, his most prolific return during his professional career.

    His hottest run of form followed Stuart McCall’s arrival in January 2011 – Sutton netting eleven times as the season drew to a close.

    [pullquote]Most of the fans were kind to me when I left and were brilliant with me when I was here so it was a no brainer. I felt at home here last time, I enjoyed coming to work every day and I am sure that will be the case again now.[/pullquote]

    He becomes Motherwell’s third signing of the summer after the arrival of Iain Vigurs and Paul Lawson from Ross County and will wear the number nine shirt at Fir Park.

    Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, Sutton said: “Obviously there has been plenty going on over the summer but I am just glad it has been sorted out now.

    “It’s good to be back, good to season some familiar faces and there’s a lot to look forward to.

    “I wasn’t desperate to leave here last time and I was glad the opportunity to come back again and work with the manager and the staff who always made me feel welcome any time I returned.

    “Most of the fans were kind to me when I left and were brilliant with me when I was here so it was a no brainer. I felt at home here last time, I enjoyed coming to work every day and I am sure that will be the case again now.”

    -WATCH HIS FIRST INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

    ‘Well fans who are subscribed to our e-newsletter got this information first. Click Here to join to ensure you don’t miss out on the breaking news from Fir Park.

  • Archive

    TV: Lawson sets his sights on Europe

    Summer signing Paul Lawson says he can’t wait to take the step up into European football this summer.

    The former Ross County and Celtic midfielder has yet to experience coming up against continental opposition in a competitive match.

    But he’ll get his chance when the Steelmen are in the hat for third round of the Europa League draw on July 19.

    Speaking to the broadcast media as ‘Well returned for pre-season training, the 28-year old is hopeful the summer recruits can fill the void left by the recent departures.

    [pullquote]”European football is a massive step-up for me in my career.[/pullquote]

    “When I left Celtic a few years ago, I moved down a couple of division and I would like to think I’ve progressed every year since.

    “This is another step up for me and it’s a challenge I am really looking forward to.

    “Obviously people are talking about the players who have gone and yes, it will be difficult to repeat the sort of season we had last term, but it’s about to myself and the other boys who come in to fill the boots of those who left. We are well up for it!”

    -WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    TV: McCall concedes on two

    Motherwell boss Stuart McCall has admitted he has given up hope of keeping Michael Higdon and Tom Hateley.

    Both players were out of contract and were offered extended terms to stay on at Fir Park.

    However, McCall told the gathered press at Motherwell’s return to pre-season news conference that both players have notified him they do not intent to return.

    The former Scotland International was a bit more hopeful of James McFadden who is still to decide where his future will lie.

    He said: “We now think of them (Hateley and Higdon) as ex-players.

    “Their agents have made it clear they won’t be coming back. I’ve spoken to both of them. They were both great servants for the club and I’ve no worries about them going south.

    [pullquote]But I’ve got belief in the players we’re targeting now and that we’re speaking to. We’ve got to aim as high as we can to bring in the quality we need. If we can’t get them then you move down your list.[/pullquote]

    “But there is always a chance with James. We had him in for training at this stage last year, but he went to Sunderland. Then he came back to us in the Christmas period but we didn’t know what was going to happen.

    “He ended up coming knocking on the door and signing with us. He played really well and it was a good fit. He did well for us and we gave him a platform to get fit.

    “With James, as with all good players, he will have options. But you are not going to wait forever for any player. We will see over the weekend where James decided is best for his future, whether it’s abroad, England or another Scottish club.

    “But we would love to have him back. If it can happen, we will try to make it happen.”

    -WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    ‘Well to make Morecambe trip

    Motherwell can confirm their second pre-season friendly with an away trip to face Morecambe on Saturday 20 July.

    The Steelmen will make the journey across the border to Lancashire to face the League Two side at their impressive new Globe Arena stadium.

    Managed by Jim Bentley, the Shrimps finished sixteenth in the table last season and will provide another stiff test for Stuart McCall’s side as they prepare for domestic and European football.

    Admission prices will be announced as soon as it is confirmed.

    CONFIRMED PRE-SEASON INFORMATION SO FAR:

    9th – 12th July: Pre-Season Training Camp in Spain
    16th July: Newcastle Utd (h): 7pm KO
    20th July: Morecambe (a): 2pm KO

    Picture courtesy of 100 Football Ground Blog

     

  • Archive

    Motherwell thrilled to join the ECA

    Motherwell Football Club is today delighted to confirm they have been granted associate membership of the European Club Association (ECA).

    Leeann Dempster and Derek Weir both attended the ECA General Assembly in Doha, Qatar back in February and were officially notified of their membership by General Secretary Michele Centenaro last week.

    It means club representatives will be able to rub shoulders and share information with football heavyweights such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, AC Milan and many more.

    The Steelmen were invited to join the elite group after consistent qualification for European football between 2008 and 2013 and join Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Aberdeen as the only representatives from Scotland.

    The ECA is the sole, independent body directly representing football clubs at European level. It replaced the G14 Group and the European Club Forum, both dissolved at the beginning of 2008. ECA was fully recognized by UEFA and FIFA in a formal memorandum of understanding, which was signed in January 2008.

    As the representative of 207+ clubs (drawn from every one of the 53 National Associations within UEFA), they are the nuclear family of the football society.

    The association is made of competitive friends, who face each other on the pitch to win the game, but also face each other in meeting rooms while working together for the benefit of all. They promote the interests of European club football.

    ECA Objectives:

    • To safeguard and promote the interests of European club football in particular, and club football in general;
    • To represent the interests of the clubs as employers and to act as a social partner where appropriate;
    • To contribute to the healthy development of European club competitions organised by UEFA, by taking part in the relevant decision-making process;
    • To contribute to the good governance of European football, in particular by participating in the appropriate bodies established within UEFA;
    • To foster the exchange of information and expertise between clubs and other football stakeholders;
    • To support and uphold the sporting values and principles on which European football is based;
    • To maintain contacts, cooperation and negotiations with any football-related organisations, or with any relevant public and private institutions as well as with non-member clubs.

    Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been granted membership to the ECA, it’s a real feather in our cap and a boost for Scottish football to have another club involved.

    “I must pay tribute to everyone at the club who has managed to keep us at such a consistent level for a prolonged period which has allowed us this invite.

    “We are really excited to be taking part and hope to learn and grow with some of the very cream of European football in the next three years.”