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  • Archive

    TV: Anier completes ‘Well switch

  • Archive

    TV: McCall frustrated at loan rules

  • Archive

    Away Day Guide: vs Hearts

  • Archive

    Cummins joins Dundee on loan

  • Archive

    Collum in charge at Tynecastle

  • Archive

    Cash Converters’ December POTM

  • Archive

    Hearts & Celtic tickets go on sale

  • Archive

    Inverness CT match off

  • Archive

    Inverness CT Magazine Preview

  • Archive

    TV: One game at a time for McCall

  • Archive

    TV: Anier completes ‘Well switch

    Motherwell FC is tonight delighted to confirm the signing of Estonian International Henri Anier on a two-and-a-half year deal.

    Anier arrived in the summer on loan from Viking Fotballklubb, and has been a big hit, netting seven goals in seventeen starts and forming a deadly partnership with John Sutton.

    The 23-year old, who also has five goals in thirteen starts for his country, was due to return to Norway next week but after days of negotiations, ‘Well are finally able to confirm his full-time stay at Fir Park.

    After a penning a deal that will keep him in North Lanarkshire until the summer of 2016, the striker told MFC TV: “I am really happy things are tied up and my long-term future is sorted out.

    “I’ve really enjoy the last six months in Scotland, the physicality of the game and how high-tempo it is. It’s quick and technically good too, a real challenge.

    “It is important for any footballer to feel happy and welcome and the club, on and off the park, has did that for me and made it easy. I enjoy working under a great manager and coaching staff and training with the lads. It’s also a pleasure to play in front of the fans, who have been so good with me.

    “My aim now is to try and develop as a player, score as many goals as I can for Motherwell and hopefully finish as high up the table as possible.

    [pullquote]My aim now is to try and score as many goals as I can for Motherwell and hopefully finish as high up the table as possible.[/pullquote]

    Chief Executive Leeann Dempster added: “As a Board, we have worked incredibly hard to keep both Lionel Ainsworth and Henri Anier at Fir Park against what is a tough financial climate within the game.

    “It does not take an accountant to realise the impact of being knocked out of both Cup competitions for a club like ours. It has been a great few weeks on the park, however, somewhat more financially difficult off it.

    “I want to pay special tribute to two directors in particular who helped fund the Anier deal; it would not have been possible otherwise. This gesture shows that we have a special bond at our club, with great people who all pull together. That includes the staff, players, directors and fans. I must also thank Viking who, throughout, have been very helpful and professional.

    “It is more important than ever that we all show our passion and dedication by supporting the club as much is possible. To do this, I would urge anyone considering joining the ‘Well Society to do so.

    “The Society is key to the success and future of the club. There has been somewhat of a lull in new memberships recently. Signing both players gives us all the chance to refocus and start these important discussions once again.

    “Obviously everyone is delighted to keep both talents, we believe they have added significantly to our season, and look forward to what we hope is a successful conclusion to the current 2013/14 season.”

    Henri signed his contract this evening and will complete his move in full following international registration formalities.

    -WATCH HENRI’S INTERVIEW IN FULL EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    TV: McCall frustrated at loan rules

    Stuart McCall has spoke of his frustration at an unknown loophole that has hampered attempts to get players out on loan.

    It has came to light in recent days that a new rule, put in place at the establishment of the SPFL, forbids clubs from loaning more than one player to a specific club.

    Prior to this summer, top league clubs could only loan one player to a club within the same division, but could send multiple to clubs in any of the lower divisions.

    However, when the league bodies were amalgamated in the summer and the new rules drawn up, the change was added and not made clear to clubs until now.

    Anomalies exist; Dunfermline have three players borrowed from Dundee United (completed whilst still under the auspices of the Scottish Football League) and St Mirren have two players on loan from Newcastle Utd, due to the cross border nature of the deal, where the same rules do not apply.

    Adam Cummins joined Dundee on loan yesterday and it looked likely a second player would join him today.

    However, that has been scuppered, forcing a re-think, which prompted an angry and frustrated response from the Motherwell boss.

    [pullquote]We can only send one player to the same club in a different division. In England the rule is two. Cross-border FIFA rules say it can be more than one but here in Scotland, you can’t. It is crazy![/pullquote]

    “There was an opportunity for one of our players to join Adam Cummins on loan at Dundee, then we read this morning that can’t happen due to a new rule,” he told the broadcast press at Motherwell’s weekly news conference.

    “We didn’t know, Dundee certainly didn’t know and I am pretty sure not many clubs were aware.

    “It’s absolutely nonsensical. If we wanted to send two youngsters together to say someone like Brechin, where they can learn their trade and get good coaching and potentially competitive football; we now can’t.

    “We can only send one player to the same club in a different division. In England the rule is two. Cross-border FIFA rules say it can be more than one but here in Scotland, you can’t. It is crazy!

    “According to what I read, this had been flagged up to the league earlier, so my question would be, why wasn’t some sort of circular sent around clubs instead of us and everyone being in the dark?

    “I spoke to (SPFL Chief Executive) Neil Doncaster at length this morning and he is in total agreement. I think they have a meeting on Monday and I understand it is getting looked at. It just makes things much more difficult for us.”

    -WATCH STUART’S PRESS CONFERENCE IN FULL EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Away Day Guide: vs Hearts

    Tynecastle

    Stadium Details:

    HeartsHeart of Midlothian Football Club
    Tynecastle Stadium
    Gorgie Road
    Edinburgh

    Tel: 0871 663 1874 (all enquiries)
    Web: www.heartsfc.co.uk

    Opened: 1886
    Capacity: 17,420
    SatNav: EH11 2NL
    Distance from Fir Park: 36.1 miles (0 hr 47 min)

    Tickets:

    ADULTS:    £24 
    CONCESSIONS:                        £18
    UNDER 18:    £15
    UNDER 12:    £8
    • Concessions are listed as Over 65s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
    • Tickets are available from the Fir Park Ticket Office or on the gate at Tynecastle.
    • Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 07745494631 / 07711 992161 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk.

    By Car

    The stadium is located to the West of the city and is easily accessible from the bypass.

    Follow the M8 until its end and then take the A720 South towards Dalkeith. Leave the A720 to join the A71 and continue forward on to Gorgie Road. You will eventually come to the stadium on the left.

    If travelling from the South, follow the A702 and then take the A720 North towards Dalkeith.

    Street parking is available on numerous streets around the ground.

    By Bus

    Several operators run buses to Edinburgh, departing every hour from Buchanan Station in Glasgow city centre.

    Further information and timetables are available online at www.citylink.co.uk.

    Several supporters buses will make the journey. For full contact details – click here.

    By Train

    Haymarket station is served by trains from Glasgow and is within walking distance of the ground.

    Upon leaving the station, turn right and then right again on to Dalry Road, which leads to Gorgie Road. You will eventually come to the stadium on the right.

    Further information and timetables are available online at www.scotrail.co.uk.

    [mappress]
  • Archive

    Cummins joins Dundee on loan

    Defender Adam Cummins has joined Scottish Championship title contenders Dundee on loan until the end of the season.

    The former Everton Academy graduate, who won the clubs’ Young Player of the Year last season, has seen his first team opportunities restricted against an experienced back four this term.

    Cummins, who has started games in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, moves to the City of Discovery and right into a title race, with the Dee battling it out with Hamilton Accies for top spot.

    And the 20-year old hopes it will prove a launchpad for next season, as he looks towards nailing down a regular starting berth at Fir Park, adding to his 33 appearances for the first-team.

    [pullquote]My aim is to go there, play well and hopefully help them win the league. That will set me up nicely for coming back in the summer and making a pitch for a regular first-team spot at Motherwell.[/pullquote]

    Cummins told motherwellfc.co.uk, “I’ve had to be patient waiting for a chance as the back four of Hutchinson, McManus, Ramsden and Hammell have all performed so well this season.

    “I also had one or two niggling injuries at the start of the season, which didn’t help.

    “Going to Dundee will give me a good opportunity to get games and get sharp again. They are a really good club, fighting for promotion back to the Premiership.

    “My aim is to go there, play well and hopefully help them win the league.

    “That will set me up nicely for coming back in the summer and making a pitch for a regular first-team spot at Motherwell.”

    Adam signed his deal this afternoon and, subject to the relevant registration formalities, will join in time for training tomorrow and the weekend’s match with Livingston and Dens Park.

  • Archive

    Collum in charge at Tynecastle

    Willie Collum will take charge of Saturday’s Scottish Premiership meeting with Hearts at Tynecastle.

    Regarded as one of Scotland’s best officials, it will be Willie’s second Motherwell match of the 2013/14 campaign. His only other was the recent 3-0 win over St Mirren at Fir Park when Lionel Ainsworth and a Henri Anier double separated the sides.

    Willie is no stranger to ‘Well fans having been a top-flight whistler for a number of years, taking charge of six Motherwell matches last term too.

    The first was the 1-0 defeat at Tynecastle in October 2012 when Danny Grainger’s long-range effort separated the sides.

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

    In the first meeting at Pittodrie, Niall McGinn headed home a late equaliser to cancel out Jamie Murphy’s opener 10 minutes from time.

    There would be 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.

    He was also 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 and also the disappointing 3-0 defeat at Ross County shortly after.

    He also handled the James McFadden-inspired 4-1 victory over Hibs in March and, finally, the 4-3 defeat to Inverness Caley in the Highlands in May.

    His overall record in charge of the Steelmen reads six wins, twelve defeats and five draws from twenty-three matches (in all competitions).

    In those games, Motherwell have scored 34 and conceded 43.

    46 players have gone into the book, 20 wearing Claret and Amber, while four players have been dismissed – Ian Murray of Hibs at Easter Road five years back, Jerard Aafjes at Falkirk four seasons ago, Paul Dixon at the end of 2009/10 and, most recently, Henrik Ojamaa in that game at Caley last season.

    Martin Cryans and Brian McGarry will run the lines with Craig Charleston on fourth official duties. The referee observer is George Smith and the SPFL Delegate is Ricky Gray.

  • Archive

    Cash Converters’ December POTM

    Every month this season, Cash Converters will be giving you the opportunity to present your Motherwell Player of the Month with his trophy.

    All you need to do is vote for the ‘Well player you think has been the stand-out performer for December and you could be chosen at random to congratulate our star man in person.

    To cast your vote, simply visit our Cash Converters SPL Facebook page by CLICKING HERE.

    The Cash Converters SPL Facebook page will also give you the opportunity to enter the draw to take part in the next Convert for Cash race against Aberdeen on Saturday 25th January 2014, and the chance to win a host of other prizes.

    Competition closes at midday on Friday 10th January 2014.

  • Archive

    Hearts & Celtic tickets go on sale

    Tickets for our trips to both Tynecastle and Celtic Park are now on sale from the Fir Park Ticket Office.

    HEARTS:

    ADULTS:    £24 
    CONCESSIONS:                        £18
    UNDER 18:    £15
    UNDER 12:    £8
    • Concessions are listed as Over 65s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
    • Tickets are available from the Fir Park Ticket Office or on the gate at Tynecastle.
    • If you plan on making the trip to Edinburgh, check our our ‘Guide to Tynecastle’.
    • Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 07745494631 / 07711 992161 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk.

    CELTIC:

    ADULTS:    £26 / £23 
    CONCESSIONS:                        £17 / £14
    JUVENILE:    £10
    • Concessions are listed as Over 65s and Under 16s.
    • Juveniles are listed as Under 13s.
    • The cheaper priced ticket is for restricted view only.
    • Tickets must be pre-purchased from the Fir Park Ticket Office prior to matchday (open until close of play on the 17th January).
    • If you plan on making the trip to Glasgow, check our our ‘Guide to Celtic’.
    • Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 07745494631 / 07711 992161 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk.

    ————–

  • Archive

    Inverness CT match off

    Motherwell’s match with Inverness CT has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Fir Park.

    The groundstaff have been battling against the recent inclement weather, which has seen over 180mm of rainfall at Fir Park in the last nineteen days (the average figures for a month is around 30mm).

    This has led to two areas in particular, in front of the East Stand at the half way line and at the East / South corner to become completely saturated, despite Head Groundsman Mikey Ellis’ best attempts to clear it.

    An inspection was called for 8am this morning and the hope was that although the pitch was and is very wet, favourable conditions though the night would have seen it dry out to the point where it was playable.

    Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough and Scottish FA match official John Beaton was forced to call the game off after inspecting it early this morning.

    Motherwell Football Club would like to apologise for any inconvenience this postponement may cause.

    No date has, as yet, been confirmed for the rearranged fixture.

  • Archive

    Inverness CT Magazine Preview

    The twelfth domestic Steelmen Matchday Magazine of 2013/14 is on sale when Inverness CT visit on Saturday.

    But what is inside the 62-page issue?

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall and Captain Keith Lasley both return with the regular columns.

    The Fir Park gaffer praises his players for recent form but errs on the side of caution and warns everyone to keep their feet on the ground.

    The skipper also chats about what he expects from another of the SPFL Premiership’s recent success stories in Inverness.

    The feature interview is with midfielder Paul Lawson. The former Ross County midfielder talks about how much he is enjoying life at Fir Park, despite facing a battle for a regular spot in the starting eleven.

    Laws also features as the next in the centre-page souvenir poster collection.

    But that’s not where the features stop!

    There is the usual extensive section dedicated to our visitors, Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

    As ever, Ray Morrison introduces the Perthshire side and there’s a player-by-player breakdown of who is likely to line up for the Caley Jags.

    We also report from the Caledonian Stadium and the hosts went down narrowly to rivals Ross County.

    New Caley boss John Hughes also speaks exclusively to the ‘Steelmen’ Magazine about what he hopes to achieve in the Highlanders after following Terry Butcher into the Thistle hotseat.

    The big features keep coming…

    ‘From the Press Box’ returns with regular host, the Herald’s Scott Mullen and the third of our Eggheads ‘Quarter Final’ clashes pits Lee Hollis against Simon Ramsden.

    Ross Dunbar also returns with his latest ‘Football from around the World’ feature, which looks as the success of FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga.

    But wait, there’s more!

    Our match reports section takes a look back at the 5-1 win over Partick Thistle and the excellent 4-0 win against St Johnstone three days ago.

    We have the latest from The Ticket Office and update from the Well Society as well as the latest stats, facts and figures from the 2013/2014 campaign.

    We also take a statistical look at the match official and the ‘Junior Steel’ kids page that will test the youngster’s quiz minds with puzzles and ‘Did you know’ facts.

    The programme is available for £3 and is will be on sale from the Club Shop as well as the usual sellers located in and around the ground pre-match.

    You can also order back editions or take a season-long subscription to the magazine by visiting the website of our publishers – Curtis-Sports – CLICK HERE

  • Archive

    TV: One game at a time for McCall

    Stuart McCall insists no one at Fir Park is getting carried away despite a recent run of good form.

    The Steelmen have won all five of their matches over the festive period, propelling them to second in the Scottish Premiership table.

    The former Scotland midfielder praised the resolve of his side for the way they have bounced back after a difficult week last month, but remains cautious, reminding everyone that nothing is won or lost in December/January, particularly with a tough test against Inverness ahead.

    Speaking to the gathered press at Motherwell’s pre-match press conference, the ‘Well boss said: “I’ve repeated this sentiment on numerous occasions; we have good experienced pros in the dressing room and all their feet are firmly on the ground.

    “No one will take anything for granted just because we’re on a good run, and I suppose you can look at the likes of Dundee United, who were flying high with six wins in a row, but have now lost the last few games.

    [pullquote]“We need to stay focused on each game. It’s an old cliché, but we’ll take one game at a time. Things can change so quickly in football so our focus right now is on Inverness, and that will wrap up this tough five games we’ve had.[/pullquote]

    “That can happen to any team, so there is no way we’ll fall into the trap of thinking we’ve done this or that; we’ve achieved absolutely nothing at the moment.

    “Our greatest achievement is to have bounced back from the week we had a month ago and to have amassed forty points at this stage of the season which is terrific.

    “There’s still a lot of hard work to do and our first aim is to make sure we’re in the top six, because at the start of the season that’s always our aim.

    “St Johnstone are still very much in the mix, as are Hibs won yesterday and are capable of putting a strong run together, so there’s no danger of anyone here getting carried away, that’s for sure.

    “We need to stay focused on each game. It’s an old cliché, but we’ll take one game at a time. Things can change so quickly in football so our focus right now is on Inverness, and that will wrap up this tough five games we’ve had. If we can come through unscathed, it would be terrific.”

    -WATCH STUART’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV