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  • Archive

    Motherwell Inside #2: Paul Matthew

  • Archive

    Preview: Kilmarnock vs Motherwell

  • Archive

    Get fixtures on your Apple calendar

  • Archive

    Tait: We’re well prepared

  • Archive

    McGhee: New season, new start

  • Archive

    ‘Well to face Airdrie in the Irn Bru Cup

  • Archive

    Suicide Prevention partnership launches

  • Archive

    Steelman from the Steel City

  • Archive

    Thomson in charge at Rugby Park

  • Archive

    Moult: I’m working hard to recover

  • Archive

    Motherwell Inside #2: Paul Matthew

    In the second instalment of the monthly Motherwell Inside feature, MFC TV catches up with Head Groundsman Paul Matthew to talk all things pitch. 

    From weeding to repairing disease on the park, the work of a groundsman is far more complex than merely cutting the grass

    And in Part 2, Motherwell Inside showcases some of the main challenges and obligations in the role.

    [pullquote]It’s my remit to basically make sure the pitch is in the best possible condition it can be, throughout the year, not just from one game to the next game. [/pullquote]

    Paul said: “It’s my remit to basically make sure the pitch is in the best possible condition it can be, throughout the year, not just from one game to the next game.

    “And that includes whatever comes on the pitch, whether it’s first team games, other games or friendly games.”

    He added: “What we’re doing is having a knock on effect with other clubs… From a pitch that maybe wasn’t so good in the past, other clubs are looking now and realising something is happening here.”

    For exclusive content, subscribe to MFC TV’s You Tube channel.

  • Archive

    Preview: Kilmarnock vs Motherwell

    Motherwell travel to Rugby Park to open their Premiership campaign against Kilmarnock on Saturday afternoon.

    After a strong league cup group stage, the Fir Parkers progressed to the knockout stages where they will face Celtic next week.

    But the league has been the focus point for Mark McGhee and his side in pre-season, as they work hard to prepare for the curtain raiser this weekend.

    Strikers Louis Moult and Jacob Blyth will remain side-lined as the pair work hard to recover from their relative injuries.

    However, with Scott McDonald, Marvin Johnson and Chris Cadden in fine goal-scoring form in recent weeks, the Steelmen still have plenty of options at their disposal.

    The trio all struck in the cup clashes against East Stirlingshire and Stranraer and will hope to extend their purple patches going in to the first game of the league season.

    New signings Ben Heneghan, Richard Tait and Carl McHugh will likely make their debuts in the Scottish top flight, while trialist Craig Clay could be in line to keep his place in McGhee’s starting line-up.

    Craig Samson, who has looked assured in the league cup so far, will be confident of continuing to fend off the pressure from Dean Brill, who arrived this summer and is hungry to challenge for the number one jersey.

    Summer signing Richard Tait has enjoyed a solid start to life in Claret and Amber since returning north of the border from Grimsby.

    The Galashiels-born right back was with Nottingham Forest before joining Tamworth. He played almost 200 games with the Lambs before spells with Cambridge and Grimsby, where he was part of the promotion winning side who stepped up to League 2 via the Playoffs.

    He joined the Steelmen on a three-year deal back in June and since being handed the number two jersey, the 26-year-old doesn’t look like he’s planning on giving it up soon.

    Speaking to the press ahead of the league opener on Saturday, Tait said: “I think everyone’s excited for the first league game to come, the competitive games have already started with the cup, so it’s been nice to play in them and play in games that you need to win, so that should hold us in good stead for the first league game on Saturday.”

    The 26-year-old also admitted that a poor run in the cup could hamper your chances as the league starts.

    [pullquote]I think our performances so far will hold us in good stead for Saturday and I think we’ll go there with confidence.[/pullquote]

    He said: “In terms of confidence, if you’re not performing well in the cup you could go in to the league season thinking ‘we need to get a win somewhere’, but I think our performances so far will hold us in good stead for Saturday and I think we’ll go there with confidence.”

    Having signed for the club back in June on a three year deal, the Scotsman admitted that he has enjoyed his time here so far.

    The full-back said: “It’s been terrific so far; I’m really enjoying it.

    “Pre-season has been tough but it’s been enjoyable at the same time and it’s a lot easier when you enjoy it.”

    He also added that the experience of his defensive partners is helping him and fellow new-signing Ben Heneghan.

    He added: “For me and Ben, anything that McManus and Hammell say to us we’re going to take it in and we’re going to use it, so it’s great to play alongside players with that experience and we can only learn from it.”

    Saturday’s opponents required a 4-1 play-off final victory over Championship side Falkirk to keep their Premiership status intact last season, but under the guidance of Lee Clark and Lee McCulloch will be hoping for greater success this term.

    But it hasn’t been the greatest start to life in 2016/17, with a couple of poor results in the Betfred Cup leaving Killie second placed in Group H and tumbling out of the competition early.

    The last time out, Lee Clark’s side went to penalties against Albion Rovers, where they lost 5-3 on penalties at home.

    While it hasn’t been the best of starts for the club, they have certainly shook things up over the summer, introducing no fewer than 11 new signings on one day.

    ‘Well boss Mark McGhee insists that the volume of new additions won’t phase the Steelmen though.

    Speaking to the press this morning he said: “We’ve done our due diligence – we know who they are and what foot they kick with, we know what they can do and what they can’t do.

    “What we then do is take all that information and try and distil that in to a picture for Saturday that will be fairly accurate as to how they’ll come out and play.”

  • Archive

    Get fixtures on your Apple calendar

    Motherwell fans who use Apple products are now able to download this Season’s fixture’s to their device.

    Taking advantage of Apple’s iCal app, which is the default calendar app across all of Apple’s devices, this season’s fixtures and match information like ticket prices and travel details will be automatically added.

    If there are any fixture changes, these will automatically be updated.

    To subscribe to the Calendar, simply click this link webcal://bit.ly/2axPrRH from your Apple iPhone, iPad, MacBook or iMac and follow the on screen prompts.

    Note: You may experience issues if your ios software has not been updated.

    You can unsubscribe from the Calendar at any time by going to Settings>>>Mail, Contacts and Calendars>>>>Subscribed calendars>>>>Motherwell Season 16/17>>>Delete Account

  • Archive

    Tait: We’re well prepared

    ‘Well defender Richard Tait believes that the Betfred Cup has given the Fir Parkers good preparation for Saturday’s league opener.

    Mark McGhee’s men travel to Rugby Park, and the summer signing admitted everyone in the squad is excited.

    Speaking to the press this morning, he said: “I think everyone’s excited for the first league game to come, the competitive games have already started with the cup, so it’s been nice to play in them and play in games that you need to win, so that should hold us in good stead for the first league game on Saturday.”

    [pullquote]I think our performances so far will hold us in good stead for Saturday and I think we’ll go there with confidence.[/pullquote]

    The 26-year-old also admitted that a poor run in the cup could hamper your chances as the league starts.

    He said: “In terms of confidence, if you’re not performing well in the cup you could go in to the league season thinking ‘we need to get a win somewhere’, but I think our performances so far will hold us in good stead for Saturday and I think we’ll go there with confidence.”

    Having signed for the club back in June on a three year deal, the Scotsman admitted that he has enjoyed his time here so far.

    [pullquote]Pre-season has been tough but it’s been enjoyable at the same time and it’s a lot easier when you enjoy it.[/pullquote]

    The full-back said: “It’s been terrific so far; I’m really enjoying it.

    “Pre-season has been tough but it’s been enjoyable at the same time and it’s a lot easier when you enjoy it.”

    He also added that the experience of his defensive partners is helping him and fellow new-signing Ben Heneghan.

    He added: “For me and Ben, anything that McManus and Hammell say to us we’re going to take it in and we’re going to use it, so it’s great to play alongside players with that experience and we can only learn from it.”

    Get Motherwell’s fixtures on your iPhone by clicking here: webcal://bit.ly/2axPrRH

  • Archive

    McGhee: New season, new start

    ‘Well manager Mark McGhee insists the opening games in the league will not reflect on how clubs will do this season.

    Instead, the manager believes it will be a couple of weeks of settling in to the new campaign.

    Speaking to the press ahead of the curtain raiser against Kilmarnock, McGhee said: “I think that every season is the same, only different.

    “Each club in the Scottish Premiership starts again, even Celtic to a degree, they’ve got a new manager and new players, Rangers have come up they’ve got a few new players, so it’s not like there’s a total continuity.”

    [pullquote]We finished fifth last year and we were doing quite well, but it’s not a case of just rolling on from that – we start again.[/pullquote]

    He added: “We finished fifth last year and we were doing quite well, but it’s not a case of just rolling on from that – we start again.

    “Now that might mean that we finish fifth or even fourth, but we don’t know that sitting here today.

    “In the early part of the season we’re all establishing ourselves, seeing if the signings we’ve made are good and if they fit in and just getting to know how we’re going to do.”

    Addressing Saturday’s opponents Kilmarnock, the ‘Well boss spoke of their eleven new additions.

    [pullquote]We’ve done our due diligence – we know who they are and what foot they kick with, we know what they can do and what they can’t do.[/pullquote]

    He said: “We’ve done our due diligence – we know who they are and what foot they kick with, we know what they can do and what they can’t do.

    “What we then do is take all that information and try and distil that in to a picture for Saturday that will be fairly accurate as to how they’ll come out and play.”

    When asked about the situation surrounding star forward Marvin Johnson, the manager shed some light on the recent bid from down south, which he described as “well below” what would be required to secure the Englishman.

    [pullquote]I’d be amazed if Oxford have the amount of money in their coffers that would be required to get Marvin out of here.[/pullquote]

    He said: “We had an approach and offer from Oxford and we respect the approach but, firstly, I’d be amazed if Oxford have the amount of money in their coffers that would be required to get Marvin out of here.

    “Secondly, if Marvin is ever going to leave here in the short or medium term then his ambitions will be in a bigger league – and that’s not a criticism of the club it’s more about the league they’re playing in.”

    [pullquote]He’s an outstanding athlete, he’s an outstanding player, he’s got an outstanding attitude towards training, towards playing and towards his team-mates.[/pullquote]

    He added: “I was at Brighton vs Lazio, I know it’s a friendly, but I could’ve dropped Marvin into that game and for me he’d probably be the best player on the pitch, so Marvin could go to the Championship and play at that level without any doubt in my mind.

    “He’s an outstanding athlete, he’s an outstanding player, he’s got an outstanding attitude towards training, towards playing and towards his team-mates.”

  • Archive

    ‘Well to face Airdrie in the Irn Bru Cup

    Motherwell U20s have been drawn against Airdrieonians in the second round of the Irn-Bru Cup.

    SPFL Officials Neil Doncaster and Iain Blair made the draw at Hampden Park this afternoon, live across social media, pulling a Lanarkshire Derby from the hat.

    For Stephen Craigan and his U20 side, they face another home tie after overcoming Edinburgh City 2-1 on Tuesday night.

    North Section
    Brechin City v Cove Rangers
    Arbroath v East Fife
    Peterhead v Brora Rangers
    Turriff United v Montrose
    Elgin City v Heart of Midlothian U20s
    Aberdeen U20s v Forfar Athletic

    South Section
    Stranraer v Spartans
    Partick Thistle U20s v Queen’s Park
    Albion Rovers v Hamilton Academical U20s
    Motherwell U20s v Airdrieonians
    Cowdenbeath v Celtic U20s
    Rangers U20s or University of Stirling v Stenhousemuir

  • Archive

    Suicide Prevention partnership launches

    Motherwell FC is delighted to announce a new sponsorship with North Lanarkshire Council Suicide Prevention. 

    With the new Ladbrokes Premiership kicking off on Saturday, this season’s new Macron home, away and third kits will be displaying the Suicide Prevention logo below each player’s squad number.

    Motherwell FC has, over the years taken an active role in promoting mental health issues and challenging stigma, as the club itself has been touched by suicide and as a club, has been involved in a number of important mental health initiatives, including partnerships with ‘See me’, ‘Choose Life’ and ‘Steps for Stress’, in addition to a wide range of community programmes, to proudly establish itself as Scotland’s premier community club.

    [pullquote]Working together we will harness the power of football to save lives.[/pullquote]

    Kevin O’Neill, Public Mental Health & Wellbeing Development Manager said: “Motherwell Football Club have once again demonstrated why they are considered Scotland’s premier community club. The management, players, staff and community trust are a shining example that every organisation, workplace, community and person can play a part in making North Lanarkshire a place where we all feel okay talking about mental health, know how to look after our mental health, know what help is available and are compassionate in how we support others. Working together we will harness the power of football to save lives.”

    As part of the sponsorship and in addition to the kit logo,  Suicide Prevention branded boards will be displayed within Fir Park on the Phil O’Donnell and Cooper Stands, supported also with some marketing inventory which will be employed to engage with fans to promote their messages and contact phone numbers.

    ‘Well manager Mark McGhee said: “We are delighted to be in partnership with Suicide Prevention, and with their logo proudly displayed on the back of the team shirts, it will be seen by not just Motherwell fans but supporters across the country and in using our profile to raise awareness of this service is a positive step towards improving the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland.”

    “To further support this partnership, Motherwell FC management, players and staff will be participating in the 90 minutes to save a life suicide awareness training.”

    [pullquote]Using our profile to raise awareness of this service is a positive step towards improving the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland.[/pullquote]

    He added: “I’m making a personal plea to all Motherwell fans and the whole North Lanarkshire community to give 90 minutes to save a life. Over the coming weeks and months we will putting out information and dates for everyone to become part of a suicide safer North Lanarkshire.”

    Just under one person dies by suicide in North Lanarkshire every week and the fact the majority are men, shows that we have a problem as men being open and comfortable talking about our mental health and asking for help. The Club want to send a message as fellow men and as a positive role models, that we all need to be ok talking about our mental health, know how to look after it, know what help is available and be compassionate in how we respond to others.

    [pullquote]Over the coming weeks and months we will putting out information and dates for everyone to become part of a suicide safer North Lanarkshire.[/pullquote]

    Breathing Space is a free and confidential phone and web based service for any individual who is experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to regardless of the issues, including relationship difficulties, stress at work, bereavement, isolation, loneliness and suicide.

    Because many people suffering from low mood and depression feel particularly bad in the evenings, the lines are open from 6pm to 2am Monday to Thursday and 6pm on Friday to Monday 6am.

    For emotional support, talk in confidence with trained advisors by calling Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or visit breathingspacescotland.co.uk.

    More information can be found by logging onto northlanarkshire.gov.uk/safer or elament.org.uk

     

  • Archive

    Steelman from the Steel City

    Most ‘Well fans based abroad have an obvious connection with the club – either they grew up in Motherwell, or they have family connections – but Brad Minoski has a unique story as to how he fell in love with the club.

    Growing up in North Huntingdon, a town just outside Pittsburgh, Brad started following football after watching Columbus Crew play Newcastle United back in 2011.

    It was then that he started to study the game, paying particular attention to British football. The American began reading up on clubs, managers and players as well as watching as many games as he could.

    He then started to learn more about Scottish football, with the history and passion of the supporters catching his attention. He decided to follow a specific club and Motherwell was the team for him, despite living more than 3,400 miles away.

    [pullquote]First of all Pittsburgh is known as the Steel city, with a proud history of being the leading Steel producer in the U.S, so I knew this was a natural fit for me.[/pullquote]

    Brad said: “First of all Pittsburgh is known as the Steel city, with a proud history of being the leading Steel producer in the U.S, so I knew this was a natural fit for me.”

    He added: “Secondly I found it interesting how, despite being from such a small town, Motherwell has been able to host top flight football since 1985, with some great players playing for the club over the years like Phil O’Donnell, Willie Pettigrew, Davie Cooper, Ally Maxwell, Dixie Deans, Keith Lasley and Tom Boyd.

    “I just thought that was fantastic and definitely a club I wanted to be part of as a fan.”

    With limited coverage it can be difficult to follow the club from so far away, however, Brad keeps up with all the results and news from around Fir Park as well as tuning in to the MFC TV on a regular basis.

    [pullquote]I found it interesting how, despite being from such a small town, Motherwell has been able to host top flight football since 1985, with some great players playing for the club over the years.[/pullquote]

    Although Brad has never been to Scotland, he is planning to make a trip over soon with a visit to Fir Park on the top of his agenda.

    Brad recently joined the Well Society and gave his support to fan ownership at Fir Park.

    He said: “By contributing £15 a month, if I can help Motherwell F.C. take one step closer to fan ownership where the people in charge will always have the best interest of the club at heart since we’re all Steelmen, then I’m happy to contribute.”

    Everyone at the club would like to thank Brad for supporting the Well Society and we hope that he is able to make it across the pond for a game soon, where he will undoubtedly be made to feel more than welcome from everyone connected with the club.

  • Archive

    Thomson in charge at Rugby Park

    Referee for Saturday’s league opener against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park is Craig Thomson.

    The 43-year old has been handed the first game of the Steelmen’s 2016/17 league campaign and took charge on three occasions last term.

    Unfortunately for the ‘Well, the official was somewhat of an unlucky charm as the club slumped to defeat on all three occasions when he was in charge.

    The first two fixtures were away clashes against St Johnstone and Hamilton, with 2-1 and 1-0 losses respectively.

    The last time Thomson took charge was in November last year when the Steelmen travelled up to Inverness, losing 3-1.

    The official oversaw a twice taken penalty just before the interval and it shifted the balance of what was a very even match.

    His record in charge of the Steelmen is a bit of a mix bag with fifteen wins from 45 matches. There have been 21 defeats and nine draws too.

    Not included in that list was the 2007/08 Scottish Cup fourth round replay win against Hearts at Fir Park, when he replaced the injured Stuart Dougal midway through the second-half.

    In those games, Motherwell have scored 63 and conceded 66.

    159 players have gone into the book, 79 were wearing claret and amber, while seven players, including former and current captains Stephen Craigan and Keith Lasley, have been dismissed. The most recent was Stephen McManus in the away defeat to Inverness.

    Craig will be ably assisted by Willie Conquer and David Roome; with Gavin Ross on fourth official duties.

  • Archive

    Moult: I’m working hard to recover

    ‘Well striker Louis Moult admitted his injury lay-off is frustrating – but insisted he is recovering.

    The 24-year-old is set to be out for around four weeks, after going through an operation last Tuesday.

    The Englishman is working his way back to fitness and is ensuring he doesn’t rush himself.

    Speaking to MFC TV, he said: “I’m getting there, it was a little bit sore over the Wednesday and Thursday but it’s settled right down now and I’m walking with a little bit more comfort.

    [pullquote]I’m getting there, it was a little bit sore over the Wednesday and Thursday but it’s settled right down now and I’m walking with a little bit more comfort.[/pullquote]

    “It’s frustrating but it’s one of those things that I’ve got to deal with.

    “I’ll be supporting the boys through it but I’ve just got to keep working hard and hopefully get back on the pitch as soon as possible, which at the moment looks like after the international break realistically.”

    The forward outlined the steps he needs to take over the coming weeks.

    Moult said: “I need to try to not laugh and sneeze cause it kills, but no at the minute I’m just doing light walking, I can’t do a great deal, so I’m just trying to keep moving.

    [pullquote]I’ve got to just try to keep on the move, keep stretching and I’ve been trying to do that so hopefully that helps it.[/pullquote]

    “I’ve got to just try to keep on the move, keep stretching and I’ve been trying to do that so hopefully that helps it.”

    He added: “It could’ve been worse, hopefully it’s just the 4-5 weeks that I’m out for and I can, first and foremost, try to get myself fit and then get back in to the team and try and score some goals.”

    Despite being last season’s top scorer, Moult added that he believes in the squads abilities to score goals in his absence.

    He also spoke of the addition of the new signings.

    He said: “The gaffer has strengthened really well, brought in a few new boys and they’ve all settled in fantastic, not just on the pitch but in the changing room as well – they’re all vocal and they’re all good mates now as well and I think that’s important.”