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  • Archive

    Club Statement: Marvin Johnson

  • Archive

    Craigan: Aiming for consistency

  • Archive

    U20s vs Aberdeen: Match information

  • Archive

    Motorpoint Player of the Month: August

  • Archive

    Cadden added to Scotland U21 squad

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

  • Archive

    Dundee draw in pictures

  • Archive

    McGhee: Frustrated with stalemate

  • Archive

    Motherwell 0 – 0 Dundee

  • Archive

    Team News: Same starting eleven

  • Archive

    Club Statement: Marvin Johnson

    Motherwell FC can today confirm that it has received an official transfer request from Marvin Johnson.

    The club has been in dialogue with Marvin and his representatives over the last few weeks; today’s official request changes nothing.

    Motherwell FC is a club who looks to identify, develop and then trade talent on; it’s a key part of our business model and the vision we sell to players when they come here to play.

    However, we will not be cajoled or maneuvered to a point where we are forced to sell a player against our will for less than an appropriate value.

    We owe it to our players, management, staff, shareholders and, most importantly, our supporters to ensure we get a fair price.

    We are determined to continue the Motherwell FC tradition of developing players and proudly watch them flourish at the highest level, but that will only happen if we receive what we deem to be a sensible offer, based on all the relevant factors.

    Only then will we sell Marvin, or any other contracted player for that matter.

  • Archive

    Craigan: Aiming for consistency

    U20s manager Stephen Craigan hopes his side can keep their winning momentum going as they face Aberdeen in the Development League tomorrow night.

    After leaving Nairn with all three points last week, the U20s host Aberdeen at Excelsior stadium.

    Speaking to MFC TV, the Northern Irishman said: “Certainly over the last couple of seasons, Aberdeen have been one of the stronger teams in the league.

    “But I’m convinced that it’s what we do, how we perform and how we play – and if we can keep our consistency level.”

    [pullquote]It’s what we do, how we perform and how we play – and if we can keep our consistency level.[/pullquote]

    He added: “Like I said when we were up playing Inverness, some of the boys had their best performances throughout all of the pre-season so far – and if they can maintain that performance tomorrow night then I’ll be confident that we can get the three points.”

    And when asked just what they key is to maintaining that high level of performance, the manager admitted: “That’s probably the million-dollar question.”

    He added: “That’s up to the players and that’s how players will develop quicker and progress to the first team sooner – by performing well and on a consistent basis.

    [pullquote]When we were up playing Inverness, some of the boys had their best performances throughout all of the pre-season so far.[/pullquote]

    “We have objectives that we want to achieve in the game and the more often they achieve those objectives and the way they play, like centre-forwards getting goals and holding up play, wingers getting crosses in to the box and so on – and for us it’s about trying to replicate that sort of form regularly.”

    In training today, Craigan explained how he will be focusing on preparing the boys for tomorrow nights game.

    He said: “Today we’ll be going over patterns of play going forward, reminding the boys of their defensive responsibilities and any kind of training that we do will be based towards the game.

    “There will be cramming a lot of information in; information that they already know but it’s about reminding them – making sure they’re prepared and so they know what to expect.”

  • Archive

    U20s vs Aberdeen: Match information

    Stephen Craigan’s U20s face Aberdeen in their second Development League fixture tomorrow night. 

    The youngsters got off to a winning start last week with a 3-1 win away to Inverness.

    And the manager and players will be looking to carry on their good form into tomorrow nights game at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie.

    The game is free to attend, with all the information you need below.

    Tuesday 30 August 2016
    Motherwell –v- Aberdeen
    Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie
    Kick-off 6.00pm

  • Archive

    Motorpoint Player of the Month: August

    Voting has opened for Motherwell’s Player of the Month for August – sponsored by Motorpoint.

    Every month, ‘Well fans have the opportunity to cast their vote for who they think has put in the best performances.

    Thanks to club sponsors Motorpoint, the decision is up to the fans, so cast your vote here!

    [poll id=”285″]

  • Archive

    Cadden added to Scotland U21 squad

    Midfielder Chris Cadden has been rewarded for his early season form with a deserved call-up to the Scotland U21 squad.

    Cadden, a mainstay in Mark McGhee’s squad for the last nine months, has kicked off the campaign in superb form, getting amongst the goals, assists and man of the match awards.

    Earlier in the week, McGhee had voiced his disappointment that Cadden hadn’t made Ricky Spragia’s initial squad for the qualification double head.

    However, the withdrawal of both Callum MacFadzean and Lewis Macleod has opened up a spot for the 19-year old, who will form part of the group that will take on both Macedonia and Ukraine in the Under 21 UEFA Championship qualifiers.

    Everyone at Motherwell FC would like to congratulate Chris on his call-up and wish him, and the squad, all the best over the next two weeks.

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

    Highlights from Fir Park as Motherwell and Dundee play out a goalless draw in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

  • Archive

    Dundee draw in pictures

    Images from today’s 0-0 draw with Dundee at Fir Park in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

    [svgallery name=”dundee270816″]

  • Archive

    McGhee: Frustrated with stalemate

    Mark McGhee was happy with some aspects of his side’s performance, but was left frustrated at the 0-0 stalemate with Dundee.

    The Steelmen saw lots of the ball and were on top for most of the first-half, but weren’t able to capitalise during the second forty-five and the game eventually ended up all square.

    And speaking to MFC TV, the ‘Well boss credited his players work rate, but bemoaned the lack of a cutting edge at times.

    He said: “I would’ve liked to win the game of course and I think we could have but can’t say that we should have.

    [pullquote]The first-half performance merited a goal and we didn’t get that so of course it was going to be difficult and they then had a good spell in the second half where they had a lot of the play around the half-way line.”[/pullquote]

    “They never really threatened or put Craig Samson under pressure too much, but they made it frustrating for us and also for the crowd as well.”

    Generally, the manager didn’t want to focus on the negatives too and added: “I don’t think we should be too dissatisfied. There were shouts to bring on a striker but two of our main strikers are out through injury.

    With a weekend off for international break, the squad will strengthen with the returns of a few key players, and the manager feels the break will be used to benefit the team.

    He said: “We’ll make the two week break beneficial – we have Hammell and Moult coming back to fitness and with McHugh, Blyth and Kennedy to come back too, we’ll be focussing on our trip to Ross County.”

  • Archive

    Motherwell 0 – 0 Dundee

    [tab:Match report]

    Motherwell had to settle for a point and a frustrating blank in front of goal despite dominating possession for large periods.

    In a first half where ‘Well produced arguably some of their best football of the season the only thing that was missing was a goal or two.

    However, they failed to sustain that in the second half and had to survive a number of Dundee counter-attacks, but defended manfully to claim a point.

    Despite the last-minute loss at Ibrox last week, ‘Well boss Mark McGhee stood by the line-up which performed so well against Rangers.

    That meant that Scott McDonald had a pressing midfield to support him with Lionel Ainsworth and Marvin Johnson swapping flanks. The latter set himself up for the first chance dragging the ball from the right wing, across the edge of the box before firing over the cross bar.

    ‘Well looked confident and solid in possession during the opening exchanges and following a steady build up, Scott McDonald’s cross into the six yard box found Joe Chalmers but he scooped the ball over.

    Craig Clay, who was an influential figure in the ‘Well midfield, worked some space at the edge of the box before striking a ferocious drive which literally knocked Darren O’Dea to the ground.

    Despite being hemmed into their own half for the first 20 minutes Dundee were first to test either ‘keeper. Craig Samson did well to block Faissal El Bakhtaoui’s angled drive and as the Dens’ striker latched onto the rebound but Ben Heneghan stretched to deflect the ball.

    The remainder of the half, though, was played in the visitor’s half where ‘Well’s slick passing and movement had Dundee on the back foot.

    For all their possession the Fir Park side failed to work Scott Bain, with long range efforts from Ainsworth and McDonald flying wide and narrowly over.

    Just before half-time Chris Cadden’s strong running, twice got him in behind the visitor’s defence only to see Bain and then Kevin Gomis cut out his crosses as McDonald waited in the six yard box.

    Not surprisingly, having been second best for most of the first forty-five, Dundee looked a different proposition in the second half with a couple of early strikes from Michael Duffy whizzing past Samson’s post.

    Motherwell’s reply came from a McDonald shot which Bain punched away, only as far as Johnson, whose attempt to test the ‘keeper again was blocked.

    With 20 minutes left and the game now finely balanced El Bakhtaoui’s quick turn and shot was palmed away by Samson.

    Minutes later a quick exchange between Clay and Johnson set up Ainsworth but his low curling effort was gathered by Bain. Clay was again the provider when a neat one – two sent Johnson through but his finish lacked power to really test the ‘keeper.

    Mark McGhee made a push for the winner with James McFadden replacing Ainsworth for the final 10 minutes. The assistant manager’s first contribution was to knock the ball down for McDonald but his 20 yard shot tamely bounced into Bain’s arms to sum up ‘Well’s efforts in front of goal.

    It was a frustrating end to a frustrating afternoon for the hosts who will look back on not capitalising or scoring during a fairly dominant first-half with some regret.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Lewis Irons at Fir Park

    FT | 0-0
    It’s all over and it’s a frustrating day for the Steelmen who were the dominant side but couldn’t get that all important goal.

    ’90 | 0-0
    Two minutes added on as Motherwell win a corner, but nobody gets on the end of it and it’s a goal-kick

    ’89 | 0-0
    Clay tees up Lasley on the edge of the box but it is blocked

    ’86 | 0-0
    Brief stoppage as O’Dea gets treatment

    ’85 | 0-0
    Johnson plays in Chalmers who can’t quite get it under control before McDonald tries one from outside the box, but Bain saves.

    ’82 | 0-0
    Heneghan goes in to book after Loy ran across his path.

    ’80 | 0-0
    Johnson curls a dangerous ball in to the box, Cadden can’t quite get there with his head

    ’79 | 0-0
    Motherwell sub: Here he comes, it’s James McFadden coming on for Lionel Ainsworth #COYW

    ’78 | 0-0
    El Bakhtaoui is warned by referee Andrew Dallas after an exchange with Tait.

    ’75 | 0-0
    McDonald side-foots it to Clay, who tries to slide in Ainsworth but it’s just over-hit.

    ’73 | 0-0
    Johnson dribbles and works a one-two into the box, and from close range he couldn’t quite get enough on it and Bain gathers

    ’71 | 0-0
    Tait fizzes a cross on the volley over everyone’s heads in the box before Ainsworth picks it up and curls it on goal – Bain saves

    ’69 | 0-0
    El Bakhtaoui goes for goal but Samson jumps well to punch clear at his near post

    ’66 | 0-0
    Dundee sub: Loy replaces Williams

    ’65 | 0-0
    The corner drops to McGowan, but he strikes over

    ’65 | 0-0
    Chalmers blocks Duffy in the box and it’s a corner for Dundee

    ’62 | 0-0
    Brilliant move from Motherwell! Smart passing leaves Ainsworth in the box, he tries to square it but O’Dea clears

    ’60 | 0-0
    Dundee go close from range. Michael Duffy tries one this time and it’s just wide.

    ’57 | 0-0
    The ball drops kindly to El Bakhtaoui who runs forward, striking a low shot past the post from outside the box.

    ’55 | 0-0
    Johnson follows in to get the rebound from McDonald’s shot, but it is blocked

    ’55 | 0-0
    Great spell for the Steelmen on the edge of the Dundee box. Lasley works it to McDonald – his curled shot is punched by Bain.

    ’54 | 0-0
    Nick Ross barges Lasley off the ball as the skipper looks to bring it down. Free-kick ‘Well at the half-way line

    ’52 | 0-0
    Quieter start to the second period, as both sides work possession in the middle of the park

    ’48 | 0-0
    Duffy tries one from the edge of the area, but it’s narrowly wide of Samson’s right post.

    ’48 | 0-0
    Dundee try to work a short corner but Motherwell usher them away.

    MATCHDAY | Today’s Half Time Draw numbers are: 1st Prize – £250 – 156929, 2nd Prize – £100 – 156924 & 3rd Prize – £50 – 156934

    ’46 | 0-0
    Dundee win a couple of early second-half corners but the Fir Parkers defend well and clear.

    ’46 | 0-0
    The ‘Well get us back underway! #COYW #MFCvDFC

    HT | 0-0

    Motherwell have been outstanding, but just haven’t managed to make that breakthrough.

    ’43 | 0-0
    It’s all Motherwell! Cadden races down the right, hits a low cross and Gomis has to turn it behind.

    ’42 | 0-0
    Close for the Steelmen! Cadden cuts back for McDonald but Kerr does well to block the Aussie’s shot from close range.

    ’41 | 0-0
    Johnson beats three men but his cut-back is intercepted, so nearly from the winger.

    ’40 | 0-0
    Motherwell combine with around 20 passes but Ainsworth’s cross is headed away. Some great stuff from McGhee’s men.

    ’37 | 0-0
    El Bakhtaoui slips it to Williams who over-hits his pass and Samson gathers it with ease.

    ’35 | 0-0
    Williams squares it to El Bakhtaoui but Heneghan puts in another wonderful sliding tackle to stop the threat.

    ’35 | 0-0
    Another ‘Well corner is headed goal-ward by McManus, but Bain collects it.

    ’34 | 0-0
    Motherwell corner falls to Johnson in the box, but his low strike crashes into bodies in front of the goal.

    ’33 | 0-0
    Chris Cadden beats Nick Ross and yet again the youngster is fouled.

    ’31 | 0-0
    Chalmers stands over the free-kick but curls it over the bar.

    ’30 | 0-0
    McGowan goes in to the book for a tackle on Craig Clay.

    ’30 | 0-0
    Half-an-hour gone and Motherwell firmly on top in terms of chances and possession, but yet to make the breakthrough

    ’28 | 0-0
    McDonald goes close from range! Works the space, spins his man and strikes narrowly over from 25 yards.

    ’27 | 0-0
    Ainsworth is incredibly ambitious, striking one from a full 30 yards, but it doesn’t trouble Bain.

    ’26 | 0-0
    A shocking tackle from O’Hara, whose studs caught Johnson, somehow only receives a yellow.

    ’24 | 0-0
    McDonald nutmegs O’Dea but the defender blocks his run in the box. Ainsworth then collects the ball, striking low and just wide

    ’22 | 0-0
    Cadden does well to win another corner, but from the set-piece Ainsworth collects on the far side and dinks a cross over.

    ’20 | 0-0
    El Bakhtaoui breaks free on goal, Samson saves his first low strike and Heneghan lunges brilliantly to block the second attempt.

    ’18 | 0-0
    From the corner, the referee awards a Dundee free-kick after Cadden held his man.

    ’17 | 0-0
    Clay threads a lovely pass to Ainsworth, whose cross is blocked and out for a corner.

    ’15 | 0-0
    Craig Clay works himself a yard on the edge of the area with some neat footwork, but his strike is blocked by the face of O’Dea.

    ’12 | 0-0
    McDonald is slipped in on the right side of the box, but the linesman flags – must have been tight!

    ’11 | 0-0
    Tait bursts forward, attempts the cross but it is cleared by O’Dea.

    ’10 | 0-0
    Cadden is swiped to the deck after turning to surge forward. Free-kick ‘Well.

    ‘8 | 0-0
    Joe Chalmers drives forward this time, and as the ball drops to him just yards out, he hits it just over, so close! #COYW

    ‘7 | 0-0
    Heneghan marauds through the middle of the park, slipping it wide to Cadden who whips in a great cross, but it’s over-hit

    ‘5 | 0-0
    Ainsworth takes it towards the by-line and nearly beats his man, but it’s out for a goal-kick.

    ‘4 | 0-0
    Tait battles well to thwart any danger and mops up nicely. Straight down the other end, Johnson strikes just over the bar.

    ‘1 | 0-0
    Fast start for the ‘Well here as Clay tries one from outside the area, but it’s blocked.

    Dundee get us underway at Fir Park! #COYW #MFCvDFC

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

     

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

     

    [poll id=”283″]

  • Archive

    Team News: Same starting eleven

    Mark McGhee has named the same starting eleven against Dundee that were so unlucky to lose at Ibrox seven days ago.

    That means Joe Chalmers retains his place with Stevie Hammell only fit enough to take his seat amongst the substitutes.

    Stephen McManus and Ben Heneghan continue their partnership at the heart of the defensive with summer signing Richard Tait again at right back.

    Carl McHugh still hasn’t properly recovered from a head injury picked up on the opening day at Kilmarnock so the midfield three contains skipper Keith Lasley, young star Chris Cadden and the impressive Craig Clay, who ran himself into the ground against Rangers last week.

    Top scorer Scott McDonald leads the line in attack, supported by both Lionel Ainsworth and Marvin Johnson.

    James McFadden, Dom Thomas and Lee Lucas are on the substitutes bench.

    Motherwell: Samson, Tait, Heneghan, McManus, Ainsworth, Johnson, Cadden Lasley, Chalmers, Clay, McDonald

    Substitutes:
    Brill, Hammell, Lucas, Thomas, McFadden, Ferguson, MacLean

    Injured: McHugh, Moult, Kennedy, Blyth