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Motherwell Football Club and the Community Trust have partnered up with the SPFL Trust’s Football Fans in Training – allowing fans to get involved with the club and lose weight along the way.

Targeted for men and women aged 35-65 with a waistline of 38 inches or above, the 12-week programme will provide coaching from professionals, a behind-the-scenes look at the club and encourage a healthier lifestyle.

What’s better? It’s free!

As well as enjoying yourself, the main aims of Football Fans in Training (FFIT) are: to increase knowledge of diet & nutrition, improve lifestyle choices, increase physical activity amongst participants, reduce weight and waist measurements and increase engagement in other physical activity.

MFC Community Trust General Manager Dawn Middleton said: “We’re delighted to be offering Motherwell Fans the opportunity to get fit with their local team. It’s a unique opportunity to adopt a healthier lifestyle, meet fellow fans and have fun.”

FFIT is supported by Community Trust ambassador and star striker Louis Moult.

To get involved you can sign up here: spfltrust.org.uk/ffit-enquiry

To get in touch with the Community Trust, call 01698 239926 or email community@motherwellfc.co.uk

Highlights from the Oriam Centre in Edinburgh where the Under 20s lost 3-1 to Hibernian.

Motherwell U20s slumped to a 3-1 defeat away to Hibs in the Development League this afternoon.

And for manager Stephen Craigan, it was a disappointing showing from his side who have performed at such a high level so far this season.

Speaking to MFC TV after the full-time whistle, Craigan admitted his frustration with his sides performance.

He said: “I thought we were really poor and that may be harsh and I don’t like being overly critical of young players because they’re trying to make their way in the game and try to get a pathway of where to go.

[pullquote]I thought we were really poor and that may be harsh and I don’t like being overly critical of young players.[/pullquote]

“All round today – decision making on the ball, passing at times, we looked a little lost.”

He added: “It’s strange because we trained really well on Saturday and really well on Monday and I was really looking forward to the game.

“We didn’t help ourselves, we gave away poor goals.”

Played at the Oriam at Heriott-Watt University, the artificial, indoor surface did not play a part in the performance, insisted Craigan.

He said: “I wouldn’t think the surface would play a part – it’s a wonderful surface to play on.

[pullquote]We have to keep working, we have to keep preaching what we have been doing over the last 17-18 months and that doesn’t change with one performance.[/pullquote]

“Hibs don’t train here but they play their home games here so it’s a new surface to them too.”

Up next for the U20s is Dundee United at home, and the U20s coach knows that the hard work must go on to bounce back to form.

He said: “We have to keep working, we have to keep preaching what we have been doing over the last 17-18 months and that doesn’t change with one performance.

“It’s just trying to analyse it and I’ll need to speak with them about how they felt and what went through their minds.

“But there’s no excuses, we were up against a Hibs side that I thought we were more than capable of beating.”

A header from Dylan Mackin wasn’t enough for the U20s as they lost 3-1 away to Hibs earlier today.

A brace from Hibs midfielder Ruari Paton either side of the break and a long-range effort from Ben Stirling secured all three points for the Hibs youngsters.

Despite the disappointing result, the game was level at the break and the Steelmen looked to be in control of the match, with Tom Fry in particular dictating play.

Craigan’s side enjoyed more of the ball but couldn’t make their possession count, as they failed to create too many clear-cut chances in the opening 20 minutes.

And eventually, they were punished, as Ruari Paton opened the scoring against the run of play.

Full-back Kane O’Connor put in a cross that didn’t look to be anywhere near the danger area – with PJ Morrison going down to gather it.

Unfortunately for the youngster, he couldn’t hold it and it ricocheted off of his palms and into the path of Paton who was on hand to poke it into the gaping net.

But the response was encouraging from the ‘Well, who bounced back both in terms of possession and then eventually, on the scoreline too.

On the half-hoar mark, Dylan Mackin rose up to head beyond Hibs stopper Patrick Martin from a corner.

And again, the Steelmen dominated proceedings and limited Hibs opportunities.

After the break though, it was a different story.

It took the hosts just 50 seconds to restore their lead, and it was Ruari Paton again.

Some clever work down the right-hand side got in behind the Motherwell defence and Watson cut it back to Paton from the by-line for another simple finish for the trialist.

From then on, the ‘Well were hard done by through some questionable decisions – in particular when Luke Watt lofted the ball over the defence looking for substitute Jake Hastie.

The linesman’s flag halted Hastie from a clear one-on-one opportunity despite the attacker being well onside.

And eventually, Craigan’s side were punished even more, as Ben Stirling struck a low, hard strike into the bottom corner from outside the box to put the game to bed.

It was a frustrating day for the U20s, whose unbeaten run in the league came to an end. Next up, they host Dundee United on Tuesday September 13.

Hamilton Accies visit Fir Park on Saturday 17th September and we’ve a fantastic lunch menu available

It’s a 3pm kick-off for the Lanarkshire Derby, so why not combine an afternoon meal with a competitive Ladbrokes Premiership game  in one of our atmospheric hospitality suites.

All our keenly priced hospitality packages include a ticket, match programme, team-sheet and half time refreshments.

You can choose from three packages:

Centenary Claret: Arrive at our Centenary Suite for 1pm. Full, four course table service with access to a pay bar till kick off and then again for an hour post-match.

 Book now from only £60 for an adult and £45 for a child under 16.

 Centenary Amber: Arrive at our Centenary Suite for 1pm. Full four course table service with complimentary bar and then again for an hour post-match.

 Book now for £99 for an adult and £55 for a child under 16.

 Millennium Ticket: Enjoy a lighter bite pre-match and at half-time with a complimentary bar for one-hour pre & post-match.

 Book now for £70 for an adult and £35 for a child under 16.

Remember, Season Ticket holders can upgrade to hospitality for just £25.

01698 333333 | hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk

Joe Chalmers has been added to the Scotland U21 squad for Tuesday’s UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier against Ukraine.

Ricky Sbragia’s side lost 0-1 to FYR Macedonia on Friday with qualification now looking extremely difficult.

However, if progression to the Finals is to be achieved, a victory in the Obolon Arena is a necessity.

Although aged twenty-two, Chalmers is still eligible to play a part in the qualifiers, open to players born in 1994 onwards. And following an injury to Stephen Hendrie, the defender has been drafted in.

The left back, who has represented Scotland at every age group from U16s to the 21s, was last involved with group back in March 2014 when Billy Stark named his against Hungry at Tannadice. It was his only U21 cap to date.

Chalmers will join fellow ‘Well player Chris Cadden, who was also added to the squad after injury call-offs, but was an unused substitute at Tynecastle two days ago.

Everyone at Fir Park wishes both Chris and Joe, along with the rest of the squad, all the very best for the match.

Motherwell FC is tonight delighted to announce the signing of Ryan Bowman from Gateshead for an undisclosed fee.

The 6ft 2in frontman completed his deadline day move after penning a two-year deal with the Fir Parkers.

The 24-year-old bagged 38 goals in his last two seasons down south – 20 of those last season with National League outfit Gateshead and the remainder with his previous team Torquay.

The Englishman, who has been a summer-long target for manager Mark McGhee, travelled up to Fir Park late tonight to complete his medical and pen a two-year deal.

Speaking to MFC TV, the 6ft 2in forward explained that he thought today would be quiet before the call came in.

The 24-year-old said: “It’s relief really – I spoke to Mark McGhee a couple of times over the off-season and then it went a bit cold so I didn’t think anything more of it.

“It all happened this evening at 5 o’clock, I heard the bid had been put in and agreed with Gateshead and I’m just delighted it’s done.”

[pullquote]It’s a different league and a different competition so it’s a challenge but I’m just excited to get going.[/pullquote]

The deal for Bowman was able to be pushed through following the sale of Marvin Johnson – with the latters departure only being finalised this evening.

Bowman said: “I didn’t think anything was going to happen today – me and my agent were laughing before saying we’ll be having a chilled day watching the TV.

“Then a couple of clubs came in before Motherwell and I was just rushed off my feet from 5 o’clock onwards.”

But the goal-scorer felt Motherwell was the best choice for him.

He said: “It’s a different league and a different competition so it’s a challenge but I’m just excited to get going.”

The forward brings strength, pace and a source of goals to the Steelmen, and Mark McGhee admits that he was desperate to bring in the attacker for a while.

[pullquote] Needless to say I’m delighted we’ve managed to secure his signature and I look forward to working with him – he’s a very welcome addition.[/pullquote]

He said: “With the arrival of Ryan it allows us to set up in a 4-3-3 formation, which has brought great success in the past, particularly last season.

“We’ve tracked him for some time now but  today’s developments have allowed us to go and get him. He’s been top scorer for his clubs over the last two seasons, he’s big, powerful, good in the air and runs in behind.

“Needless to say I’m delighted we’ve managed to secure his signature and I look forward to working with him – he’s a very welcome addition.”

Motherwell FC are delighted to confirm the signing of West Ham starlet Luka Belić on an initial six-month loan deal.

The 20-year-old winger was snapped up by the Premier League club last year and has recently been awarded a new contract.

Capped by his national side through the age groups up to Under 19s, Belić became the youngest player to feature in Serbia’s top division as a 16-year-old in April 2012, a record which he currently still holds.

[pullquote]He works extremely hard, particularly without the ball and knows where the net is. He’ll give us competition in that area.[/pullquote]

The exciting young forward has put pen-to-paper with the Fir Parkers until January.

Rated highly by the Hammers, Belić is part of the Development Squad with a view to promote him to the first-team in the coming years.

He makes for an exciting, deadline day addition to Mark McGhee’s squad and the ‘Well boss said: “Luka is a wiry forward player who can play through the middle or on the flanks.

“He works extremely hard, particularly without the ball and knows where the net is. He’ll give us competition in that area.

“He’s the first signing this evening but we hope to announce another before the deadline.”

Motherwell FC can today confirm that it has sold Marvin Johnson to Oxford United.

The U’s had made numerous rejected bids prior to today, but finally improved their offer to a satisfactory level late this afternoon that rewards the club both now and in the future.

The club will now move forward to recruit replacements.

Motherwell FC would like to thank Marvin for his service during his time at Fir Park and wish him every success going forward.

Motherwell FC can today confirm that defender Luke Watt has completed a development loan switch to Stranraer FC.

The 19-year-old versatile defender joins the League One outfit until January where he will gain valuable experience with Brian Reid’s side.

To date, Luke has been a regular starter for Stephen Craigan’s U20s side who won the Youth Cup final last season.

But as far as first team appearances go, it has been limited for the youngster, meaning a switch to Stranraer will be hugely beneficial for the promising defender.

Ian Baraclough selected Luke when Aberdeen visited Fir Park on 4th January 2015. The surprise selection at left-back didn’t hinder Luke though, with the Glasgow born player impressing on his debut despite being more recognisable on the opposite flank, or in the centre of defence.

He was then rewarded with further starts against Celtic, Dundee Utd and St Johnstone before the close of the month.

Luke’s next first team involvement came on the final day of the 14/15 league campaign against Partick Thistle – by which point he had signed an extended and improved deal with the club that sees him contracted to the Steelmen until the summer of 2018.

‘Well boss Mark McGhee said: “Luke is close to the first-team squad, but similar to Chris Cadden, who in previous years benefited tremendously from playing competitive first-team action when he was at Albion Rovers, he needs to be out there involved every Saturday.

“It’s a Development Loan so obviously still has the flexibility to play with Stephen Craigan’s side if required. We wish him well.”