Referee for Saturday’s away trip to Ross County in the Ladbrokes Premiership is Alan Muir.
The 41-year old takes charge of his first Motherwell match of the 2016/17 season, and his first since October 2015 – when the Steelmen lost 1-0 to Celtic at Fir Park.
Nadir Ciftci’s early goal was enough for the visitors that day as the Glaswegians went on to win the title.
That was Muir’s only ‘Well match last season, and the time before that was a 2-1 win over Inverness CT at Fir Park back in February 2015.
Lionel Ainsworth’s 84th minute winner proved to be the difference that day, despite the Fir Parkers being reduced to ten men after Muir showed right-back Simon Ramsden his second booking of the game in the 88th minute.
Muir took charge on three occasions that season – the other two matches both resulted in 1-0 scorelines.
The first of the season was a disappointing 1-0 though, as Baraclough’s side slumped to a 1-0 loss to St Johnstone at Fir Park.
Then came an important 1-0 win away to St Mirren – where John Sutton’s strike was the difference.
In total, Muir has refereed 22 matches involving the ‘Well since his first back in the 08/09 season.
When the Scotsman has been in charge, the ‘Well have won on 10 occasions, drawn four and lost eight.
In those games, Motherwell have scored 26 and conceded 29.
79 players have gone into the book, 41 were wearing claret and amber, while eight players, five Fir Parkers, including former and current captains Stephen Craigan and Keith Lasley, have been dismissed.
Muir will be ably assisted by Dougie Potter and Ralph Gordon; with Gavin Ross on fourth official duties.