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    Motherwell 1 – 3 Hearts

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    McHugh and MacLean in the Signing Zone

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    Community Trust offering dementia support

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    Hearts: The last time out

  • Archive

    Hearts matchday magazine preview

  • Archive

    Hearts: A closer look

  • Archive

    McGhee: Still fishing for best formula

  • Archive

    Lasley: We’ve got motivation

  • Archive

    Hospitality available for Hearts clash

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    McLean in charge against Hearts

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    Motherwell 1 – 3 Hearts

    [tab:Match report]

    A late wonder strike from James McFadden was not enough for Motherwell as Hearts punished the Steelmen on the stroke of half time before going on to win 3-1.

    And it shattered the clubs hopes of extending their unbeaten run and possibly going second in the table.

    Those hopes were dashed after carelessly conceding an own goal on the stroke of half-time. Up until then the Fir Park men looked the more likely to score as Hearts failed to produce anything of note in front of Craig Samson’s goal.

    That changed dramatically when Sam Nicholson’s shot deflected off Stephen McManus to hand the initiative to the Edinburgh side.

    Hearts made the most of that fortunate opener adding two superb strikes from Callum Paterson and Arnaud Djoum in the second half to wrap up the points. James McFadden grabbed a late consolation with a terrific free kick and stake a claim for the best of three fabulous second half goals.

    Mark McGhee stood by the side which earned a point at Firhill last week, which meant a front three of Louis Moult, Scott McDonald and Ryan Bowman.

    It was the former Gateshead striker who forced the first piece of goal action after 14 mins. A swift break from their own corner flag sent ‘Well towards the visitors goal but Bowman’s attempted cross from 35 yards out was comfortably held under his crossbar by Jack Hamilton.

    However, the striker’s contribution was more purposeful in a pressing three minute spell when the Steelmen should have opened the scoring.

    In the 20th minute Bowman nodded down Richard Tait’s cross, allowing McDonald to tee up Craig Clay. His drive from 8 yards was net bound  until Hamilton produced a fabulous reflex save to deflect the ball away.

    Bowman was at the centre of the next attack haring down the right before laying the ball back to Lasley at the edge of the box but his shot sailed over the bar. Then Stevie Hammell’s quick throw in allowed McDonald to turn at the corner of the box before firing the ball low past the post.

    ‘Well’s initiative took a set back when Chris Cadden limped off after 25 minutes with Lee Lucas coming into the centre of midfield. This resulted in Moult dropping deeper on the right leaving Bowman as the solitary target man.

    Although the Edinburgh side then enjoyed more possession there was little threat on the home goal.

    Indeed it was Hamilton who saved Hearts five minutes from the break when McDonald skipped past Igor Rossi before blasting the ball straight at the ‘keeper who did well to parry it wide of his goal.

    Although ‘Well we’re always likely to pay for those missed chances they had only themselves to blame when Hearts made the breakthrough in the final minute of the half.

    Having failed to clear the initial corner, Samson flapped at Walker’s free kick before Lasley cheaply conceded possession 25 yards out. Even then Sam Nicholson’s weak drive posed no threat until the ball took a wicked deflection from Stephen McManus to send it in the opposite direction and nestle just inside the post with Samson helpless.

    A fortunate goal to the good Hearts looked a different side in the second half although ‘Well fans thought they were celebrating an equaliser after 52 minutes. A Lucas cross found McDonald and although his shot rattled off the crossbar, Moult popped up to nod the ball over the line despite Hamilton’s efforts to palm it back into play. But the celebrations were curtailed as the assistant’s flag signalled offside against McDonald.

    A low strike from Walker forced the first save from Samson, the ‘keeper spreading himself to push the ball away.

    A couple of glancing headers from Bowman and Moult produced a couple of comfortable saves from Hamilton but the Tynecastle men looked more menacing in attack and it was no surprise when they made it 2-0 after 66 minutes to make sure of the points. In truth it was a goal worthy of winning the game, Callum Paterson collecting Sammon’s cutback to smash a terrific 22-yard strike high into the net.

    The double substitution of Lionel Ainsworth and James McFadden breathed some life into ‘Well’s play and McDonald’s diagonal drive was not far away from pulling a goal back.

    It was Hearts who scored again, though, with another long range effort, Djoum curling the ball high past Samson.

    The ‘Well fans who stayed to the end were treated not only to a consolation goal but a Faddy special, when the substitute curled a superb free kick from 25 yards over the wall and under Hamilton’s bar. 

    [tab:As it happened]

     Lewis Irons at Fir Park

     

    FT | 1-3
    A disappointing result for Mark McGhee’s side. Conceding right on half-time changed the game. Match report and reaction to follow

    ’90 | 1-3

    A moment of sheer class from McFadden. The club legend curls an unstoppable free-kick from 30 yards into the top corner.

    ’90 | 0-3
    The fourth official indicates 3 minutes of added time here at Fir Park.

    87 | 0-3
    Motherwell string together great passes and Ainsworth goes close from the edge of the box curling a right-footed effort just wide

    ’85 | 0-3
    Prior to the goal, Hearts made their final sub, replacing Walker with Muirhead

    ’83 | 0-3
    Goal for Hearts – It’s not cleared and Arnaud Djoum is clinical from outside the box, curling it into the far corner.

    ’82 | 0-2
    Tony Watt goes very close. Striking low and hard from the edge of the box and hitting the post.

    ’80 | 0-2
    Hearts make their second change: Sam Nicholson is replaced by Prince Buaben

    ’77 | 0-2
    Richard Tait comes across to cover and thwart Tony Watt who was racing towards goal. Good defending from the right back

    ’75 | 0-2
    A good cross from Lionel Ainsworth is headed over by Louis Moult from just inside the box

    ’72 | 0-2
    So close for the ‘Well! McDonald strikes at goal from the edge of the box on his left foot and it’s agonisingly over the bar

    ’70 | 0-2
    Double sub for the ‘Well: Ryan Bowman off for James McFadden and Keith Lasley off for Lionel Ainsworth

    ’69 | 0-2
    Hearts sub: Connor Sammon leaves the field to be replaced by Bjorn Johnsen

    ’66 | 0-2
    Goal for Hearts – Paterson thunders a left-footed shot past Samson from the edge of the area.

    ’65 | 0-1
    Watt does well to work his way to goal, but Heneghan slides in brilliantly to block his effort.

    ’63 | 0-1
    From the free-kick, Hammell’s delivery is perfect for Moult but it’s straight at Hamilton again

    ’62 | 0-1
    Paterson is afforded time in the box and his strike is off target. ‘Well break through Bowman but Rossi hacks him down – yellow

    ’60 | 0-1
    Richard Tait plays a wonderful ball onto the head of Ryan Bowman, who’s header is straight at Hamilton.

    ’58 | 0-1
    Walker arrives on the edge of the box to get on the end of a cut back, but his shot soars over as he hits it on the bounce

    ’55 | 0-1
    McDonald finds himself free on the edge of the box, but he can’t get the ball out of his feet and scuffs his shot.

    ’52 | 0-1
    ‘Well have it in the back of the net but it’s offside. Lucas’ cross is smashed off the bar by McDonald then headed in by Moult

    ’50 | 0-1
    Hammell’s corner is gathered by Hamilton but Hearts lose possession as they try to counter

    ’48 | 0-1
    Nicholson’s cross is cleared but only as far as Kitchen, who tries a long range effort that flies over the bar.

    ’46 | 0-1
    The Steelmen kick off at the start of the second half.

    HT | 0-1
    Hearts strike on the stroke of half time to take a narrow lead into the break.

    ’45 | 0-1
    Goal for Hearts. It’s a cheap one to concede as the ball isn’t cleared and Nicholson’s long range effort deflects past Samson

    ’44 | 0-0
    Nicholson’s cross is turned behind for a corner. The winger whips it in from the set-piece but it’s over-hit.

    ’42 | 0-0
    Walker fires a low cross across the face of goal but Heneghan gets his foot on it and it skewers towards Samson who gathers it

    ’40 | 0-0
    Moult finds the feet of McDonald who works himself a yard and gets his shot away, but from a tight angle Hamilton saves.

    ’37 | 0-0
    Walker races through on goal but dithers on the ball and fails to get his shot away early. Good chance for the visitors

    ’30 | 0-0
    Clay slides in superbly to win a corner and keep the visitors pegged back, but the resulting delivery is cleared

    ’25 | 0-0
    It’s an early ‘Well sub: Chris Cadden limps off and is replaced by Lee Lucas, who is making his league debut

    ’24 | 0-0

    It’s McDonald’s this time. The Aussie striker collects the ball from Hammell’s throw, turns and let’s loose – but it’s wide

    ’22 | 0-0
    Another good break from the ‘Well. Bowman cuts the ball back to Lasley who strikes one at goal but it’s over the bar.

    ’20 | 0-0
    Tait’s cross is nodded down by Bowman to the feet of Clay who forces a great save from Hamilton. Best chance of the match so far!

    ’19 | 0-0
    Rossi tries an ambitious effort from range but it flies well over the crossbar.

    ’18 | 0-0
    Nicholson swings in a corner and eventually it is stabbed clear by McManus.

    ’15 | 0-0
    Bowman attempts an audacious chip as Motherwell surge forward on the break, but Jack Hamilton rises high to catch it

    ’10 | 0-0
    Rossi brings McDonald down from behind. Hammell’s free-kick is headed goalward by Heneghan, but the linesman has his flag raised

    ‘7 | 0-0
    Tait tries to flight a diagonal ball into the box but Hamilton collects it. Down the other end Watt’s shot is blocked by McManus

    ‘4 | 0-0
    Paterson puts in a good challenge to thwart Moult as he races into the box.

    ‘3 | 0-0
    Hammell picks up the ball deep in the Hearts half down the left, but under hits his cross and it’s cleared

    ‘1 | 0-0
    Hearts win an early free-kick but the delivery is headed clear by McManus

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

     

    Hearts manager Robbie Neilson:

     

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”289″]

  • Archive

    McHugh and MacLean in the Signing Zone

    The ‘Signing Zone’ continues this week prior to the evening fixture against Hearts tonight. 

    So why not come to Fir Park tonight where Carl McHugh and Ross MacLean will be in The Well Shop’s ‘Signing Zone’ from 5.45pm until 6.15pm to meet fans, sign autographs and pose for selfies.

    It provides an opportunity for the fans to meet the Irish summer signing and the young striker who has progressed through the youth set up at Motherwell.

    Each week, two different players will take their seats as the season progresses as part of the developing fan engagement programme here at Fir Park.

    Share your pics on twitter @motherwellfc using #MFCSigningZone or facebook.com/motherwellfc

    The club shop is situated at the Cooper Stand and is open from 9.30am.

  • Archive

    Community Trust offering dementia support

    The Motherwell Football Club Community trust are offering a unique and rewarding brand new programme for people living with dementia and their families and carers.

    Using football as a stimulus to trigger memories and spark conversation, the Memory Well Reminiscence programme is an innovative support initiative, supported by the Football Memories League and funded by the Bank of Scotland Foundation.

    It is not just those with early and on-set dementia who can use the programme and benefit greatly, with respite for family members also one of the reasons that the Reminiscence programme is sure to help so many people across Lanarkshire.

    Project co-ordinator Carly Slamin believes that football can play a huge part in offering support and providing a stimulus for those with dementia.

    She said: “Using an interest like football can help export the person with dementia to a time and place that they recognise, with this it is hoped that with a relaxed atmosphere, they will be able to share stories from their past.”

    She added: “It is hoped that the programme will be able to help both the person living with dementia and their carers too.”

    So if you know someone with dementia or those needing respite or support, the Memory Well Reminiscence programme could be the ideal support.

    For more information, get in touch with Carly at carly.slamin@motherwellfc.co.uk

     

  • Archive

    Hearts: The last time out

    With Hearts travelling to Fir Park tomorrow night to take on Mark McGhee’s men in the Ladbroke’s Premiership, we take a look back at the last time the two sides met.

    As the 2015/16 season was drawing to a close, Hearts arrived at Fir Park hoping to catch Aberdeen in second place.

    But any hopes for the Jambo’s were shattered and instead the Steelmen continued their scintillating run and recorded their sixth win in seven matches.

    Lionel Ainsworth fired beyond Alexander from the edge of the box and gave the Fir Parkers all three points to push them towards their fifth place finish, on an afternoon when Craig Samson made his Motherwell debut.

    Jamie Walker, Prince Buaben and Arnaud Djoum wasted chances for the visitors, and Louis Moult and Scott McDonald could have added to Ainsworth’s opener.

    [pullquote]We would have liked another goal just to give us breathing space, because 1-0 is always a dangerous score and they came on to us in the last 10 minutes, but I thought it was a very good performance.[/pullquote]

    Moult had an effort ricochet off the post and McDonald blasted a great opportunity over the cross bar.

    Hearts have not won at Fir Park since 2011 and as the game was coming towards an end back in April, Neilson’s side could not find a way past Samson and a sturdy Motherwell side.

    And it was the polar opposite from the match prior to the big win for McGhee’s side, as in the fixture before Hearts put six past the Steelmen with no reply at Tynecastle back in January.

    After the match, ‘Well boss Mark McGhee spoke to MFC TV and admitted he felt his team looked sharp and were worth the three points.

    He said: “We would have liked another goal just to give us breathing space, because 1-0 is always a dangerous score and they came on to us in the last 10 minutes, but I thought it was a very good performance.”

  • Archive

    Hearts matchday magazine preview

    The sixth issue of the Steelmen matchday magazine is on sale ahead of Friday night’s league clash with Hearts at Fir Park.

    Here, we take a look at what can be found inside the 68-page programme.

    Summer signing Richard Tait has quickly established himself as a trusty, consistent performer in Mark McGhee’s side – slotting in to the back four seamlessly alongside fellow new signing Ben Heneghan and veteran defenders Stephen McManus and Stevie Hammell. The 26-year-old turned provider for Scott McDonald’s equaliser last weekend and he talks about his aims for the season ahead and much more in the magazine’s feature interview.

    Regular pieces including the pre-match column from manager Mark McGhee and club captain Keith Lasley, along with ‘Goal Zone’, ‘5 Fast Facts’ and ‘Getting to Know You’ – where defender Stephen McManus is profiled – all remain in the sixth issue.

    But there is also an all-new feature exclusive to the programme called ‘Future Steel’ – an inside look at the next generation of players waiting patiently to break in to the first team. This week, 19-year-old Ross MacLean is profiled.

    As part of the clubs aims to work closely with the Motherwell FC Community Trust and The ‘Well Society, regular updates are included in the programme.

    This week’s main features include a look at opponents Hearts and a continuation of last season’s A-Z piece, where we combine letters W, X, Y and Z for the final instalment from Andy Paterson.

    Our match reports section looks back on the Fir Parkers draw with Partick Thistle last weekend, when a Scott McDonald header secured an important point at Firhill.

    An update on Stephen Craigan’s table topping U20s side is included too, reporting on the youngster’s results against Hamilton and Kilmarnock.

    Get all the latest from the Ticket Office as well as an in-depth look at tomorrow’s match-officials.

    All this and more is available for £3 and is 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 subscription to the magazine for the rest of the season by visiting the website of our publishers, Curtis-Sports – CLICK HERE.

  • Archive

    Hearts: A closer look

    An intriguing evening fixture awaits the Steelmen tomorrow, with visitors Heart of Midlothian making the trip to Lanarkshire.

    Mark McGhee’s men could extend their unbeaten run to five matches but face tough opposition in the shape of Hearts.

    Both sides come in to the game on the back of draws last weekend, with the ‘Well two points behind Robbie Neilson’s team.

    Despite Motherwell’s positive start, McGhee feels there is a lot more to come from his squad even though a win tomorrow could see the Steelmen surge to second place in the table.

    The manager said: “I think we’re still fishing to find our best formula but we could be second on Friday night for a few hours so that would be lovely.”

    The ‘Well boss knows that Hearts are a big test for his side though, admitting: “That’s why it’s still a long way from being second, because Hearts are arguably one of the top three clubs and they established themselves last season. They’re physical but they can play as well and they can mix it up enough to keep you on your toes so we know it’s going to be difficult.”

    [pullquote]I think we’re still fishing to find our best formula but we could be second on Friday night for a few hours so that would be lovely.[/pullquote]

    The last time the two sides clashed, a first half strike from Lionel Ainsworth was enough for the Fir Parkers to claim all three points.

    The win was all the more important and impressive due to Hearts aims to overtake Aberdeen in second place, and the ‘Well continuing a run of form that saw McGhee’s side record six wins in seven fixtures.

    Both sides have been impressive on their home patch in recent seasons in this fixture, with neither side winning away from home last term.

    Hearts last won at Fir Park back in 2011 and Motherwell recorded a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Tynecastle in January 2014.

    After celebrating his 37th birthday last week, club captain Keith Lasley isn’t showing signs of slowing down.

    Instead, the experienced midfielder is enjoying his football “more than ever” and can’t wait for tomorrow’s big match.

    The skipper feels Motherwell will be going in to the match in a good frame of mind – now that they’re unbeaten in five.

    Lasley said: “We go into this game in a good frame of mind and anytime that you come up against Hearts you have to come in to it with a good frame of mind because we know it’s going to be a big test.”

     

    Sitting two points behind Hearts and with the potential to move second in the table is something Lasley admits is motivation for the Steelmen.

    He said: “It’s a bit of a motivation for us but it’s still early, we all know that, we haven’t been through one round of fixtures yet but it’s an incentive for us.

    “If at any point you can move above Hearts in the table you know you’re doing ok and Friday night, a home game against them, it just adds a little bit more and we hope we can carry on the momentum that we’ve built up.”

    He added: “We’ve got off to a better start and we’re in a better frame of mind than we were at this time last year.

    “Any time in recent history that we’ve had a good season it’s probably been built off a good start. There’s been times in the past when we’ve been scambling about to get some points on the board and that puts pressure on you, so to get some points nice and early and giving us something to build on and work off as you go through is important and that’s what we’ll continue to try and do in this early part of the season.”

    [pullquote]Even a game like Friday night, under the floodlights here at Fir Park, the pitch is looking fantastic, it will be a good atmosphere and it’s on the tele as well – for me personally it’s these things that I probably appreciate and enjoy more than I ever have, more than I did earlier in my career.[/pullquote]

    The veteran captain believes age is just a number and it’s something that won’t slow his game down at all this term.

    He said: “I had another birthday last week, so that’s me 21 plus VAT according to the club, but no I’m enjoying my football more than ever.

    “Even a game like Friday night, under the floodlights here at Fir Park, the pitch is looking fantastic, it will be a good atmosphere and it’s on the tele as well – for me personally it’s these things that I probably appreciate and enjoy more than I ever have, more than I did earlier in my career.”

    He added: “I’m loving it – I love still making a contribution and that’s the most important thing, I’m not just here to make up numbers. As long as I’m making a contribution and I’m still hungry to do that and I believe I’m still doing that, and more importantly the manager believes I’m still doing that, then I’ll keep on going.”

    For manager Robbie Neilson and his squad, it’s been a good start to the 2016/17 season, with the Jambo’s currently occupying third spot after seven games.

    The positive start makes for an exciting season ahead for Hearts fans, as their side look to improve on last season’s third placed finish, where they finished six points behind second-placed Aberdeen.

    And it was an incredible feat for the newly promoted Edinburgh outfit, who returned to the top-flight after a stellar campaign in the Championship, where they stormed to the title with seven games remaining.

    Last weekend, Neilson’s side failed to find the breakthrough against a resolute Ross County side, drawing 0-0 at Tynecastle.

    And if Aberdeen hadn’t grabbed a late winner against Rangers on Sunday afternoon, Hearts would’ve been sitting second.

    The Jambo’s had chances to win the game though, with County stopper Scott Fox making saves to deny Watt and Sammon before the interval.

    The keeper had to be on his best form, producing top-class saves to keep the game goalless.

    Hearts have picked up just one point in their last two games and arrive at Fir Park tonight hungry to bounce back to winning ways.

    And with the best defensive record in the league so far this term, the Jambo’s will be an incredibly tough opponent for Mark McGhee’s side to break down at Fir Park.

    19-year-old John Souttar looks as though he could be a doubt for the visitors tomorrow night, limping off after half an hour last weekend.

    But with Alim Ozturk waiting in the wings to replace the youngster, Hearts were no short of options and were still able to hold on to the clean sheet.

    Going forward Hearts have plenty of options too, with familiar names like Conor Sammon and Tony Watt obvious threats for the visitors.

    But so far this term, it’s been midfielder Sam Nicholson who has been the main outlet for goals, with three goals and three assists in seven appearances.

    Boss Robbie Neilson is a familiar name in Scottish football, having managed Hearts since 2014.

    It’s his first job in management since he retired from playing and it’s been a brilliant spell for the 36-year-old, guiding the club to the Championship title in 2014/15 followed by third place last term.

    In his first season as a manager, Hearts won 29 of their 36 league games, scoring 96 and conceding just 26.

    In a tightly contested league this season, Hearts will be hopeful to compete and improve on last season’s impressive finish.

    But the Steelmen will want to extend their unbeaten run to five matches, and turn draws into victories, making for a very interesting encounter at Fir Park tomorrow evening.

  • Archive

    McGhee: Still fishing for best formula

    ‘Well boss Mark McGhee is looking forward to a Friday night fixture when his side take on Hearts.

    The manager admitted that he feels there is a lot more to come from his squad yet, despite the fact that a win against Robbie Neilson’s side could see the Steelmen surge to second place in the table.

    Speaking to the press earlier today, McGhee said: “I like Friday night football actually; I like any night football to be honest because night kick-offs are a nice backdrop with the floodlights, it’s a good time of year for evening games too.

    “I keep saying this but I feel like we’re just about to get started and we haven’t fully got going yet.”

    [pullquote]I think we’re still fishing to find our best formula but we could be second on Friday night for a few hours so that would be lovely.[/pullquote]

    He added: “Our first half performance against Hamilton was in a sense our perfect performance so far, but we didn’t sustain it.

    “I think we’re still fishing to find our best formula but we could be second on Friday night for a few hours so that would be lovely.”

    But McGhee knows that Hearts are a big test for his side, after the Edinburgh club drew last week and find themselves third in the table, two points above Motherwell.

    The boss said: “That’s why it’s still a long way from being second though, because Hearts are arguably one of the top three clubs and they established themselves last season. They’re physical but they can play as well and they can mix it up enough to keep you on your toes so we know it’s going to be difficult.”

    Tony Watt completed a loan move to Hearts in the summer and McGhee knows he is just one of the threats Friday’s opponents boast, but the manager admits he is a fan of the attacker.

    [pullquote]After the Thistle game I said I had to give consideration to playing the three strikers because it’s not easy to do and the three strikers themselves have got to make it work.[/pullquote]

    He said: “I would’ve jumped at the chance to bring Tony Watt here, I’m a big fan of his, and I spoke to Craig recently about how they’re handling him and I think they’re definitely getting good things out of him so he’ll leave Hearts when he goes back down south in the summer a far better player.”

    McGhee’s favoured 4-3-3 has been taking good shape in recent weeks with Bowman, McDonald and Moult linking particularly well against Hamilton a couple of weeks ago.

    The manager said: “After the Thistle game I said I had to give consideration to playing the three strikers because it’s not easy to do and the three strikers themselves have got to make it work.

    “They are all different – Ryan’s a big guy, he wins balls and he holds it up; we know what Scotty does and Moulty’s a goal-scorer – so we have to find the right way of putting them together.”

  • Archive

    Lasley: We’ve got motivation

    Club captain Keith Lasley believes that Motherwell will be going into Friday’s clash with Hearts in a good frame of mind.

    Speaking to the press earlier today, the skipper admitted having that positive mid-set is key for matches against opposition like Hearts, andfor the season ahead too.

    Lasley said: “We go into this game in a good frame of mind and anytime that you come up against Hearts you have to come in to it with a good frame of mind because we know it’s going to be a big test.”

    Sitting two points behind Hearts, the Steelmen could potentially move above Friday’s opponents with a win, something Lasley admits is motivation.

    He said: “It’s a bit of a motivation for us but it’s still early, we all know that, we haven’t been through one round of fixtures yet but it’s an incentive for us.

    [pullquote]If at any point you can move above Hearts in the table you know you’re doing ok and Friday night, a home game against them, it just adds a little bit more and we hope we can carry on the momentum that we’ve built up.[/pullquote]

    “If at any point you can move above Hearts in the table you know you’re doing ok and Friday night, a home game against them, it just adds a little bit more and we hope we can carry on the momentum that we’ve built up.”

    He added: “We’ve got off to a better start and we’re in a better frame of mind than we were at this time last year.

    “Any time in recent history that we’ve had a good season it’s probably been built off a good start. There’s been times in the past when we’ve been scambling about to get some points on the board and that puts pressure on you, so to get some points nice and early and giving us something to build on and work off as you go through is important and that’s what we’ll continue to try and do in this early part of the season.”

    [pullquote]It will be a good atmosphere and it’s on the tele as well – for me personally it’s these things that I probably appreciate and enjoy more than I ever have, more than I did earlier in my career.[/pullquote]

    The 37-year-old, who celebrated his birthday last week, believes age is just a number and it’s something that won’t slow his game down at all this term.

    He said: “I had another birthday last week, so that’s me 21 plus VAT according to the club, but no I’m enjoying my football more than ever.

    “Even a game like Friday night, under the floodlights here at Fir Park, the pitch is looking fantastic, it will be a good atmosphere and it’s on the tele as well – for me personally it’s these things that I probably appreciate and enjoy more than I ever have, more than I did earlier in my career.”

    He added: “I’m loving it – I love still making a contribution and that’s the most important thing, I’m not just here to make up numbers. As long as I’m making a contribution and I’m still hungry to do that and I believe I’m still doing that, and more importantly the manager believes I’m still doing that, then I’ll keep on going.”

  • Archive

    Hospitality available for Hearts clash

    Hearts visit Fir Park on Friday 30th September and we’ve a fantastic dinner menu available.

    It’s a 7:45pm kick-off, so why not combine a curry night 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.

    On the menu will be:

    Starter
    Spiced Carrot & Coriander Soup
    served with crusty bread roll

    Main
    Chicken Tikka Masala
    served with pilau rice & pita bread

    Sweet
    Double Cholcolate fudge cake
    with fresh cream and cherry coulis

    You can choose from three packages:

    Centenary Claret: Arrive at our Centenary Suite for 5:30pm. 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 5:30pm. 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

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    McLean in charge against Hearts

    The referee for Friday’s Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Hearts at Fir Park will be Steven McLean.

    It’s McLean’s second match in charge this season, after the Rangers League Cup group match in July, when the ‘Well lost 2-0.

    Last season, Steven took charge of four ‘Well fixtures at Fir Park – three league fixtures and a Scottish Cup clash.

    The first of the season arrived in August, when Louis Moult’s first half penalty gave the Steelmen a narrow 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock.

    The second was another narrow victory – the 2-1 success against Partick Thistle when an own goal and a Scott McDonald header gave ‘Well all three points.

    The final league game for McLean was a 2-2 draw with Hearts in late November, when the Steelmen were twice pegged back to draw despite goals from Moult and Marvin Johnson.

    And the last time McLean took to the pitch at Fir Park was in the Scottish Cup 5th Round, when a late wonder-strike sent the Steelmen crashing out of the competition.

    Now one of Scotland’s most recognisable whistlers, ‘Well fans will be familiar with the 35-year old.

    His overall record in charge of Motherwell reads fifteen wins, seven defeats and four draws from twenty-six matches.

    In those games, ‘Well have scored 50 and conceded 43. 76 cautions have been dished out, 44 flashed at those wearing Claret and Amber.

    Four players have been sent off, two for ‘Well (Fraser Kerr and Keith Lasley in the same match against Killie in February 2013).

    McLean will be assisted by Michael Banks and Sean Carr; with Greg Aitken on fourth official duties.