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  • Archive

    McFadden: We must limit mistakes

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    McGhee banned / Maguire rescinded

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    Motorpoint Player of the Month: November

  • Archive

    Youth Cup quarter final draw

  • Archive

    Ross MacLean signs extension

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Falkirk Stadium

  • Archive

    Craigan: No excuses

  • Archive

    Falkirk U20s 3 – 1 Motherwell U20s

  • Archive

    Falkirk up next for ‘Well U20s

  • Archive

    Rangers clash live on TV

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    McFadden: We must limit mistakes

    ‘Well assistant manager James McFadden believes there are lots of positives from last weekend’s loss to take in to Saturday’s clash with Kilmarnock.

    After conceding a last minute goal to lose 3-4 at Fir Park against Celtic, McFadden admitted the performance was encouraging.

    Speaking to the press this morning, he said: “We can take loads of positives from the game – the first half performance especially where we played well and deservedly took the two-goal lead.

    “It was great for the younger players especially, to show that we can compete on our day against anybody.”

    He added: “We have made mistakes which cost us goals, it’s nothing to do with our style of play, we’ve been playing well but ultimately we’ve been making mistakes which have cost us, so we need to cut them out.

    “Even the games we’ve lost and lost comfortably in terms of the scoreline, we’ve ben playing well, so if we keep playing the way we have been with the intensity and the quality of our passing then we’ll be fine, we just need to get the consistency of cutting the mistakes out.”

    [pullquote]We have made mistakes which cost us goals, it’s nothing to do with our style of play, we’ve been playing well but ultimately we’ve been making mistakes which have cost us, so we need to cut them out.[/pullquote]

    Kilmarnock come in to the match on the back of a 5-1 loss away to Aberdeen on Tuesday night, but McFadden knows the Steelmen have to be well prepared on Saturday.

    He said: “By all accounts Kilmarnock started the game well the other night and the scoreline probably flattered Aberdeen a bit so we need to be ready for the best Kilmarnock turning up and we’ll make sure we’re at our best too.

    “We don’t make mistakes every week but generally when we concede a goal it’s down to mistakes or things that we could’ve done better rather than good play against us.

    “The team will be set up the same way, the instructions will be the same and it will just be a continuation of what’s been happening anyway.”

    On the back of a much-discussed match against Celtic, the assistant boss clarified the talking points between the coaching staff of both clubs.

    He said: “Celtic were warming up in the wrong area, there’s a portable goal provided which by the rules they have to use – we use them at every stadium we go to and every team that comes here uses it, and Celtic refused to use it.

    [pullquote]Our pitch is one of the best in Scotland at the moment and there’s a reason for that and we want to keep it that way. We spend a lot of money and time on that pitch.[/pullquote]

    “They didn’t listen to our groundsmen so the manager went up and told them they had to move and they weren’t happy.”

    He added: “There was no animosity during the game at all and then at the final whistle Chris Davies comes up and doesn’t shake hands after the game which for me is a lack of respect.”

    The ex-Everton star continued: “A lot has been said about how the manager reacted but we’ve been to Parkhead, lost 5-0 and took it on the chin, we’ve went up we’ve shook hands and we’ve said well done you were the better team.

    “Chris Davies decides not to shake hands, to put his face in other people’s faces, which is a lack of respect regardless of whether you’re the assistant manager of Celtic or anybody else.

    “Our pitch is one of the best in Scotland at the moment and there’s a reason for that and we want to keep it that way. We spend a lot of money and time on that pitch.”

  • Archive

    McGhee banned / Maguire rescinded

    ‘Well boss Mark McGhee has been handed an immediate two-match ban following a disciplinary hearing at Hampden this morning.

    The Motherwell boss was accused of adopting aggressive behaviour towards a match official and a steward. In addition, the manager was accused of using offensive, abusing and/or insulting language towards a steward and match official during the Steelmen’s 2-0 loss away to Dundee on November 5.

    During the hearing, the alleged breach was amended to remove the charge of adopting an aggressive behaviour to both the match official and steward, whilst the breach of addition using offensive, abusing, and/or insulting language was admitted.

    McGhee will not be in the dugout for the league matches against Kilmarnock and Aberdeen, but will be back on the bench for the St Johnstone fixture next Saturday.

    The panel sanctioned the Motherwell boss with an immediate two-match suspension (two matches to be served immediately; one match to take effect in the event of further breach of disciplinary rule 203, suspended until end of season 2016/17).

    On the same day, the club appealed the red card shown to Under 20s defender Barry Maguire, who was sent of in the 10th minute of Sunday’s Youth Cup 4th Round match against Greenock Morton for allegedly denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity.

    After submissions from Stephen Craigan and Barry himself, the panel upheld the appeal and the red card has been rescinded, allowing the player to be selected in the Quarter Final match against Partick Thistle next month.

  • Archive

    Motorpoint Player of the Month: November

    Louis Moult has won the Motorpoint Player of the Month award for November, decided by you, the fans.

    And now you have the chance to win something yourself – the opportunity to present Louis with his award!

    This Saturday you will get to meet Louis, go on the pitch ahead of kick-off against Kilmarnock and present the striker with his prize in front of the fans.

    You will also be able to bring a friend to Fir Park because you’ll be awarded two complimentary tickets to watch the important league clash.

    Marketing and Fan Engagement manager Ryan Murrant said: “It’s a great chance for the fans to meet Louis, walk out on the turf here at Fir Park and take in the big match.”

    He added: “You’ll be presenting the striker with his great award and we would like to thank our friends at Motorpoint for helping us get our fans more and more involved. It’s something for the lucky winners to look forward to!”

    To enter the competition, click here and follow two simple steps.

  • Archive

    Youth Cup quarter final draw

    Motherwell U20s have been drawn Partick Thistle U20s away in the Scottish FA Youth Cup quarter final.

    After coming through a tough encounter against Greenock Morton U20s on Sunday, when the youngsters went down to ten men early on, Craigan’s side battled through and progressed with a 3-1 victory at the Excelsior Stadium.

    The draw, made earlier this afternoon, has pitted the two sides up against each other on or before Sunday 22 January 2016 as the youngsters defence of the cup rages on.

    The full draw, made this afternoon by Scottish FA President, Alan McRae is as follows:

    Rangers v Falkirk

    Ayr United v Kilmarnock

    Hibernian v Celtic

    Partick Thistle v Motherwell

  • Archive

    Ross MacLean signs extension

    Rising star Ross MacLean is the latest talented youngster to commit his future to ‘Well, signing a new two-and-a-half-year deal. 

    The 19-year old midfielder has impressed since making his first-team debut, with yet another stellar showing from left midfield against Celtic at the weekend.

    MacLean has quickly followed in the footsteps of fellow youngsters Jack McMillan, Chris Cadden and Allan Campbell in committing his future to the Fir Parkers until the summer of 2019.

    Speaking to motherwellfc.co.uk, he said: “It’s great to know that my future at the club is secure for the next couple of years and now I can focus on giving myself targets like getting more games under my belt and cementing a regular place.”

    Stepping up to the first team, Ross revealed that he looks up to the progression of star midfielder Chris Cadden, who was in a similar position to teenager MacLean last year.

    Ross said: “The Celtic game gave me a bit more confidence so hopefully I can learn from the experience on Saturday and move on from there.

    [pullquote]It’s great to know that my future at the club is secure for the next couple of years and now I can focus on giving myself targets like getting more games under my belt and cementing a regular place.[/pullquote]

    “I look up to Cadds because in a sense I’m in a similar position to what he was in last year so hopefully I can follow in his footsteps and break in to the first team and start every week.

    The hot prospect also admitted that assistant manager James McFadden has been hugely influential in his progression. He said: “Faddy helps me a lot because he’s still playing and he plays in a similar position to me. He’s helped me through things and given me a bit more experience when I need it.”

    ‘Well boss Mark McGhee added: “Chucky has come in to the first team and his performances have been more than impressive. I’m delighted that he has signed a new contract with us – it is well deserved too.

    “We’ve worked to secure yet another one of our young, promising stars, it is a major part of the working model here at Motherwell.

    “For Ross, it is now up to him to firmly break in and cement his place in the starting eleven over the weeks and months ahead – and further beyond too.”

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Falkirk Stadium

    Highlights from Falkirk Stadium where the Under 20s lost 3-1 to Falkirk in the Development League.

  • Archive

    Craigan: No excuses

    U20s boss Stephen Craigan insisted that his side’s loss against Falkirk tonight was not a result of their hard work during Sunday’s Youth Cup win.

    The youngsters were reduced to ten men early on against Morton on Sunday and fought hard to progress, but during the 3-1 loss at the Falkirk Stadium this evening the team looked a bit sluggish.

    While Craigan didn’t allow any excuses, he also felt there wasn’t a lot serparating the two sides.

    Speaking to MFC TV after the match, the manager said: “I think mentioning that fact that the boys played on Sunday is a bit of an excuse for them tonight. Falkirk played on Sunday as well and I think they made five changes while we made four.

    “I think sometimes what you can learn from situations like this is about players resolve and what they’ve got in their locker and if they’ve got that wee bit of determination to push on through when the going gets tough.”

    [pullquote]Sometimes what you can learn from situations like this is about players resolve and what they’ve got in their locker and if they’ve got that wee bit of determination to push on through when the going gets tough.[/pullquote]

    He added: “To be honest I don’t think there was an awful lot in the game. We didn’t defend set plays or simple balls in to the box – we couldn’t physically cope.

    “I just said to the boys in the dressing room if there’s parts of your game that you think you need to work on you’ve got to go and do it. The technical side we can work on, but some times a wee bit of application and a wee bit of desire, perhaps even a wee bit of personal appreciation of where you are in your game.”

    Despite tonights loss, it has been an encouraging season so far for the young Steelmen and Craigan admitted he hasn’t had to raise his voice too often with his team.

    He said: “I haven’t had to have a go at them too often this season but sometimes they just need a little reminder to not let games pass you by. Football is a short career and some of the boys don’t have long left on their contracts, and even for the ones that do, still don’t let games pass you by.

    [pullquote]When you lose a game you get a bit emotional and you start to look at specific parts of the game. I just felt our passing was off early on, our touch wasn’t right.[/pullquote]

    “You’ve got to go and commit in games and compete in games and show what you’re all about and certainly don’t look for excuses.

    “Learning to live right, eat right and sleep right is part of being a footballer – it’s not all about learning how to pass the ball and control the ball – there’s stuff off the pitch you have to learn to do too.”

    He added: “When you lose a game you get a bit emotional and you start to look at specific parts of the game. I just felt our passing was off early on, our touch wasn’t right.

    “Whether we win the Development League or not isn’t going to affect the way our club is run – our aim is to get as many young players in to the first team as we possibly can.

    “Whenever we have off nights like tonight you just have to remind them to have a reality check, see where we’re at and let’s go again.”

  • Archive

    Falkirk U20s 3 – 1 Motherwell U20s

    Motherwell U20s returned to Development League action with a 3-1 loss away to Falkirk tonight after progressing in the Youth Cup at the weekend.

    In the opening 15 minutes it was clear to see the youngsters had been playing little over 48 hours before tonight’s match with a tired looking ‘Well side struggling to settle the game down.

    They weathered the storm though with the only real chances for the hosts squandered by winger Langton, who failed to test Morrison with one effort and scuffed his other straight at the stopper.

    But Craigan’s side grew into the match and strung together some neat build-up play but failed to properly test Mehmet.

    James McFadden, stepping in to the starting eleven, dazzled at points in the opening 45, with his touch and vision proving too much for the Bairn defence to handle at points.

    Shortly after the 20th minute the ex-Everton man slipped Fry in down the right for the young midfielder to cut back to Turnbull on the edge of the area, but his shot was blocked by the first man.

    Two minutes later Falkirk were forced to make a change after Nathan Austin picked up a knock, he was replaced by Reis Peggie.

    From then on it was mostly all Motherwell but there were very few chances.

    McFadden was central to most of it with a couple of dangerous crosses causing Falkirk problems.

    But it was in the 40th minute when he danced his way through the middle of the park, cutting on to his left and unleashing a strike on goal that it seemed the ‘Well would break the deadlock, but Eadie did brilliantly to lunge in and block it from travelling towards goal.

    The score remained goalless going in to the break as neither keeper came under much threat.

    The second half got off to a quicker start but unfortunately it was the hosts who looked the sharper and then took the lead in the 55th minute.

    Scott Shepherd managed to knock the ball down from a corner and it fell for Cameron Eadie who managed to react quickly and prod beyond Morrison.

    Craigan made a couple of changes not long after the opening goal. First he brought on Scott for Mackin then Hastie for McFadden.

    The Bairns doubled their advantage ten minutes after taking the lead and it was an instinctive reaction finish from substitute Peggie who caught it sweetly on the bounce from the edge of the box to fire it low past Morrison.

    Much like the first team on Saturday, the youngsters hit back instantly, with substitute Jake Hastie turning Allan Campbell’s cross beyond Mehmet.

    Falkirk had a great chance to grab their third when Morrison was deemed to have picked up a pass back resulting in an indirect free-kick for the hosts. Peter Grant curled the tee-up beyond Morrison but off the post but the keeper then managed to clear it.

    Craigan made his final substitute in the 75th minute, replacing Fry with young attacker Dylan Falconer.

    Under ten minutes later and with ten minutes left, Falkirk put the game out of reach when they bagged their third. Shepherd charged towards a loose ball, getting his toe to it before Morrison could collect to prod it beyond the stopper.

    With five minutes remaining, young full back Jack McMillan curled a phenomenal strike on goal that crashed off the crossbar.

    But the youngsters couldn’t find a way back in to the match and it finished 3-1.

  • Archive

    Falkirk up next for ‘Well U20s

    Motherwell U20s are in league action tomorrow night as they take on Falkirk U20s at the Falkirk Stadium.

    Following last weeks 1-1 draw away to St Mirren U20s and yesterday’s 3-1 Youth Cup victory over Greenock Morton U20s, Craigan’s side will be keen to carry on their run of form and return to winning ways in the Development League.

    A goal in the opening minute from Dylan Mackin looked likely to set the youngsters on their way to victory over the Saints last Wednesday, but experienced defender Andy Webster cancelled it out after half an hour.

    Tomorrow’s opponents Falkirk currently sit sixth in the table, just two spots below the young Steelmen in fourth, making for an interesting encounter between the two sides.

    There is a mere point separating the teams too, with Falkirk coming in to the match on the back of a goalless draw with Dundee.

    That result extended the Bairns run without a win to three matches, a run matched by the Fir Parkers following two draws and a loss.

    For all the action, follow @MotherwellFC on Twitter for live updates and to catch the highlights, subscribe to the official MFC TV YouTube channel.

  • Archive

    Rangers clash live on TV

    The Scottish Cup Fourth Round clash with Rangers at Ibrox is due to be shown live on Sky Sports.

    Following the draw last week, the mouthwatering clash has been picked up by the broadcaster as the Steelmen hope to progress to the fifth round.

    And it is the first time that the Lanarkshire club and the Glaswegians have been pitted against each other in the competition since 2003.

    On that day, Rangers won in dramatic fashion at Hampden, beating the Steelmen 4-3 in the semi-final before going on to win the tournament against Dundee.

    The match will be played and shown live on Sky Sports on Saturday 21st January, with kick-off at 12:30pm.