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The ‘Signing Zone’ returns this weekend prior to tomorrow’s fixture against Partick Thistle at Fir Park.

So why not come along a little earlier tomorrow afternoon and meet first-team stars Andy Rose and Ellis Plummer, who will be in the Cooper bar’s ‘Signing Zone’ from 12:45pm until 1:15pm to meet fans, sign autographs and pose for selfies.

But don’t worry, because there’s still plenty to do around Fir Park before kick off, including free face painting and great food and drinks deals to have some lunch and enjoy yourself in the Cooper Bar.

Each week, two different players take their seats as the season progresses as part of the developing fan engagement programme here at Fir Park, and tomorrow you can meet the two summer signings.

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

The Cooper Bar is situated in the Cooper Stand and is open from 11.00am

Motherwell host Partick Thistle in the Ladbrokes Premiership on Saturday afternoon in what is the third home game in just over a week for the Steelmen.

And following Sunday’s 1-0 loss against Aberdeen, this weekend offers an opportunity for the Fir Parkers to return to winning ways.

It is the first meeting with the Jags this season, who are searching for their first league victory of the 2017/18 campaign after a difficult run of fixtures.

And ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson, who expects a tough encounter tomorrow,

believes his side have “come back refreshed” following Sunday’s defeat against Aberdeen.

“The boys have come back refreshed and trained well yesterday, now we’re looking forward to the game,” the Fir Park manager said.

“We’re disappointed by the result on Sunday because we want to win every game and we believe that we can.”

He added: “I think Partick have had a tough start to the season because they’ve played a lot of the top opposition in the league.

“I’ve watched them three times already this season live and they’re a good side with good players and Alan Archibald has done very well there consistently, so I’m not expecting them to be down the bottom of the table, I know that.”

[pullquote]We’re disappointed by the result on Sunday because we want to win every game and we believe that we can.[/pullquote]

Robinson will have a near full-strength squad for his sides eighth league game of the season, but there may be a couple of late tests – including Andy Rose and Trevor Carson.

The ‘Well boss said: “Trevor Carson’s got a slight knock so we’re just waiting on him. Fingers crossed he’ll be fit but other than that I’ve got a fully fit squad.”

Thistle, on the other hand, will be without Christie Elliott who has suffered a broken ankle.

But for the Steelmen, Louis Moult is not only fit and ready, but he is raring to go this weekend.

The in-form forward, who has nine goals already this season, is concentrated on the “here and now” and is relishing Saturday’s clash with Partick Thistle.

He said: “We’re confident at the minute as a group and as a football club so we need to deliver on Saturday now.

“I’m just concentrating on the here and now and scoring goals, at the moment I’m doing that and that’s the way my mind-set is and I want that to carry on.”

He added: “That’s probably why you’ve seen me play with so much passion and with a smile on my face, and that’s probably why you’ve seen the best of me – because I’m happy.”

	Motherwell V Partick Thistle
	Saturday 30th September 2017
	3.00pm
	Fir Park, Motherwell
	On sale now from the Fir Park ticket office. Also available on the gate

Admission prices are as follows: 

ADULTS	£23/£19
CONCESSIONS	£16/£15
JUNIOR	£12/£9
FAMILY	£29/£24

• Cheaper price is for John Hunter Stand
• Juniors are 15 and under
• Concessions are listed as over 60, 16-18 and over and full time students
• Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Brian Davidson on 07725 917161

If you can’t make it tomorrow, don’t miss the action by tuning in to mixlr.com/motherwellfc for live commentary or follow the match on Twitter @MotherwellFC

You can see the match highlights on MFC TV’s YouTube channel, as well as full reaction and a match report right here on the official website.

Striker Louis Moult is determined to see his side return to winning ways following Sunday’s defeat to Aberdeen.

The in-form forward, who has nine goals already this season, is concentrated on the “here and now” and is relishing Saturday’s clash with Partick Thistle.

Speaking to the press this morning, the Englishman admitted he is enjoying his football at the moment, and he is at his best when he is happy.

[pullquote]I’m just concentrating on the here and now and scoring goals, at the moment I’m doing that and that’s the way my mindset is and I want that to carry on.[/pullquote]

He said: “We’re confident at the minute as a group and as a football club so we need to deliver on Saturday now.

“I’m just concentrating on the here and now and scoring goals, at the moment I’m doing that and that’s the way my mindset is and I want that to carry on.”

He added: “That’s probably why you’ve seen me play with so much passion and with a smile on my face, and that’s probably why you’ve seen the best of me – because I’m happy.”

Stephen Robinson believes his side have “come back refreshed” as they prepare to take on Partick Thistle this weekend.

Following Sunday’s defeat to Aberdeen, the Steelmen are looking to bounce back on Saturday afternoon and the Fir Park boss admitted he expects a tough game, but his side are confident.

Speaking to the press this morning, Robinson said: “The boys have come back refreshed and trained well yesterday, now we’re looking forward to the game.

[pullquote]The boys have come back refreshed and trained well yesterday, now we’re looking forward to the game.[/pullquote]

“We’re disappointed by the result on Sunday because we want to win every game and we believe that we can.”

He added: “I think Partick have had a tough start to the season because they’ve played a lot of the top opposition in the league.

“I’ve watched them three times already this season live and they’re a good side with good players and Alan Archibald has done very well there consistently, so I’m not expecting them to be down the bottom of the table, I know that.”

‘Well fans who will be travelling to Hampden to support the Steelmen in the Betfred Cup Semi Final can book their hospitality and travel for the big game now!

And those who book through the club will have access to official parking at Hampden as well as food on arrival at Fir Park and on return to the stadium post-match too with our Centenary Suite offer.

All of our offers are outlined below:

Centenary Suite Hospitality – £70

11am arrival

£30 main stand ticket

Pay Bar Facility

Hot Breakfast Roll

Match Day Programme

Official Coach to and from Hampden with official parking (leaving Fir Park at 1pm)

Glass of sparkling wine on return to Centenary Suite

Hot Buffet Served

8pm Close (or subject to demand)

Cooper Bar Bus – £8

11am Open

Bar & food options available to purchase

1pm Coach to and from Hampden with official parking

8pm Close (or subject to demand)

Contact the team now on 01698 333 333 or email hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk

David Turnbull is the latest ‘Well youngster to be called up for the Scotland set-up after the midfielder was named in the U19s squad for their games against France.

The Wishaw-born youngster, an Academy graduate who signed professional back in 2015 and recently extended his ‘Well deal to 2019, only turned eighteen back in July but has been a standout performer in Stephen Craigan’s side over the past two seasons.

So much so, he has hovered on the fringes of the first-team squad and has been named on the substitutes bench on seven different occasions, but has yet to make his top-team debut.

That hasn’t deterred U19s Head Coach Donald Park, who has added Turnbull to his 20-man squad for the double header against France early next month.

[pullquote]The call-up is also another feather in the cap for our Academy, who now have a player actively involved with every single Scottish Youth International squad from Under 16s, Under 17s, Under 19s and Under 21s.[/pullquote]

Motherwell U20s boss Stephen Craigan said: “We’re all delighted for David that his performances for Motherwell have been recognised and he now has a chance to show what he can do for Scotland.

“It’ll be two great games to test himself and will hopefully give him even more hunger to kick on both at Motherwell and with his country.”

Academy Director Scott Leitch added: “This is fantastic for David and obviously everyone at the Academy is over the moon that another one of our own is getting to represent his country at this level.

“The call-up is also another feather in the cap for our Academy, who now have a player actively involved with every single Scottish Youth International squad from Under 16s, Under 17s, Under 19s and Under 21s.

“We wish him and the squad well for both games against France.”

When ‘Well face Partick Thistle on September 30th our Hospitality team are inviting the ladies of Lanarkshire and beyond to don their glad-rags and join others for a very exclusive ladies day.

Your hosts for the day will be Des Clarke and Amy Irons from Capital, so book early as we expect it to be a lively and very busy day!

Enjoy a glass of prosecco on arrival, cocktails and cupcakes whilst you show off your new dress, hat or fascintator and then sit down for a delicious three course meal, before you enter the intoxicating Fir Park matchday atmosphere.

Our team will be awarding prizes for the best dressed lady, consolation prizes for any “twinnies” and there will be a chance to win some excellent gifts from our raffle.

For all above the above, a photo on arrival, half time snacks and sparkling wine for just £50 (£45 for ST holders) this is a day you ladies cannot afford to miss.

Contact the team now on 01698 333 333 or email hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk

Referee for Saturday’s Ladbrokes Premiership match against Partick Thistle at Fir Park is Greg Aitken.

Greg is handling just his fourth Motherwell FC match in league football.

It’s his fifth in all competitions though, as he was the man in the middle for the painfully disappointing Cup exit at Cappielow back in late September 2015.

That match turned out to be Ian Baraclough’s last as ‘Well boss as the Steelmen crashed out 3-2 after extra time.

But from one managers last game, Greg turned the tables and took charge of a manager’s first match in charge after the appointment of Stephen Robinson at the end of last season.

Greg will be assisted by Jordan Stokoe and Gavin Harris. Alan Muir is the fourth official.

Midfielders Allan Campbell and Chris Cadden have been included in the Scotland U21 squad for the forthcoming matches against England and Latvia.

Cadden has been a regular in Scott Gemmell’s group for the last year, being capped on three separate occasions against Ukraine, Slovakia and the Netherlands.

Campbell was on standby for that game against the Dutch last month, but his sparkling, standout performances in the Motherwell first-team have been rewarded with an inclusion in the squad.

The Scots will be hoping to build on their winning start when they take on England at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough on Friday 6th October before travelling to Latvia and the Stadions Daugava, Liepaja on Tuesday 10th October.

[pullquote]It sets a benchmark for this club and the young players here. If you’re good enough and if you’re ready, both physically and mentally, then you’ll get your rewards both domestically and at youth International level.”[/pullquote]

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson said: “I’m delighted for both players and their inclusion is very much deserved.

“It sets a benchmark for this club and the young players here. If you’re good enough and if you’re ready, both physically and mentally, then you’ll get your rewards both domestically and at youth International level.”

Academy Director Scott Leitch added: “We’re all tremendously proud that another two Academy graduates have been named in the squad. In actual fact, with Dom Thomas [now at Kilmarnock] also named, it’s three from our Academy who have been included, which is a great boost for everyone at the Braidhurst Campus.

“We’ve had Cole Starrs, Reece McAlear, Adam Kettings, Robbie Hemfrey and Jamie Semple also regularly playing for Scotland at different levels. We’ll continue to work hard every day to try and produce more who are good enough to play there and, ultimately, for our first-team.”

Scotland Under-21 squad

Goalkeepers

Ryan Fulton (Hamilton)
Ross Doohan (Celtic)
Jack Ruddy (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Defenders

Jason Kerr (St Johnstone)
Ross McCrorie (Rangers)
Scott McKenna (Aberdeen)
Calvin Miller (Celtic)
Liam Smith (Hearts)
John Souttar (Hearts)
Greg Taylor (Kilmarnock)
Ryan Williamson (Dunfermline)

Midfielders

Theo Archibald (Brentford)
Chris Cadden (Motherwell)
Allan Campbell (Motherwell)
Greg Docherty (Hamilton)
Michael Johnston (Celtic)
Stephen Mallan (Barnsley)
Lewis Morgan (St Mirren)
Dominic Thomas (Kilmarnock)

Forwards

Oliver Burke (West Brom)
Ryan Hardie (Rangers)
Oliver McBurnie (Swansea)
Scott Wright (Aberdeen)

Under-20s boss Stephen Craigan admitted that his side took a backwards step following their impressive start to the season. 

A 4-2 loss in Stenhousemuir at the hands of Hearts inflicted a first defeat on the Fir Park youngsters this term.

And at full time, Craigan reflected on a disappointing night in the Development League.

[pullquote]Tonight was a little backwards step for a few of them, I thought some of them looked as though they lacked a bit of energy and Hearts, as the game went on, had a bit more appetite for the game.[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV, he said: “I haven’t had to have words with the boys very often this season and I’m always fully aware that they’re young men trying to make their way in the game.

“A lot of them put themselves on a bit of a pedestal by how they started the season and how they’ve played and with how much interest the manager was taking in them.”

He added: “Tonight was a little backwards step for a few of them, I thought some of them looked as though they lacked a bit of energy and Hearts, as the game went on, had a bit more appetite for the game.”