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  • First team

    Preview: Motherwell v Celtic

  • First team

    Aldred: We’ll be ready

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    Highlights as Under 20s lose to United

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    Craigan: The better side won

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    U20s: Motherwell 0 – 2 Dundee Utd

  • First team

    We’ll believe we can get maximum points

  • First team

    Craig Tanner to have knee operation

  • Club

    ‘Well’s world class footballer of his time

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    Dundee United next for Under 20s

  • First team

    Get your tickets for Celtic clash

  • First team

    Preview: Motherwell v Celtic

    Celtic stand in the way on Sunday as Motherwell look to bounce back from derby day disappointment. 

    The table toppers will be tough opposition for Stephen Robinson’s side, who are on the hunt for a spot in the top six.

    And with some crucial games on the horizon, Sunday’s showdown with the Hoops is a hurdle the Fir Park side are relishing.

    Stephen Robinson is aiming for some big performances and a few surprises from his Motherwell squad as they go into a tough run of fixtures.

    After the challenge of Celtic on Sunday, Rangers and Aberdeen come to Lanarkshire in quick succession.

    But the Northern Irishman is looking forward with a positive mind set.

    “The attitude we have is we’ll try and take maximum points from them all,” Robinson said.

    “Is that realistic? It’s definitely what we set out to do. Whether we achieve that remains to be seen.

    “We will go positive. We will go against people and make sure that we are competitive.

    “We do need to take points, of course. We’ve got the three games coming up at home and we’ve got a very good home record.

    [pullquote]We will make sure they are tough, tough games and we will go into them confident. Why not?[/pullquote]

    Motherwell will come off the run with an away trip to face St Johnstone, before heading to Hampden Park for the fourth time this season in their William Hill Scottish Cup semi final against Aberdeen.

    Expectations have long been surpassed in the cup competitions but Robinson says his targets remain the same as always.

    “My objective from the board is to stay in this division,” he said. “My aims are much higher than that. We’ve been able to achieve that this season with a final and a semi final. We’re sitting seventh in the league.

    “But first and foremost, let’s get the points that make sure we are in the division. Everything else is a bonus.”

    Centre back Tom Aldred is relishing the challenge of Celtic on Sunday.

    The centre back looked ahead to the first fixture of a tricky spell in which Rangers and Aberdeen will also visit Fir Park.

    The 27-year-old believes a positive performance could hold the club in good stead going in to those important games.

    “When you have a result like last weekend you need a reaction,” Aldred said. “We disappointed not just with the result but with the performance.

    “But to be honest, I don’t think you need much more incentive than we have when you go up against Celtic, so we’ll be ready.

    “We’ll be ready for the run of games coming up. As a player they’re the games that you don’t just look forward to but you pride yourself on going out and getting a result in, so we’ll be right up for it.”

    Tickets are available at the Fir Park ticket office or by calling 01698 333333.

    Celtic supporters should contact their club for ticket information.

    Kick off at Fir Park on Sunday is at 2.15pm.

    Admission prices are as follows:

    ADULTS £27/20
    CONCESSIONS £18/£16
    JUVENILES £14/£10
    FAMILY (1 ADULT + 1 JUNIOR) £27

    Concessions are applicable to 60 and over and full time students with a valid matriculation card. Juveniles are applicable to aged 15 and under. The cheaper price is for the John Hunter stand.

    Motherwell fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Brian Davidson on 07428 225254 or tickets@mfcdsa.com. Fans must contact Brian by Wednesday night before the match.

    If you can’t make it along, you can follow the match on Twitter @MotherwellFC. Live audio commentary will be available on mixlr.com/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.

  • First team

    Aldred: We’ll be ready

    Tom Aldred is relishing the challenge of Celtic on Sunday as the Steelmen look to bounce back from a disappointing defeat against Hamilton Academical. 

    The centre back, who says he and his teammates will be ready for the challenge, looked ahead to the fixture as he spoke to the broadcast press.

    The 27-year-old said a positive performance could also hold the club in good stead going in to some important games.

    “When you have a result like last weekend you need a reaction,” Aldred said. “We disappointed not just with the result but with the performance.

    “But to be honest, I don’t think you need much more incentive than we have when you go up against Celtic, so we’ll be ready.

    “We’ll be ready for the run of games coming up. As a player they’re the games that you don’t just look forward to but you pride yourself on going out and getting a result in, so we’ll be right up for it.”

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    Highlights as Under 20s lose to United

    Extended highlights from Motherwell Under 20s 2-0 defeat to Dundee United in the Development League. 

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    Craigan: The better side won

    Stephen Craigan says his side lacked a cutting edge as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Dundee United Under 20s. 

    The Northern Irishman, who believed the better side on the day won, reflected on the 90 minutes at Forthbank Stadium.

    Speaking at full time, Craigan praised Dundee United and admitted his side weren’t at their best over the course of the game.

    “I think Dundee United probably deserved to win the game,” the Northern Irishman said.

    “They showed more desire than us and I think their side was a bit younger than ours, so credit to them.

    [pullquote]Overall, it was a bit frustrating yes, but hands up, I think the best team won.[/pullquote]

    “I think their back three dealt with our front two, whichever pairing we went with, and their front two caused our back three all sorts of problems.

    “But I always try to take the positives from the game and one of those is the fact that Shea Gordon has come back from injury.

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    U20s: Motherwell 0 – 2 Dundee Utd

    Motherwell Under 20s slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Dundee United in the Development League on Thursday afternoon.

    Stephen Craigan’s side played their second game of the week, after their 2-0 win over Kilmarnock on Monday evening.

    But a below par showing from the youngsters resulted in a loss against bottom-placed United.

    Craigan made five changes to his side from their victory at the start of the week, bringing PJ Morrison, Dylan King, Luke Watt and Jamie Semple in to the starting 11, as well as introducing Shea Gordon back in to the team after a lengthy spell out injured.

    The midfielder nearly made his mark with a decent effort from the edge of the area in the 11th minute, but his curled effort flew narrowly past the post.

    The visitors took the lead after 32 minutes when Declan Glass fired beyond Morrison from the edge of the area, spinning neatly and dispatching confidently to open the scoring.

    Eight minutes later, United were awarded a penalty, and it was an easy decision for the referee.

    Kieran Inglis burst in to the box before Krones bundled him to the deck. From the spot, Idris Kadded made it two.

    Craigan introduced Adam Livingstone at half time and the youngster’s delivery from set pieces proved a threat throughout the second 45.

    A swirling corner from Livingstone’s left foot caused all sorts of problems for Josh Donaldson in the United goal, but the young keeper managed to punch clear.

    James Scott should have halved the deficit with just seven minutes left on the clock when Jordan Armstrong’s inviting cross looked set to be headed home. But Donaldson did well to smother the danger.

  • First team

    We’ll believe we can get maximum points

    Stephen Robinson is targeting yet more surprises from his Motherwell squad as they go into a tough run of Ladbrokes Premiership fixtures.

    Celtic are the visitors to Fir Park on Sunday, before the return from the international break sees Rangers and Aberdeen come to Lanarkshire in quick succession.

    The Steelmen are chasing a top six finish as the split looms on the horizon and the manager says his team will maintain a positive outlook as they look to be in the top half.

    “The attitude we have is we’ll try and take maximum points from them all,” Robinson said.

    “Is that realistic? It’s definitely what we set out to do. Whether we achieve that remains to be seen.

    “We will go positive. We will go against people and make sure that we are competitive.

    “We do need to take points, of course. We’ve got the three games coming up at home and we’ve got a very good home record.

    “We will make sure they are tough, tough games and we will go into them confident. Why not?”

    Motherwell will come off the run with an away trip to face St Johnstone, before heading to Hampden Park for the fourth time this season in their William Hill Scottish Cup semi final against Aberdeen.

    Expectations have long been surpassed in the cup competitions but Robinson says his targets remain the same as always.

    “My objective from the board is to stay in this division,” he said. “My aims are much higher than that. We’ve been able to achieve that this season with a final and a semi final. We’re sitting seventh in the league.

    “But first and foremost, let’s get the points that make sure we are in the division. Everything else is a bonus.”

  • First team

    Craig Tanner to have knee operation

    Craig Tanner faces between four and six months out after picking up a knee injury in training.

    The forward, who has nine goals and eight assists to his name this term, will have an operation after an injury to his patella tendon at Dalziel Park yesterday.

    “Craig suffered an unfortunate injury through the week,” the manager said.

    “It was a freak incident that happened with nobody near him as he tried a cross field pass.

    “Sadly for Craig, and for us, we’ll be without him for a few months.

    ”He’s been an important part of our setup and we’ll give him all the support he needs as he works his way back.”

    Everyone at Motherwell FC wishes Craig a speedy recovery.

  • Club

    ‘Well’s world class footballer of his time

    The legend of Robert Ferrier began in Sheffield when he was born to a father who himself was a football icon of the local “Wednesday” football club.

    His dad had previously turned out for his local side Dumbarton at a time when the Sons were operating at the very top of Scottish football, winning the title twice in successive seasons, before being transferred to Sheffield Wednesday in the summer of 1894.

    Ferrier senior, “Rabbie”, spent 12 years in South Yorkshire appearing 329 times for the side, who at that time, played at Owlerton Park. The Scot played his part in helping the Owls gain promotion to the top division in England, and then, securing two league titles in 1903 and 1904.

    Rabbie it seems, was a fine wing half who to this day is revered at Hillsborough, where he can still be seen on the walls of the stadium with his team mates complete with, ankle high football boots, knee length shorts and excellent moustaches. Three weeks after his birth, young Robert was brought back to Dumbarton, and lived there for the rest of his life.

    Ferrier’s career at Motherwell, his only club, was incredible not only in its length and quality, but in its achievement. For eight seasons in the period between 1926 and 1934, Motherwell were never out of the top three in Scotland. When the Steelmen won the championship in 1932, they were the only team outside the Old Firm to do so in 44 years.

    Even then, Scottish football was dominated by the two large Glasgow clubs. Ferrier was captain of the title winning side and always maintained that they were the greatest team he ever played with, although he rated the Motherwell side of the early 20s, including stars like Willie Rankin, Davie Thackeray and Hughie Ferguson, almost as highly.

    The Motherwell championship winning team was a side of moulded talents allied with a supreme elegance and style. That season 66 points were won from a possible 76, with 119 goals being scored in 38 matches, with legendary striker Willie McFadyen netting 52 times.

    Bobby Ferrier had a long, lazy and deceptive stride which allowed him to float past defenders with ease. He could flick, clip and back heel in the air, balls any other player could not reach. His was a game of spaces and angles played with infinite grace, and his control of a ball through the air was often quite exquisite. He could float, chip, hook or slice crosses to his liking with a left foot which many commentators claimed was akin to a magic wand.

    That left peg also possessed enough strength to allow him on occasion to the drill a ball into an opponents net with accuracy and power. In 1929-30 Ferrier scored 32 goals from 37 games playing in his favoured left wing position, often scoring from the touchline, beating goalkeepers at both the near post, and drifting a cross by them, and nestling the ball inside the far post.

    Ferrier was a cultured footballer in an era where many hard men were playing the game. Players like Meiklejohn and McPhail of Rangers, with McGrory and McGonagle at Celtic, would rejoice in repeatedly going in heavy on Ferrier, but the Motherwell man would routinely get up dust himself down and continue his task of mesmerising full backs.

    It all began for Bobby as the Great War was nearing a conclusion in December 1917, when he signed as a teenager for Motherwell from Junior outfit Petershill.

    He would go on to be an integral part of the football club for an incredible 22 seasons. His first two goals for the club came almost a year later on a cold crisp day down at Rugby Park, with the visitors earning a good 2-0 win in front of 4,000 hardy punters.

    A week later Bobby would open the scoring at Fir Park against champions-elect, Celtic, as the Glasgow hoops were swept aside with ease by the Steelmen. His final goal of his debut season came on Ne’erday at Douglas Park, as 10,000 excited Lanarkshire folk witnessed a terrific derby.

    Hughie Ferguson had netted twice for the ‘Well before the Accies pulled one back. As the second half wore on, and the game raged from end to end, Ferrier broke free and fired home to send the Motherwell fans back across the Clyde wishing all and sundry a Happy New 1919.

    That first full season for Ferrier saw the club finish a very respectable fifth in an 18-team top division, with Bobby appearing 16 times. The following few years saw him firmly establish himself in “Sailor” Hunters’ first XI, as Motherwell became a major threat in domestic competitions.

    However in season 1924/25, injuries impacted greatly on the manager’s ability to put a consistent team on the park, resulting in a disappointing campaign. One of the few highlights of that season came in January with a 1-0 win at Parkhead, as the Fir Parkers produced a sparkling performance to beat Celtic.

    The decisive winner came after Ferrier had weaved his way through the home defence and fired in a fierce drive, which the Celtic ‘keeper could only parry into the path of Hughie Ferguson. The prolific Motherwell centre forward then gleefully swept the ball home in front of the 12,000 crowd.

    At the end of that season there was a shock for the Motherwell fans when Bobby turned down the terms offered by the club in a new contract, and was promptly placed on the transfer list with a fee of £100 on his head. Happily by the time the squad had reported back for pre-season, the left winger had signed on again, and he could continue his career where he belonged, at Fir Park.

    In March 1926, as per terms of his new contract, Bobby was given the gate money from the league game at Fir Park against Celtic. This was seen as a benefit for his years of great service to the club, and was made captain for the day. As far as we know, this was the first time that a Motherwell player had been awarded a benefit or testimonial of any kind.

    Happily, it would turn out to be a victorious occasion for Ferrier and his teammates. Dick Little had fired a free kick passed the Celtic ‘keeper, before Tennant latched onto a Ferrier pass and buried an accurate drive passed the helpless visiting custodian to secure a 2-1 win in front of an ecstatic home crowd.

    By the summer of 1927, Motherwell were keen to exploit the world’s developing love of Scottish football by arranging lucrative tours during the close season. That summer, Spain and France were the destinations, where eight games were arranged for a Motherwell squad now captained by Ferrier.

    The captain had a very productive time of it on tour with goals against both Swansea City and Real Madrid, a double against Celta Vigo and a hat-trick in Paris against Red Star Olympique. Six games were won, with only one loss, and scoring 23 goals in the process.

    This successful tour, combined with the excellent season that had gone before, had set Motherwell up for an unprecedented run of success over the next decade, as they put up a sustained challenge to the two Glasgow clubs who had dominated league football in Scotland since the game had turned professional in the late 18th century.

    A cracking start to the following season by the Steelmen meant that there was a great deal of anticipation for the visit of Rangers to Fir Park in September. The club had announced that it would be bringing in “horses to help cart ashes to extend the capacity of the ground.” As it turned out, the game drew 30,000 fans who witnessed a rather tame 1-1 draw.

    ‘Well captain Ferrier had put Motherwell into the lead before a penalty, which was converted, brought parity.

    By the time the 1929-30 season kicked off, Motherwell fans had every reason to be upbeat, as they had an astute set of directors, a visionary manager, a much improved ground with a group of loyal and talented players who were seen as second to none in the country.

    The ground improvements had seen over £1,000 spent on a new concrete wall around the pitch, a “state of the art” drainage system installed, and work done to extend the playing surface to 100 yards by 70 yards. These improvements allowed the capacity of Fir Park to be increased to 35,000 with plans in place to extend that further to 40,000.  The season itself was tremendous, with the club finishing runners up, five points behind Rangers.

    A trip to Celtic Park in March gives us a flavour of how the Steelmen were performing. It was reported that Motherwell produced a stunning exhibition of football to overcome the Glasgow club 4-0, thanks to a Dowall hat trick and a Ferrier strike.

    On Christmas Day 1930, manager Hunter left out centre forward Dowall at Firhill against Partick Thistle. In came Willie McFadyen, and for the first time Motherwell’s “Famous Five” forward line played together in a 3-0 win, in which three of them scored.

    For the next few years the names of Murdoch, McMenemy, McFadyen, Stevenson and Ferrier, were on the lips of every Motherwell fan.

    By April 1932 the Fir Parkers were on the verge of achieving something special, with captain Ferrier only having missed one game in all competitions, and scoring 16 times in that campaign. With three league games to go Motherwell, travelled to Firhill looking to confirm themselves as champions with a win, and as a result a huge army of fans headed through from the Steel Town to the north side of Glasgow in anticipation of a wonderful occasion.

    The 32,000 crowd, including legendary entertainer Harry Lauder, were largely disappointed with the dull 0-0 draw which left Motherwell still looking for a point from the last two games.

    A 3-0 win at home to Cowdenbeath, in which Ferrier opened the scoring, left a chasing Rangers outfit with no margin for error. That margin was lost the following midweek when the Ibrox club could only draw leaving Motherwell as champions of Scotland by the time they took the field for the final game of the season at Fir Park against Clyde.

    The title triumph was dedicated by the players to manager Sailor Hunter, who had spent years developing a squad and a way of coaching which was years ahead if its time.

    In an interview shortly after the success, John Hunter explained his strategy. “I give the players a square deal, make sure they are happy and have harmony in the dressing room,” he said.

    “As an old player, I am conversant with the ups and downs of the players. Make your ambition theirs, get their confidence, exercise discipline reasonably and the best that is in them will emerge spontaneously.”

    The following season saw a spirited defence of the title which fell tantalisingly short, finishing narrowly behind Rangers.

    That championship was ultimately decided in an action packed February afternoon at Fir Park. The Steelmen had taken the lead with a typical Ferrier dribble and shot. Shortly after the visitors had equalised, an incident saw Rangers forward, Sam English deliberately charge into ‘Well ‘keeper, Alan McClory, who retaliated and was sent off on the advice of the linesman.

    Bobby donned the gloves, but was beaten by the resultant penalty and the Light Blues held on for a controversial and decisive victory.

    April 1937 saw the great man’s final goals for Motherwell, a brace in a 6-0 demolition at Fir Park against Dunfermline, whilst his final season registered as a player was 1937/38. After the summer of 1938, Bobby, with his boots hung up, was appointed Motherwell’s first ever assistant manager. This meant the break-up of one of the greatest wing partnerships the game had ever seen, lasting almost 15 years.

    Much of Motherwell’s success can be laid at the feet of the partnership of George Stevenson and Ferrier, and the club’s refusal to sell them on. This, despite the number of blank cheques offered by other clubs to remove this golden partnership from Fir Park. During his Motherwell career, Bobby played 697 games, scoring a grand total of 345 goals, 262 of which were in the league.

    The adulation he experienced in Lanarkshire from the Motherwell fans would surely have been replicated throughout the country had he been eligible to play for Scotland. Having been born in England, something he always cursed, and stayed only for a matter of weeks, it was enough to stop Bobby from representing “his” country.

    Bobby Ferrier was without question Motherwell FC’s greatest ever outside left. He had all the qualities that a winger requires: great skill, peerless dribbling and pin point crossing. Of course, he also made innumerable opportunities for others with a vision and a passing ability second to none. With a knack of shooting with power and accuracy, he was also a prolific scorer in his own right, notching close to 350 career goals, an astonishing return for a wide man.

    Robert “Bobby” Ferrier died in April 1971, aged 71, and is buried in Dumbarton. Revered in his time by Motherwell fans, he should still be revered by Motherwell fans today, because if ever we had a truly world class footballer at our club that we should celebrate, then Bobby Ferrier is that man.

    Eddie Ferguson

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    Dundee United next for Under 20s

    Motherwell’s Under 20s are back in league action on Thursday afternoon when they host Dundee United.

    The game at Forthbank Stadium in Stirling kicks off at 2pm.

    Stephen Craigan’s side are catching up their games in hand as they chase down Hibernian at the top of the SPFL Development League.

    With two games in hand over the Edinburgh side and nine games to go, the young Steelmen are currently 10 points adrift and need to win to maintain aspirations of challenging at the top.

  • First team

    Get your tickets for Celtic clash

    Motherwell host league leaders Celtic on Sunday looking to keep themselves in the race for a top six finish in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

    The reigning champions were so nearly toppled on their last visit to Fir Park, with the Steelmen coming within two minutes of a famous win before being denied by a last-gasp penalty.

    Stephen Robinson’s men are still in the chase to cement a top half place ahead of the league split and your support could be the key to spurring the team on to a huge win.

    Tickets are available at the Fir Park ticket office or by calling 01698 333333.

    Celtic supporters should contact their club for ticket information.

    Kick off at Fir Park on Sunday is at 2.15pm.

    Admission prices are as follows:

    ADULTS £27/20
    CONCESSIONS £18/£16
    JUVENILES £14/£10
    FAMILY (1 ADULT + 1 JUNIOR) £27

    Concessions are applicable to 60 and over and full time students with a valid matriculation card. Juveniles are applicable to aged 15 and under. The cheaper price is for the John Hunter stand.

    Motherwell fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Brian Davidson on 07428 225254 or tickets@mfcdsa.com. Fans must contact Brian by Wednesday night before the match.