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  • Archive

    Scene Setter: ‘Well face Dons at Pittodrie

  • First team

    In Numbers: ‘Well travel to face Dons

  • First team

    A coffee and a chat with Chris Cadden

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    Win a year’s supply of IRN-BRU

  • First team

    Trevor Carson injury update

  • Women

    Donald Jennow issues semi-final rallying call

  • Women

    Women draw Spartans in cup semi-final

  • Club

    Bert McCann: Lynchpin of the Babes

  • First team

    Pay at the gate at Aberdeen

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    Loan Watch: Morrison makes Rovers bow

  • Archive

    Scene Setter: ‘Well face Dons at Pittodrie

    Scene Setter: ‘Well face Dons at Pittodrie

    The first trip to Pittodrie since November 2017 awaits the Steelmen on Saturday, with a lot to play for at stake for both sides.

    Here, we set the scene of what is sure to be an interesting game in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

    Tough to call

    In the meetings between the two sides last term, Motherwell won three, keeping a clean in all three of those wins.

    Likewise, the Dons won twice and kept two clean sheets as they collected six points from the three league meetings.

    The Steelmen picked up three points, but knocked out the Reds in both the Betfred Cup and the Scottish Cup during two memorable cup runs.

    Points to prove

    Both sides find themselves towards the foot of the table, albeit after a mere five games.

    However, Stephen Robinson and Derek McInnes will be keen to steer their sides up the table after reaching such highs in 2017/18.

    Aberdeen finished second in the league, whilst the Steelmen reached two cup finals and finished seventh.

    Searching for momentum

    Saturday’s fixture isn’t only a case of getting points on the board, it also happens to be scheduled just a few days before the two sides go in to the biggest games of the 2018/19 campaign so far.

    Both the Steelmen and the Dons find themselves in Betfred Cup quarter final action in midweek, and with a spot in the last four up for grabs, both will be eager to go in to the fixtures on the back of a win.

    Stephen Robinson’s men face Hearts at Tynecastle on Wednesday night, while Derek McInnes’ side head to the capital to take on Hibernian on Tuesday.

  • First team

    In Numbers: ‘Well travel to face Dons

    In Numbers: ‘Well travel to face Dons

    After a narrow defeat to Hearts at Fir Park, the Steelmen travel to Pittodrie for the first time in 2018 in search of a return to winning ways.

    Here is a look at the game in numbers.

    Two

    The slender points total separating Motherwell in ninth from Aberdeen in eighth.

    A win for the Steelmen would see them jump above the Dons in the table, whilst a win for Derek McInnes’ side could potentially see them move in to the top six.

    Both sides are also looking for their second wins of the Premiership campaign.

    Five

    Despite meeting on five occasions last season, there was never a game when both sides managed to score.

    In those games, Stephen Robinson’s men kept three clean sheets, scoring eight goals in total. The Dons, on the other hand, kept two cleans sheets and scored three.

    The last meeting at Pittodrie was in November 2017, when the Fir Parkers won 2-0.

    298

    Saturday’s fixture against last season’s runners-up in the Ladbrokes Premiership will be the 298th time the two sides have met.

    Should Stephen Robinson’s men pick up three points, it will be the 84th time the claret and amber side have put the reds to the sword.

    The Dons have had the upper hand over the years though, and are in search of their 125th win over ‘Well.

  • First team

    A coffee and a chat with Chris Cadden

    Chris Cadden sits down for a coffee and a chat ahead of the Steelmen’s trip to Pittodrie, fresh off the back of representing Scotland yet again.

    Our interview was filmed at the Windmills Cafe in Motherwell.

    Windmills is a social enterprise cafe in the heart of Motherwell which is committed to ensuring young people with learning disabilities have equal access to meaningful work experience opportunities. For more information, visit Windmills Cafe’s website.

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    Win a year’s supply of IRN-BRU

    Win a year’s supply of IRN-BRU

    Want to win a year’s supply of IRN-BRU and also support the future stars of Motherwell at the same time?

    Tickets are now on sale for the Colts’ IRN-BRU Cup third round match with Sligo Rovers and everyone who buys a ticket in advance will be entered into a prize draw to win.

    Stephen Craigan’s side take on their Irish opponents on Saturday, 13 October at Fir Park and we want to get as big a crowd as possible along to cheer on the young Steelmen. Kick off is at 3pm.

    To win, just buy an adult ticket via our online ticketing platform at tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk. Alternatively, you can buy by phone on 01698 333333, or directly from the Motherwell ticket office.

    PRICING

    Adult tickets are priced at £8, concessions £4 and kids aged 15 and under go for £2.

    Concessions are 16 to 18 year olds, full time students with a valid matriculation card and ages 60 and over.

    SEATING ARRANGEMENTS

    All supporters will be seated in the John Hunter stand at Fir Park. Away fans will be in the north section of the stand, with Motherwell supporters taking up the rest of the stand.

    Tickets are being sold online on a free seating basis. Fans will not be allocated specific seats at the point of purchase.

    Sligo Rovers fans should buy direct from their club. An allocation of tickets are being sent to be purchased directly from Sligo.

    COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS
    • The competition operator is The Motherwell Football and Athletic Football Club Limited, whose registered office is Firpark, Motherwell, ML1 2QN.
    • Adult ticket purchase required to win, entrants must be aged 18 or over. Competition entrants must be residents of the United Kingdom. Employees of Motherwell FC and their relatives are not eligible to enter.
    • Winners can choose from a supply of IRN-BRU, IRN-BRU Sugar Free or IRN-BRU Xtra. There is no cash equivalent.
    • The competition will close at 10pm on Friday, 12 October. All tickets purchased after this deadline will not be included as an entry to the draw.
    • The competition winner must arrange collection of the prize from Fir Park.
    • A “year’s supply” is the equivalent of 365 cans.
    • Entry into the draw is provided through the purchase of an adult ticket.
    • Ticket purchases can be made via our online ticketing platform at tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk, by phone on 01698 333333, or directly from the Motherwell ticket office.
    • A winner will be drawn at random on Saturday, 13 October. The winner will be announced over the tannoy system at Fir Park, on the Motherwell FC website and social media channels.
    • The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material, as well as their entry. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.
    • Motherwell FC reserves the right to cancel the competition if circumstances arise outside of its control.
  • First team

    Trevor Carson injury update

    Trevor Carson injury update

    Trevor Carson suffered no serious injury in the tackle that saw him substituted during the weekend match with Hearts.

    Following scans on Monday and Tuesday, the goalkeeper was shown to have sustained no bone break or fracture.

    There is no other damage other than initial cuts, bruises and minor soft tissue damage.

    The Northern Ireland international is an injury doubt for the weekend trip to Aberdeen and will continue to be assessed.

  • Women

    Donald Jennow issues semi-final rallying call

    Donald Jennow issues semi-final rallying call

    Motherwell boss Donald Jennow has issued a rallying call to fans to turn out to support the women’s team in their forthcoming SSE Scottish Women’s Cup semi-final.

    After securing the SWPL 2 title, the women of steel booked the place in the last four with a battling 1-0 victory over St Johnstone on Sunday.

    Jennow is delighted that the players are reaping the rewards of all their efforts and believes they deserve all the attention that will come with a Scottish Cup semi final, which will take place on 14 October at Forthbank Stadium against Spartans.

    “From our perspective we went into the draw against a big three,” he said. “They are all SWPL 1 sides and all of them therefore would go into a tie against us as favourites.

    “The excitement comes in it being a Scottish Cup semi-final, it was well earned courtesy of a very hard fought quarter-final.

    “The more Motherwell fans we can get along there the better it will be for us. I know the reserves play a number of their games at Forthbank, so it’ll be a familiar ground for a number of ‘Well supporters.

    “My big thing is it’s the same badge on that shirt, it’s your club and we’re a part of it and trying to do the club proud.

    “If you can come along and give us a wee bit extra support then it would be more than appreciated.”

    Having wrapped up the title early and standing just one game away from a prestigious final, the head coach has rightly heaped praise on the achievements of his squad over the course of a magnificent season so far.

    “It’s a platform that the players deserve,” he said. “There’s a whole number of off-field issues that individuals have had to deal with this season

    “Football can be a different world at times, but there is a life away from the game and there are a number who haven’t had their troubles to seek.

    “I’m incredibly proud of the team of how they’ve handled and managed that, together with their dedication and commitment to playing for Motherwell.

    “Those two things together make them deserving of a place in the semi-final and the attention that comes with that.”

    Since taking over from Eddie Wolecki Black, Jennow has overseen two victories, a 9-0 win over Central Girls in the league, followed by the cup victory over St Johnstone.

    Currently 16 points ahead in the table, the team now have their sights set on finishing their league campaign on a high.

    Sunday will see the third visit to Aberdeen in as many months, the Dons will be reeling for a points deduction that almost certainly will see them relegated, but the ‘Well boss insists his team won’t drop their standards.

    “The first league game was so important,” he added. “We spoke about momentum and how easy it can be to lose that despite having worked so hard over the course of the season, so to win so well against Central was very pleasing.

    “We’re very keen to show the league the respect it deserves, we don’t want to end the season on a whimper and reduce the gap that we’ve worked incredibly hard to create.

    “I was also told the other day that there’s potentially some records there to be broken, so as competitors that obviously holds motivation for us too.

    “The plaudits always go to the players at the end of the day, they are the ones who win the games, score the goals and keep the clean sheets.

    “Wounded animals can often be the most dangerous and we know we’ll have to be at our best to win at Aberdeen.”

  • Women

    Women draw Spartans in cup semi-final

    Women draw Spartans in cup semi-final

    Motherwell will face Spartans in the semi-final of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup.

    The women of steel will travel to face the Edinburgh club in the last four at Forthbank Stadium on Sunday, 14 October.

    Donald Jennow’s SWPL2 champions defeated St Johnstone on Sunday to book their place.

    Hibernian will host Glasgow City in the other semi-final tie.

  • Club

    Bert McCann: Lynchpin of the Babes

    Bert McCann: Lynchpin of the Babes

    On September 12, 2017, Bert McCann sadly passed away at the age of 84.

    A year after his death, we look back at his career as fondly recounted by feature writer Eddie Ferguson.

    A True Steelman

    On the face of it, the 15th of October 1932 wasn’t great for Motherwell fans of that time as the Steelmen, then Champions of Scotland, were going down two nil at Tynecastle Park engulfed in a light drizzle.

    However, sixty miles up the road to Dundee, a boy was being born who would light up Fir Park and become adored by everyone who wore claret and amber favours.

    Robert Johnstone McCann was born and bred in the City of Discovery.

    Although all indications are that young Robert had little interest in any football club south of the Perth Road, in the decades that followed there can be little doubt that this football club would hold a special place in his heart, as he has in a certain generation of Motherwell fans.

    He would become one of the all time greats at Fir Park, and be an integral part of the finest half-back line this club has ever produced alongside Charlie Aitken and John Martis.

    His early football experience came playing in the maroon and white of Dundee North End in the Tayside Junior Leagues, before being snapped up on amateur terms by legendary former Motherwell striker Willie McFadyen who was then manager of Dundee United.

    Even before he pulled a claret and amber jersey over his head, he had lightly etched his name into Motherwell folklore by being part of the Arabs side that took an early lead at Fir Park, only to lose twelve goals and be part of both Motherwell’s record win, and the Terrors heaviest defeat.

    He left Tannadice after a year for Queens Park where he had a terrific time, culminating in Bert gaining six Scottish International amateur caps, and being tracked by a host of top-flight clubs.

    It was the summer of 1956 when Motherwell reverted to their much-vaunted policy of identifying promising youngsters who would be allowed to develop in the Motherwell tradition.

    It was a process that had previously reared Motherwell legends and Championship winners like George Stevenson, Bobby Ferrier and Willie McFadyen.

    Despite interest from bigger clubs, Bert opted for life in Lanarkshire under the guidance of recently appointed Motherwell manager and fellow Dundonian, Bobby Ancell.

    Initially, the young midfielder signed on at Fir Park on part-time terms to allow him to complete his modern language studies at Edinburgh University.

    Indeed it wasn’t unusual for Bert only to meet up with team mates at a Saturday lunchtime to prepare for a first fixture, even on the occasions that he was captaining the side.

    Bert made his debut in a 4-2 reverse League Cup tie at Starks Park against Raith Rovers before making his Fir Park bow eleven days later as Airdrieonians were routed by six goals to one.

    From that point on he would pretty much be a regular in the line up for that campaign, only missing five games through injury as 1956 drew to a close.

    Not being particularly renowned for his scoring exploits, McCann endeared himself somewhat to the Fir Park faithful that debut season, scoring eight times, contributing to five important wins over Airdrie (twice), Queens Park, Dundee and Ayr United, as Motherwell finished a respectable seventh.

    The following campaign was difficult for Bert as injuries plagued the schemer, but season 1958/59 would see the young man blossom along with several of his peers before the watching eyes of not only Scotland, but the world.

    The renowned “Ancell Babes” introduced themselves to Scottish football as Bobby Ancell orchestrated a brand of football the likes had been rarely seen before, with Bert McCann the absolute lynchpin of everything that happened offensively on the pitch.

    Time after time he provided the front five, typically, Hunter, Reid, St. John, Roberts and Quinn, all internationalists, with opportunities and situations that they thrived on.

    Bert was an ever present in that campaign, playing in all 42 competitive matches as the Steelmen notched up 105 goals which had the fans on the East Terracing purring with joy and satisfaction as the Fir Parkers finished an impressive third, six points off the champions Rangers.

    The campaign that would take the club into the “Swinging Sixties”, which started with terrific optimism around Fir Park with concrete steps being installed onto the terracing to help bring the capacity up to 40,000.

    Training facilities also took a turn for the better as the club paid for the use of Motherwell Stadium for day to day training to help preserve the Fir Park pitch and keep it in top notch condition, which was vital to allow Ancell’s footballing philosophy to thrive.

    Again it would be a most entertaining season for the Motherwell spectators, with their favourite’s just failing to score on four occasions throughout the whole campaign of 44 matches.

    It was only the famous forward lines of both Hibernian and Hearts that scored significantly more goals than the Steelmen.

    1960/61 saw Bert once again be an ever present for Motherwell as the club mixed it with Scottish footballs big boys. No more so than when Motherwell were drawn against champions elect Rangers in the Scottish Cup.

    The fans were treated to a thrilling tie at Fir Park where the visitors raced into a two goal lead as they threatened to blow the Steelmen away.

    Gradually, backed with a fervent home support, Motherwell got a foothold back in the game, as McCann fed Ian St John who slammed the ball low into the net a minute before half time.

    The second period was end-to-end stuff before Bert McCann secured a replay, calmly firing home from fifteen yards.

    The Ibrox replay, in front of a sell-out crowd, would go down in Motherwell folklore.

    The Fir Parkers started brightly – taking the lead, but by the break the Light Blues had fought back and were ahead.

    Nobody could have seen the performance the Steelmen produced in the second half, inspired by manager Ancell’s team talk.

    Pat Delaney rifled home an equaliser from a free kick given for a foul on McCann. And before the hour had arrived Bobby Roberts got to a ball before the Rangers keeper to prod the third over the line as Motherwell turned on the style.

    The Ibrox crowd watched on stunned and mesmerised as the Steelmen scored twice more to complete a 5-2 thrashing of the Glasgow giants.

    Legend has it, that almost every Rangers fan stayed until the end to applaud Bert and his team mates off the turf, such was the display the Fir Parkers had produced.

    With the new season on the horizon, the exciting Motherwell side were beginning to be dismantled as the vultures circled ML1 looking to snap up the emerging talent, particularly striker Ian St. John who departed for Bill Shankley’s Liverpool for £375,000.

    Despite Ancell’s attempts at replacing the obvious quality with promising youngsters, the performance almost inevitably took a dip.

    It would be a season of injuries for McCann as Motherwell finished a disappointing 9th of 18 clubs.

    The first game of 1962/63 season saw Falkirk visit Fir Park in front of the magnificent newly extended main stand.

    Bert McCann was the man of the match, expertly dictating play as the Steelmen ran riot.

    Bobby Russell scored five times with Pat Quinn helping himself to a mere four in a stunning 9-1 victory in front of an enthralled audience.

    Mid-table obscurity would be a recurring theme for the remainder of Bert’s time running up and down Fir Park with his last goal rounding off an emphatic 4-1 home win over Morton before his final appearance in an ill-fated clash with Rangers at Fir Park.

    Bert McCann’s career at the top level was effectively brought to an abrupt halt by a horrible tackle inflicted in a league game at home to Rangers in April 1965.

    The Motherwell club doctor of the time was quoted as saying it was the worst football injury he’d ever seen with studs marks being gouged across Bert’s thigh muscle.

    That summer, Bert made the short hop over the Clyde to join the Accies for a season before retiring at the age of thirty-three, and using his academic qualifications to become a teacher.

    Bert had gained five Scottish international caps and also five Scottish League appearances in an era where the domestic game was awash with terrific talent.

    His international debut came in May 1958 in front of over 100,000 fans as West Germany were defeated 3-2 in a friendly match at Hampden Park, alongside fellow debutants and ‘Well players Ian St. John and Andy Weir, who scored.

    Further appearances in Dark Blue came against Northern Ireland, Wales and England before his final Cap, which came in horrible 9-3 defeat against the “Auld Enemy” at Wembley in May 1961.

    Bert McCann made 246 appearances in claret and amber, captaining the side on many occasions and returning 21 goals for the cause.

    Until his sad passing last year, Bert took an enthusiastic interest in Motherwell FC, being part of the former players club and part of the Well Society.

    On the park, Bert had the ability to play in any midfield position.

    A consistent performer, who initially relied to a large extent on his vision and ability, but developed a cogency and timing in the tackle that brought a respect from his opponents, and adulation from his Motherwell supporters.

    Despite not being the biggest or most robust of players, he had the strength to play a defensive role if required and the talent to be creative just off the centre forward.

    However, he was probably best suited to being the architect of the team, dictating the tempo, direction and structure of any given match.

    And if that team happened to be one of the finest this club has produced in 131 years, then surely Bert McCann was one special player that fully deserves never to be forgotten around these parts.

  • First team

    Pay at the gate at Aberdeen

    Pay at the gate at Aberdeen

    Fans can pay at the gate for our next Ladbrokes Premiership fixture away to Aberdeen.

    Stephen Robinson’s men had a 100% record at Pittodrie last campaign and head north looking to turn performances into more points on the board.

    Adult entry will cost £26, while there are a range of concession prices available.

    Over 65s can get in for £19, while over 75s and under 21s can gain entry for £15.

    Under 18s go for £10, and children aged 12 and under can get in for £6.

    Anyone requiring ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Brian on 07428 225254.

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    Loan Watch: Morrison makes Rovers bow

    Loan Watch: Morrison makes Rovers bow

    Four of five Motherwell’s young loan players were in SPFL action this weekend.

    Peter Morrison made his debut for Albion Rovers as they faced North Lanarkshire rivals Clyde at Broadwood.

    The young goalkeeper had an extremely busy afternoon for Rovers, facing over 20 shots at his goal. The young stopper impressed though, making a string of excellent saves to keep John Brogan’s side in the encounter. The Albion boss described the goalkeeper’s performance as “outstanding”.

    The game was ultimately decided by Martin McNiff’s first half strike, resulting in a 1-0 win which keeps the Bully Wee in amongst the contenders at the top. Rovers, however, find themselves rooted to the bottom.

    In the Championship, Ross MacLean was named in the starting line up for former Motherwell under 20s boss Jonatan Johansson’s first game in charge of Morton at Tannadice.

    Michael Tidser had given the ‘Ton an 11th minute lead from the penalty spot and it looked as if the visitors were going to hold on for all three points. However, a 93rd minute leveller from Terrors sub Fraser Fyvie earned his side a point.

    Jake Hastie was again named in the starting eleven for Alloa as they earned a very respectable point at East End Park against Dunfermline.

    The result maintains an impressive five-match unbeaten run for the Wasps, with just the single away defeat since last February in a run of thirteen matches.

    Northern Ireland youth International Shea Gordon remains sidelined with an injury picked up against in Partick Thistle’s narrow Betfred Cup defeat to Celtic last month. In his absence, the Jags lost out by the odd goal in five as Inverness Caley Thistle went top of the table.

    Finally, Neil McLaughlin featured for Stirling Albion as they collected their second win of the campaign. The youngster was a late sub, with Binos holding on to a 1-0 lead earned via Ross McGeachie’s 12th minute goal.

    Photograph: Albion Rovers FC