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  • First team

    Next up: Rangers

  • Women

    Partick Thistle next in SWPL1

  • Club

    No away fans at Ibrox

  • Women

    Defeat to Hibernian in SWPL1

  • First team

    Manager reacts to win over Aberdeen

  • First team

    Motherwell 2-0 Aberdeen

  • Club

    Win a match worn shirt to raise money for SAMH and Chris’s House

  • First team

    Watch a live stream of Motherwell v Aberdeen

  • First team

    Meet Sol

  • Archive

    Courtney Whyte signs for Motherwell

  • First team

    Next up: Rangers

    Next up: Rangers

    It’s a trip to Ibrox next for Motherwell in the cinch Premiership.

    The Steelmen head west on Sunday 19 September, with kick-off at Ibrox at 3pm.

    Watch the game live at Fir Park

    Due to Covid restrictions at Ibrox, no away fans will be allowed into the ground.

    Our live beamback to our Cooper Bar is now sold out.

    Watch live

    Alternatively, fans in the UK can buy a live stream direct from Rangers for £9.99.

    International viewers can watch through our subscription service at live.motherwellfc.co.uk. Packages start at as little as £12.50 per month to watch all 38 cinch Premiership fixtures.

    Tale of the tape

    It’s well-told tale that Motherwell’s last league win at Ibrox came back in May 1997, with Owen Coyle netting a double.

    Rangers have won the last five in the league at Ibrox against ‘Well, with the visitors’ last positive result on Premiership business coming in a 1-1 draw in April 2017.

    Last time out, Devante Cole’s opener was cancelled out by Cedric Itten’s equaliser in a draw at Fir Park in January.

    Form guide

    Rangers sit top of the league with 12 points, with four wins from five matches so far.

    Victories over Livingston, Ross County, Celtic and St Johnstone have put them in the driving seat, with the one loss coming away at Dundee United.

    Motherwell started the season with a narrow defeat to Hibernian and a draw at St Johnstone, before picking up a succession of wins over Livingston, Dundee and Aberdeen.

    Graham Alexander’s men sit fourth, two points behind the leaders, with five games played.

  • Women

    Partick Thistle next in SWPL1

    Partick Thistle next in SWPL1

    Motherwell face newly-promoted Partick Thistle on Sunday at Petershill Football Centre.

    The Glasgow side finished in third place in the SWPL2 last season and missed out on promotion.

    However, due to Forfar Farmington’s withdrawal from the SWPL1 at the start of the season, Thistle were moved up into the top flight.

    Kick off is 1pm.

    Fixture change

    Celtic were due to be our opponents on Sunday 19 September in SWPL1.

    Due to international call ups within the Celtic camp, the fixture has been postponed and will be played at a later date, and the fixture with Thistle from 26 September has been brought forward.

    A further update will be provided in due course on our rearranged fixture against Celtic.

    Tale of the Tape

    Motherwell are unbeaten in their previous two meetings with Thistle.

    The sides last met in 2020 in the SWPL Cup, where the women of steel ran out comfortable 6-1 winners.

    Prior to that, their last encounter was in 2019 in the SWF Scottish Cup, where the game was taken to extra time and The ’Well progressed after winning 2-0.

    Form Guide

    Both Partick Thistle and Motherwell are looking for their first points of the SWPL1 campaign.

    Thistle played their opening league match on Sunday against promoted side Aberdeen, where they fell to a 2-0 defeat.

    The Jags finished second in their SWPL Cup group and qualified for the next round, where they will face champions Glasgow City.

    Motherwell will be looking to get off the mark in the new campaign after a tricky start against Glasgow City and Hibernian, where they lost 6-0 and 4-0 respectively.

  • Club

    No away fans at Ibrox

    No away fans at Ibrox

    Motherwell fans will not be able to buy tickets for our weekend trip to face Rangers.

    Our opponents have advised us that, due to ongoing restrictions at Ibrox, no away allocation will be sent for Sunday’s match.

    Having initially been declined an allocation, subsequent dialogue led to Rangers providing us with a detailed explanation that, due to the displacement of some supporters due to a Covid “red zone”, an away section is not possible.

    While regrettable that no Motherwell fans can attend, we accept that Covid restrictions have led to an unavoidable situation.

    Instead, we will be showing the game live at Fir Park. Our live beamback to our Cooper Bar is now sold out.

  • Women

    Defeat to Hibernian in SWPL1

    Defeat to Hibernian in SWPL1

    Motherwell suffered defeat to Hibernian in their SWPL1 home opener on Sunday.

    Rachael Boyle would open the scoring for the visitors with a well-placed free kick, before Kirsty Morrison rifled home a second from close range.

    Carla Boyce added a third early into the second half, before substitute Eilidh Adams netted a fourth late on to secure all three points for the Edinburgh side.

    Motherwell battled hard in the second half in search of a consolation but were unable to break through a resolute Hibs defence.

    The visitors would come close to the opener in the opening phases of play. Katie Rice’s floated cross fell kindly to Boyce at the back post, but the winger’s low driven effort was deflected inches wide of the target.

    Hibs would take the lead midway through the first half. Boyle’s perfectly weighted free-kick curled superbly past Khym Ramsay into the top-right corner, leaving the Motherwell shot-stopper with no chance.

    They would then double their advantage on the stroke of half-time. Motherwell were unable to clear their lines from Rice’s cross, and Morrison was there to fire home the rebound from close range to put the visitors in control of the tie.

    The Hibees would add a third early into the second half. A well-worked counter-attack caught Motherwell out at the back, and Boyce raced through on goal before comfortably placing her strike under Ramsay into the bottom left corner.

    The fourth came in the latter stages of the game. A quick interchange of play left substitute Eilidh Adams unchallenged at the edge of the box, and the forward’s powerful effort sailed past Ramsay into the top-left corner.

  • First team

    Manager reacts to win over Aberdeen

    The manager speaks as Motherwell defeat the Dons 2-0 in the cinch Premiership.

  • First team

    Motherwell 2-0 Aberdeen

    Motherwell made it three consecutive cinch Premiership league wins to climb above Aberdeen and leave the Fir Park fans celebrating a tremendous win.

    Kevin van Veen’s headed goal midway through the first half gave ‘Well a lead to defend.

    Despite the Dons dominating possession and with Liam Kelly defiant, the game was settled just before the hour mark when Juhani Ojala headed home his first ‘Well goal.

    Most recent signing Norwegian Sondre Solholm Johansen made his debut alongside Finnish internationalist Ojala, with Uganda internationalist Bevis Mugabi and Nathan McGinley forming a back four.

    There was a new look about both teams following summer signings and the first time Stephen Glass and Graham Alexander have come face to face as managers.

    It was also a first return to Fir Park for Declan Gallagher had the first chance after 13 minutes when he got his head to Ross McCrorie’s free-kick but the former ‘Well captain directed the ball wide of Liam Kelly’s goal.

    Ten minutes later the Fir Park ‘keeper was tested. Calvin Ramsay’s cross found Marley Watkins unmarked six yards in front of goal. He only managed to head the ball straight at Kelly who palmed the ball down before bravely smothering the ball at the striker’s feet.

    The Dons almost paid for that miss after 25 minutes when Tony Watt nodded Mark O’Hara’s corner down and wide of goal.

    A minute later, though, the home side found the target.

    Watt was clipped by McCrorie as they chased a long through ball but referee John Beaton gave ‘Well the advantage.

    Kaiyne Woolery made the most of it whipping the ball to the back of the six-yard box where van Veen stooped to head home his second goal of the season.

    Unlucky to find themselves behind, Aberdeen had a quick opportunity to draw level but from an angle, Lewis Ferguson’s powerful drive was palmed over his crossbar by Kelly.

    The Motherwell ‘keeper was a busy man up until the interval as Dons pressed for an equaliser.

    Eight minutes from the break Kelly firmly held the ball after Ramsay finished his jinking run with a fine shot on goal.

    The Dons’ full-back was again on target minutes later with a thumping drive which rebounded from Kelly’s chest only to watch Watkins scoop the ball over the bar, before an assistant’s flag was raised for offside.

    Despite Aberdeen’s possession and pressure around the home goal, the Fir Park defenders held firm to protect their narrow lead until the interval.

    The pattern of play continued after the break and Kelly had to look lively to twice denied efforts from Marley Watkins.

    Then in the 59th minute and very much against the run of play ‘Well doubled their lead. Mark O’Hara’s slipped his free-kick wide to van Veen which allowed the Dutchman to deliver a tempting cross into the six-yard box.

    Mugabi and Ojala both towered to claim it but it was the Finn who powered his header home via the underside of the bar to celebrate his first Motherwell goal.

    It was nearly 3-0 two minutes later when Joe Lewis had to backtrack to scoop van Veen’s cross-cum-shot from under his crossbar and then watch as Liam Grimshaw forced the ball over the bar.

    Another speedy break and low delivery from Woolery just evaded Watt and van Veen as shell shocked Dons almost fell further behind.

    After that Motherwell held on comfortably as the Dons ran out of ideas.

    Motherwell: Kelly, Mugabi, Ojala, Solholm, McGinley, Slattery, O’Hara, Grimshaw, Watt (Maguire), Woolery (Lamie), Van Veen (Goss).

    Subs: Fox,,Donnelly, Amaluzor, Shields.

  • Club

    Win a match worn shirt to raise money for SAMH and Chris’s House

    Win a match worn shirt to raise money for SAMH and Chris’s House

    To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, our match with Aberdeen will see Tony Watt wear a special one-off jersey.

    The message “speak up, speak out, be heard” will be emblazoned on the chest of his shirt in the cinch Premiership match at Fir Park.

    We want to raise money for SAMH, Scotland’s mental health charity, and Chris’s House, the centre for help, response and intervention surrounding suicide.

    To do so, we’re raffling off Tony’s match worn shirt from the game. All money raised will be donated.

    To enter, please make a donation to our JustGiving page. A winner will be chosen at random.

  • First team

    Watch a live stream of Motherwell v Aberdeen

    Watch a live stream of Motherwell v Aberdeen

    Motherwell v Aberdeen is available to buy on pay-per-view to fans in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

    To buy for £12, head to ppv.motherwellfc.co.uk.

    Please note that due to UEFA restrictions, this game is not purchasable if you are in England.

    If you’re a season ticket holder who cannot make the match, you can still watch a live stream for free at live.motherwellfc.co.uk.

    International viewers can watch through our subscription service at live.motherwellfc.co.uk. Packages start at as little as £12.50 per month to watch all 38 cinch Premiership fixtures.

  • First team

    Meet Sol

    Meet Sol

    Sondre Solholm Johansen isn’t your typical Motherwell player.

    Not just in the sense that he is only the second Norwegian to represent the club, but he is also mates with Lewis Hamilton. Well, for three minutes at least.

    A quick swipe through Sondre’s Instagram profile to the month of February 2020 will show a picture of himself with the Formula One superstar at a Puma ambassador event, where Sondre describes Hamilton as his “new gym buddy”.

    “Lewis was so humble,” Sol – as he is referred to by his team-mates – recalls.

    “As part of my contract with Puma, I get to attend these cool yearly events and he was there.

    “I was sent as an ambassador from Norway. I also went with Todd Cantwell from Norwich City.

    “I tried to suck out as much information as I could in the two or three minutes I had with Lewis because he’s a plant-based athlete and so am I.

    “I’ve been plant-based for two years now, but I wanted to get info on how you perform at his level when you don’t eat meat.”

    Starting off on a vegan diet mainly for ethical and environmental reasons, our new Norwegian centre-back was keen to see what it would enhance in his performance.

    But what Sol noticed instantly was a major improvement when it came to getting a good kip.

    “My sleep quality is so good,” Sol says. “For the first six months my sleep was amazing.

    “It’s hard to tell the difference because I felt good before, but I just wanted to try something new and I know it’s something I can do.

    “The most difficult thing is getting enough protein, but I got some help from my doctor and found out some supplements.

    “I try to do the things that are best for my body to perform at a high level and it works for me, but I don’t want to be the weirdo who bothers the [club] chef at lunch.

    “My girlfriend and I do it together. It’s much easier when there’s two of you. I don’t have to be alone with it.”

    Sol doesn’t miss anything specifically from a standard diet, but – like the rest of us – it is hard to fight that urge at the end of a night out.

    “I never crave anything,” he says. “But the part I slip the most is when I’m out drinking and going for a snack on the way home. At least I won’t remember it the next day anyway…”

    While Sol was tapping into Hamilton’s plant-based wisdom, the seven-time F1 world champion wanted some knowledge in exchange.

    Hamilton was “curious” about Sol’s homeland, as they struck another common interest in a brief chat.

    “He loves his snowboarding and skiing,” Sol, who is also keen on his winter sports, adds.

    “He has always wanted to go to Norway to do it so I just tried to give him some tips, but I don’t know if he remembers…”

    The big Norwegian is still in a part of the world that is cold enough for snow and ice, but resorts are few and far between – unless Braehead counts…?

    Regardless, skiing and snowboarding probably isn’t something that is advised for footballers, and Sol doesn’t think the manager would be too happy if anything went wrong on the slopes.

    “I was an active downhill skier when I was a kid, but it’s not the most convenient when you’re a football player,” he says.

    “If I fall and tell the gaffer I was out skiing, I don’t think that’s going to be a valid reason.

    “Every time I go to the mountains I try to go skiing or snowboarding, but I make sure I try to stay safe.”

    Away from the snow and plants, Sol describes himself as a “hybrid” on the grass.

    One half of him is an old-school defender who will throw his body on the line, but the other is comfortable with the modern-day demands of being able to handle the ball at his feet.

    “I’ve heard it’s quite direct here, that suits my style,” Sol adds. “I love defending to my own goal. The 18-yard box is my area.

    “But I was brought up to be a central midfielder and didn’t become a centre-back until I was 16, so I’m very comfortable using the ball.”

    The 26-year-old demonstrated those skills across a four-year spell at Norwegian side Mjondalen, where he has spent the last two seasons playing top-flight football.

    Sol’s performances caught the interest of a number of clubs, and he was in fact close to penning a deal with another side before Motherwell’s interest instantly grabbed his attention.

    It has been the defender’s dream to play outside his country, and the opportunity to come to Fir Park simply too good to turn down.

    Not only was plying his trade in Scotland’s top flight a huge selling point, but also the fact he will be representing a club with “good core values” who “take care of their own”.

    “The furthest I’ve lived away from my childhood home is 20 minutes,” Sol says. “This is a big change for me, but it is a dream come true already.

    “I feel like this is the right step for me. If I’m being honest, from the first phone call with my agent I was sold. He didn’t have to make a sales pitch, I had my bags packed when he called.

    “We were about to sign with another club in Norway, but we put that on hold for Motherwell.

    “The first thing I did was go on YouTube. I was sitting on it for three weeks straight. The fans seemed so crazy, but it also seems like such a well-run club that take care of the community and the society around it.

    “That’s something I appreciate and feel I can be a part of. I saw the video with Bevis, when he went out to a family and gave them the free tickets. That touched me.”

    Sol quickly wants to show the fans he is on the “same standings” as them.

    Take another swipe down his Instagram profile to December 2019 and you will see a picture of the Norweigan centre-back celebrating with the Mjondalen support in nothing but a pair of boxer shorts and a can of lager.

    Antics like that with the Well Bois in the John Hunter Stand will quickly have the big man endeared as a Fir Park favourite.

    “I like to show I’m not more important than the fans,” Sol says. “I don’t think too highly of myself or take myself too seriously.

    “I play with my heart on my sleeve, but I have a smile on my face. I like to try to communicate with the fans, the referee and put the striker off his game. I always try to have a good time.

    “We do this because it’s fun. I hope they see that I enjoy playing in front of them and I’ll do everything I can for the team and the club.”

  • Archive

    Courtney Whyte signs for Motherwell

    Courtney Whyte signs for Motherwell

    Motherwell have signed Courtney Whyte from Queen’s Park.

    The 23-year-old centre half signs with the claret and amber, after turning out for the Spiders at the start of this season.

    The defender has ample amount of international experience at youth level and will come in and fight for a place in the starting 11.

    “I’ve worked with Courtney on many different levels, both at club and national level,” manager Paul Brownlie said.

    “Courtney will add experience and quality to this team. She has played with Glasgow City and Celtic so she understands the demands.

    “Courtney will be very flexible within the team and can play in several positions. I am delighted to get her on board.”

    Whyte will wear the number 30 shirt this season for the women of steel.