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Jens Berthel Askou reacts to two points to start the 2025/26 Premier Sports Cup campaign.

A Tawanda Maswanhise double wasn’t enough to take all three points but a 5-4 win on penalties secured the bonus point.

Ibrahim Said is the latest player to make the switch to Fir Park, joining on a two-year deal from Viborg FF for an undisclosed fee, with the club holding the option of a further year. 

The move is subject to international clearance.

“I am happy to be in the door,” Ibrahim Said explained.

“This move has been long in the making, and I’m excited about what the manager is trying to build here. There are good players in the squad, and I hope I can excite everyone who comes to watch us play.”

Said is a product of the Dabo Babes Academy in Nigeria. He made the move to Denmark in 2021 at the age of 18. Interest in Said was high at the time of the move, with Club Brugge, İstanbul Başakşehir, Liverpool and Manchester City all having reportedly offered him a contract.

Having chosen his next destination, he signed a four-year deal with Viborg FF and shortly after, made his first-team debut. He helped his side earn promotion back to the Danish top-flight in 2022.

Said has played over 100 games for Viborg FF, scoring 11 goals in his time in Denmark. Capable of playing at either side of the pitch, he has also represented his country at Under 17 level.

“Ibrahim is a versatile winger who excels both in wide 1v1 situations and in tighter spaces within the opposition’s structure,” manager Jens Berthel Askou said.

“He has made a big impact at Viborg in the Danish Superliga over several strong seasons, and we’re very excited to have him joining us at Motherwell.

“He will bring speed, dribbling ability, high-intensity pressing, and good finishing qualities to the team, and we’re looking forward to getting him involved.

“We will need to be patient with his full integration into matches, as he is a few weeks behind the rest of the squad, but we have a clear plan to bring him up to speed.

“At 23, Ibrahim is still young and has plenty of potential to grow and develop further. I’m confident he will thrive in our environment and become a very exciting player for our supporters to watch.”

Motherwell kick off their Premier Sports Cup campaign on Saturday 12 July against Clyde. 

Kick off is 3pm and you are able to watch the match online.

If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.

Should you be in the UK, it will be live commentary only.

Premier Sports will be broadcasting over 75 live games from the William Hill Premiership, Scottish Cup and the Premier Sports Cup, featuring exclusive Motherwell games including the following Premier Sports Cup Group stage games, with more to follow:

• Clyde v Motherwell (12 July – live on streaming only)
• Motherwell v Peterhead (15 July – live on streaming only)
• Stenhousemuir v Motherwell (19 July – live on streaming only)

   

• Motherwell v Greenock Morton (22 July – live on Premier Sports 1)

There is a limited time annual offer for fans, which will allow you to watch all Premier Sports coverage live & on-demand for £99, saving almost 50% on our standard rate.

Click here to subscribe.

Manager Jens Berthel Askou believes his players are taking on board all the information and ideas he’s trying to implement. The Motherwell boss says he’s looking forward to seeing how his team shapes up on Saturday against Clyde. 

The manager addresses recent rumours regarding Lennon Miller, and also states there will be more incomings at Fir Park before the end of the window.

Motherwell Football Club Community Trust welcomed Clare Adamson MSP, Scottish Gas and the Scottish FA to Fir Park Training Centre on Thursday. 

Motherwell FC Community Trust were proud to welcome Clare Adamson MSP, representatives from Scottish Gas, and the Scottish FA to Fir Park Training Centre during our popular summer holiday football camps on Thursday 10 July.

The visit provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase the positive impact these camps are having on young people across the community during the school holidays, as well as shining a light on the partnership that the Community Trust has with the Scottish FA and Scottish Gas, who have both supported efforts to provide funding that allowed 25 young people with the opportunity to attend our football camps free of charge.

With over 100 children taking part in fun, engaging, and inclusive football activities, the event highlighted the power of football to bring people together, build confidence, and support healthy lifestyles, with those receiving funded spaces and those who have paid to attend all fully integrated to provide every participant with the same opportunity and ensure any potential stigma is removed.

Football Camps are part of the Scottish FA’s national programme, supported by Scottish Gas, which aims to provide accessible football opportunities for children aged 10-13 across Scotland, providing them with a healthy lunch and the platform to continue playing football on a more regular basis after the week long camp ends.

Speaking about the visit, Paul Wilson, Head of Operations, said: “It was a real privilege to welcome Clare Adamson MSP, Scottish Gas and the Scottish FA to Fir Park Training Centre this morning. Our holiday camps are about so much more than football – they’re about giving children and young people a place to belong, to have fun playing football during the holidays in a safe and trusted environment. The support of Scottish Gas and the Scottish FA makes this possible, and we’re proud to play our part in delivering such an important programme in our community.”

We extend our thanks to all our guests for taking the time to visit and see the camps in action and for their continued support, and to the young people and their families who continue to make them such a success.

Our Holiday Football Camps are taking place throughout the summer, and they offer a safe and enjoyable environment for young people to develop their football skills, make new friends, and stay active during the break. To book your place in our Holiday Football Camps, visit our online booking system.

To find out more about Scottish Gas Holiday Camps, visit the Scottish FA Camps Hub.

Andy Halliday explains his fondness of the Premier Sports Cup group-stage action coming before the start of the league season, as Halliday prefers the competitive action. 

The midfielder explains the impact new manager Jens Berthel Askou has had in his three weeks, and believes the fans will see some of is ideas on the pitch agains Clyde.

Paul McGinn will remain Motherwell captain for the 2025/26 season. 

“It will always be an honour to be the captain of this football club,” McGinn said.

“The dressing room has lots of experience within it, and I know we’re going to need all of that throughout the season. Personally, I hope to be leading from the front a lot more this season.

“We have a good group, and the manager has been laying the groundwork and foundations for the upcoming campaign. I also want to mention the supporters, who have shown me their loyal support throughout my time here.

“I hope everyone is excited for the new season to get started. The players will give it everything to make you proud of your club.”

Manager Jens Berthel Askou has handed the responsibility to McGinn and has also assigned Liam Gordon, Stephen O’Donnell, Lennon Miller and Andy Halliday as vice-captains.

“Paul McGinn will continue as Club Captain and will be supported by a leadership group consisting of Stephen O’Donnell, Andy Halliday, Liam Gordon, and Lennon Miller,” manager Jens Berthel Askou explained.

“The vice-captains will take turns captaining the team should Paul be absent from the team. During my first weeks here, it has become clear just how important this group is to the team, both on and off the pitch.

“In different ways, they each personify the club’s values and possess invaluable leadership qualities that have been driving the culture here long before my arrival.

“They are very good footballers, but more importantly, they are people of loyalty, integrity, and empathy. They will protect our environment, keep everyone on their toes, and help people thrive.”

Emmanuel Longelo is our latest signing, joining from Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee, on a two-year deal, with the club holding an option of a further year. 

The move is currently subject to international clearance.

The 24-year-old spent last season on loan at Cambridge United in League One, where he made 19 appearances, scoring two goals.

“This is a fresh challenge for me,” Emmanuel Longelo said.

“The prospect of coming to a new league is thrilling and I’m looking forward to learning new things. I feel I can add to the group and hope I can impress during my time here.”

Longelo joined West Ham as a nine-year-old, and instantly made a name for himself as he scored five goals in his first Under 10s match.

From there, he worked his way through the ranks at the Hammers and went on to feature for consistently for the Under 18 and Under 23 side.

After featuring heavily for the 18s and 23s, he made his debut for the West Ham first-team in 2020 in the EFL Cup against Hull City. His second senior appearance came a year later on the European stage, with Longelo starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a Europa League clash against Dinamo Zagreb.

In August 2022, Longelo joined Birmingham City on loan in the Championship. In his first season at St Andrews, he played 25 times for the Blues in a successful season.

As a result of the impressive campaign, Longelo moved to Birmingham on a permanent deal in the summer of 2023 for an undisclosed fee. A change in manager midway through the season limited game time and for the 24/25 season, he joined Cambridge United on loan.

“We’re pleased to welcome Manny to Motherwell,” manager Jens Berthel Askou said.

“We have been looking to add competition in the left-back position, and Manny brings exactly what we need – breakthrough power, strength, speed, and athleticism down our left side.

“He has already gained valuable experience in the Championship with Birmingham City, and we’re looking forward to getting him on board and working closely with him unlocking his full potential.

“We strongly believe that he’ll be a very valuable player for Motherwell in the years to come and look forward to giving him his first minutes in the game against Clyde on Saturday.”

Kodie Hay has returned to the club after departing fellow SWPL side Partick Thistle during the summer break.

The technically strong and pacey forward returns to North Lanarkshire for her second spell in claret and amber after featuring in claret and amber for three successive seasons.

“It’s a great feeling to be back at the club,” Hay said.

“I loved my first spell at Motherwell, and I really want to build on that this season. Paul and his staff have created a really competitive squad that have been pushing the boundaries every season.

“I can’t wait to meet up with the full squad again, and get back onto the pitch.”

Hay featured on 72-occasions for the Jags during a successful period for the club.

“I’m delighted to welcome Kodie back to the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Kodie is a very versatile player that can play in a variety of positions through both the midfield and the forward line, and can add that creativity to the squad.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Kodie back at K-Park this season. “

Motherwell will get their 2025/26 competitive season underway on Saturday 12 July against Clyde at New Douglas Park. 

Kick off is 3pm.

How to follow the game

You can buy online here.

Ambulatory supporters should buy the concession rate and get one carer free of charge; to get the free carer ticket e-mail info@clydefc.co.uk and they will send a complimentary ticket for entry to the carer once the concession ticket has been purchased.

Travel

We have been advised that the Hamilton West line to Motherwell is undergoing maintenance. Supporters will be able to travel to Hamilton West but will be unable to get a train back to Motherwell from there.

You are able to get a train from Hamilton Central back to Motherwell, however.

From Motherwell to Hamilton West, trains are running twice every hour. Running at 17 minutes past the hour and 13 minutes to the hour, supporters have a number of options.

From Airbles, two trains are also running every hour to Hamilton West. Trains are departing Airbles station at 19 minutes past the hour and 11 minutes to the hour.

There are bus services in operation from Motherwell to Hamilton. The full timetable can be found here.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

Motherwell return to competitive action for the first time since the end of May. There have been five new additions to the squad ahead of the new campaign.

The Steelmen have played two friendly matches so far, defeating Carlisle United at Fir Park 1-0 earlier this week. Andy Halliday’s penalty was the difference between the sides after Jens Berthel Askou’s men were defeated 3-0 by FC Twente in the Netherlands last week.

Opposition Report

For the second time in as many seasons, Motherwell and Clyde will lock horns in the group-stage of the Premier Sports Cup. Last year, goals from Moses Ebiye, Lennon Miller and Filip Stuparevic secured a 3-1 win at New Douglas Park.

Last season, Clyde finished seventh in League Two.

Martin Rennie ended the season as the club’s top goalscorer with ten, but the forward has since left the club. Motherwell Academy graduate Logan Dunachie is under contract for next season after a successful 24/25 season. The defender, now playing as a striker, scored seven goals and continued to be a nuisance for the League Two defenders.

With seven departures already confirmed by Clyde, including captain Lee Hamilton, the summer rebuild is starting to take shape. Motherwell academy graduate Sam Campbell has joined from East Stirlingshire, with Andy Murdoch also signing.

Clyde have also added James Hilton to their ranks from Dumbarton, who scored nine goals last term, and he could be their new main man.

Another Motherwell academy graduate, Robbie Leitch, will remain with the Bully Wee for the upcoming campaign, having scored six goals last season, as well as former Motherwell academy graduate Shay Nevans.