| 2 | Rangers | 25 | 14 | 9 | 2 | 24 | 51 |
| 3 | Celtic | 24 | 15 | 3 | 6 | 20 | 48 |
| 4 | Motherwell | 24 | 11 | 10 | 3 | 20 | 43 |
| 5 | Hibernian | 25 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 11 | 39 |
| 6 | Falkirk | 25 | 10 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 36 |
2025 ended with a statement win over Champions Celtic at Fir Park, could the Steelmen start 2026 in similar fashion?
Fixtures against St Mirren, Hibernian, Ross County, Kilmarnock and Livingston lay ahead as Motherwell looked to push on in the Premiership and the Scottish Cup.
Oscar Priestman looked to make his breakthrough since arriving in the summer and cult-hero Ibrahim Said was growing in confidence every week.
The two of them sat down to break the month of January down.
After departing Scottish Premier League 2 side, Gartcairn, McArthur sought to challenge herself at the pinnacle of the Scottish game. The intensity of training, the tactical alterations, and the unfamiliarity of the dressing room presented a real step into the unknown for the youngster.
“I wanted to challenge myself in the Premier League,” McArthur said.
“My time at Gartcairn was really valuable to gain that experience away from academy football, and learn how to cope in a competitive environment. I felt I developed well both personally and professionally as a player, and I felt ready to step into the top-flight.
“When Iain spoke to me about his ambitions for the club, and how I could make an impact, I knew that I wanted to be involved.
“Knowing Iain from his time at Rangers, and his experience of bringing through younger players, I felt really confident that I could be given an opportunity to play and breakthrough at that level.
“It was really a day of mixed emotions when I made my debut. Despite the disappointment and frustration of the full-time result, I was ecstatic to make my debut in Aberdeen.”
The women of steel’s frustrations continued to mount in the Granite City, with the Dons striking home a late winner to level their place with Motherwell in the SWPL table.
McArthur alongside fellow January addition Sophie Townsley both made their competitive debuts, with the former replacing Kodie Hay as a second-half substitute.
“Receiving my SWPL debut was a special feeling,” McArthur explained.
“It has been something I’ve worked really hard towards, so to finally reach that milestone, and break into the top-flight was incredibly rewarding, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity.
“The game was really frustrating for us as a squad. We dominated in possession, had opportunities to take advantage, but allowed Aberdeen to remain in the game. After equalising, we felt we’d given ourselves the platform to go and take all three points, but ultimately, we get caught on the counter-attack, and they get a bit of fortune for the goal.
“We’ve discussed it as a squad, and we’re frustrated that we’ve made our chances of reaching the final top-six place more difficult, but whilst we’re still within touching distance with two games to go, we’re going to give it everything.”
Motherwell face an arduous task if they are to reclaim their top-six status in the SWPL table. The women of steel sit four-points adrift of Montrose with two pre-split games remaining against defending Champions Hibernian and league leaders Glasgow City.
Motherwell must earn three-points in both, and hope both Montrose and Aberdeen concede points at the final hurdle. McArthur insists the squad are relishing the challenge.
“It’ll be incredibly tough,” McArthur noted.
“Facing the defending champions and the team fighting for the league title this season is as difficult as could be, but when the opportunity to achieve our target remains, we have give everything to put ourselves in a position to achieve it.
“Montrose, Aberdeen, Partick Thistle and ourselves all have the opportunity to reach the top-six, and are all still conscious of earning three-points to separate ourselves from the playoff position below, so we are working hard behind the scenes to secure our place in the league next season.”
Despite the tough run of form, McArthur discussed her first month settling in to the squad, and learning the tactical style of Head Coach, Iain Robinson.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far,” McArthur added.
“I obviously knew Sophie [Townsley] from Rangers before joining, so it has been good to have a familiar face in the dressing room, but the entire squad have been really welcoming, and have made the process of joining a new club and league really seamless.
“Despite the tough run of games, we’ve felt we’ve played really well at times, and haven’t left with the points we feel we’ve deserved. As a squad, we’ve been able to adapt to Iain [Robinson] and David [Brownlie] style of play, and are developing well as a team.”
Sam Nicholson was a second-half substitute against Livingston two weeks ago. Coming on in West Lothian for the final 20 minutes of the match, he helped the team record a 2-0 win away from home.
But that appearance was something that meant an awful lot to him. For Sam, it was his first minutes in 350 days. During that prolonged injury layoff, a lot had happened. The birth of his second child, the doubt of whether he’d ever lace his boots up again, countless setbacks and the disappointment of letting his child down when he wanted to play football as his father struggled to move due to constant agony.
A testing time that was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish has ended with the forward coming back from his setback. When asked how he would summarise the last 12-18 months, he struggled.
“I actually don’t know what to say,” Sam Nicholson laughed.
“This might sound a bit deep, but I would say in a word, the last 350 days have been painful because for at least eight months of that, my knee was actually so sore the whole time. It was just difficult, to be fair, because I’d think I was getting somewhere with my knee, and then something would happen.
“I got to a point where I was like, ‘I don’t think this is ever going to get fixed. Now I’m over that, I’m buzzing.”
Nicholson’s last appearance came against Ross County on the 15th February 2025, prior to that Livingston match. He missed the start of the 2024/25 season through injury and recovered in December. Playing ten matches, three of which were starts, he never did feel quite right when on the pitch.
The injury sustained in pre-season was still lingering over him, and with the benefit of hindsight, he can now say that the root of the problem began in the summer of 2024.
“Even in those matches last season, my knee was knackered,” he stated.
“I was on loan here and then signed permanently. I went away for pre-season, and my knee just started hurting. It was tough to be in constant pain for that length of time because I felt bad for my son quite a lot. I’d come back home having spent a day trying to get better, and he’d be asking if we could have a kickabout in the garden or go and do something together.
“It killed me to have to say that I just couldn’t. Not because I didn’t want to, but just physically, I couldn’t. I did actually think at one point this is going to be one of those injuries where you just might have to deal with playing football in pain and just get on with it. But thankfully now, I don’t feel anything.
“All I’ve got now are aches and pains from getting back up to speed, but that’s just my body getting back into playing football again. Touch wood it stays like that now.”
The journey back to full recovery wasn’t straight-forward for Nicholson. Thinking he had made progress, he had to deal with further setbacks. And it was the hope that was killing him the most during the spell on the sidelines.
“I would say that was the worst part if I’m honest,” Nicholson added.
“It’s when you get your hopes up for something. I’m not the only one who’s had a bad injury. Zach [Robinson] has been through it, Filip [Stuparevic] has been through it, and even Callum [Slattery] went through it. When you’re injured, you’re constantly feeling down. I was on a downer, and then I got that sort of feeling that I was coming back up and being happy, and then to have that taken away is tough.
“I can remember thinking, like, ‘I don’t know if I can be bothered to go through all this again.’ Which sounds weird because I went from being positive to negative, but it was a constant shift in mentality. I’m better for it now, is what I will say. I can remember I was trying to get myself fit for pre-season at the start of this season, and I was running during the off-season; I was in Fir Park every day.
“I just remember being in pain every day, and I just thought as long as I can get away for pre-season and be involved with the squad, I’d be right chuffed. But the reality was I was nowhere near ready for that. I had to stay here whilst all the boys were away, and I could see on our group chat that they were having fun, and it was brutal to see. That was the point where I started to become really down about things again.
“It’s emotional because you’re up and you’re down when you’re out. Some days you’re in a good mood because you’ve completed a programme and you feel good, and then the next day you can take a bad reaction to it. It’s difficult, but it’s part of football.”
Being on the sidelines just watching is tough. But Nicholson was also concerned about his future career at Motherwell and what lay ahead. With new manager Jens Berthel Askou in the building and constructing an exciting system and group of players at the club, Nicholson grew concerned that he wouldn’t be in the manager’s plans.
“I’m out of contract at the end of the year as well, so I was thinking that I need to get back at some point and at least try to catch the eye of the manager in some shape or form,” he explained.
“I still need to do that. Just because I’ve come off the bench doesn’t mean anything really. The squad changes, and different people become available; some people might be better suited for certain games. So I need to try and keep working away. When you’re injured, it’s rough alone, but watching the boys this year has actually helped me because it’s motivation because you’re watching them play such good stuff whilst enjoying themselves.
“I really want that. Whereas normally you can be watching your team get beat and can get annoyed, but I’m watching these games this season, and I’m just in awe. Sitting there worried, going, “I’ll never get in this team; they’re all doing so well! It’s been such a positive watching the boys.”
Another major flashpoint in Nicholson’s recovery was a trip to London. The trip down South was to visit a consultant regarding his options. This decision would help him know what the timelines looked like.
But the potential outcome was heartbreaking for him.
“I went down to London, and they said we’re going to do this surgery,” he stated.
“But they said if it didn’t work and you’re still in pain, then you’ll have to either play through the pain, which I knew I couldn’t do as I was in agony, or hang the boots up. I can remember phoning my dad and just being blown away by this prospect. I didn’t know what to do.
“I felt sorry because I went down there with Jack, who is one of our physios, and I don’t think I actually spoke to him for the full day. Jack and David Henderson have been unbelievably good with me, and I owe so much thanks to them for getting me back to where I am. But in that moment, I couldn’t speak to Jack. I was feeling angry, sad and lost all at the same time.
“I was on a proper downer for the rest of the day, and I felt so bad for Jack because he was sitting there paying for my coffees because I just kept ordering them, and he just paid for them. What a man he is. But that was tough to hear. Some people have been through that kind of thing, like, it’s not just me. Callum Slattery was there at one stage getting awful news, and look at him now.
“Things can change, and I just hope the same thing can happen to me.”
But, through hard work, endeavour, professional advice and successful surgery, Nicholson began to get fitter and stronger. With no further setbacks, he set his sights on first getting reintroduced to training. Having spent so long missing out, some may think that he would slowly reintegrate himself and err on the side of caution.
No. That wasn’t his way.
“My first training session and I was just running about,” he laughed.
“Because I was at the point where I was like, ‘Right, this is surely it now. If it’s not sorted, then I am going to need to call it a day. So my mindset was I am going to give it my all, and that’s what I’ll be doing for the rest of the season. I’m employed by Motherwell, who have stood by me during all this. That’s the reality.
“I found out that I was going to be in the squad for the Livingston game on the Friday. I’d been training ok, and I’d been working hard to get to the point I was at, but I wanted to get in that first squad again. I thought I may have to wait because it’s Livingston and it’s on the astroturf. They might not put it in.
“But in terms of testing out my knee, I suppose there’s no greater test than playing on the AstroTurf, so I was buzzing. I didn’t think I was going to get as long as I did on the pitch. I thought I may get ten minutes, but apart from the misplaced passes, I was buzzing. Plus, I actually played a ball through Tawanda, and I fell over. Not my best look. We were doing video analysis on the game, and they cut it at the bit where I took a tumble; it looks so bad. But still worth it.
“The best feeling was getting the shout from Graeme Henderson that I was coming on. He was pointing at me to come over, but I was standing next to Jordan McGhee, and I nudged Jordan to tell him he’s going on. But Graeme kept pointing, and I was looking up the line, thinking he’s not talking about me. But then he actually came up to me and just went, ‘You!’
“I duly obliged. It was amazing stepping onto the pitch again. I don’t want people to think that the Livingston game was about me because it was about the boys winning a tough match, and they were excellent. But I felt like I’d worked hard, not only in the gym but also mentally, to actually get that reward. After the game was lovely, to the point I’d say it was really emotional.
“I hadn’t been in a situation for so long where we’d won a game and you were clapping the fans, which was pretty cool. The boys got round me, giving me cuddles and high-fives. They asked me to give a speech in the dressing room after, but I would have burst out in tears, to be honest. It sounds soft, but I was on the edge.
“There was so much emotion because of how long it had been, and there was so much that came with it. Would I play again? Will I ever be pain-free? But to get playing again just felt like I’d overcome all of that. Plus, I kept passing the ball to the Livingston players, which didn’t help. But no seriously, just an incredible day all round.”
What lies ahead for Sam Nicholson, nobody can predict. But in his head, he is now fully focused on being in the squad and contributing to the team’s success for the remainder of the campaign.
From watching in the stands, he feels like the system could be good for him.
“It’s just about getting minutes now and seeing where the season will take us,” Nicholson said.
“Right now as a team, we just focus on each game as it comes. If I can contribute, then that would be great for the team and myself. I just need to get that match sharpness and fitness back, which will come over time. The more minutes I get, the better I’ll feel. It might be gradual, and it might take longer than I expect or want, and I may even miss out on squads going forward.
“But I just need to soldier on and get through it. There’s lots of football still to be played and a lot still to be achieved by the team, I think, so I’m looking forward to being involved in that.”
Jay Gillies has joined Cumbernauld Colts on loan.
The defender will spend the rest of the season with the Lowland League side.
Good luck, Jay.
We can confirm our match against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup tomorrow night has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
The game is currently rescheduled for Wednesday 18 February with a 7:45pm kick off. All match tickets purchased will be valid for the rearranged fixture.
A match official inspected the Pittodrie surface and deemed the pitch not playable at this time. With continued rainfall expected between now and kick off in Aberdeen, an early decision has been made to ensure the 1,100 Motherwell supporters do not begin travel to Aberdeen, as well as the Motherwell squad.
Whilst we remain disappointed at the match not taking place tomorrow night, we appreciate the transparency and proactiveness of all parties during this process.
Those who are unable to attend the rescheduled fixture should come to the Motherwell FC ticket office and a refund will be arranged for you.
Matchday 17 of the 2025/26 SWPL campaign awaits the women of steel this weekend, as they head to the Scottish capital to face defending champions Hibernian at Meadowbank.
Motherwell will have their sights set on redemption after an incredibly frustrating defeat to Aberdeen at Balmoral Stadium a fortnight ago. The Dons capitalised in the closing minutes of the game to deny Head Coach, Iain Robinson his first point since taking charge in ML1.
Robinson discussed his expectations for the weekend ahead.
“We’re expecting a difficult test,” Head Coach Iain Robinson said.
“Facing the current champions will always be a difficult test. While results against Hibs this season haven’t gone our way, we feel confident going into the game.
“Since myself and David [Brownlie] came in midway through December, all games have been close and we’ve had unfortunate moments that have gone against us, or we’ve lacked composure in the final action to convert chances.
“We’re hoping that on Sunday we can capitalise, and ensure we get more key moments in our favour that’ll lead to a positive result.
“Preparation for the game has been excellent. Following the break last weekend, we’ve had seven sessions following our last game against Aberdeen. We’re seeing improvements in understanding, confidence and in quality with every session on pitch.
“We’re looking forward to the game this weekend, and can’t wait to see you all there.
Head Coach – Joelle Murray
The defending champions have endured a turbulent run of results following the departure of Head Coach, Grant Scott to Celtic.
A five-nil victory over Hamilton being the exception, ending a run of five straight league fixtures without a win. A Scottish Cup defeat to Celtic and a Sky Sports Cup defeat to Glasgow City have also heightened their demand for a response this weekend.
Nicole Kozlova broke the deadlock for City last weekend, with Chloe Warrington doubling the visitors advantage in the Scottish capital. Joelle Murray’s side responded in the second-half, with Kirsten Reilly curling home a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area, but couldn’t find the decisive leveller.
Team line-up
American shot-stopper, Noa Schumacher is the preferred option in the Hibernian goal, with the 26-year-old keeping her seventh clean sheet of the season in the five-nil victory over Hamilton a fortnight ago.
Former Motherwell defender, Lauren Doran-Barr has maintained her place in recent weeks, starting alongside Scarlett heron, Ellis Notley, and Rachael Boyle in the backline. Goalscorer Kirsten Reilley returned to action last weekend after serving her one-match league suspension against Hamilton Accies.
Rosie Livingstone also returned to the side last weekend, replacing Hannah Jordan, who made her first start of the season against Hamilton following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with injury.
Strikers Eilidh Adams, Tegan Bowie, and the experienced Kathleen McGovern are likely to maintain their place in the squad.
League position
The defending champions are looking increasingly unlikely outsiders of restoring their ScottishPower Women’s Premier League crown this campaign. Hibs sit fifth in the SPWPL table, 14-points shy of leaders Glasgow City, and nine-behind city rivals Hearts in second.
Hibs final two pre-split fixtures this campaign will be against current bottom-six opposition, with Motherwell the visitors this weekend, and Aberdeen on the 22nd February.
It’s time to vote for your G4 Claims player of the month for January.
Tawanda Maswanhise, Elijah Just, Lukas Fadinger and Paul McGinn are all up for nomination in a month where the Steelmen won four out of five and kept four clean sheets.
Maswanhise makes a serious claim for your vote, scoring in every game – six goals from five games.
Elijah Just also had attacking returns, with three assists and one goal.
Lukas Fadinger registered his third goal in claret and amber, and provided the assist in the win over Ross County.
His defensive contributions also led to four clean sheets, which is why the captain Paul McGinn also stakes a claim for your vote.
To vote, head over to the Motherwell Facebook page.
We are proud to announce our continuing partnership with the Scottish Government’s mental health campaign Mind to Mind, an initiative encouraging individuals to look after their mental wellbeing.
Recognising that everybody has a unique experience and perspective when it comes to mental wellbeing, the Mind-to-Mind website, hosted on NHS Inform, features over 30 videos of people talking about their own mental wellbeing challenges as a way to help others who may be going through something similar.
Covering topics including dealing with anxiety and panic, coping with money worries, handling stress, feeling lonely or isolated, lifting mood and moving through grief, each contributor shares practical advice on what has worked for them. The website also features commentary from a range of professionals and signposts where people can access further help and support.
“This is an important message,” Paul McGinn said.
“Life can be difficult and we all experience hard times. With the continued messaging around being open about how you’re feeling and making it clear that people should talk more, mental health and how you’re feeling mentally can become a comfortable topic of discussion.
“Speak up, speak out, be heard.”
As a club, we’re encouraging all of our supporters to take care of their mental wellbeing by visiting the website with all the details here.
Motherwell take on Aberdeen in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup on Saturday 7 February.
Kick off is 7:30pm.
Ticket details for the match have also been confirmed.
The confirmed pricing is:
You can buy your match tickets by clicking here.
The match will be shown live on Premier Sports.
Supporters Buses are now full.
Motherwell’s midweek match against Dundee was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. It’s been two losses in their last 17 matches, and the Steelmen have registered 18 clean sheets in all competitions this campaign.
Tawanda Maswanhise moved to the top of the goalscoring charts in the Scottish Premiership, with the Zimbabwean international scoring his 12th and 13th league goals this season in the win on Saturday.
Elijah Just’s assist moved him to joint top of the assist table for the league too, with the forward on six for the league season.
Aberdeen’s midweek fixture with champions Celtic was also postponed. Their hunt for a new manager continues, but that hasn’t stopped the Dons from being active in the January transfer window.
Seven new signings arrived at Pittodrie during the window, with nine players departing. Peter Leven looks set to continue in the dugout for the time being.
It’s two wins in Aberdeen’s last ten matches, and with current top goalscorer Jesper Karlsson’s loan ending, the likes of Marko Lazetić and Kevin Nisbet will be looking to step up in his absence.
