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Referee for this Saturday’s clash against St Johnstone at Fir Park is Kevin Clancy.

It will be Kevin’s fourth ‘Well appointment of the current campaign after previously taking charge of the swashbuckling 2-2 draw with Dundee United in September.

Henri Anier had ‘Well ahead at the interval but two quick-fire goals from United had McNamara’s men ahead. Step forward substitute Lionel Ainsworth, who smashed home a brilliant leveller to give the Steelmen a deserved point.

The second was the excellent 1-0 win at Pittodrie on Boxing Day when a resolute Steelmen came away with all three points thanks to Henri Anier’s winner.

The third, and most recent, was against today’s opponents at McDiarmid Park back in February when Tommy Wright’s men ran out convincing 3-0 victors.

It would have been his fifth game, but John Beaton replaced him at the last minute ahead of the Aberdeen match back in August, after a hectic midweek European jaunt.

Prior to this season, his last Motherwell match was against Aberdeen at Pittodrie (again), back in March, when the teams drew a blank in a 0-0 draw.

It was one of two ‘Well fixtures the 30-year old took charge of last season, his other being the 2-1 away win at Dundee when Michael Higdon bagging a double as Stuart McCall’s men came back from a losing position to pick up all three points.

His only other Motherwell match was in the 2011/12 Scottish Cup, where he was the man in the middle as the Fir Parkers demolished Queen’s Park 4-0, a certain Henrik Ojamaa smashing home a debut goal.

His overall record in charge of Motherwell reads six matches in total, Motherwell winning three, drawing two and losing one. ‘Well have scored nine and conceded six.

There have been eighteen cautions dished out in those five matches, eleven of them to a man wearing Claret and Amber and zero dismissals.

He’s had a busy season in 2013/14, with some high profile matches including on Europa League duty when he handled Lokomotiva Zagreb’s match with Dinamo Minsk, managed by ex ‘Well defender Bob Maaskant. The Belarusian side ran out 3-2 winners.

Coincidentally, Kevin was in Russia the same time ‘Well faced Kuban Krasnodar. He was appointed to take charge of FC Rubin Kazan vs Randers in the second leg tie of the 3rd Qualifying Round of the Europa League.

He was also the man in the middle for the UEFA Under 21 Qualifier between Montenegro and Germany as well as the UEFA Youth Champions League matches Real Madrid vs FC Copenhagen and Man Utd vs Real Sociedad.

Kevin will be ably assisted by Alan McWilliam and Billy Baxter with Kevin Graham on 4th Official duties. The referee observer is Eddie Smith and the SPFL Delegate is George Douglas.

Extended highlights from Fir Park as Motherwell U20s slip to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of top-of-the-table Rangers.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Jonatan Johansson was proud of his team despite their narrow defeat to Rangers this evening.

The Steelmen had gone behind when Callum Gallagher headed the visitors in front, only for Lee Erwin to draw ‘Well level from the penalty spot.

And despite going down to ten men when Chris Heggarty was sent off, Rangers won it late on with a goal from Ryan Sinnamon.

[pullquote]It was a sore one for us to take, but there was a lot of good things from us to take from the game.[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV after the match, the Finn said: “I am disappointed with the result but proud of our performance.

“It was a sore one for us to take, but there was a lot of good things from us to take from the game.

“Ironically, after going a man up, that was our poorest spell of the match. We lost our way a little and started doing silly stuff.

“Prior to that, and for the majority of the match, we were good and that’s what we’ll take from tonight.”

-WATCH JONATAN’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Motherwell Under 20s conceded late on to lose 1-2 to ten-man Rangers at Fir Park this evening.

The visitors took the lead midway through the first-half, but Lee Erwin brought the Steelmen back level before the break with a stinging penalty.

However, despite going down to ten men when Chris Heggarty was given his marching orders as the game entered it’s final quarter, Rangers won it with a goal from full-back Ryan Sinnamon nine minutes from time.

Jonatan Johansson made two changes to the side that put five past Partick Thistle last week. Ross Stewart and Lee Erwin were introduced in place of Max Currie and Steven Higgins, who would take his place amongst the ‘Well substitutes.

Rangers started with intent and both Darren Ramsey and Charlie Telfer fired low shots narrowly wide of Ross Stewart’s right hand post.

Left-winger Ramsey appeared in the mood and he would curl another effort from distance, this time it drifted wide of the far post. Chris Heggarty also saw his header from a corner drop inches wide as the visitors looked to make an early impression.

It took ‘Well eighteen minutes to register an effort at goal and it turned out to be the match’s first on target. Lee Erwin collected from deep and, after striding forward, smashed a low effort that was well held by Kelly low to his right.

Two minutes later, Sinnamon almost inadvertently diverted into his own net after a teasing Cadden cross, but Kelly was again on his toes to make the stop.

It would prove a crucial double-save from the Gers stopper as the Ibrox side took the lead with their next attack. Callum Gallagher met Robbie Crawford’s cross from the left and he rose above Euan Murray to steer a header beyond Stewart and into the far corner.

The same player was at it again ten minutes later; this time meeting a Ramsey cross on the stretch but could only nod over the bar from close range.

Although Rangers were creating the better of the openings, ‘Well were certainly very much in it in and almost drew level on the half-hour, McCafferty getting on the end of Morgyn Neill’s knock down only for his low shot to be saved well by Kelly.

Gordon Durie’s side certainly looked the more threatening though and Gallagher came within an inch of grabbing his and Rangers’ second. A direct ball over the top had the striker in and although he beat Stewart to the ball, he could only prod it wide.

However, it would be ‘Well who would score from the game’s next chance. A ball into the box allowed Moore to get wrong side of Heggarty who was forced to push him to the ground. Referee Lowe had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Lee Erwin stepped up and blasted home, despite the best efforts of Kelly, who got a decent hand to it.

‘Well made a blistering start to the second half and Rangers had Kelly to thank for keeping it level after he made an excellent point-blank save to deny Erwin his second of the night. Seconds later, the Fir Parkers followed that with a hit from Chris Cadden but it drifted wide.
Rangers soaked it up and immediately went back on the attack. Ramsey’s effort from distance was straight at Stewart before Telfer fired a shot of his own that deflected inches wide.

Rangers introduced substitute Jamie Burrows and the forward almost made an immediate impact, but could only watch on in despair as his low shot cannoned back off the post and into the grateful arms of Stewart.

Both teams traded chances in the search for a winner, Erwin headed wide before dragging a shot across goal for the Steelmen, whilst Ramsey and Andy Murdoch went close for the light blues.

Then, with seventeen minutes left, Chris Heggarty was sent off for Rangers, tripping Moore as the striker broke clear. It was his second caution, after being booked in the penalty incident and it looked then as if it was Motherwell’s would go on to take all three points.

However, it was the away side that would win the game thanks to a goal from fullback Sinnamon. He latched on to a neat Telfer through ball and kept his composure to fire high into the net.

It was a cruel blow for Johansson’s side, who battled hard throughout and probably merited a point from the match. The result means ‘Well will finish fifth in the SPFL Under 20s table, despite still having a game to play.

Motherwell: Stewart, Cadden, Ferguson, Murray, Neill, McCall (Johnstone – 72mins), McCafferty, Erwin, Moore, Thomas, Shirkie (Higgins – 81mins)

Subs: Long, Hall, Mackin

Motherwell Football Club can today (Tuesday) confirm CEO Leeann Dempster will leave the club to take up a similar role at Hibernian.

Leeann, who joined the club in the autumn of 2008 initially as General Manager then to Chief Executive, will start her new role at Easter Road on June 1st 2014.

The club will confirm her replacement in due course.

Commenting, Leeann said: “It is with a real heavy heart that I bring my time at Motherwell to an end; I have enjoyed every single minute of it.

[pullquote]It is with a real heavy heart that I bring my time at Motherwell to an end; I have enjoyed every single minute of it.[/pullquote]

“It’s a real infectious place, Fir Park. It’s hard not to fall in love with it. I think everyone can be proud of what we have achieved over the last six years, but I feel the time is right for me, and the club, to move on.”

Fellow board member Derek Weir added, “We are obviously sad to see Leeann leave and sincerely thank her for her efforts during her long period with the club.

“The club were made aware of the discussions as they have developed and have worked closely with a view to our future plans, of which we will announce shortly.”

Motherwell FC is today (Monday) delighted to announce a new partnership with Italy’s leading sportswear label Macron.

Motherwell will be Macron’s first and only professional club in Scottish football, joining a wide-ranging and impressive portfolio which currently includes the likes of Lazio, Napoli, Bologna, AS Monaco, Aston Villa, Leeds Utd, Perth Glory, AZ Alkmaar, Real Betis and Mallorca.

Macron will supply the club with official match kit and training apparel for players and management staff from 2014/15.

Macron will also offer a full range of fashion and leisurewear that will be available from the ‘Well Shop and via motherwelldirect.co.uk.

Motherwell Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “We are incredibly excited to bring such a prestigious and expanding brand such as Macron to Motherwell and the Scottish Premiership.

“We have been extremely impressed by the quality of strips and the designs, along with the pro-active approach shown by Macron to take the clubs’ playing and training wear to a new level.”

Club retail manager Alan Provan added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Macron to supply kit to Motherwell players and supporters. We are very much looking forward to launching both the new playing kit and training wear.

“Macron kit is of the highest quality and we have a very wide range of training kit and leisurewear to choose from. I think the supporters will be very happy with next season’s range.

“Having seen the new jerseys, we are very exited about this years launch. The new designs are very cutting edge but retain the passion and history of Motherwell Football Club.

“Also available to our adult supporters this year is the Elite Matchday jersey which is an exact replica of the body fit jersey which will be worn by the players. These jerseys contain 8% spandex material which keeps the shirt tight to the body allowing moisture to be wicked away from the skin, giving the players the very latest in performance technology.”

Gianluca Pavanello, CEO at Macron said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce this partnership with Motherwell Football Club. It is our first professional club in the SPFL and we feel privileged that Macron will be associated with a club that has such history.

“This is an exciting moment for Macron and we appreciate the importance of each kits to both players and fans. Our goal is always to create both technical and stylish product for players to perform their best in, and that fans are proud to wear.”

Fabio Malipiero, Country Manager (UK & Ireland) said: “Macron’s unrivalled service is based upon our strong commitment to deliver quality products while meeting the individual needs of each club or customer.

“We have worked very hard with the staff at Motherwell to design smart, modern and unique kits which we hope will inspire the team and the fans to great performances in the next season.”

LAUNCH DATE AND EARLY BIRD OFFERS

The new kits will launch in late June/early July with the exact date to be confirmed. We will be accepting pre-orders for the kit from Friday 2nd May both online and instore. Look out for the Early Bird offer which will give those who order before 31st May a discount on the retail price and also the chance to get their kit the day before general sale.

Motherwell Under 20s will play their final home match of the campaign when they face Rangers at Fir Park tomorrow.

The Steelmen currently sit fifth in the table, a point behind Hamilton Accies, but out of reach from the three top clubs: Hibs, Rangers and Celtic.

Jonatan Johansson will be looking for a strong finish to the season though and will hope for a repeat of the score line the last time the teams met – a 2-1 away victory at Ibrox.

The match will take place at Fir Park Stadium – kick-off is 6pm.

Extended highlights from Tannadice as ‘Well turn in a poor performance to lose 5-1 to Dundee United.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Action pictures from this afternoon’s disappointing 5-1 defeat by Dundee United at Tannadice.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

[svgallery name=”dundeeutd260414″]

‘Well boss Stuart McCall was furious with his side after they were well beaten by Dundee United at Tannadice today.

The Steelmen were poor throughout and were made to pay by a rampant United side.

Nadir Çiftçi hit a first-half brace to give the hosts a commanding half-time lead.

As a result, the game’s third goal would be crucial and after ‘Well missed two guilt-edge chances to half the deficit, the Terrors all but confirmed the win with a goal from Stuart Armstrong.

To make things worse, United scored a further twice through Ryan Dow and Brian Graham and although Lionel Ainsworth grabbed a late consolation, it did nothing to ease the pain of a poor, poor day at the office for the Fir Parkers.

[pullquote]I am hugely disappointed with not just the goals we lost, but we were second best in every single department and it’s not often I can say that about this team.[/pullquote]

“It was horrible,” an angry McCall told MFC TV after the match.

“They were very good and, equally, we were very poor. We didn’t compete in the manner that we wanted to.

“I am hugely disappointed with not just the goals we lost, but we were second best in every single department and it’s not often I can say that about this team.

“We all need to take stock. Maybe I picked the wrong side; we certainly didn’t do the things I would‘ve liked us to after working and preparing for the match.

“However, we now have three games left. We’ve won nineteen games from thirty-five and we don’t become a bad team over night and we’ve absolutely got to make sure we’re ready to go next Saturday against St Johnstone at Fir Park.”

-WATCH STUART’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–