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The third domestic Steelmen Matchday Magazine of 2013/14 is on sale when Kilmarnock visit on Saturday.

But what is inside the 68-page issue?

‘Well boss Stuart McCall and Captain Keith Lasley both return with the regular columns.

Stuart talks about building on last week’s win over Partick Thistle, areas that could be improved and the difficulty facing a ‘wounded’ Kilmarnock side.

The skipper chats about what he expects from the match and how tight he expects this season’s SPFL Premiership to be.

The feature interview is with Zaine Francis-Angol. The Antiguan International talks in-depth about his new advanced role in the team, his relationship with the Motherwell supporters and facing some familiar faces both at home and on international duty.

Zaine also features as the third of a souvenir poster collection in the centre pages.

But that’s not where the features stop!

There is a 12-page section dedicated to our visitors, Kilmarnock.

Kris Jack introduces the Rugby Park side and there is a player-by-player breakdown of who is likely to line up for the Ayrshire side.

We continue our opposition manager section by speaking directly to new Killie boss Allan Johnston. The former Queen of the South gaffer talks about his new role and how he plans to stop a former International teammate this afternoon.

Our guest journalist for this edition is STV’s Scott McClymont, who covers Scottish football for the broadcaster.

He discusses some of the on-going issues both on and off the field and what he expects from the visitors over the coming season.

Graeme McGarry’s ‘Us and Them’ section also makes a return and features former ‘Well and Killie goalkeeper Colin Meldrum.

The former stopper, now coach at Celtic, talks about the current goalkeeping battle at Motherwell and his time at both clubs.

The big features keep coming…

The Sunday Post’s Brian Fowlie takes a look back in history at the first every player in Scotland to score from the substitutes bench – Motherwell’s Gus Moffat back in the 1960s.

Press & Media Manager Alan Burrows returns in ‘The Last Word’ and the next round of new quiz, MFC Eggheads, pits two veterans against each other – Stevie Hammell and Keith Lasley.

But wait, there’s more!

Our match reports section takes a look back at least weekend’s 1-0 win over Partick Thistle.

There’s also an in-depth report from the Under 20s most recent match against Dunfermline, which ended a seven-goal thriller.

We have the latest from The Ticket Office, Commercial and Community Departments, and update from the Well Society as well as the latest stats, facts and figures from the 2013/2014 campaign. We also take a statistical look at the match official, welcome new signing Lionel Ainsworth and there’s a vacancy at Fir Park listed in the Latest News Section.

Another new feature is the ‘Junior Steel’ kids page that will test the youngster’s quiz minds with puzzles and ‘Did you know’ facts.

The programme is available for £3 and is will be on sale from the Club Shop as well as the usual sellers located in and around the ground pre-match.

You can also order back editions or take a season-long subscription to the magazine by visiting the website of our publishers – Curtis-Sports – CLICK HERE

Stuart McCall has warned his players to be wary of a ‘wounded’ Kilmarnock after their midweek League Cup defeat.

Killie lost to Lanarkshire neighbours Hamilton Accies at Rugby Park, which followed a disappointing home defeat against Hibs last Saturday.

However, with goal-getter Kris Boyd returning after suspension and last week’s scorer Barry Nicholson likely to be back amongst the starting eleven, it will be an all-together tougher test that awaits the Steelmen for Saturday’s BT Sport Live match.

Stuart McCall knows Kilmarnock are much better than early results have shown but wants his side to better themselves after last week’s 1-0 win against Partick Thistle.

[pullquote]We need to be sure we respect the opponent whilst all the time focusing on ourselves and carrying out our game plan. We want to improve ourselves as an attacking threat whilst remaining solid defensively.[/pullquote]

Speaking to the broadcast press at this afternoon’s press conference, he said: “Allan (Johnston) has had a tough task to go in there and follow someone like Kenny Shiels.

“Obviously a lot of players have moved on and he has tried to get new faces in but he hasn’t been helped with injuries to the likes of Sammy Clingan and Manuel Pascali, both of whom are big players.

“The other night (versus Hamilton Accies) obviously Kris Boyd was suspended and Barry Nicholson was on the bench so they have experience to bring back in tomorrow.

“We need to be sure we respect the opponent whilst all the time focusing on ourselves and carrying out our game plan. We want to improve ourselves as an attacking threat whilst remaining solid defensively.”

-WATCH HIS FIRST INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Motherwell FC will host every Scotland home match in the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 qualifying campaign.

Anna Signeul’s side will start their campaign in the Faroe Islands before facing Bosnia and Herzegovina in North Lanarkshire on Thursday 26 September. The Scots will also face Northern Ireland, Poland, and her home nation, Sweden.

Anna said: “We can’t wait to get the campaign started and I know that Motherwell feel exactly the same way. Everyone at the club has been very enthusiastic and supportive, particularly Leeann Dempster, and this feels like a great fit for us.

“Motherwell is a fantastic community club, and I’m sure that this partnership will help us to attract new fans from across North Lanarkshire and beyond, as we begin our journey towards qualification for the finals in Canada in 2015.”

Motherwell chief executive, Leeann Dempster, said: “We are very excited about this partnership and look forward to welcoming the Scotland women’s national team to Fir Park.

“As a club we work hard to offer an unrivalled match experience for everyone who visits the stadium. We have vast experience of hosting all types of matches, including UEFA Europa League qualifiers, and this is an opportunity to show what we can bring to an international campaign.

“Women’s football is growing across Scotland, and we’re delighted to offer our support to Anna and her squad as they strive to reach the finals of a major tournament for the first time.”

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 home match schedule:

Scotland v Bosnia-Herzegovina
Thursday 26 September 2013, kick-off 7.35 pm

Scotland v Northern Ireland
Saturday 26 October 2013, kick-off 5.30 pm

Scotland v Poland
Saturday 5 April 2014, kick-off 5.30 pm

Scotland v Sweden
Saturday 14 June 2014, kick-off 5.30 pm

Scotland v Faroe Islands
Saturday 13 September 2014, kick-off 5.30 pm

Motherwell Football Club is today delighted to confirm the signing of Rotherham United’s Lionel Ainsworth on loan until January 2014.

The 25-year old right-winger becomes the ninth new recruit of the summer and offers pace on the flanks manager Stuart McCall has been searching for.

The nature of the short-term loan system south of the border means Motherwell will be Ainsworth’s thirteenth club in an eight-year professional career so far.

The former England Youth International came through the ranks at Derby County and made his debut for the Rams in February 2006. He enjoyed brief loan spells at Bournemouth, Halifax Town and Wycombe Wanderers before joining Hereford in the summer of 2007.

He quickly established his place in the side and was an almost ever-present during his time with the Bulls. In only his second match he scored his first senior hat-trick in a 4–1 League Cup first round win over Yeovil Town.

He went on to score another hat-trick, this time in a 3–2 league win at Stockport County. Ainsworth’s last match for Hereford saw him score a 3rd minute winner against Leeds United, in the FA Cup First Round.

His performances at Edgar Street attracted Championship club Watford who signed him on a permanent basis. He spent two years at Vicarage Road, including another brief loan spell back at Hereford, before signing for Huddersfield Town.

[pullquote]I am really looking forward to it, meeting the players and meeting the fans. It is going to be something different for me but I am going to embrace it and do everything I can to make everyone happy.[/pullquote]

He spent just one year at the Terriers before moving again, this time heading for Shrewsbury Town. He had two good years at New Meadow, including another brief jaunt on loan to Burton Albion, before leaving the club in 2012 for Rotherham United.

After a positive start with the Millers, the pint-sized winger spent the second half of last season on loan at League Two Aldershot Town.

He will now try life in Scotland with the Steelmen and goes straight into the squad to face Kilmarnock.

Speaking exclusively to the clubs’ online television channel MFC TV, Ainsworth said: “I am very pleased to be here; it’s great to have joined a big club in Scotland.

“I am really looking forward to it, meeting the players and meeting the fans. It is going to be something different for me but I am going to embrace it and do everything I can to make everyone happy.

“In particular, I want to repay the faith the manager has in me by bringing me in. I’ve heard nothing but good things so I just can’t wait to get started.”

‘Well boss Stuart McCall added: “It’s an area we’ve been looking to fill for a while now.

“I got a call out the blue about a week ago to alert me to his situation and that he would be available.

“I know of him when my team at the time, Bradford, played against him whilst at Hereford and he was flying. He’s been about, won a couple of promotions but has fell out of favour at his parent club for whatever reason.

“Initially it will be a short-term loan but we’ll see what happens. He has a good pedigree, is super quick and hopefully he will add a different dimension for us.”

-WATCH HIS FIRST INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

‘Well fans who are subscribed to our e-newsletter got this information first. Click Here to join to ensure you don’t miss out on the breaking news from Fir Park.

Motherwell will face an away trip to Livingston in the Third Round of the Scottish League Cup.

The match will take place on Wednesday 25th September – 7.45pm KO.

Confirmed details around the match, including ticket information, will be published shortly.

FULL DRAW

Hibernian vs Stranraer
Dundee vs Inverness CT
Celtic vs Morton
Livingston vs Motherwell
Hearts vs Queen of the South
Falkirk vs Aberdeen
Hamilton vs St Johnstone
Dundee Utd vs Partick Thistle

Kilmarnock visit Fir Park this Saturday and we are putting on a fantastic evening dinner menu in our hospitality suites.

It’s a Saturday and it’s a 5.30pm kick off so an idea opportunity to combine a lovely evening meal with a SPFL Premiership match.

We will be serving:

• Fresh tomato and basil soup served with a continental bread roll.
• Pan-fried sirloin of beef smothered in a wild mushroom and red wine jus, served with baby-buttered potatoes with a glazed melody of fresh market vegetables.
• Dark chocolate profiterole crown served with a dark chocolate cream.
• Freshly brewed Coffee/Tea and mints .

All hospitality packages include your match ticket, award-winning matchday magazine, team sheet and half time tea.

Former players will host the evening with your chance to meet first team players and club staff whilst enjoying your night.

You have a choice of three packages:

Centenary Claret – Arriving from 3.30pm onwards for meal. Full service with access to a pay bar till kick off and then again for an hour post match. All this in the comfort of our Centenary Lounge. Book now from only £60 for an adult and £45 for a child under 16.

Centenary Amber – Arriving from 3.30pm onwards for meal. Full table service with complimentary bar and then again for an hour post match. All this in the comfort of our Centenary Lounge. Book now from only £99 for an adult and £55 for a child under 16

Millennium ticket – Enjoy a lighter bite with a complimentary bar for one-hour pre & post. Soup pre-match and half time refreshments, team sheet, match day programme for only £70 for an adult and £35 for a child.

Remember, Season Ticket holders can upgrade to hospitality for just £25.

If you would like to book a place at our fantastic Kilmarnock Evening Hospitality Dinner, you can do so online by CLICKING HERE.

Alternatively, please phone Jennifer Reston on 01698 333 333 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Some behind the scenes shots from Saturday’s SPFL Premiership win over Partick Thistle at Fir Park.

[svgallery name=”partickthistlefans270813″]

Highlights from East End Park where Dunfermline U20s ran out 4-3 winners against Motherwell.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS ON MFC TV–

Under 20s boss Jonatan Johansson was left frustrated as defensive frailties cost his side dearly.

Motherwell created enough chances and scored three, but Pars looked threatening and Ross Stewart produced a number of quality stops to keep ‘Well in it.

However, it was the manner of the goals conceded that will concern the Finn the most, particularly after making similar errors against Accies thirteen days previously.

Speaking to MFC TV after the match, the former Charlton striker said: “We played with a very young back four but that is no excuse.

[pullquote]Every time they came up the park they looked like scoring due to naive and weak defending, and at this level that is not good enough.[/pullquote]

“Every time they came up the park they looked like scoring due to naive and weak defending, and at this level that is not good enough.

“Usually I am quite angry after a game but this time I am more disappointed. However I now know where the problem lies.

“Some of the play in the final third was really good and I feel sorry for the offensive players as they scored three goals away from home yet still lost.

“We’ve lost eight goals in two games but it could have been sixteen. That’s what happens when you have young defenders but they will learn and it’s games like this that you learn most from.”

-WATCH HIS INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Motherwell Under 20s slipped to their second successive defeat, going down 4-3 to Dunfermline at East End Park this evening.

After taking the lead, Motherwell were pinned back before eventually going behind.

Despite working hard to equalise before the half-time interval, a 26-second goal and a penalty gave them a mountain to climb in the second half.

‘Well did pull one back with thirteen minutes left on the clock but it wouldn’t be enough as the hosts held on for all three points.

Jonatan Johansson made four changes to the side that lost 4-2 to Hamilton Accies almost two weeks ago.

Out went Fraser Kerr, Adam Cummins, Stuart Carswell and Paul McCafferty. Danny McNulty, David Ferguson, Frazer Johnstone and Dale Shirkie replaced them in a youthful looking Steelmen side.

And Motherwell made the best possible start, scoring after just 90 seconds. Morgyn Neill’s headed clearance sailed over the head of the Pars defence, allowing Dom Thomas a clear run at goal. The youngster kept his cool to slot under Goodfellow and into the net.

That lead lasted just eight minutes though as Pars drew level through the impressive Fayssal El Bakhtaoui. It came via a swift counter-attack; Ryan Ferguson the creator down the right flank. He linked well with the Frenchman who smashed home from just inside the area leaving Stewart helpless.

After the barnstorming start, the game settled with both teams creating half chances to go in front. O’Kane fired a shot wide before El Bakhtaoui forced a decent block from Ross Stewart, the ‘Well stopper eventually gathering at the second attempt, taking a whack in the ribs for his troubles.

At the other end, Dale Shirkie almost got on the scoresheet but was thwarted by the alert Goodfellow, who had raced off his line after Jack Leitch’s clever through ball.

Declan O’Kane had another low shot well held by Stewart before the hosts eventually got themselves ahead on the 37th minute.

Scott Mercer collected the ball from a simple throw-in and charged towards goal. The space opened up and he certainly didn’t waste his opportunity, blasting home from about eight yards.

To their credit, the young ‘Well side showed good character and bounced back just four minutes later with the game’s second equaliser.

Fraser Johnstone’s searching ball allowed Craig Moore in on the right flank. He held off the challenge of Williamson before firing it across goal where Lee Erwin was perfectly placed to convert.

If ‘Well made a quick start to the first half, Pars bettered it in the second with a goal after just twenty-six seconds.

Martin’s long ball from the back found trialist Thomson deep in Motherwell territory. He linked up well with El Bakhtaoui to get away from David Ferguson before sliding the ball past Stewart and into the far corner.

Johansson’s men had Ross Stewart to thank for keeping them in it with a fine double save, the first from El Bakhtaoui then again from Thomson.

However, he would be helpless to prevent a fourth from the penalty spot.

Thomson flicked on another direct ball for the supporting Lewis Spence. There was a clash of legs between the midfielder and the recovering Danny McNulty; referee Gavin Ross was quick to point to the spot.

Thomson stepped up and confidently tucked the kick away with Stewart diving the wrong way.

It looked at that stage as if the game was a mere formality. Indeed, only some super goalkeeping from Stewart prevented Pars from adding to their tally.

The Scotland U19s stopper was on hand to deny Thomson a further twice, the first palmed onto the post from close range, the second was to block a powerful header at the expense of another corner.

It kept ‘Well in it and after Johansson had made a double swap, Cadden and McCafferty replacing Kellock and Johnstone, the Steelmen started to look more of an attacking threat.

Cadden’s first real involvement was to force Goodfellow into a terrific save, the 16-year curling a super effort from distance.

Then, with thirteen minutes left on the clock, Motherwell did get one back. Jack Leitch’s free-kick into the area wasn’t properly dealt with and when Cadden headed back across goal, Craig Moore was on hand to prod home from almost underneath the crossbar – his third of the campaign.

The Fir Parkers threw everything at Dunfermline in search of the game’s third leveller.

Leitch brought out a decent save from Goodfellow, Erwin snatched at a shot that flew well wide and, right at the death, Dale Shirkie could have scored but his low strike was too straight and easily collected by a grateful Pars keeper.

It would end with the Steelmen returning to Lanarkshire with nothing to show for their efforts. Johansson would have been pleased with the attacking threat posed by his side, but even more frustrated at the ease in which Dunfermline scored all four goals.

Motherwell: Stewart, McNulty, Kellock (McCafferty 68), Ferguson, Neill, Leitch, Thomas, Erwin, Shirkie, Moore, Johnstone (Cadden 68)

Subs: Anderson, Higgins, Mackin