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It will be something of an old pal’s act at Ibrox as Steve Jones aims to topple Rangers tomorrow.

The 29-times capped winger has always held aspirations of turning out at Ibrox, and will get that chance if selected at the weekend.

[onlymembers]And it is quite likely that he will have some friendly compatriots to keep him company at the home of the Scottish Premier League champions.

“David (Healy) and Steve (Davis) are good friends from the Northern Ireland setup, and I got a few texts before coming to Motherwell wishing me all the best,” the 34-year old said with a smile

“It was good to see some of those lads at Hampden and hopefully I’ll see them again at Ibrox.”

“As a kid I’ve always wanted to play at Ibrox so hopefully I will get the chance. It’s been a dream of mine since watching the atmosphere at Old Firm matches. Playing in big arenas enhances you as a player, so I hope to perform well at the weekend.

“We know what a tough match it will be, but as a professional these are the matches that you always want to be involved in.

“Last time we played Rangers I thought we were going to go on and win the match when we got it back to 1-1. But they, as Rangers do, went up and grabbed a goal to hit us for six.”

Jones has impressed massively in his short spell in claret and amber. The former Burnley and Bradford wide-man has played five times for the Steelmen since joining in January, and has displayed promising trickery, acceleration and end product.

A first goal for ‘Well wasn’t long in arriving, either, with a strike to open the scoring against Stranraer last week. It is patently clear that Jones has enjoyed his start to life in North Lanarkshire.

“I’m settling in really well, the lads are all good and, of course, it helps that I know the gaffer from my days at Bradford,” Jones said.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time so far and it’s great to come up here and play some football. Hopefully I’ll keep doing well and we get some wins on the board for Motherwell.”[/onlymembers]

Stuart McCall believes his side’s performance at Hampden has paved the way for a shock at Ibrox on Saturday.

The Steelmen ran the Scottish champions incredibly close in the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final, before eventually succumbing to a late Steven Naismith sucker-punch.

Nevertheless the ‘Well boss, preparing to face his old side, believes a repeat of that performance would give his charges a great chance.

“I’m hopeful that we can put in the same performance against them as we did in the semi-final,” the former Bradford manager said. “I was so pleased with the way we kept the ball and caused Rangers some real problems. I’m looking for the same performance but a different result.

“We are under no illusions. Rangers are a top-class side and we will have to be at our very best to get anything from it.

“No-one is expecting us to get anything from the game, so hopefully the players will relish it and reach the levels we did at Hampden. If we do that then we have got a real chance.”

The Motherwell boss will find himself in unfamiliar surroundings when he walks in to the ‘away’ dressing room at Ibrox on Saturday.

The Rangers legend played over 200 times for the light blues, lifting eleven trophies in a fruitful spell with the club.

But the 46-year old played down the significance of the encounter, insisting that his full focus is on his current club.

McCall continued: “I never envisaged ever managing a side against Rangers before I joined Motherwell. But it’s my job and I am really looking forward to it.

“It will be slightly strange but I have got a job to do and I’ll just get on with the game.

“I’m not really expecting any sort of reception there. The fans are there to watch their own team. They might be a little disappointed at how things went last week in the Old Firm game and they’ll be cheering their own team on. I’m there as an enemy; an opponent.”

The typically tough trip to Govan has been made a little tougher for McCall due to injuries and suspensions which have afflicted his squad in the last week or so.

With three players already struggling to make the game in Glasgow, Stephen Craigan limped off while on international duty, further testing a thin squad.

“It’s a disappointment that we are not going there with a full strength side,” the ‘Well gaffer acknowledged. “We have three or four injuries but that’s football and we get on with it.

“Steve Saunders is suspended, but would be out anyway through injury. Stevie Hammell and Lasley are both very doubtful for the match and we are still waiting on Stephen Craigan after he came off with a hamstring strain with Northern Ireland.

“You are always hopeful, with an international game scheduled before a weekend’s fixtures, that no-one picks up an injury, and it’s disappointing that Stephen looks to be struggling.”

Are you still searching for a Valentine’s Day gift for the ‘Well fan in your life? What about a commemorative brick at Fir Park?

Buying a brick at Fir Park is a great way to mark any occasion while supporting your club. A unique gift that lasts for years and that any Motherwell fan will be proud to own.

You can purchase a brick fascia with your own personal message whether it be your name, motto, date of birth or that romantic note for your loved one this February 14th for just £30.00!

Costing just £30, each new brick is added to our ever growing wall, which is situated at the back of the Davie Cooper stand, and comes complete with a certificate of authenticity.

For more information or to order a brick please contact the club on 01698 333333 or email buyabrick@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Ticket prices for the forthcoming Scottish Cup Quarter Final clash with Dundee Utd at Tannadice can now be confirmed.

Entry to the match will be pay at the gate with admission prices agreed as follows:

• Concessions are listed as Under 18s, Over 60s and full time students with a valid matriculation card.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Elaine MacDonald at the club on 01698 338009 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.
• Plan the best route to Tannadice with our handy “Away Day Travel Guide”.

Stephen Craigan limped off with an injury as a depleted Northern Ireland side crashed 3-0 to a slick Scotland outfit.

The Motherwell skipper was also captaining his country for the Carling Nations Cup clash, winning his 53rd cap and, more poignantly, his 50th whilst a Motherwell player.

[onlymembers]However, Craig Levein’s side were too strong and goals from Kenny Millar, James McArthur and Kris Commons gave Scotland all three points, putting them joint top of the group after the first round of matches.

Worryingly, Craigan had to be withdrawn after 66 minutes with a hamstring knock and was replaced by Irish debutant Adam Thompson.

With defenders Steven Saunders and Stevie Hammell already sidelined with similar problems, ‘Well boss Stuart McCall will be praying his inspirational captain isn’t too badly hurt.

Motherwell Football Club would like to pay tribute to Stephen for reaching such a momentous milestone, one unlikely to ever be surpassed, and for his professionalism whilst representing the club on International duty over the last seven years.[/onlymembers]

Motherwell travel to Ibrox this Saturday hoping for their first win in Govan in almost fourteen years.

You have to go back to May 1997 and an Owen Coyle double to find Motherwell’s last win against a then Rangers side looking to clinch their ninth consecutive league championship.

That Rangers squad contained the current ‘Well boss Stuart McCall who will be plotting the downfall of his former side.

Also in the Motherwell ranks will be debutant Francis Jeffers, himself a former Rangers player, so maybe, just maybe, the Steelmen can finally end that long-standing hoodoo and pick up three precious points in the race for the top-six.

Motherwell fans will be housed in the usual Govan West Corner with Tickets, currently on sale from the Fir Park Ticket Office, priced at:

Adults: £24
Concessions: £12

• Concessions are listed as Under 16s and Over 65s
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Elaine MacDonald at the club on 01698 338009 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.
• The Ticket Office will be open late night on Thursday 10th February (until 7pm) but will be closed on the day of the match – Saturday 12th February.

SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION

Two Supporters Association coaches will make their way to the match:

CENTRAL BRANCH

The bus for Ibrox will leave the Bentley Hotel at 1.30pm. Phone Jim on (01698) 299650 or e-mail Christopher on christopher_hutton@btinternet.com.

BELLSHILL & DISTRICT BRANCH

The bus for Rangers will pick up at the Fir Park Club, Motherwell at 1.20pm then the Holytown War Monument at 1.30pm and finally the Carousel Bar, Bellshill at 1.40pm. To book seats, contact Brian Worton after 6pm on (01698) 747644.

TRAVEL

BY CAR

The stadium is located close to the M8 motorway and is relatively straightforward to get to.

Exit the M8 at Junction 23 and turn right at the traffic lights on to the B768 (Dumbreck Road). Continue forward on to Broomload Road and then turn right at the roundabout on to Edmiston Drive. The stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

Parking is available for visiting fans behind the Broomloan Road Stand, priced at £7.00 per car. Street parking is also available on the side streets around the ground, although traffic is always very busy before and after the game.

BY BUS

Several operators run buses which will take you within a five to 10 minute walk of the ground, including First service 9.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.firstgroup.com/glasgow.

BY TRAIN

Cardonald and Dumbreck stations are served by trains from Glasgow Central and both are within walking distance of the ground.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.scotrail.co.uk.

Alternatively, fans can make use of the underground system as Ibrox has its own designation station.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.spt.co.uk/subway.

Motherwell’s Scottish Cup Quarter Final clash against Dundee United will be shown live on Sky Sports.

It will be the second time this season the broadcasters have shown a Motherwell Scottish Cup clash in Dundee, having previously beamed the 4th Round tie at Dens Park.

[onlymembers]‘Well will be looking to knock United out another competition at the Quarter Final stage, having eliminated Peter Houston’s side from the Co-operative Insurance Cup last October.

The game will take place on Sunday March 13th 2011 with a 1.15pm kick-off.

Ticket information has still to be confirmed.

Co-incidentally, the SPL game between both clubs, scheduled to take place on Saturday 16th April has been moved forward ten days, to Wednesday 6th April (KO 7.45pm) due to the Scottish Cup Semi Final dates.[/onlymembers]

Francis Jeffers is looking forward to helping one of his footballing idols lift Motherwell up the table.

‘Well’s new signing watched from the Wembley terracing as Stuart McCall fired home a brace in the 1989 FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool.

[onlymembers]Little did he know that some twenty years later that very same McCall would be presenting him to the media as Motherwell’s marquee signing.

“I was a young lad in the terraces when Stuart McCall scored two goals for Everton in the (English FA) Cup Final.” Jeffers recalled.  

“He’s one of my heroes. I hold him in high regard as a part of team who were all my idols.”

The former Everton and Arsenal striker has joined the Steelmen on a five-month contract after the expiry of his deal with Newcastle Jets, and he insists that the move to North Lanarkshire was an exciting prospect from the moment he heard about it.

“I was really positive about coming to Motherwell. My agent got in touch with me and asked whether I would be interested in talking to the club and I was very keen so it went pretty quickly from there,” the 30-year-old said.

“I want to enjoy my game, win some football matches and, hopefully, help Motherwell climb the league.

“I think I’m a better footballer now than when I was a young lad. I wasn’t really involved in the game in the past; I would just be a poacher.” 

Jeffers was also quick to allay and fears that the ‘Well fans may have regarding his hunger and desire.

The English international has been playing top level football since he was sixteen, but his passion for the game shows no sign of waning – especially after a recently productive spell Down Under.

“I’d say ‘wait and see’ to any Motherwell fans that might doubt my desire,” Jeffers challenged, defiantly. “I will prove that on the football field. People asked the same question when I went over to Australia and I was pretty successful there.

“Motherwell fans will see what hunger I have when I play my first match.”

The 30-year old insists that he has nothing to prove going back to Ibrox this Saturday, but he admits that he is looking forward to returning to his old stomping ground.

Jeffers played for the Ibrox club in a six-month loan spell in 2005, but struggled for form and fitness in a disappointing period for the front-man.

He continued: “Those are the grounds that you want to play at, and the Rangers fans were the most passionate fans I ever played in front of – I really enjoyed my time there.

“I didn’t have the best time at Rangers in terms of form. I really enjoyed the time at the club but I didn’t play my best football and I really suffered with injuries and didn’t get a run in the team. But I don’t think I have a point to prove; if I get the chance I will score goals.

“Whether or not I play I will certainly look forward to making the trip.”[/onlymembers]

Motherwell Football Club are today delighted to confirm the signing of former England International striker Francis Jeffers.

Jeffers, 30, who was most recently at Aussie A League club Newcastle Jets, has an impressive array of former clubs including Everton, Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers and Rangers and was capped at senior level by England in 2003, scoring on his debut against Australia.

[onlymembers]The Liverpudlian burst onto the scene back in the late 90’s with Everton before winning an £8million move to Arsenal and famously acquired the “Fox in the box” tag.

He has also had spells at Charlton, Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday in his thirteen-year career and will look to rediscover some of that early form in his five months at Fir Park.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall said, “Francis is an excellent player and someone we think will score goals in the Scottish Premier League.

“When you look through the history of this football club, Motherwell have excelled with three types of players.

“The first is brining younger guys through – in recent times you have McFadden, Clarkson, Pearson and Quinn.

“The second is taking players from England, giving them a platform, and propelling their career – again, you have recent examples with John Ruddy, Lukas Jutkiewicz, Giles Coke and others.

“And finally, the third is taking guys who are at the latter stages of their career, and giving them a second wind. You need only look at Tommy Coyne, Owen Coyle, Willie Falconer.

“We hope Franny can get back to some of his early career form. There is absolutely no doubting his ability and in the conversations I’ve had with him, he seems really hungry for this challenge.”[/onlymembers]

Referee for this Saturday’s Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League clash with Rangers is Alan Muir.

It will be Muir’s third ‘Well game of the season, having overseen the 1-1 draw with St Mirren in Paisley last November and January’s 2-0 win over Hibs at Fir Park.

[onlymembers]He’ll be a familiar face to Motherwell fans having taken charge of three games last term too.

The most recent was certainly one to forget though; a 4-0 defeat by Celtic in Glasgow at the start of May this year.

He took charge of the 3-2 extra-time with over Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Co-operative Insurance Cup Fourth Round and the lively 2-2 draw against Dundee United back in late November 2009.

The latter was infamous for two red cards, shown to Prince Bauben and Danny Swanson, and a missed red card for Jennison Myrie-Williams which prompted the then United boss Craig Levein to remove him from the game almost immediately.

The season before last, Muir was the man in the middle for the 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in October, the 0-0 draw with St Mirren at Love Street in January and the 3-0 victory over Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park in May.

In all those games he has produced 27 yellow cards, eleven of which were shown to a player in claret and amber, and two red card, the first given to former defender Paul Quinn for a professional foul on David Fernandez in the 1-0 defeat to Killie and the most recent to Michael Higdon in that game with St Mirren two months ago.

The 35-year-old has taken charge of six SPL games so far in this campaign, including Celtic’s 9-0 annihilation of Aberdeen which produced three yellow cards, two red cards and three penalty kicks.

His other appointments have come at Tannadice when Inverness Caley hammered Dundee Utd by 4-0, New Douglas Park where a 90th minute goal by Kenny Miller gave Rangers all three points against Hamilton.

He’s also been at the Caledonian Stadium as Inverness drew with St Johnstone and again at Tannadice when Kilmarnock held the Tangerines to a 1-1 draw and most recently at Pittodrie where Celtic ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

He will be ably assisted on the day by John Gilmour and Alan Mulvanny, with Eddie Smith on fourth official duties.[/onlymembers]