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  • Club

    Keeping North Lanarkshire’s children safe

  • Club

    Chris Humphrey: Motherwell made me

  • Club

    The Well Lotto is changing

  • Club

    St Johnstone hospitality deals still available

  • Club

    Show racism the red card

  • Club

    Play golf with the Motherwell players and staff

  • Club

    Bert McCann: Lynchpin of the Babes

  • Club

    A coffee and a chat with Stevie Hammell

  • Club

    Take part in the Scottish Football Supporters Survey

  • Club

    Tickets on sale for Hearts clash

  • Club

    Keeping North Lanarkshire’s children safe

    Keeping North Lanarkshire’s children safe

    Players and staff at Motherwell Football Club’s youth academy, together with the North Lanarkshire Child Protection Committee, are working together to raise awareness about what we can all do to help keep North Lanarkshire’s children and young people safe.

    We can all play our part by helping to make our communities safe nurturing places for all children to grow up in. Listening to what children say to us and taking any worries they have seriously helps children feel valued and respected, and encourages them to speak up if they don’t feel safe.

    The long-established partnership sees the youth academy continue to back the child protection message by displaying the Child Protection Committee logo on their tops throughout the season.

    The club will also display prominent child protection messages around Fir Park, as well as information on how to report concerns. Motherwell will also promote important child protection messages through their social media and digital channels.

    “We are delighted to continue our partnership between our academy and the Child Protection Committee,” Suzanne Reid, head of commercial and marketing at Motherwell FC, said.

    “Our particular focus this year will be on keeping children safe online, especially in the area of social media.

    “Our first team and academy players and coaches will work to spread the message of internet safety across our local area.”

    Marian Martin, chair of the North Lanarkshire Child Protection Committee, added: ”Protecting our children from abuse, neglect and exploitation, whether online or in our communities, is everyone’s responsibility.

    “We want to make sure that everyone understands what to look out for and is confident that they can talk to someone who can help, if they are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person.

    “Working with the academy at Motherwell Football Club, we can extend the reach of our message amongst those who might not otherwise hear it.”

    If you are worried about something that is happening to your child or a child you know, please speak out.

    You can contact a child’s health visitor or teacher, or contact the locality social work office or Police Scotland. All information shared is treated seriously and the first priority will always be to make sure the child is safe.

    For more information go to northlan.gov.uk/childprotection.

    Contacts

    Childline – 0800 1111 (free 24 hour service), childline.org.uk

    Parentline – 08000 28 22 33 (free to call 9am-9pm Mon – Fri and 9am-12pm Sat – Sun), children1st.org.uk/help-for-families/parentline-scotland

    CELCIS Protecting Children – celcis.org/our-work/protecting-children

    Think u Know, an education programme for children, young people parents and workers – thinkuknow.co.uk

  • Club

    Chris Humphrey: Motherwell made me

    Chris Humphrey made a visit to Fir Park on Friday to reflect on his career with the Steelmen.

    The winger announced his retirement in October through injury, before returning to the game with Lowland League side East Kilbride.

  • Club

    The Well Lotto is changing

    The Well Lotto is changing

    Our lottery scheme to help invest money in youth development and our academy is changing.

    As of 5 November, we are changing to a new system that allows you the chance to win up to £25,000, while also continuing to back the future players of the club.

    Still priced at £1 per entry, our new lottery providers Unity will also offer up smaller prizes of £1,000 and £25 will also be on offer when the new Well Lottery launches.

    What’s more if you sign up before 30 November, you’ll go into the pot to win hospitality at Fir Park and a signed Motherwell jersey.

    The final draw of the Well Lotto will be held on Friday, 2 November. Existing Well Lotto players should begin to cancel their standing orders ahead of the new lottery taking place.

    HOW TO JOIN THE NEW WELL LOTTERY

    To join the new Well Lottery, you can now choose one of the following options:

    • Fill in the lottery leaflet provided and return via the freepost address provided to Unity.
    • Download a lottery leaflet from the Well Lottery website and return to Unity by post.
    • Sign up online here.

    Once you have signed up, you will receive a letter welcoming you to the lottery which will tell you your lottery numbers. You will then be entered into the draw for as long as you wish to play.

    How does the new Well Lottery work?

    We have teamed up with Unity to run the Well Lottery. For as little as £1 per week, you’ll have the chance to win up to £25,000. At least 50p of every £1 played goes straight to youth development but most importantly, there are no ongoing costs to the club.

    How is it different to the old lottery?

    New lottery numbers: Every player will be allocated a six-digit lottery number for every entry they wish to play. If you match your number with the winning number drawn on a Saturday in the correct sequence, you can win up to £25,000.

    Higher prize fund: Through Unity, we can now offer a higher weekly jackpot of £25,000, with smaller prizes of £1,000, £25 and five entries into the next draw on offer.

    More payment options: You can join the lottery by direct debit, credit card or cheque.

    Proceeds: Every £1 ticket gains Motherwell FC at least 50p towards the club’s youth development and academy programme.

    No change to the ticket price: It’s still £1 to play.

    Where does the money go?

    Every £1 is split three ways. At least 50p of every £1 comes straight to Motherwell FC, which is put towards the club’s youth Development and academy programme. The other 50p covers the cost of the administration of the lottery, and goes towards the fantastic prize fund.

    How do I win?

    Every player of the new Well Lottery will be allocated a six-digit lottery number for every entry they wish to play. This idea is to match your number with the winning number that is drawn on a Saturday in the correct sequence. Every entry in the Unity lottery has an equal one in 63 chance of winning a prize.

    For example:

    325764 – random winning number

    326574 – your lottery number

    This is a three-number match, winning five entries into the next draw.

    How do I know if I have won?

    Players are notified automatically, and prizes sent out by post, so you do not need to claim your prize. If you would like to check the winning number each week, these can be found on Unity’s website and here on the official Motherwell FC website.

    What is Unity?

    Unity is a platform on which charities run their own fundraising lottery. It is run by an external lottery manager, Sterling Lotteries, who administer hundreds of charity lotteries for clients across the country.

  • Club

    St Johnstone hospitality deals still available

    St Johnstone hospitality deals still available

    Motherwell return to action after the international break when St Johnstone come to town on Saturday, 20 October.

    You can watch our Ladbrokes Premiership match in style with one of our great hospitality deals.

    Cooper Boxes

    Our Cooper Boxes allow you to watch from behind the goal in one of our executive boxes in our Davie Cooper stand.

    With unrestricted views, each box is unique in layout and size and is the perfect place to see the action from.

    To buy for £48 per person, or £40 if you’re upgrading your season ticket, book online right now.

    Centenary Suite

    Our Centenary Suite is the largest and busiest of our matchday hospitality lounge and sits adjacent to the tunnel and dressing room areas.

    Our pay bar option is available from tables of two up to 12 or more, you will be welcomed by our matchday host, who will meet and greet you at the door before showing you to your table, where attentive staff offer a drinks service to your table, before you enjoy a fantastic meal.

    To buy for £80 per person, or £120 for a fully inclusive bar, book online right now.

    Millennium Suite

    There are few better ways to enjoy football at Fir Park than in our Millennium Suite.

    Our premium hospitality package, it’s a chance to meet up with your friends and fellow fans, eat and drink, share opinions, chat to the players and generally make the most of the day.

    Priced at £75 per adult, you can book your place by giving us a call on 01698 333333.

  • Club

    Show racism the red card

    Show racism the red card

    We are proudly supporting Show Racism the Red Card’s fortnight of action.

    Many of you will have seen the campaign within football for many years. The SPFL and its member clubs have been supporting the campaign since it started in Scotland 15 years ago.

    In addition to increasing the awareness of the organisation’s work in Scotland, the fortnight of action from 5 to 19 October, shows commitment at the highest level of Scottish football to eradicate racism and discrimination of any form from our game.

    All professional clubs will show their support over one weekend from Friday, 5 October to Sunday, 7 October. Clubs will be united in calling for an end to racism in football and in society. Players in over 40 European countries are involved in similar events as part of FARE network against racism and discrimination.

    We urge fans to continue to support the anti-racism message. It is the responsibility of us all to ensure that it is carried out beyond the fortnight of action and beyond the terraces.

    Motherwell Football Club condemn all forms of racism and any racist behaviour will not be tolerated within the club.

    Show Racism the Red Card are working with grassroots football, community groups, schools, the police and prison service to ensure that going forward Scottish society and Scottish football is fair and inclusive for all.

    Football is a sport that is followed by people across the world and football matches should be an enjoyable experience for all, whatever their background. We all have a part to play in challenging racism in football and society.

    For more information, you can follow the organisation on Twitter and Facebook, or visit theredcard.org.

  • Club

    Play golf with the Motherwell players and staff

    Play golf with the Motherwell players and staff

    Want to spend the day playing golf with the Motherwell playing squad and staff?

    Our popular golf day is back for 2018, giving you the chance to go round the full 18 holes at Wishaw Golf Club, before enjoying a post-golf meal.

    Priced at £80, our event takes place on Sunday, 7 October, with registration on the day starting at 11am.

    To book your place, you can buy your ticket online now. Alternatively, get in touch with our commercial team through our contact form or call on 01698 333333.

  • Club

    Bert McCann: Lynchpin of the Babes

    Bert McCann: Lynchpin of the Babes

    On September 12, 2017, Bert McCann sadly passed away at the age of 84.

    A year after his death, we look back at his career as fondly recounted by feature writer Eddie Ferguson.

    A True Steelman

    On the face of it, the 15th of October 1932 wasn’t great for Motherwell fans of that time as the Steelmen, then Champions of Scotland, were going down two nil at Tynecastle Park engulfed in a light drizzle.

    However, sixty miles up the road to Dundee, a boy was being born who would light up Fir Park and become adored by everyone who wore claret and amber favours.

    Robert Johnstone McCann was born and bred in the City of Discovery.

    Although all indications are that young Robert had little interest in any football club south of the Perth Road, in the decades that followed there can be little doubt that this football club would hold a special place in his heart, as he has in a certain generation of Motherwell fans.

    He would become one of the all time greats at Fir Park, and be an integral part of the finest half-back line this club has ever produced alongside Charlie Aitken and John Martis.

    His early football experience came playing in the maroon and white of Dundee North End in the Tayside Junior Leagues, before being snapped up on amateur terms by legendary former Motherwell striker Willie McFadyen who was then manager of Dundee United.

    Even before he pulled a claret and amber jersey over his head, he had lightly etched his name into Motherwell folklore by being part of the Arabs side that took an early lead at Fir Park, only to lose twelve goals and be part of both Motherwell’s record win, and the Terrors heaviest defeat.

    He left Tannadice after a year for Queens Park where he had a terrific time, culminating in Bert gaining six Scottish International amateur caps, and being tracked by a host of top-flight clubs.

    It was the summer of 1956 when Motherwell reverted to their much-vaunted policy of identifying promising youngsters who would be allowed to develop in the Motherwell tradition.

    It was a process that had previously reared Motherwell legends and Championship winners like George Stevenson, Bobby Ferrier and Willie McFadyen.

    Despite interest from bigger clubs, Bert opted for life in Lanarkshire under the guidance of recently appointed Motherwell manager and fellow Dundonian, Bobby Ancell.

    Initially, the young midfielder signed on at Fir Park on part-time terms to allow him to complete his modern language studies at Edinburgh University.

    Indeed it wasn’t unusual for Bert only to meet up with team mates at a Saturday lunchtime to prepare for a first fixture, even on the occasions that he was captaining the side.

    Bert made his debut in a 4-2 reverse League Cup tie at Starks Park against Raith Rovers before making his Fir Park bow eleven days later as Airdrieonians were routed by six goals to one.

    From that point on he would pretty much be a regular in the line up for that campaign, only missing five games through injury as 1956 drew to a close.

    Not being particularly renowned for his scoring exploits, McCann endeared himself somewhat to the Fir Park faithful that debut season, scoring eight times, contributing to five important wins over Airdrie (twice), Queens Park, Dundee and Ayr United, as Motherwell finished a respectable seventh.

    The following campaign was difficult for Bert as injuries plagued the schemer, but season 1958/59 would see the young man blossom along with several of his peers before the watching eyes of not only Scotland, but the world.

    The renowned “Ancell Babes” introduced themselves to Scottish football as Bobby Ancell orchestrated a brand of football the likes had been rarely seen before, with Bert McCann the absolute lynchpin of everything that happened offensively on the pitch.

    Time after time he provided the front five, typically, Hunter, Reid, St. John, Roberts and Quinn, all internationalists, with opportunities and situations that they thrived on.

    Bert was an ever present in that campaign, playing in all 42 competitive matches as the Steelmen notched up 105 goals which had the fans on the East Terracing purring with joy and satisfaction as the Fir Parkers finished an impressive third, six points off the champions Rangers.

    The campaign that would take the club into the “Swinging Sixties”, which started with terrific optimism around Fir Park with concrete steps being installed onto the terracing to help bring the capacity up to 40,000.

    Training facilities also took a turn for the better as the club paid for the use of Motherwell Stadium for day to day training to help preserve the Fir Park pitch and keep it in top notch condition, which was vital to allow Ancell’s footballing philosophy to thrive.

    Again it would be a most entertaining season for the Motherwell spectators, with their favourite’s just failing to score on four occasions throughout the whole campaign of 44 matches.

    It was only the famous forward lines of both Hibernian and Hearts that scored significantly more goals than the Steelmen.

    1960/61 saw Bert once again be an ever present for Motherwell as the club mixed it with Scottish footballs big boys. No more so than when Motherwell were drawn against champions elect Rangers in the Scottish Cup.

    The fans were treated to a thrilling tie at Fir Park where the visitors raced into a two goal lead as they threatened to blow the Steelmen away.

    Gradually, backed with a fervent home support, Motherwell got a foothold back in the game, as McCann fed Ian St John who slammed the ball low into the net a minute before half time.

    The second period was end-to-end stuff before Bert McCann secured a replay, calmly firing home from fifteen yards.

    The Ibrox replay, in front of a sell-out crowd, would go down in Motherwell folklore.

    The Fir Parkers started brightly – taking the lead, but by the break the Light Blues had fought back and were ahead.

    Nobody could have seen the performance the Steelmen produced in the second half, inspired by manager Ancell’s team talk.

    Pat Delaney rifled home an equaliser from a free kick given for a foul on McCann. And before the hour had arrived Bobby Roberts got to a ball before the Rangers keeper to prod the third over the line as Motherwell turned on the style.

    The Ibrox crowd watched on stunned and mesmerised as the Steelmen scored twice more to complete a 5-2 thrashing of the Glasgow giants.

    Legend has it, that almost every Rangers fan stayed until the end to applaud Bert and his team mates off the turf, such was the display the Fir Parkers had produced.

    With the new season on the horizon, the exciting Motherwell side were beginning to be dismantled as the vultures circled ML1 looking to snap up the emerging talent, particularly striker Ian St. John who departed for Bill Shankley’s Liverpool for £375,000.

    Despite Ancell’s attempts at replacing the obvious quality with promising youngsters, the performance almost inevitably took a dip.

    It would be a season of injuries for McCann as Motherwell finished a disappointing 9th of 18 clubs.

    The first game of 1962/63 season saw Falkirk visit Fir Park in front of the magnificent newly extended main stand.

    Bert McCann was the man of the match, expertly dictating play as the Steelmen ran riot.

    Bobby Russell scored five times with Pat Quinn helping himself to a mere four in a stunning 9-1 victory in front of an enthralled audience.

    Mid-table obscurity would be a recurring theme for the remainder of Bert’s time running up and down Fir Park with his last goal rounding off an emphatic 4-1 home win over Morton before his final appearance in an ill-fated clash with Rangers at Fir Park.

    Bert McCann’s career at the top level was effectively brought to an abrupt halt by a horrible tackle inflicted in a league game at home to Rangers in April 1965.

    The Motherwell club doctor of the time was quoted as saying it was the worst football injury he’d ever seen with studs marks being gouged across Bert’s thigh muscle.

    That summer, Bert made the short hop over the Clyde to join the Accies for a season before retiring at the age of thirty-three, and using his academic qualifications to become a teacher.

    Bert had gained five Scottish international caps and also five Scottish League appearances in an era where the domestic game was awash with terrific talent.

    His international debut came in May 1958 in front of over 100,000 fans as West Germany were defeated 3-2 in a friendly match at Hampden Park, alongside fellow debutants and ‘Well players Ian St. John and Andy Weir, who scored.

    Further appearances in Dark Blue came against Northern Ireland, Wales and England before his final Cap, which came in horrible 9-3 defeat against the “Auld Enemy” at Wembley in May 1961.

    Bert McCann made 246 appearances in claret and amber, captaining the side on many occasions and returning 21 goals for the cause.

    Until his sad passing last year, Bert took an enthusiastic interest in Motherwell FC, being part of the former players club and part of the Well Society.

    On the park, Bert had the ability to play in any midfield position.

    A consistent performer, who initially relied to a large extent on his vision and ability, but developed a cogency and timing in the tackle that brought a respect from his opponents, and adulation from his Motherwell supporters.

    Despite not being the biggest or most robust of players, he had the strength to play a defensive role if required and the talent to be creative just off the centre forward.

    However, he was probably best suited to being the architect of the team, dictating the tempo, direction and structure of any given match.

    And if that team happened to be one of the finest this club has produced in 131 years, then surely Bert McCann was one special player that fully deserves never to be forgotten around these parts.

  • Club

    A coffee and a chat with Stevie Hammell

    Academy director Stevie Hammell sat down for a coffee and a chat in the next episode of our regular feature. 

    The ‘Well legend discussed the ongoing work at Braidhurst, as well as his hopes and aims for the future.

    Our interview was filmed at the Windmills Cafe in Motherwell.

    Windmills is a social enterprise cafe in the heart of Motherwell which is committed to ensuring young people with learning disabilities have equal access to meaningful work experience opportunities. For more information, visit Windmills Cafe’s website.

  • Club

    Take part in the Scottish Football Supporters Survey

    Take part in the Scottish Football Supporters Survey

    Motherwell fans are being asked to take part in this year’s Scottish Football Supporters Survey.

    Operated by Supporters Direct Scotland, officially recognised as the lead supporters’ group in Scotland by the SPFL and Scottish FA, they have established a formal means to engage with the game’s key decision makers and represent fans’ views overall.

    You can participate in the survey by clicking here

    Last year’s survey results were presented to the Professional Game Board and at the Scottish FA Congress in December 2017. Almost 14,000 supporters participated in 2017, with overall outcomes including:

    • The consideration of value for money, which was regard as “the biggest threat to the future of the game in the next five years”.
    • Ticket pricing, kick off times and the relationship fans have with their clubs were considered to be the three most important factors in decision to attend a game.

    You can read more about the results of the 2017 survey, and the resulting “asks” by visiting scottishsupporters.net.

    The Scottish Football Supporters Survey will run annually over the next three years to allow them to continue to measure results and improvements, covering the topics of value for money, fan experience and supporter engagement.

    This year’s findings will be reviewed by Supporters’ Direct Scotland, the SPFL, the Scottish FA and also an insight group consisting of key media and communications staff from various SPFL clubs.

    The survey will run for two weeks closing on Sunday 16 September.

  • Club

    Tickets on sale for Hearts clash

    Tickets on sale for Hearts clash

    Motherwell return to action on Saturday when Hearts come calling in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

    There were a succession of exciting clashes between the two teams last campaign, especially at Fir Park, and this weekend promises to be no different.

    Carl McHugh’s wonder strike to defeat the Gorgie side on their last visit to ML1 will live long in the memory, as will the atmosphere that day as we booked our place in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi final.

    You can buy your tickets online now. You can then choose to print them at home, have them delivered or collect from the ticket office at the stadium.

    Adult prices start at £20, while we also have a host of great prices for concessions and children. Kids go for just £3 all season long at Fir Park.

    Hearts supporters can also get their tickets through our online platform. Away fans will be accommodated in our south stand.

    There’s also great hospitality options

    Fancy watching the game in a bit more style? We’ve a whole host of hospitality options, whether you’re looking for some pre-match food and drink or even fancying seeing the match from the comfort of one of our corporate boxes.