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  • Club

    The career of Keith MacRae

  • Club

    Alan Burrows promoted to chief executive

  • Club

    Get your semi final tickets

  • Club

    Vacancy: Academy goalkeeping coach

  • Club

    Player of the Year winners

  • Club

    Players v Coaches: The final

  • First team

    St Johnstone ticket information

  • Club

    Semi final tickets now on general sale

  • First team

    Get your tickets for Aberdeen clash

  • Club

    Rival connections: Tom Forsyth

  • Club

    The career of Keith MacRae

    The career of Keith MacRae

    I remember it as if it was yesterday. Saturday, 21st August 1968 was a lovely summer’s day in North Lanarkshire where most of the locals were excited at the prospect of rolling up to Fir Park to take in a league match for the first time in four months. It was also a very special day indeed for myself. I was seven years old, and my Motherwell supporting Dad had decided to help me avoid the “pitfalls” I was dangerously close to falling into, in my Glasgow community.

    On the back of the Fir Park side being relegated, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to introduce me to this very special football club which seemed a million miles removed from the two which all my friends supported. It was also the day that Keith Alexander MacRae came into my life, and do you know what, he’s never really left it.

    My dad sat me on the wee white wall that used to surround Fir Park, and for the first time I saw a Motherwell team run out one by one on to Fir Park, resplendent in their claret and amber kit.

    As good as the players looked, it was the guy in an all green kit who came out second in line, with a shock of almost afro ginger hair that really caught my imagination.

    MacRae, Whiteford, Wark, Donnelly, McCallum, Muir, Campbell, Forsyth, Deans, McInally and Wilson, a team etched in my memory. So awestruck was I, that the opponents could have been anybody. As it happens, it was Albion Rovers who would be steam rolled seven goals to nil.

    The dream competitive debut for Keith was in stark contrast to his first appearance three weeks earlier. MacRae, who had only just signed on at Fir Park as a part timer, due to him also training to be a journalist with the Scottish Daily Express, was selected to play against Tranmere Rovers in a friendly.

    Sadly, he was injured within a couple of minutes, to be replaced between the sticks by Joe Wark. Although “Josie” went on to keep a clean sheet in the 2-0 win, secured by two goals from youngster Jim “Jumbo” Muir, it was a less than auspicious start for the ‘keeper who would go on to be one of the brightest talents this club had ever seen.

    Despite the unfortunate injury, Keith kept his place in the side for the first nine league and league cup ties which returned five wins and three defeats, all by a single goal. His tenth appearance for the club came in the penultimate league cup sectional tie up in Montrose, incredibly, as a left midfielder. Whatever manager Bobby Howitt was thinking, it worked to a degree. Keith MacRae prodded the ball home at the far stick to score his first goal in Motherwell colours, although it wasn’t enough to stop the “Gable Endies” winning 2-1 to end the Fir Parkers interest in the cup for another year.

    Howitt tried the same trick again in Paisley a few days later with MacRae taking his position in the outfield, but again it only contributed to a defeat, as the Buddies ran out comfortable winners 2-0. After the Love Street loss, Keith picked up an injury that hampered him and he was nowhere to be seen either in the green goalkeeper kit or the amber outfield kit, his places taken by Peter McCloy and Jackie McInally respectively, until February.

    When he did reappear, again on the left side of midfield, he did so with another goal in a four goal romp at home to Alloa, which was the club’s twentieth league victory in twenty three outings as Motherwell closed in on a record breaking championship win.

    The following 1969/70 season saw Keith rather playing second fiddle to Peter McCloy who was nicknamed the “Girvan Lighthouse”, save a start and a substitute appearance, both at left midfield against Dundee United and Hearts respectively.

    Of course this was the campaign which featured an epic league cup quarter final tie with Morton. Having been taken apart down at the tail o’ the bank to the tune of 3-0, the Steelmen were written off, but no one told the players as goals from Jumbo Muir, McInally and Tam Forsyth at Fir Park earned a replay at Ibrox.

    Injuries would mean that Keith MacRae would play at right back as Motherwell edged a titanic struggle, with Muir firing home four minutes from time to earn a Hampden Park date with a cracking St. Johnstone team.

    That occasion would be a disappointment to ‘Well, Keith, and a certain seven year old kid who witnessed his first, and certainly not last, semi final defeat.

    Within a month, Keith had reclaimed his place between the sticks, with McCloy playing reserve team football. A few weeks later at New Year, I remember vividly sitting in our living room and watching the sports reporter blurt out the line I had grown to dread. “Rangers have concluded a transfer deal for Motherwell goalkeeper…” My heart sank, I was devastated… “Peter McCloy.” I cheered. My hero was staying at Fir Park.

    MacRae’s first game as Motherwell’s undisputed number one came at home to Ayr United in a ‘Well side that contained the “makeweights” in the deal that took McCloy to Govan, Bobby Watson and Brian Heron. Both of these guys would soon be adored by the Fir Park faithful as they looked to rebuild their careers from the limited opportunities they got at Rangers. In that first game, they certainly got off to a flyer with the Steelmen securing a 3-0 win with a terrific display capped with goals from Deans, Heron and Wark, with MacRae celebrating his newfound status with a well-deserved clean sheet.

    Another great cup-tie of that season saw Kilmarnock roll up Airbles Road in the Scottish Cup quarter finals. A crowd of almost 17,000 witnessed a breathtaking display from visiting ‘keeper Sandy McLaughlin to keep the Steelmen at bay, before Ross Mathie beat MacRae with a powerful header to send the Ayrshire side through to a Hampden semi.

    By the end of the campaign, newly promoted Motherwell were safely tucked up in mid table as manager Howitt succeeded in his primary task of avoiding the drop. That close season was a difficult one for Keith as he underwent a bone graft operation on his wrist which had been giving him some discomfort. The club moved in that summer to get cover for MacRae, and signed ex-Rangers goalie Billy Ritchie from Partick Thistle.

    Ritchie began the season with the gloves while Keith was still recovering from his injury, and played in all six league cup sectional games before MacRae made his first appearance as the league got under way, with a 4-1 hammering of Kilmarnock at Fir Park. It would be a successful season for the young keeper as he earned ten clean sheets, playing in all 34 league games. He also came, for the first time, to the attention of the big English clubs with his displays in the inaugural Texaco Cup in this season.

    Motherwell were drawn against Stoke City in the first round, who had the world’s best goalkeeper in their side, Gordon Banks. A terrific display from Banks in the first leg kept his side in the tie with John Goldthorpe scoring the only goal in an enthralling match at Fir Park.

    In the return at the Victoria Ground, it was Keith MacRae’s turn to impress the punters, as he produced an almost faultless display which afterwards drew admiration from the legendary Banks. The second leg finished 2-1 to Stoke City after extra time, which left us with a penalty shoot out to determine the winners. Keith MacRae emerged from the Potteries that night as a Motherwell hero, making two terrific saves to send the Steelmen through to meet Tottenham Hotspur in the quarters.

    The Spurs side, packed with superstars, edged the first leg at White Hart Lane 3-2, leaving ‘Well hopeful for the return at Fir Park. The atmosphere that night was red hot as the Fir Park fans looked to help unsettle the big names from down south.

    Martin Chivers and Brian Heron had exchanged goals in a first half that left the 22,500 fans inside the old ground breathless. The second half would be even better as MacRae pulled off a wonder save that some fans still talk about today, to deny Alan Gilzean. Minutes later, Fir Park erupted as goals from Bobby Watson and Tom Donnelly secured the 5-4 win on aggregate.

    The semi final would prove to be a disappointment though when MacRae picked up an injury which kept him out of the second leg at Fir Park, and Hearts scrambled a last gasp winner to take the spot in the final and leave the ‘Well fans in the 25,000 crowd stunned.

    Such was his performances over this period, Keith MacRae was deservedly called into the full Scotland squad for the end of season British Home International Championships as under study to Aberdeen’s Bobby Clark. Sadly for Keith, this would be as close as he’d ever get to gaining a full cap for his country, although he did represent the Scottish League.

    Season 1971/72 started well again for Keith and his mates, with decent results over the first fourteen league games, and an international call up for Keith to the Scotland Under 23 setup. However, it all went a little pear shaped one afternoon at Firhill, which no-one saw coming.

    MacRae picked up an injury early on and struggled throughout as the Jags ran eight goals by him. MacRae’s season was finished, bar three outings in February, which brought three clean sheets. It was an interesting season for Motherwell keepers, with no less than six occupants of our goals, McRae, Ritchie, a young Tommy Burns and experienced John Fallon all started games. Joe Wark and fellow outfield player, Davie Main had also taken over as ‘keeper following injuries during matches.

    MacRae started the following season again on the treatment table, as Billy Ritchie took over the goalkeeping duties. It was mid-September before Keith was ready, making his return in a 2-2 draw at Muirton Park against St. Johnstone.

    Another nine clean sheets from MacRae helped the Steelmen improve their league position again in a season where Bobby Howitt had resigned following some disaffection from the Fir Park terraces. The eighth place finish was the best the club had achieved since the hey days of the Ancell Babes.

    By the time the new season began, several teams in England were showing a marked interest in MacRae, which heightened with nine clean sheets in the first seventeen games. In retrospect it was an epic League Cup quarter final tie against Celtic which proved irresistible to the sky blue half of Manchester. Keith MacRae turned in three performances like a Motherwell ‘keeper has rarely produced, as the Steelmen went toe to toe with the Glasgow giants.

    The first leg at Fir Park saw Celtic win 2-1, with John Goldthorpe inches away from earning a draw with a pile driver that crashed off the underside of the bar, before bouncing clear late on.

    The second leg would be a historic one for Motherwell, as we won at Celtic park for the first time in twenty three years, the first win of any kind over the Hoops in fourteen attempts. Goldthorpe again was the hero for the Steelmen, picking up the ball in his own half before powering a fantastic drive into the net to put the visitors one up.

    Midway through the second half, Keith MacRae produced a simply stunning save from a George Connolly penalty which secured a replay for Motherwell. MacRae only played one more game for the Steelmen, a 2-1 home defeat to Partick Thistle, before Manchester City arrived at Fir Park with a cheque for £100,000.

    It was too good an offer to turn down and Keith headed to Maine Road, finally clutching a full time contract with the blessing of everyone at the club, leaving manager Ian St. John to turn to Falkirk reserve ‘keeper, Stuart Rennie, to fill the huge gap left in the Motherwell rearguard. Motherwell lost the next game against Ayr United, with a certain Alex Ferguson heading the winner.

    Keith MacRae was one of the most remarkable players ever to play for this club, with his ability to play every position on the field. He is without doubt the most agile and athletic ‘keeper I’ve ever seen at Fir Park, which he probably had to be given that he wasn’t the tallest of custodians.

    He exuded a confidence in dominating his penalty box, collecting crosses with consummate ease before often sparking a counter attack, the first goalie I ever saw do this.

    But it is probably his shot stopping, which at times bordered on the truly ridiculous, allied with his iconic all black kit which I recall most vividly. In the end, Keith may only have turned out 119 times for the Steelmen, scoring twice, but to fans of a certain age he remains an absolute legend of this club.

    Had I not taken such a shine to him that afternoon almost fifty years ago, I might have been writing for an Old Firm audience instead, and that just wouldn’t have felt right.

    Eddie Ferguson

     

  • Club

    Alan Burrows promoted to chief executive

    Alan Burrows promoted to chief executive

    The board of Motherwell Football Club is delighted to announce Alan Burrows has been promoted to the role of chief executive.

    The 35-year old has worked with the club for over a decade, having been communications manager for seven years, before promotions to general manager and most recently, chief operating officer.

    The decision was taken to reflect Alan’s daily duties and responsibilities within his job title.

    “Alan is a dedicated and innovative individual whose main driving force is his desire to see the club progress,” chairman Jim McMahon said.

    “It is invigorating to work with him, a view I know is shared by everyone at Motherwell.

    “He has been a key factor in the success the club has had since its move to fan ownership.”

  • Club

    Get your semi final tickets

    Tickets for Motherwell’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi final with Aberdeen are now on general sale.

    The ticket office is open from 9am to 10:30am on the day of the match. The game at Hampden Park will be played on Saturday, April 14. Kick off is at 12.15pm.

    Ticket information for the match is as follows:

    William Hill South Stand and North Stand

    £30 Adult / £15 Concessions

    East Stand

    £20 Adult / £10 Concessions

    Concessions are regarded as those aged under 16 and those aged 65 and over.

     

    Getting to Hampden

     

    Our bars at Fir Park will be open from 9.30am on the day of the game and are fully licensed to sell alcohol from this time. Buses will leave at 10:45am.

    Information to Supporters

    • Motherwell supporters should use trains to Kings Park
    • Supporters travelling by car should use the same route and utilise on street parking at the east end of the stadium
    • On street parking is controlled by an Event Day Parking traffic regulation order. Parking restrictions are indicated by way of road markings and road signs. On street parking should only be utilised out with restricted areas as a tow-away scheme is in operation for illegally parked vehicles.
    • As a result of the Event Day parking restrictions, there is limited parking available in the vicinity of the stadium. Supporters are encouraged to travel via public transport where possible.
    • There will be a zero tolerance approach to alcohol on buses with increased checking by police

    Unacceptable Conduct at Hampden Park

    The Scottish FA will not tolerate Unacceptable Conduct at a match at Scotland’s National Stadium, Hampden Park or at away stadia hosting matches of the Scottish FA. The following information provides notice of what amounts to Unacceptable Conduct and the sanctions which the Scottish FA may seek to impose upon those individuals who commit Unacceptable Conduct.

    This statement of Unacceptable Conduct should at all times be read in conjunction with the terms of the Ground Regulations.

    Unacceptable Conduct takes place where a person present at or in the immediate environs of a match engages in violent conduct and/or disorderly conduct. A person will also commit Unacceptable Conduct if at or in the immediate environs of a match, they assist another or others engaged in violent conduct and/or disorderly conduct.

    Violent conduct means conduct where there is: (i) actual, attempted or threatened physical violence against a person or persons; or (ii) intentional damage to property.

    Disorderly conduct means: (i) conduct which stirs up or sustains, or is likely or designed to stir up or sustain, hatred or ill will against or towards a group of persons based on their membership or presumed membership of a group defined by reference to a category or against an individual who is or is presumed to be, by the person or persons engaged in the conduct, to be a member of such group; (ii) using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or conduct; (iii) displaying any writing or other thing which is threatening, abusive or insulting; or (iv) using words or conduct or displaying any writing or other thing which indicates support for, or affiliation to, or celebration of, or opposition to an organisation or group proscribed in terms of the Terrorism Act 2000 and any successive or replacement legislation thereto.

    Any person committing Unacceptable Conduct and/or any person who assists another or others to commit unacceptable conduct may be subject to any or a combination of the following:

    • refusal of entry to the stadium
    • removal from the stadium
    • suspension from attending matches of the Scottish FA
    • indefinite ban from attending matches of the Scottish FA
    • be the subject of a report to Police Scotland and/or any prosecuting authorities which may result in possible criminal proceedings

    Please note that all banners will be subject to scrutiny at the turnstiles.

  • Club

    Vacancy: Academy goalkeeping coach

    From 2018, Motherwell Football Club’s Youth Academy will be one of eight clubs in the elite top tier of Club Academy Scotland.

    At this stage in youth football development, the position of Academy Goalkeeping Coach is an exciting prospect for applicants.

    Working on a part-time basis and reporting to Head of Goalkeeping Coach Craig Hinchliffe, the role will revolve around the identification and development of goalkeepers aged 10-18.

    Candidates are required to possess minimum level two goalkeeper qualification, working towards level three.

    Successful candidates will be asked to prepare and deliver a presentation at interview and will also be required to conduct a practical session with a group of young footballers.

    Please click here to view the job description in full.

    Applications should be submitted by e-mail with a CV and covering letter by Monday, 16 April 2018.

    Informal enquiries to Craig Hinchliffe, Head Goalkeeping Coach, via Football Secretary Karen Paterson – karen.paterson@motherwellfc.co.uk

  • Club

    Player of the Year winners

    Motherwell Football Club’s Player of the Year awards took place on Saturday, with a host of prizes on offer to the squad.

    The main winner on the night was Trevor Carson, who scooped three of the awards on offer. There was also success for Allan Campbell, Richard Tait, Craig Tanner, Steven Hammell and captain Carl McHugh.


    Player of the Year (sponsored by Motorpoint)

    The top prize went to goalkeeper Trevor Carson. Having recorded his 15th clean sheet of the season away to St Johnstone in the afternoon before the awards, he was recognised by the supporters as being the outstanding player of the 2017/18 campaign.


    Young Player of the Year (sponsored by Topps Match Attax)

    Last year, Allan Campbell said he watched on at the awards as Chris Cadden picked up the young player prize and said he decided there and then he wanted to be the next winner.

    On Saturday, the tenacious midfielder done exactly that. The standout winner in the fans’ poll, Campbell was recognised for his outstanding season in claret and amber.


    Players’ Player of the Year (sponsored by AluMac Scotland)

    Trevor Carson also gained the approval of his peers as he narrowly edged out Richard Tait in the players’ vote for player of the year.


    Special Recognition Award (sponsored by Covanburn)

    Having made almost 600 appearances in claret and amber, Steven Hammell bowed out from playing in January this year to take up a new role as academy director with the club.

    In recognition of his outstanding service to the club, and the role he will play in bringing through the future stars, the legendary player was given the award.


    Well Society Player of the Year

    Making it a hat trick of awards, Trevor Carson was also voted the player of the year by the owners of the club – you, the supporters who pledge through the Well Society.


    Top Goalscorer Award (sponsored by Newton Waste)

    Craig Tanner’s season may have been ended prematurely through injury but the creative forward still tops the scoring charts.

    Having netted nine in the 2017/18 campaign, with a large percentage coming against Dundee, the Englishman was recognised for his excellent season.


    Goal of the Season (sponsored by Avia Signs)

    It was a very closely contested vote in a season full of memorable strikes, but Carl McHugh’s wonder goal against Hearts in the William Hill Scottish Cup to send the team through to the semi finals won the public vote for the best strike of the 2017/18 campaign.


    Management Team Player of the Year (sponsored by Balmer Care Homes)

    It may have sarcastically been dubbed the “Teachers’s Pet” award on the night by our host Gordon Duncan, but the management team’s pick for their player of the year was undoubtedly worthy of recognition.

    Richard Tait has been a tireless performer in a number of positions in his second season for the Steelmen, so much so he’s even been talked about for a place in the Scotland squad.

  • Club

    Players v Coaches: The final

    It’s all square going into the final of our series of challenges between the players and coaches.

    The two sides have played Speak Out, Pie Face, Name That Tune and even had a penalty shootout against Steelman. But the final will require a whole other set of skills.

    For the last instalment, we’ve got the manager involved for a game of FIFA 18. Helping him out is his son Charlie, coming up against Gaël Bigirimana and Cédric Kipré. Who will win? Watch to find out.

  • First team

    St Johnstone ticket information

    Motherwell’s top six hopes may have ended but there’s still plenty left to play for as the team head to St Johnstone on Saturday.

    As well as having places in the semi final starting team to play for, there’s also the target of finishing as high up the Ladbrokes Premiership table as possible.

    It’s been a season to remember so far and it’s by no means over yet. Get along to Perth and support the team as we start the final push.

    Ticket information is as follows:

    St Johnstone v Motherwell

    Saturday, 7 April 2018
    3pm
    McDiarmid Park
    Pay at the gate

    Admission prices are as follows:

    ADULTS £23
    OVER 65s £13
    13-18 YEAR OLDS £12
    ACCOMPANIED UNDER 12s  FREE

    A special family deal is also in operation at turnstile five only. An adult can take up to two children, aged 12 and under, for £16.

  • Club

    Semi final tickets now on general sale

    Tickets for Motherwell’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi final with Aberdeen are now on general sale.

    The ticket office is open from 9am to 5pm every day this week. The match at Hampden Park will be played on Saturday, April 14. Kick off is at 12.15pm.

    Ticket information for the match is as follows:

    William Hill South Stand and North Stand

    £30 Adult / £15 Concessions

    East Stand

    £20 Adult / £10 Concessions

    Concessions are regarded as those aged under 16 and those aged 65 and over.

    Additional information

    Telephone bookings will be taken. A £1 admin charge will be applied per telephone booking.

    Delivery is available for any fan who cannot collect from us and who is not local. Tickets will be sent recorded delivery but the decision to have tickets posted is at the supporter’s risk and reprints will not be available. A £2.50 admin/postage charge will be added to each ticket, capped at £10.

    Our singing section will be in areas F2 and F3 in the east stand.

    Any fan requiring ambulant or wheelchair tickets should contact Brian Davidson on 07428225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

    Getting to Hampden

    The club are operating a bus from the Cooper Bar on the day of the game. The bar will be open before departure for food and drink.

    The bus, which will take supporters to and from Hampden Park, will cost £8. Supporters can buy by calling 01698 333333 or visiting the ticket office at Fir Park.

    Our bars at Fir Park will be open from 9.30am on the day of the game and are fully licensed to sell alcohol from this time.

    Semi final hospitality

    Come and enjoy the day in style with our pre and post-match hospitality here at Fir Park.

    For just £80, you can get:

    • Your match ticket
    • Hot breakfast roll
    • Match programme
    • Official bus to and from Hampden Park
    • Pay bar facility at Fir Park
    • Hot buffet served at Fir Park on your return

    You can buy online or call to book on 01698 333333.

  • First team

    Get your tickets for Aberdeen clash

    Motherwell host Aberdeen on Tuesday still in with a fighting chance of reaching the top six in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

    The Dons head to Fir Park for the rearranged top flight clash, which was originally scheduled for February 28.

    Kick off is at 7.45pm. Tickets purchased for the original match remain valid for this fixture.

    The Steelmen are still in the race for a top six spot in the Ladbrokes Premiership with two games left to go before the league splits. A lot has to go in our favour for it to happen but, first and foremost, a win is needed against Derek McInnes’ side.

    Tickets can be purchased in advance from the office at Fir Park or you can pay at the gate on the night. Get yourself along and let’s try and recapture the atmosphere of our 3-o Betfred Cup win against Aberdeen last year.

    Admission prices are as follows:

    ADULTS £23/£19
    CONCESSIONS £16/£15
    JUVENILES £12/£9
    FAMILY (1 ADULT + 1 JUNIOR) £29/£24

    The cheaper price is for the John Hunter stand. Concessions are applicable to 60 and over and full time students with a valid matriculation card. Juveniles are applicable to aged 15 and under.

    Away fans will be housed in the McEwan Fraser Legal South Stand. Cash gates are in operation.

  • Club

    Rival connections: Tom Forsyth

    Tom Forsyth was a hero to fans of weekend opponents Rangers during the 1970s but it was Fir Park where he made his name and would later return to taste more glory.

    The young Forsyth emulated the Motherwell heroes he watched from the terraces during his childhood and is still a regular visitor to Fir Park as a member of the former players’ club.

    Forsyth was spotted playing for his local club, Stonehouse Violet, and brought to Fir Park by manager Bobby Howitt in 1967. And his affection for the club which launched his career remains strong more than five decades later.

    “I played in a trial game,” said Forsyth. “I was playing with Stonehouse Violet, I was 16 and had a year with them and went on trial. It was Willie McSeveney, he is in the ex-players’ club as well, who had a word with Bobby Howitt.

    “I played in a reserve game up at Broomfield, I can’t remember if it was against Airdrie or maybe Cumbernauld Juniors. Willie McSeveney took the team and Bobby Howitt then came to watch me play for Stonehouse Violet and signed me. So it all took off from there.”

    Forsyth made his name as a tough-tackling defender but his versatility was evident in his early days.

    “I got in the first team when I was 17. I played as an inside-forward or a wing-half, would you believe. They got relegated but we came back up the next year.”

    That rare season outside the top flight for Motherwell in 1968/69 allowed the teenage Forsyth to develop as the Steelmen won the Second Division at a canter, scoring 112 goals and winning 30 matches out of 36.

    “Jackie McInally finished at Kilmarnock and came to Motherwell for the last two years of his career and he was a great goalscorer,” Forsyth said. “We were in the Second Division and believe it or not I scored 17 goals. Dixie (Deans) maybe got 40 and Jackie scored 20-odd goals.

    “I came as a centre-half but they played me in midfield and I scored a few goals. I think that helped me. When you go back it was a bit easier because there is not so much running to do as when you’re in the middle of the park.

    “I had a great time at Motherwell. My main disappointment was not getting through to the final of the Texaco Cup when we played Hearts in the semi-final. It was very, very disappointing. When I see my pal Davie Whiteford, we still talk about that game. It brings back the memories, we still say: ‘How did we not get to that final?!’

    “It was two-and-a-half minutes into injury-time when they scored and Donald Ford scored in extra-time to put them through. It was a great tournament. We had beaten Tottenham and Stoke and it was a great feeling beating these teams when you are underdogs.

    “We always loved to beat the bigger teams. We beat a lot of teams quite well. I used to go over to watch the Ancell Babes when I was a fan and then the likes of Joe McBride and then Dixie Deans, who I played with too.

    “The Ancell Babes were a great team – there’s a song: ‘When the boys in blue got beat 5-2 by the boys in claret and amber’.

    “We relished these games, they were great games to play in, especially when they came to Fir Park. It was a tight park and the fans were on top of them. We didn’t win all the time but we always gave them a good run for their money.”

    A Scotland career which ultimately saw the defender win 22 caps, play his part in consecutive victories over England and appear at the 1978 World Cup finals, also captaining his country once, began at Fir Park.

    “Bobby Brown was the manager, I saw him at Ibrox recently when I was working in the hospitality. He looked remarkable for 94. He gave Bobby Watson, Keith MacRae and me a call-up when we went over to Russia.

    “The problem was we had stopped playing for a while, maybe a month, because the season had ended. I think their season in Russia went on longer.

    “I went into train at Fir Park but I wasn’t really match fit. The sharpness wasn’t there and it was just disappointing. I was away a year but then I got back in the squad again.”

    Forsyth joined Rangers in October 1972 and became a hero at the end of his first season with the winning goal in an Old Firm Scottish Cup final.

    “I don’t think some Motherwell fans ever forgave me for going to Rangers but I just couldn’t turn it down,” he said. “My first game for Rangers was – you’ll never guess – against Motherwell at Fir Park. I kept giving the ball to Motherwell players.

    “I think I signed on the Thursday and the game was on the Saturday. I got a bit of stick but I had to go to take my career on.

    “But I’ll never forget what Motherwell did for me. They helped me get to the top in football and I am ever thankful. I have a great affection for the club.”

    That feeling was reinforced by 10 years working as Tommy McLean’s assistant during a period of major progress for the club. The former Rangers team-mates led Motherwell to the 1985 First Division title in their first season and left immediately after embarking on a serious title challenge to Rangers.

    But the highlight was the 1991 Scottish Cup final triumph.

    “It was great when we beat Celtic in the semi-final,” Forsyth said. “Tom’s brother Jim was the manager for Dundee United so it was a family things and their dad died a few days before the final, which was very sad.

    “But getting to the final and winning it was great. We went up to Aberdeen and Morton and beat Celtic in a replay, they were great games.

    “I think a lot of Motherwell fans came out the cupboards for the final, then they were on the park at Fir Park afterwards. It was incredible. For a wee club like Motherwell it was a great feeling.

    “I have always had a soft spot for them, they started my career and I can’t thank them enough.”

    Written by Gavin McCafferty.