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‘Well winger Elliott Frear believes the entire squad is relishing the challenge as they head in to a crucial final five matches.

And after a positive performance and result against Inverness two weeks ago, the Englishman hopes that the positives from that win are carried in to Saturday’s match.

Speaking to the press this morning, he said: “It’s a big game and it’s obviously the next game so it’s the biggest game we’ve got.

[pullquote]We’re going to be positive and after that great result against Inverness we can hopefully take the good points from that game in to the Dundee game on Saturday.[/pullquote]

“We’re going to be positive and after that great result against Inverness we can hopefully take the good points from that game in to the Dundee game on Saturday.”

He added: “I’ve enjoyed playing at this level and every game I feel like I’m getting better and I’m getting more confidence.

“It is a relegation battle but we’re all relishing the challenge.”

You can watch the full interview with Elliott on MFC TV’s official YouTube channel.

Motherwell host Inverness Caley Thistle in the final game in the Ladbrokes Premiership before the split.

And with four points separating the Steelmen in eleventh from the Caley Jags at the foot of the table, it sets up a crucial encounter at Fir Park on Saturday afternoon.

It is the third meeting between the two sides this campaign following Motherwell’s 2-1 victory up north just after Christmas and the 3-0 defeat in Lanarkshire back in October.

And ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson is under no illusions that this Saturday’s clash with Inverness is a “huge” fixture for his side.

But the manager insisted his side are not going to panic going in to some crucial matches, starting tomorrow afternoon.

Fir Park gaffer said: “It’s a huge game. We can put a little bit of distance between ourselves and Inverness and we could also move to eighth in the table.”

[pullquote]It’s a huge game. We can put a little bit of distance between ourselves and Inverness and we could also move to eighth in the table.[/pullquote]

He added: “Psychologically for the players, the fans and for everyone around this football club – that can be massive.

“So we’ve not under-egged this game at all. We’ve told the boys how important it is and they know that, but we have calmness about us as well, we’re not going to panic.”

The manager will be without Stephen McManus through injury, while Richard Tait and Louis Moult will again face late fitness tests ahead of the game.

‘Well defender Ben Heneghan is prepared for a “massive” clash with Inverness Caley Thistle tomorrow afternoon.

And as the Steelmen head in to the last match before the split, the Englishman admitted that he feels him and his team are due some luck.

Speaking to the press yesterday, the 23-year-old reflected on an unfortunate run as he looked ahead to the weekend.

Ben said: “Saturday is massive. We’re not where we want to be in the league but I think we’re more than capable of pushing on and putting a string of results together.

[pullquote]Saturday is massive. We’re not where we want to be in the league but I think we’re more than capable of pushing on and putting a string of results together.[/pullquote]

“We need to get some points on the board now because in the last few weeks we haven’t had a lot of luck.”

He added: “In the Rangers game the keeper put on one of the best displays of goalkeeping I’ve seen.

“The save the other day at Partick and the goal against Hamilton too – so hopefully the luck turns in our favour.”

Inverness Caley Thistle currently sit four points behind the Fir Parkers and will be hungry to secure what could be the biggest three points of their season tomorrow afternoon.

It has been a turbulent campaign so far for tomorrow’s visitors, who currently occupy bottom spot in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

However, they will have their sights set on reducing that gap between themselves and the eleventh placed Steelmen to just a point heading in to the split.

It will be a welcome return for Richie Foran to Lanarkshire today, after the manager spent three seasons in Claret and Amber, making 90 appearances and scoring 23 goals.

He will be keen to get back to Fir Park this weekend as a manager as well, due to the fact that the last time his side arrived in Motherwell they left with three points following a resounding 3-0 win.

His side arrive tomorrow on the back of a 3-0 loss against St Johnstone as the visitors put Inverness to the sword at the Caledonian Stadium.

Goals from Steven MacLean, Liam Craig and Graham Cummins secured all three points for the Saints as Inverness’ run without a win extended to six matches.

But they will be confident in the knowledge they can pick up points against the Steelmen following their win at Fir Park back in October.

Tomorrow marks the third meeting between the two teams this season after that forgettable loss for the Steelmen and the hugely important win up north for the Fir Parkers in December.

On that afternoon in the Highlands, Craig Clay scored his first goal in Claret and Amber when he fired in a stunning effort from distance to put the ‘Well one up.

Scott McDonald made it two with just three minutes remaining before a late goal from Greg Tansey made it a fairly tense few minutes as the Steelmen managed to hold on.

As the season has surged on, the Northerners have hit a bit of a snag and find themselves slightly adrift at the foot of the table as they arrive in Lanarkshire tomorrow.

Over the course of the last few seasons, matches have been tough to call between tomorrow’s visitors and the Steelmen, making for an intriguing fixture this weekend.

Matchday Centenary hospitality is on sale now for this weekend’s clash with Dundee at Fir Park.

The Steelmen’s first post-split fixture see’s Stephen Robinson’s side host the Dee for the third time this campaign.

It also marks Neil McCann’s first match in charge of the visitors, who sit two points behind the Fir Parkers.

Centenary hospitality is on sale now, with some great prices and deals on offer:

• Experience one of our post-split matches from the comfort of the Centenary Suite for a sit-down 3-course meal
• Season book holders can upgrade to hospitality from as little as £35pp
• Reduced pricing in place for our home match against Kilmarnock on Tuesday 16^th May

For more information, please contact: hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk or phone 01698 333 333.

The eighteenth issue of the Steelmen matchday magazine is on sale ahead of tomorrow’s league clash with Inverness CT at Fir Park.

Here, we take a look at what can be found inside the 68-page programme.

Young star Chris Cadden looks ahead to a crucial clash and beyond as he reflects on his first full season with the first team.

Stephen Robinson gives his thoughts ahead of the game and there is an update from club captain Keith Lasley, along with ‘Getting to Know You’ – where Stephen Pearson is profiled – both remain in the latest issue of the 2016/17 season programme.

The interesting feature ‘Well in Numbers’, where feature writer Andrew Paterson looks at some of the key numbers in Motherwell history, continues.

As part of the clubs aims to work closely with the Motherwell FC Community Trust and The ‘Well Society, regular updates are included in the programme.

This week’s main features on tomorrow’s opposition remain, including an in depth look at Accies as well as this season’s new ‘Tactics Board’, where we look at Richie Foran’s starting eleven from his side’s defeat to St Johnstone last weekend.

Our match report section looks back on the Fir Parker’s disappointing performance against Partick Thistle, where they lost 1-0.

An update on Stephen Craigan’s U20s side is included too, reporting on the youngster’s recent run of results.

All the latest news from Fir Park is included too, and you’ll get all the latest from the Ticket Office as well as an in-depth look at tomorrow’s match-officials.

All this and more is available for £3 and is 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 subscription to the magazine for the rest of the season by visiting the website of our publishers, Curtis-Sports.

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson is under no illusions that this Saturday’s clash with Inverness is a “huge” fixture for his side.

But the manager insisted his side are not going to panic going in to some crucial matches, starting on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking to the press this morning, the Fir Park gaffer said: “It’s a huge game.

“We can put a little bit of distance between ourselves and Inverness and we could also move to eighth in the table.”

[pullquote]We can put a little bit of distance between ourselves and Inverness and we could also move to eighth in the table.[/pullquote]

He added: “Psychologically for the players, the fans and for everyone around this football club that can be massive.

“So we’ve not under-egged this game at all. We’ve told the boys how important it is and they know that, but we have calmness about us as well, we’re not going to panic.”

You can watch the manager’s full interview on MFC TV’s official YouTube channel.

The referee for Saturday’s Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Dundee at Fir Park is Steven McLean.

It will be McLean’s sixth match in charge this season and his third since the turn of the year, following a midweek away win to Ross County in February and his most recent appointment involving the ‘Well – the 1-1 draw at Ibrox earlier this month.

Prior to that, the official took charge of the goalless draw with Killie at Fir Park in December, the 1-3 home loss to Hearts in September and the Rangers League Cup group match in July, when the ‘Well lost 2-0.

That all-important away win against the Staggies earlier this year broke the run of losses whilst McLean has been in charge – and the Fir Parkers will be keen to follow that up this weekend.

Now one of Scotland’s most recognisable whistlers, ‘Well fans will be familiar with the 35-year old.

His overall record in charge of Motherwell reads sixteen wins, eight defeats and six draws from thirty matches.

In those games, ‘Well have scored 54 and conceded 48. 90 cautions have been dished out, 50 flashed at those wearing Claret and Amber.

Four players have been sent off, two for ‘Well (Fraser Kerr and Keith Lasley in the same match against Killie in February 2013).

McLean will be assisted by Graham Chambers and Anthony Cooper; with Steven Kirkland on fourth official duties.

‘Well defender Ben Heneghan is prepared for a “massive” clash with Inverness Caley Thistle on Saturday afternoon.

And as the Steelmen head in to the last match before the split, the Englishman admitted that he feels him and his team are due some luck.

Speaking to the press this morning, the 23-year-old reflected on an unfortunate run as he looked ahead to the weekend.

Ben said: “Saturday is massive. We’re not where we want to be in the league but I think we’re more than capable of pushing on and putting a string of results together.

[pullquote]Saturday is massive. We’re not where we want to be in the league but I think we’re more than capable of pushing on and putting a string of results together.[/pullquote]

“We need to get some points on the board now because in the last few weeks we haven’t had a lot of luck.”

He added: “In the Rangers game the keeper put on one of the best displays of goalkeeping I’ve seen.

“The save the other day at Partick and the goal against Hamilton too – so hopefully the luck turns in our favour.”

You can watch Ben’s full interview on MFC TV’s official YouTube channel.

A look back at a memorable fixture between the Steelmen and Dundee ahead of this weekend’s crucial encounter at Fir Park as the post-split fixtures get underway. 

Wednesday, 11th February, 2004.

Jason Dair scored twice for the Steelmen as they won a thrilling encounter with Dundee 5-3 back in February 2004.

Despite the entertaining fixture it was a tough spell for both sides who were under administration at the time.

Neil Barrett put Dundee ahead at Fir Park from Sebastian Kneissl’s pass before now skipper Keith Lasley levelled after a miss by Alex Burns, who set up Dair to make it 2-1.

Barrett headed in his second of the game from a free-kick to level, but David Clarkson fired into an empty net to restore Well’s lead before Nacho Novo equalised from six yards.

Burns put Well 4-3 up after a cross by Dair, who then went on to seal the points courtesy of a Scott McDonald pass, which he duly drove home.

The opener came in the 11^th minute, when on-loan Chelsea striker Kneissl squared for Barrett to slot home from the edge of the six-yard box.

But Terry Butcher’s men hit back just three minutes later, when Clarkson cut the ball back to Burns, who fluffed his shot only for Lasley to fire home instead.

‘Well took the lead after 17 minutes when Dair met a Burns cross before firing past Julian Speroni from 12-yards out.

Barrett was back on the scoresheet for the visotors after 28 minutes. This time, he met Garry Brady’s free-kick with a diving header that left keeper Gordon Marshall with no chance.

The Fir Parkers didn’t have to wait too long for their third goal though, after Burns threaded the ball through to Derek Adams who managed to stab it into the path of Clarkson. The young striker made no mistake as he fired into an empty net with 50 minutes on the clock.

The game was back on level terms again when Novo finished from a tight angle eight minutes later.

But in a frantic spell, the Steelmen were back in front just two minutes later.

Corrigan’s long ball was met by Dair out on the right and he supplied the cross for Burns to finish.

Butcher’s side strengthened their lead and wrapped up the points with 17 minutes remaining. Dair collected substitute Scott McDonald’s pass just inside the area before driving past Speroni.

Motherwell: Marshall, Quinn, Corrigan, Craigan, Hammell, Lasley (McDonald ’53), Dair, Adams, O’Donnell (Bollan ’66), Clarkson, Burns.

Unused subs: Corr, Kinniburgh, Wright.

Attendance: 4,247

Referee: J Rowbotham

Motherwell’s post split fixtures for season 2016/17 have been announced by the SPFL.

‘Well will face Dundee at home on Saturday 29th April before Ross County travel to Fir Park the following weekend (Saturday 6th May).

Motherwell then cross the River Clyde for the final Lanarkshire Derby of the campaign on Saturday 13th May before a midweek home match against Kilmarnock (Tuesday 16th May).

The Steelmen will sign off the season with an away trip to Inverness CT on Saturday 20th May.

• Saturday 29th April (3pm KO): vs Dundee (H)
• Saturday 6th May (3pm KO) vs Ross County (H)
• Saturday 13th May (3pm KO) vs Hamilton (A)
• Tuesday 16th May (7.45pm KO) vs Kilmarnock (H)
• Saturday 20th May (3pm KO) vs Inverness CT (A)

There are countless tales of players who look back upon their time in the game and wonder if perhaps they had applied themselves a little more what they might have achieved.  That could never be said of Lee McCulloch however, who put the maximum he could into his career and was well rewarded for it. 

A product of the Motherwell youth set up, like several youngsters of the day he was farmed out to junior football, in Lee’s case at Cumbernauld juniors.

Very early in his senior career Lee almost grabbed the headlines as ‘Well faced MyPa-47 in the UEFA Cup. With seconds remaining and the tie locked at 3-3 on aggregate, Lee’s net-bound shot somehow clipped a post and rolled behind with ‘Well going out on away goals.

He netted his first Motherwell goals in a 6-2 win over Hibs in January 1998 but it was only under Billy Davies did he cement his place as a first pick. Benefiting from playing alongside quality strikers such as Owen Coyle, John Spencer and Don Goodman, McCulloch was showing immense promise and soon became a wanted man.

In March 2001 he joined Wigan for a reported £700.000, then the Latics record signing. Lee helped the Lancashire side progress from the third tier in English football to a 10^th place finish in the Premiership with a League Cup Final appearance along the way.

It was with Wigan that Lee earned the first of his 18 Scotland caps and he was involved in some famous wins, not least the 1-0 victory over France in Paris where he linked up fellow ‘Well youth graduates Stephen Pearson and match winner James McFadden.

After six seasons in England, McCulloch joined Rangers for £2.25m in 2007. By the time he returned north, Lee had moved deeper playing in midfield, and over time he would become a regular in the centre of defence. Prior to Rangers financial difficulties, he would win three top flight titles, three League Cups and two Scottish Cups with the Ibrox side.

Choosing to remain at Ibrox, ironically it was only his home-town club Motherwell who prevented him captaining Rangers from the Third Division to the top flight when ‘Well won the SPFL Premiership play-off in 2015.

Lee moved on to Kilmarnock in the summer of 2015 in a player-assistant manager capacity.  Having been number two to both Gary Locke and Lee Clark. McCulloch is now in his second spell as caretaker manager of the Ayrshire side.