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Stuart McCall has called on all ‘Well fans to roar the Steelmen on to Hampden when Dundee United visit this Wednesday.

Should the men in claret-and-amber traverse the Peter Houston’s cup holders they will face St. Johnstone in the semi-final in April.

Although there are still substantial obstacles in the way, this could be the club’s best chance to reach a Scottish Cup final for many years.

And with entry for this vital tie set at just £10 for adults and £5 concessions, the Motherwell gaffer is hoping for a bumper crowd at Fir Park.

“This is the most important game since I have been at the club,” the gaffer previewed. “It would certainly eclipse beating Celtic.

“For the fans – to give them some excitement and something to look forward to – it would be wonderful to get to another Hampden semi-final. But we know how tough a task it will be against Dundee United. The players know the prize which is waiting for them if they can get through this tie, and if we play to the level that I know my players can then we are good enough.   

“The club has reduced the prices to make the game affordable, and hopefully with a big home crowd roaring the boys on we can get to where we want to be – and that’s in the semi-final.”

The ‘Well boss is sure that his troops have enough in their locker to defeat the Terror’s, who are on a prodigious run of eight matches unbeaten in all competitions.

The Steelmen turned in a marvelous display at Tannadice in the first encounter of this tie, and were unlucky to only come away from Tayside with a 2-2 draw.

Similarly, the last time Motherwell played home game it was the fantastic 2-0 win over an in-form Celtic side. The boss has admitted that inconsistency has plagued his side, but there is little doubt that ‘Well have shown an ability to match the best sides in Scotland at times.

“The last time my players walked off the pitch at Fir Park it was to a standing ovation, after beating Celtic,” McCall recalled, “and it was well deserved.

“We were fantastic that day and we have shown on occasions that we have good quality in our squad. I thought we were excellent in the first game at Tannadice too, and more of the same will be required on Wednesday.

Everyone at the club is acutely aware that the next few days could be season-deciding for Motherwell, with the club battling for a place at Hampden and also facing Aberdeen at home as ‘Well chase a top-six berth.

Both goals could be vital for the prestige of the club and, more importantly, for the future plans as Stuart McCall looks to build his own Motherwell side.

The former Everton midfielder continued: “There’s no doubt that our budget for next season will be much better if we can get to a semi-final or even a final – likewise if we can finish in the top six.

“That’s the finances of football everywhere at the moment. Until you know where you are going to be then it is hard to plan ahead.

“The players know the situation, and it is perhaps another motivational tool that a win could see another couple of pence put on a new contract offer – but the players won’t need any extra motivation for tomorrow night.”

The seventeenth edition of the Motherwell Matchday Magazine is on sale this Wednesday when Dundee Utd visit Fir Park.

It’s a massive game for both clubs with the winner progressing through to the Scottish Cup Semi Final and a Hampden clash with St Johnstone

And the featured-packed, 64-page programme will again be on sale with all the latest from Fir Park…

This week, Stuart McCall looks back at the defeat at Kilmarnock and assesses the chances for the remainder of the season.

There’s a fantastic 8-page interview with Ross Forbes, the young midfielder reflects on a rollercoaster two-years in the Motherwell first-team and details his hopes and aspirations for the future.

We have a ten-page section dedicated to our visitors, Dundee Utd, including a player-by-player account of the Arabs side. Peter Elder also takes us back through time to recall some of the good and, erm, not so good encounters between the sides.

Alan Temple looks at how United are bucking the fatigue trend as well as examining how the tie has lived up to some rather famous predecessors.

And that’s not all… We look back at the 2-2 draw at Tannadice and the 3-1 defeat at Kilmarnock eight days ago.

We also look at the recent Cashback for Communities windfall, Stephen and Chloe Craigan in Play Talk Read the latest commercial and community news as well as all the latest ticket information for the last few games before the split.

The programme, priced at £3, will be available in the ‘Well Shop with sellers in and around the ground from about 6pm.

Referee for Wednesday’s Scottish Cup Quarter Final replay with Dundee Utd at Fir Park is Calum Murray.

Murray will be handling his third ‘Well game of the current campaign after previously overseeing the 1-0 defeat at McDiarmid Park in January and the original match at Tannadice which finished 2-2.

Saints won that night courtesy of a controversial penalty award when Stephen Craigan was adjudged to have clashed with Michael Duberry inside the area; Liam Craig dispatched the resulting kick from the spot.

The draw at Tannadice won wide applause for being end-to-end and exciting and Murray played his part with an excellent display, including getting a number of penalty calls spot on.

Last season, he was the man in the middle for the 1-1 draw with Rangers; Tom Hateley netting a sensational equaliser for the Steelmen. That game was also marred by a controversial call when Ross Forbes’ goal was somehow disallowed for offside despite television pictures showing the midfielder to be at least two yards onside.

He also took charge of the 3-2 home defeat by Sunday’s opponents Dundee Utd in April last year when a John Sutton double wasn’t enough to give ‘Well the points.

His overall record in charge of the Steelmen is fairly decent. Of the fifteen games he has taken charge of, Motherwell have won seven, drawn three and lost five. The Fir Parkers have scored twenty-two whilst nineteen have hit the back of the ‘Well net.

42 players have seen yellow on those fourteen matches, 22 of which were shown to a player wearing Claret and Amber. Only one player has been sent for an early bath, Bob Malcolm in the famous 1-0 win over Celtic back in early 2008.

Calum will be ably assisted by Brian McGarry and Charlie Smith with Alan Muir on fourth official duties.

Fans are reminded that tickets for this Wednesday’s Scottish Cup clash with Dundee United have been reduced to £10/£5.

In what is surely Motherwell’s biggest week of the season, a win for McCall’s men would set-up a Semi Final date with St Johnstone.

Both Motherwell and United have agreed to slash the prices once again – with adults paying £10 and concessions just £5*. What is more, Season Ticket holders have until the day of the match to purchase their regular seat for what is certain to be a Cup cracker.

For further information or to pre-buy your regular season ticket seat, pop into the Fir Park Ticket Office now – please note that phone bookings can now no longer be taken.

*Concessions are listed as U16s, Over 60s and full time students with a valid matriculation card.

‘Well fans have the chance to experience the atmosphere of the Centenary Suite for just £25 this Wednesday.

The Steelmen take on Dundee Utd in a vital Scottish Cup Quarter Final replay in what is sure to be one of the most intense affairs of the campaign.

So, to make sure you enjoy the game, we are offering fans the chance to upgrade from their regular ticket to the Centenary Suite.

As well as your seat in the prime location within the Phil O’Donnell Stand, you’ll have access to the Centenary pay bar before the match. Browse your complimentary programme and teamsheet or catch up with 1991 Legends Stevie Kirk and Dougie Arnott at the bar.

You’ll refuel at half-time with tea, coffee, pies and cakes before enjoying the second half.

Finish the evening back in the Suite, where you will hopefully be toasting a victory and a place in this year’s Semi Final.

And this price for all this? An incredible £25*

*Please note that pre-match meals are not included in this package, however, if you would like to book a table for a meal, click here.

An own goal from full-back Aiden Hendry was enough to give Motherwell U19s all three points against St Johnstone this afternoon.

At a sun-drenched Tulloch Park, the young Motherwell side enjoyed the better of the ninety minutes but had to rely on Hendry’s own goal after nineteen minutes, the full-back firing into his own net following a terrific Keiran McDonald cross.

Saints, who played more direct, had three players (Liam Caddis, Stevie May and Stephen Reynolds) with first-team experience in their starting eleven but didn’t cause ‘Well keeper Tom Bradley too many problems.

The win lifts Gordon Young’s side to fifth place in the table, with St Johnstone still in eighth spot.

Motherwell: Bradley, Griffin, Brownlie, Lynch, McKinnon (Murray -74mins), Carswell, Pollock (McGachie), Howarth (Moore – 72mins), Watt, McDonald, Erwin

Subs: Stewart, McLean

Booked: None
Goals: Hendry OG (19)

Our Scottish Cup dream is still alive, with our Quarter-Final replay against Dundee United taking place at Fir Park on Wednesday 30th March.

We had a great response to the last ticket competition, and Carling, the official beer of the Scottish Cup, have once again given us a pair of Motherwell tickets for the game, so you can come and cheer on the lads for free.

For your chance to win simply tell us:

Q: Who scored both Motherwell goals in the quarter-final game?

Email your answer, along with your name, address, telephone number and date of birth to alysongray@thesportsbusiness.co.uk with “Motherwell tickets” in the subject heading.

Competition closes on Monday 28th March at 12noon, and the winner will be contacted by telephone that afternoon.

Terms and Conditions:

• Over 18s only
• Travel is not included

It’s time for you to decide who you think deserves to win the Clydesdale Bank Premier League Manager, Player and Young Player of the Month for March. 

Has someone in our team caught your eye with their performances over the month – Maybe John Sutton is in with a shout after a sensational run of scoring form?

Vote and you could be in with a chance to win a pair of hospitality tickets to one of our upcoming fixtures!

Fans can vote by visiting the Clydesdale Bank Premier League website www.cbfootball.co.uk and the top three fans nominations will be put forward to the shortlist for the panel of Scottish football experts to choose the winners.

And to give you something back for voting, a lucky fan whose votes for the three categories match that of the judging panel will be picked at random to win hospitality tickets for a Clydesdale Bank Premier League team of their choice (subject to availability).

Voting is open now and closes at 4pm on Monday 28th March 2011.

Log onto www.cbfootball.co.uk to cast your vote and play our Score Selector game. You can also win tickets for our upcoming fixtures, take part in the weekly quiz and keep up to date with all Clydesdale Bank’s football activities.

Motherwell Football Club is pleased to launch its Easter Holiday programme for 2011.

And with extended hours allowing parents to drop off their children at the much earlier time of 8.30am and collect them at the later time of 4.15pm, for the price of just £14.00 per day, or £7.00 per half day, we hope this will be the biggest and best programme
 
The new extended hours are in direct response to many requests from parents with work commitments, and the Club are only too happy to respond to this request.
 
‘Well legend Stevie Kirk commented: “Over the last year we have had many requests from parents to provide a facility where children and young people could be dropped off earlier and picked up later to fit in with parents work commitments.

“We are only too happy to accommodate this request, and our pricing structure is still much cheaper than many other child care options available in the area. Whilst the children are with us, they are getting healthier, are meeting new friends, and developing their skills within the shadow of Fir Park, and our coaches are there to provide a fun, safe environment.

“We also have a range of discounts on offer for parents booking children in for a full week, or sending more than one child.”
 
The Holiday Programme will kick off on April 4th and will continue throughout the full two work period until April 15th. For further information please click here to download our brochure.

You can book either through our website at www.motherwellsoccerschools.com or through our bookings hotline on 01698 239 926.

Stephen Craigan has called on dads throughout Motherwell and Lanarkshire to have fun from day one.

The Steelmen skipper is encouraging dads to invest in quality time with their tots as Motherwell FC lends its support to the Scottish Government’s ‘Play Talk Read’ campaign.

The national Play, Talk, Read (www.playtalkread.org) campaign champions quality interaction with under-threes through easy, fun and inexpensive activities. It provides parents with vital tools to help them stimulate their babies and young children (0-3) and give them the best possible start in life.

The SPL Trust is backing the campaign after recent research* found that over half of Scottish dads worry that they don’t spend enough time playing, talking or reading with their children. It also showed that work pressures were more likely to be mentioned by dads (49%) as a factor in playing, talking or reading compared with just 21% of mums.

By sharing his stories of the fun he has with Chloe, Stephen hopes to remind Motherwell dads that it doesn’t have to be expensive toys or costly days out.  Stephen said: “its quality time and attention that really counts with our wee-ones. By simply playing, talking and reading with them more often we can give them the best start in life. That’s why I’m calling on dads throughout Motherwell to have fun from day one!

Crucial research that underpins the Play, Talk, Read campaign has shown that young children who are given the strongest foundations will perform better at school, develop better social skills and will grow into healthier adults.

Adam Ingram Minister for Children and Early years said: “It’s important to help dads understand that it’s quality time and attention that makes all the difference. So that they can play and have fun with their young children without worrying about how often they do it and whether they’re doing it right.

“It’s therefore great to have the SPL Trust supporting our campaign to help show dads that it’s the simple things that have a big impact – whether it’s singing songs together or pulling funny faces – dads can rest assured they are doing the best they can to give their kids the best possible start in life.”

Case study: Stephen Craigan Motherwell FC

Stephen is dad to his 14 months old daughter Chloe; “I love watching Chloe learn and find new things every day. I’m fascinated at how quickly kids progress and how clever they are. Watching my own child progressing and trying to guide her as best I can is a special feeling and brings me so much joy.

”I normally get time first thing in the morning with my daughter and we have breakfast together which can be messy but is great fun! Being in the job I’m in means I get to be home early in the afternoon too, so I get to see her before dinner and before she gets her bath and ready for bed. I count myself lucky that I get to see as much of her growing up as I do. It’s brilliant.
 
”My daughter loves the water so we go swimming when we can. We also live near a play park so when the weather is suitable we like to go to there. She loves the different surroundings and giving her as many new experiences as possible is good for her.

“As most parents I like to act silly and run about with her in tow, normally laughing and shouting. We acquired a plastic ball over the last couple of days and she loves picking the ball up, dropping it and watching it bounce around – small things bring so much satisfaction to her, and me!

”I try to make sure Chloe gets outside as much as possible, swimming and the park are what we do most. I think it’s important that she gets out for a walk to get some fresh air and free space so she can run and feel free.

”Like most children, it’s the odd things like clothes pegs, empty plastic bottles and stuff that they like to play with. It’s fun to pass these to each other, hide them and kick them between us so I can join in with her.

”Her favourite songs are those from the cartoons we watch and I now know the words too! There are a few that get her dancing and she tries to join in while jumping around. She also likes to join in with ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ and she recently learned ‘Roll Your Boben Up’ too. Showing friends and family what she can do even at such a young age brings a smile to my face.”

Some more playtime ideas for dads:

1. Messy play – Why not encourage your child to play with things that they can get their hands into? Fill up a bowl with sand or water and let them enjoy the different textures.

2. Make some noise! – Children love noise so why not collect all your empty washing up bottles in the house and make them in to musical instruments? Fill up an empty washing up liquid bottle with dry pasta and let them shake it!

3. Create an adventure in the park – Take your child on a nature trail around the park, listing items (leaves, twigs, stones) for them to find and collect along the way. Once all the items are collected, take them home and use them to make creative pictures!

4. Sing and dance – Singing and dancing is a great way to engage children. Put some music on or sing a nursery rhyme, or dance along to the radio with your little one to help develop their concentration and coordination.

5. Playing peek-a-boo – Hide and seek is a fun game for children that encourages your child to use their imagination as well as developing their concentration skills.

6. Read your matchday programme or your newspaper footy pages – Something visually stimulating with lots of pictures will help teach your child to associate pictures with the words.

For more play ideas, hints and tips on how to keep your little ones stimulated and to find some interactive fun, please visit www.playtalkread.org.

*Research by Progressive Partnership 2009