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Andy Halliday explains his fondness of the Premier Sports Cup group-stage action coming before the start of the league season, as Halliday prefers the competitive action. 

The midfielder explains the impact new manager Jens Berthel Askou has had in his three weeks, and believes the fans will see some of is ideas on the pitch agains Clyde.

Paul McGinn will remain Motherwell captain for the 2025/26 season. 

“It will always be an honour to be the captain of this football club,” McGinn said.

“The dressing room has lots of experience within it, and I know we’re going to need all of that throughout the season. Personally, I hope to be leading from the front a lot more this season.

“We have a good group, and the manager has been laying the groundwork and foundations for the upcoming campaign. I also want to mention the supporters, who have shown me their loyal support throughout my time here.

“I hope everyone is excited for the new season to get started. The players will give it everything to make you proud of your club.”

Manager Jens Berthel Askou has handed the responsibility to McGinn and has also assigned Liam Gordon, Stephen O’Donnell, Lennon Miller and Andy Halliday as vice-captains.

“Paul McGinn will continue as Club Captain and will be supported by a leadership group consisting of Stephen O’Donnell, Andy Halliday, Liam Gordon, and Lennon Miller,” manager Jens Berthel Askou explained.

“The vice-captains will take turns captaining the team should Paul be absent from the team. During my first weeks here, it has become clear just how important this group is to the team, both on and off the pitch.

“In different ways, they each personify the club’s values and possess invaluable leadership qualities that have been driving the culture here long before my arrival.

“They are very good footballers, but more importantly, they are people of loyalty, integrity, and empathy. They will protect our environment, keep everyone on their toes, and help people thrive.”

Emmanuel Longelo is our latest signing, joining from Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee, on a two-year deal, with the club holding an option of a further year. 

The move is currently subject to international clearance.

The 24-year-old spent last season on loan at Cambridge United in League One, where he made 19 appearances, scoring two goals.

“This is a fresh challenge for me,” Emmanuel Longelo said.

“The prospect of coming to a new league is thrilling and I’m looking forward to learning new things. I feel I can add to the group and hope I can impress during my time here.”

Longelo joined West Ham as a nine-year-old, and instantly made a name for himself as he scored five goals in his first Under 10s match.

From there, he worked his way through the ranks at the Hammers and went on to feature for consistently for the Under 18 and Under 23 side.

After featuring heavily for the 18s and 23s, he made his debut for the West Ham first-team in 2020 in the EFL Cup against Hull City. His second senior appearance came a year later on the European stage, with Longelo starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a Europa League clash against Dinamo Zagreb.

In August 2022, Longelo joined Birmingham City on loan in the Championship. In his first season at St Andrews, he played 25 times for the Blues in a successful season.

As a result of the impressive campaign, Longelo moved to Birmingham on a permanent deal in the summer of 2023 for an undisclosed fee. A change in manager midway through the season limited game time and for the 24/25 season, he joined Cambridge United on loan.

“We’re pleased to welcome Manny to Motherwell,” manager Jens Berthel Askou said.

“We have been looking to add competition in the left-back position, and Manny brings exactly what we need – breakthrough power, strength, speed, and athleticism down our left side.

“He has already gained valuable experience in the Championship with Birmingham City, and we’re looking forward to getting him on board and working closely with him unlocking his full potential.

“We strongly believe that he’ll be a very valuable player for Motherwell in the years to come and look forward to giving him his first minutes in the game against Clyde on Saturday.”

Kodie Hay has returned to the club after departing fellow SWPL side Partick Thistle during the summer break.

The technically strong and pacey forward returns to North Lanarkshire for her second spell in claret and amber after featuring in claret and amber for three successive seasons.

“It’s a great feeling to be back at the club,” Hay said.

“I loved my first spell at Motherwell, and I really want to build on that this season. Paul and his staff have created a really competitive squad that have been pushing the boundaries every season.

“I can’t wait to meet up with the full squad again, and get back onto the pitch.”

Hay featured on 72-occasions for the Jags during a successful period for the club.

“I’m delighted to welcome Kodie back to the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Kodie is a very versatile player that can play in a variety of positions through both the midfield and the forward line, and can add that creativity to the squad.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Kodie back at K-Park this season. “

Motherwell will get their 2025/26 competitive season underway on Saturday 12 July against Clyde at New Douglas Park. 

Kick off is 3pm.

How to follow the game

You can buy online here.

Ambulatory supporters should buy the concession rate and get one carer free of charge; to get the free carer ticket e-mail info@clydefc.co.uk and they will send a complimentary ticket for entry to the carer once the concession ticket has been purchased.

Travel

We have been advised that the Hamilton West line to Motherwell is undergoing maintenance. Supporters will be able to travel to Hamilton West but will be unable to get a train back to Motherwell from there.

You are able to get a train from Hamilton Central back to Motherwell, however.

From Motherwell to Hamilton West, trains are running twice every hour. Running at 17 minutes past the hour and 13 minutes to the hour, supporters have a number of options.

From Airbles, two trains are also running every hour to Hamilton West. Trains are departing Airbles station at 19 minutes past the hour and 11 minutes to the hour.

There are bus services in operation from Motherwell to Hamilton. The full timetable can be found here.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

Motherwell return to competitive action for the first time since the end of May. There have been five new additions to the squad ahead of the new campaign.

The Steelmen have played two friendly matches so far, defeating Carlisle United at Fir Park 1-0 earlier this week. Andy Halliday’s penalty was the difference between the sides after Jens Berthel Askou’s men were defeated 3-0 by FC Twente in the Netherlands last week.

Opposition Report

For the second time in as many seasons, Motherwell and Clyde will lock horns in the group-stage of the Premier Sports Cup. Last year, goals from Moses Ebiye, Lennon Miller and Filip Stuparevic secured a 3-1 win at New Douglas Park.

Last season, Clyde finished seventh in League Two.

Martin Rennie ended the season as the club’s top goalscorer with ten, but the forward has since left the club. Motherwell Academy graduate Logan Dunachie is under contract for next season after a successful 24/25 season. The defender, now playing as a striker, scored seven goals and continued to be a nuisance for the League Two defenders.

With seven departures already confirmed by Clyde, including captain Lee Hamilton, the summer rebuild is starting to take shape. Motherwell academy graduate Sam Campbell has joined from East Stirlingshire, with Andy Murdoch also signing.

Clyde have also added James Hilton to their ranks from Dumbarton, who scored nine goals last term, and he could be their new main man.

Another Motherwell academy graduate, Robbie Leitch, will remain with the Bully Wee for the upcoming campaign, having scored six goals last season, as well as former Motherwell academy graduate Shay Nevans.

Jens Berthel Askou had one final chance to experiment ahead of the Premier Sports Cup opener against Clyde this weekend.

Carlisle United travelled to Fir Park to provide stiff opposition for the Steelmen. Chances came and went for Motherwell, with them dominating the ball and looking lively.

Andy Halliday scored the only goal of the afternoon from the spot, with many players impressing as they all push for a starting position for the first match of the season.

New Zealand international Elijah Just has made the permanent switch to Motherwell on a two-year deal subject to international clearance, with the club holding an option of a further year. 

The winger arrives from Danish 1st Division side Horsens for an undisclosed fee.

“I’ve had a great welcome from everyone at the club,” Elijah Just said.

“It’s great to be in the building and getting straight down to work. The season gets started this weekend, and I can’t wait to get playing.

“The discussions with the manager have been inspiring. He told me about his vision at Motherwell, and it sounds like a place you want to be as a player.

“I’m looking forward to meeting all the fans and starting our journey together.”

Just is already a well-established international with his national side, New Zealand, with over 30 caps already to his name at the age of just 25.

Representing his country at Under 17 and Under 20 level, Just received his first senior international call-up in 2019 and has gone on to play at the Olympics with the national side. In total, he has played 36 times for his country at senior level.

The winger’s football adventure started with the Olè Academy in Wellington. He started playing for the Western Suburbs side in the Central League, where he tasted silverware, lifting the Central League in 2017.

In 2018, he switched to the Eastern Suburbs side, where he scored seven goals in 20 games in one season.

His first move outside of New Zealand came in 2019, when he moved to Denmark to join FC Helsingør. From 2019 to 2022, he represented the club 73 times, scoring 14 goals. In his first season, he helped the side get promoted to the 1st Division in Denmark, where they went on to finish 4th in the standings the following season.

Remaining in the top half of the table for his other two seasons at the club, Just’s impressive displays earned him a move to Danish top-flight side Horsens in 2022. Playing 62 games and scoring four goals, he joined Austrian side SKN St. Pölten in the summer of 2024 on a season-long loan deal.

Scoring six goals in 19 games, Just finished fourth in the league standings and now makes the switch to Scotland.

“I’m delighted to be welcoming Elijah to Motherwell FC,” Jens Berthel Askou added.

“Elijah is a left-footed and technically very good player with a highly developed game intelligence. He thrives in small spaces within the opposition’s organisation where his ability to dribble or link up causes big dilemmas.

“Driving the ball with speed and moving fast into dangerous areas, he’ll use his strong finishing skills and creativity to create chances for his teammates.

“He is a good and intelligent presser of the ball and understands the value of working hard out of possession. Elijah will add tempo, speed and effectiveness to our attacking game, and I really look forward to integrating him into the team.”

Amy Bulloch has completed a permanent move to Motherwell from fellow SWPL side Partick Thistle. 

The women of steel have secured their first addition of the 2025/26 SWPL campaign, as Partick Thistle’s Player of the Year Amy Bulloch returns to Motherwell after previously featuring for the club in 2019.

Bulloch became an integral mainstay in former Jags manager Brian Graham’s side, with the 32-year-old making over 100-appearances in red and yellow, including two successive top-six finishes whilst featuring in the 2023/24 Sky Sports League Cup Final against Rangers.

“I’m delighted to be at the club,” Bulloch said.

“I was really attracted to the club, as they performed to a really high standard last season, achieving a top-six finish and a place at Hampden and I want to be a part of that again this season.

“I can’t wait to meet up with the full squad, and I am ready for the season ahead.”

Bulloch’s performances were reward, as the midfielder picked up the 2024/25 Partick Thistle Women’s Player of the Year.

“I’m really pleased to bring Amy to the club,” Head Coach Paul brownlie added.

“Earning the Partick Thistle Women’s Player of the Year is an exceptional achievement, as there is a lot of quality in that squad, so for Amy to receive that accolade last season is a real reflection of the quality that I feel we could benefit from in midfield.

“We are delighted to have Amy back as a Motherwell Player.”

Jens Berthel Askou reacts to his team’s pre-season win over Carlisle United at Fir Park.

Motherwell took on Carlisle United in a behind-closed-doors friendly match on Tuesday afternoon, with the Steelmen winning 1-0. 

Jens Berthel Askou named the same that took on FC Twente seven days prior, with new signing Eseosa Sule named amongst the substitutes.

In the glistening sun, it was Motherwell who had the first opportunity of the afternoon. Johnny Koutroumbis slipped the ball down the line for Tawanda Maswanhise, who beat his man and drove into the box. His shot went just wide of the far post on five minutes.

Just sixty seconds later, Lukas Fadinger beat his man with a burst of pace. As the Austrian drove into the box, he received a push in the back; however, the referee decided it wasn’t enough to warrant a penalty as Fadinger crashed to the deck.

Motherwell continued to have nice phases of play, dominating the ball for the most part. The Steelmen were creating space in the wide areas and looked a threat from every attack.

Callum Slattery and Lennon Miller linked up well to send Maswanhise in behind before the Zimbabwean was hauled to the ground by the Carlisle defender.

On 24 minutes, Miller’s free kick skimmed the roof of the net from 25 yards, as Motherwell continued to press for the opener.

Motherwell struck the woodwork twice on 28 minutes. Miller’s delivery from the corner found Stamatelopoulos, whose cushioned effort was deflected onto the post, with his follow-up also hitting the same post.

On 36 minutes, Carlisle had their first big chance of the afternoon. An intercepted pass found its way to former Well forward Luke Armstrong, who curled high and wide.

It only took 60 seconds for the first Well chance to arrive in the second-half. Slattery showed some exquisite skill in the middle of the pitch; O’Donnell’s curled cross met the head of the Motherwell number nine, but the effort was blocked.

On 49 minutes, the second opportunity came. Fadinger chipped the ball into the penalty area with the Carlisle keeper punching clear, but that clearance only reached Maswanhise, who twisted and turned but couldn’t find the target with his left-footed effort.

The chances in the game dried up. After the introduction of a number of substitutes, the next chance came on 73 minutes. Koutroumbis fired over from the second phase of a free kick.

On 74 minutes, new signing Sule won his side a penalty. Charging down the keeper, he was clipped by the keeper’s follow-through. Andy Halliday stepped up and fired into the top right corner to break the deadlock.

Ten minutes later, Slattery’s effort was deflected over the bar from 25 yards after Watt latched onto a loose pass.

The match ended bang on 90 minutes, with the Steelmen coming away with the win.