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‘Well boss Stuart McCall reckons the SPL is in for an unpredictable top-six as four teams battle it out for third place.

The Steelmen, along with St Johnstone, Dundee United and Hearts are all in a head-to-head scrap to nail the ‘best-of-the-rest’ tag and possibly secure a spot at the top table of European football, the Champions League.

Games amongst the four clubs provide little clue as to who might get their noses over the line and McCall thinks it’s almost too close to call.

“I would imagine that between now and the end of the season it is going to be difficult to predict how things will go. You don’t know if Rangers will now start fielding youngsters looking towards 2012/13.

“Now that Celtic have won the league and although Neil Lennon will be desperate to win every single game, will they start to blood some of their fringe players? You’ve even got Hearts, who are now in the Cup Final and what that might do for their priorities?

“Compared to last season when all eyes were fixed on the battle for the Championship, this year it’s about who will finish third, fourth, fifth and sixth and there’s obviously big prizes at stake.

“It’s going to be an exciting time but tense for all those involved and that sort of pressure can lead to unpredictable results. We are looking forward to the challenge.”

-QUOTES ARE EXCERPTS FROM THE MANAGER’S NOTES IN SUNDAY’S CELTIC PROGRAMME-

Midfielder Ross Forbes is the fifth ‘Well player to test his golfing talent in the MFC TV 10-yard Bucket Challenge.

Jamie Murphy kicked things off with a disappointing 101 and was quickly shown up by Irish defender, who did it in a solid 18. Former Scotland International Stevie Hammell shot a 41-over-par, 42!

Geordie Shaun Hutchinson raced into an incredible lead when he shot a 6 – a full ahead of fellow stopper Clancy.

Now it’s time to see if the former Scotland U21 star can snatch top of the leaderboard and scoop a fourball at one of Scotland’s top courses as a prize?

-WATCH ROSCO TRYING TO CHIP IN-

Returning left-back Stevie Hammell says the Motherwell dressing room can’t wait to pit their wits against SPL Champions Celtic this Sunday.

Neil Lennon’s men secured the title with five games to spare with a thumping win at Rugby Park two weeks ago.

However, the Parkhead club were left disappointed by a controversial defeat by Hearts in the Scottish Cup Semi Final last Sunday.

Former Scotland International Hammell is sure the visitors will be on a mission to put things right but reckons Motherwell have it all to play for.

“It’s going to be difficult, no question,” the 30-year old said.

“They will be hurting after their defeat on Sunday after being favourites to win so they will come to Fir Park looking to bounce back.

“But we’re at home – we’ve got a lot to play for in the chase for third – so it has all the makings of a really good game.

“Everyone in the dressing room is really looking forward to the match.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

Season Ticket Holders who sit in the Phil O’Donnell Stand should note the following information.

The club has once again sold tickets in a designated area to away fans in the Phil O’Donnell Stand. 

In a change of direction however and after consultation with the Supporters Advisory Committee, it was agreed that we would test an away family section within this stand.

Only away supporters bringing a Juvenile to the match will be allowed into this area.  No family tickets have been sold for the South Stand and access will be strictly monitored.

Supporter safety and security is paramount to everyone at the club therefore it is hoped that this test will work well and that, moving forward, we will be able to utilize the use of a family section in order to supply demand for these types of games and at the same time lessening the impact to home supporters.

However, should any Season Ticket holder wish to exchange their ticket(s) for either a Davie Cooper Stand or East Stand ticket(s), the club would be more than happy to facilitate that subject to availability.

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said, “In the past fans have said to me that they understand the importance of the revenue that these big games bring.  In consultation with the SAC it was suggested to me that we try a family section within the O’Donnell stand for away supporting old firm fans.

“This seemed like a good idea and opportunity so we have decided to test it to see if it will work.  Hopefully it will work and will also help to solve the problem of demand and availability at old firm games.

“As a club we understand however, that some supporters may want to move to another part of the ground when it comes to sharing the O’Donnell Stand and we are happy to make this happen if the space is available.

“There is absolutely no requirement to do so, but if you would like to swap then feel free to contact the Ticket Office at Fir Park between now and kick-off.”

Referee for this Sunday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Celtic at Fir Park will be Stevie O’Reilly.

It will be Stevie’s fourth Motherwell match of the season and his second in consecutive weeks having overseen the 1-1 draw with Hibs last Sunday. Previous to that he took charge of the 1-0 win over Hearts in August. Both teams ended the match with ten men; Keith Lasley ordered off for the home side with Ian Black taking an early bath for the visitors.

His other match was the 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice in January. The Arabs had taken the lead via a Stephen Craigan OG but a late leveler from Michael Higdon gave ‘Well a point.

O’Reilly, promoted to the Category 1 list over five years ago, will be a familiar face to Motherwell fans having overseen five games last term.

After previously handling the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at Fir Park back last September, the 1-2 home defeat by Hearts in December, the New Years Day 0-0 draw with Hamilton at New Douglas Park and the 1-0 home defeat by Kilmarnock in early February, the last SPL Motherwell appointment came in early April as the Steelmen ran out 2-1 winners over Saturday’s opponents Dundee United at Fir Park.

He also had the honour of being the fourth official at the Scottish Cup Final last May when McCall’s men took on Celtic.

O’Reilly’s overall record in charge of the ‘Well is a bit of a mixed bag. Of the ten games has officiated, Motherwell have won three, drawn three and lost four.

Thirteen goals have been scored and twelve conceded. Seventeen players have been cautioned in those nine games; five were wearing Claret and Amber with two sent off, Steve Jennings in the game against Hearts back in December of 2010, the aforementioned Keith Lasley one against the same side earlier this season and Jonathan Page against Hibs last time out.

Stevie will be ably assisted by Keith Sorbie and Stephen Mitchell with John Beaton on fourth official duties. Ray Morrison will be the referee observer with John Connolly appointed as SPL delegate.

Motherwell take on Celtic at Fir Park this Sunday and you could watch the big match in style from one of our Hospitality Suites.

Kick-back in comfort for the 2pm kick-off, with the option of enjoying the action from an exclusive executive box in the South Stand or from one of the club’s prestigious suites in the O’Donnell Stand.

91’ Scottish Cup legend Stevie Kirk will be your host as you are treated to a scrumptious three-course meal and drinks.

Whilst you wait for the big match to start, browse our award-winning matchday programme and mull over the managers’ selection with your official teamsheet.

In between times, you can expect a visit from first-team players and of course our photographer Craig Kennedy will be on-hand to take your photographs as a lasting memory of your afternoon.

When the match is finished you’ll return to the bar,  hopefully toasting a famous victory for the Steelmen.

Prices start from just £95 per person. For more information or to discuss the options with a member of the club’s corporate staff, please call 01698 338008.

• Please note dress code is smart casual; no jeans or trainers.

Tickets for both home and away fans are available for this Sunday’s match with Celtic from the Fir Park Ticket Office.

The match will kick-off at 2pm with prices as follows:

• Concessions are listed as Over 60s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
• Juveniles are listed as Under 16s.
• Family tickets consist of 1x Adult and 1x Juvenile.
• The cheaper priced ticket is for the East Stand only.
• If you are new to Fir Park, check our handy ‘New Fans’ section that will detail everything you need to know about matchdays.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 01555 870122 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Motherwell FC Community Trust have secured £44,000 worth of funding from Comic Relief to develop and deliver a ‘Football for Families’ programme aimed at helping to build family relationships in Lanarkshire.

Over a two-year period, community coaches and other staff within the Trust will work with over 80 families across Lanarkshire using the football as an analogy for the family team.

Using footballing language the programme will deliver key messages around family life using football phrases such as ‘Get off the Bench’ and ‘Work as a Team’.

Each session in the programme will consist of a classroom activity within the Learning Centre using interactive materials developed for the programme and a physical activity component. During both the classroom and the physical sections parent and child will be partnered to complete the activities.

Classroom activities will include sessions on teamwork delivered by player, highlighting why teamwork is important for achieving aims and goals.

[pullquote]Through the ‘Football for Families’ programme we are delighted to be able to use the power of football in this innovative way where families will learn to work together as a team, as the first team squad do here at Motherwell, and how that can lead to many positive benefits.”[/pullquote]

– Charlie Bennett

Referees will deliver sessions on playing by the rules, linking rules in football back to the family environment, and coaches will deliver sessions on target and goal setting and why setting personal and team goals can help families rebuild trust.

Another session ‘Sing while you’re winning’ will reinforce the importance of family members supporting each other and providing nurture and encouragement to other family members in a positive manner. Other classroom sessions will cover the negative effects of alcohol and substance misuse on the family and its individual members, and the importance of diet, and exercise in maintaining a healthy family life.

Physical activity sessions will centre around football however other activities will be available including Tae Kwon Do, basketball, badminton, and zumba. These sessions will be structured in such a way to ensure family members must work together as part of a small team, therefore helping to rebuild their relationships.

An important component of the programme will be the ‘Dads and Lads’ module. Through this dads will have the opportunity to attain Scottish Football Association Coaching Certificates at children’s Level.

A raft of interactive learning resources will also be available to support the programme. These will range from workbooks through to games and quizzes, again across footballing themes. Each one will be aimed at specifically supporting positive family relationships.

Commenting on the award Charlie Bennett, General Manager of the Community Trust said “Football is part of the fabric of our society and has the power to motivate people to profoundly change their lives for the better.

“Through the ‘Football for Families’ programme we are delighted to be able to use the power of football in this innovative way where families will learn to work together as a team, as the first team squad do here at Motherwell, and how that can lead to many positive benefits.

“We would also like to thank our Comic Relief for their funding.”

If you would like any more information on any of our programmes please call us on 01698 239 926 or email us at community@motherwellfc.co.uk

At today’s SPL General Meeting, SPL clubs unanimously approved the introduction of an Under 20 League from season 2012/13.

The introduction of the Under 20 League forms an important part of Scottish FA Performance Director Mark Wotte’s review of the Elite Player Pathway.

All SPL clubs will participate in the Under 20 League and the SPL Board may also permit a club or clubs in the SFL to participate in the Under 20 League.

Neil Doncaster, SPL Chief Executive, said: “Providing the right platform for developing young Scottish players is vital for the whole of Scottish football and I am delighted to announce the introduction of an Under 20 League from next season.

“Working in conjunction with the Scottish FA, I would hope this goes someway to reducing the development gap between the current Under 19 League and the Clydesdale Bank Premier League to better equip young players for the demands of first team football and aiding the development of more and better young Scottish players for the Scotland national team.”

Mark Wotte, Scottish FA Performance Director: “I am delighted at the decision of the SPL clubs today to approve the introduction of the Under-20 League. This is a fundamental part of the Scottish FA’s Performance Strategy and it will be vital in bridging the gap between the current under-19s and the first-team squads.

“I am hugely encouraged by the positive discussions that have taken place between the SPL and the Scottish FA and, in particular, the support of the clubs’ Heads of Youth and chairmen during the period of consultation.”

Stewart Regan, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “Today’s decision is a major step forward in the football bodies working together in the best interests of the game. Mark Wotte has identified the Under-20 League as a key driver of the Performance Strategy and I am delighted the clubs share his vision.”

It is time for you to decide who you think deserves to win the Cash Converters Player of the Month for March.

All you need to do is vote for which ‘Well player you think has been the stand-out performer for March and you could be chosen at random from all entries received, to congratulate our star man in person at Fir Park!

After hitman Michael Higdon bagged the award to go along with his scoring form can he make it back-to-back awards or do you think another of the Steelmen deserves the award for March?

Or maybe Henrik Ojamaa’s two goals (Dunfermline and Rangers) make him a candidate? Or what about Chris Humphrey? The Jamaican winger has been excellent since his return to the team and has pitched in with a number of assists?

To cast your vote, simply visit our Cash Converters SPL Facebook page or by CLICKING HERE.

The link will also give you the opportunity to enter the draw to take part in the next Convert for Cash challenge, and the chance to win a whole host of other prizes including tickets and amazing giveaways

For the March Player of the Month – VOTE HERE.