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Goalkeeper Calum Ward has joined QPR on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee. 

The 25-year-old joined the club in January 2025 and, having not played any minutes, was thrust into the number one spot last summer.

From there, Ward thrived and went on to break the club’s decade-long record for number of clean sheets by a Motherwell goalkeeper in a single season, won the golden glove in the Scottish Premiership as he kept 17 in the league season and was part of the side that set a new club record for number of consecutive home clean sheets.

Playing 42 games in total for the club, Ward missed just one William Hill Premiership match last season in the side that finished fourth and secured European football for the Steelmen for the first time in four years.

“My time at the club has been some journey,” Calum Ward said.

“Coming in when I did, game time was limited, but last season I was given an opportunity to show what I could do. As a club, we achieved so much, and I’m so pleased to be a part of it. I’ll remember my time at the club so fondly. I want to thank all the coaches and players for everything.

“My particular thanks go to Neil Alexander for his advice and coaching during my time. I wish the boys nothing but the best and hope everyone enjoys the European tour.

“Finally, my thanks go to the fans. Arriving at the club, seeing the number of supporters was incredible. The numbers at home and the road have been special. You all deserve more success on the pitch. Thanks for sticking by us during the tougher moments.

“A special club that I’ll always be a supporter of.”

Now moving on to pastures new, the club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Calum for his hard work and effort in a Motherwell shirt and wish him the very best for his future career.

Eight Motherwell FC Academy players have signed their first professional contracts with the club. 

Goalkeeper

• Lewis McGahey

Defenders

• Samuel Ngandu
• Matthew Pettigrew
• Scott MacCrimmon
• Kai McFarlane

Forwards

• Joshua Clarkson
• Leo Lee
• Jude Henderson

“This is always a proud moment for the young players,” David Clarkson said.

“We’re proud of our academy setup here at Motherwell, and we’re always striving to develop our young players at the club. It’s always great to see our players penning their first professional deals, and they should be proud of their achievements so far.

“But the work doesn’t stop here, and if anything, this will be the hardest part of their journey. All eight are aware of what it’ll take to keep progressing, and being in a full-time environment requires dedication and application. We will support the players in any way we can, and our coaching staff are looking forward to working with them on a daily basis.”

The Steelmen rounded off their week-long training camp in Denmark with a friendly match against Danish champions AGF Aarhus. 

The Danes came away with a 4-0 victory. Alfred Johansson named a strong starting 11 for the match but used his bench in the second-half to ensure all players got minutes in the legs.

It didn’t take long for the hosts to show their quality. After three minutes, Mikael Anderson finished past Matty Connelly following a quick counter-attack.

Kristian Arnstad then blazed over four minutes later, before Matty Connelly was forced into a good save to deny Magnus Knudsen from the edge of the box on the volley.

The chances kept coming for Aarhus. At 16 minutes, Anderson came close to a second when Jordan McGhee’s headed clearance fell to him, but he couldn’t direct the shot on target.

Motherwell’s first chance came just after the 20-minute mark. Some good work up the right-hand side led to Tom Sparrow delivering a high cross into the penalty area. McGhee leapt highest, but the defender’s header went wide.

Frederik Emmery continued to look like the biggest threat on the Aarhus side, and he came close to scoring midway through the half but couldn’t beat the post.

Mads Hedenstad, the Aarhus goalkeeper, made his first save just before the interval. Sparrow laid the ball off to Elliot Watt, who curled a strike towards goal, but the keeper managed to get a fingertip onto the ball to take it over the bar.

Half time allowed Johansson to make changes. Mikey Booth came on midway through the first half due to Apostolos Stamatelopoulos coming off. Olly Whyte came on during the break for Lukas Fadinger.

Aarhus continued to press high up the pitch, forcing the Motherwell defenders into mistakes. O’Donnell was tackled on 54 minutes, but the Aarhus forward couldn’t find the bottom corner, having driven through on goal.

Two minutes later, however, it was two. Watt’s pass was intercepted by Jacob Anderson, who flew past McGhee before finishing into the net.

As we hit the hour mark, there were a raft of Motherwell subs, which left just Oscar Priestman as the only non-Motherwell FC Academy player on the pitch. Now with a young side on the pitch, Aarhus controlled the ball for large spells.

Sebastian Jørgensen was denied by Connelly, who remained busy between the sticks for the rest of the game. But five minutes later, Connelly couldn’t prevent Jørgensen from getting on the scoresheet. Connelly’s pass out was pressed by Aarhus; Jørgensen had time to pick his spot and make it 3-0.

The young Steelmen continued to fight and work despite the scoreline. Preventing Aarhus from any further chances, they did concede right before full time when Jørgensen’s left-footed free kick found its way past Connelly to round off the action.

Motherwell Team: Connelly, Sparrow, O’Donnell, McGhee, Koutroumbis, Fadinger, Watt, Priestman, Ross, Charles-Cook, Stamatelopoulos.

Watch Alfred Johansson’s interview post AGF Aarhus.

Alfred Johansson’s side take on Danish Champions AGF Aarhus on Sunday 5 July. 

This will be the first chance for supporters to see the Steelmen live this season.

The match will take place at AGF Aarhus’ training ground and will be open to a limited number of spectators. Kick off is at 2pm local time.

Supporters are able to attend for free.

AGF Aarhus have provided a detailed guide for those travelling that can be found by CLICKING HERE.

You can also watch the match live online.

AGF Aarhus have also provided an extensive guide on how to do this. There is a video tutorial showing a step-by-step guide on how to buy a subscription for the match.

Please CLICK HERE if you want to watch the game live online.

Updates will be provided on social media throughout the game, including post-match reaction.

If you still have any questions before the game, please contact info@agf-as.dk.

We have signed forward Willy Vogt on a two-year deal subject to the approval of a work permit, with the option of a further year.

The 24-year-old arrives having played for Swiss side AC Bellinzona in the Challenge League for the last 12 months.

“Willy is an exciting player,” manager Alfred Johansson stated.

“He had an excellent season last year in Switzerland and will be arriving in Scotland full of confidence. It’s important we recruit the right people during this summer window, and having had numerous talks with Willy, I believe he will bring pace and flair to the team. He has played a lot of minutes for a player of his age and can contribute at the top end of the pitch.

“His goal contributions last season show how impactful he can be, and now we will begin working together for the season ahead.”

His playing career has seen Vogt remain in Switzerland for the duration of his playing days so far, but his development and eye-catching displays have enabled Vogt to be a prominent feature for both Schaffhausen and AC Bellinzona in the second tier.

Coming through the elite academy system at two of Switzerland’s biggest clubs, Grasshoppers and Basel, Vogt has built up a large amount of first-team experience, with almost 100 appearances to his name.

The striker netted 12 goals for AC Bellinzona in all competitions last season and also provided seven assists in his 32 appearances. Moving to Scotland, the Swiss youth international is looking forward to the next step in his career.

“This is a brand new chapter for me, and I can’t wait to get started,” Willy Vogt said.

“Everyone I have met so far has been so helpful, and I feel I’ll settle in here easily. Personally, I had a strong season last year, and I hope I can bring that kind of impact to Motherwell. I’ve studied the way the team wants to play, and there is no doubt that this system will suit me.

“I have continued working over the summer, but now things will go up a level ahead of the new season. It’s time to get to work.”

Martin Moormann has joined the Steelmen on a two-year deal subject to the approval of a work permit, with the club holding the option of a further year.

The Austrian defender joins after featuring for FC Blau-Weiß Linz in the Austrian top flight for the last two seasons.

“Martin is exactly the type of centre-back we require,” manager Alfred Johansson said.

“His fast, physical presence allows him to dominate in the area and help prevent the opposition from creating chances. But he is also technically talented on the ball and is comfortable playing out in difficult situations.

“We identified that this was an area of the pitch we needed to recruit new players for. Martin fits the profile for the left-footed centre-back we need in this area, and he has demonstrated that he can perform. He may be 25, but he has a lot of experience that will become useful for the team. I look forward to welcoming Martin to the club, and I hope this is a good season for everyone.”

Moormann joined the AKA St Pölten Academy in 2014, where he progressed through the levels for four years before joining Rapid Wien in 2018. His development continued as he featured for the Rapid Wien II side before breaking into the first-team.

It wasn’t just domestic football that Moormann continued to develop at. At the international level, he represented all the Austrian age groups from under 15s to under 21s.

He made his senior debut in October 2021, his first of 67 appearances for the Austrian Bundesliga side. He moved to FC Blau-Weiß Linz in 2024, and in his first season, he helped his side achieve a top-half finish for the first time in the club’s history.

Making 47 appearances and scoring three goals, his time at FC Blau-Weiß Linz came to an end this summer, and the 25-year-old now moves out of his homeland for the first time in his career.

“I’m excited to be in Scotland,” Martin Moormann added.

“I’ve been learning about Motherwell Football Club, and everything has been so positive. It seems like I’m joining a club that knows what it wants to be, and that’s really important to me.

“The group of players achieved so much last season, and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone soon. We’ve got some big games early on this season, so there’s no time to waste. I also want to say how much I’m looking forward to seeing the supporters of this club. I’ve heard so much about the increased attendances and colour and noise the fans bring. It will be special to feel the atmosphere when everyone is together.”

Motherwell Football Club have another new partner and is delighted to announce Lucky Tiger.

Lucky Tiger will be the official Competitions and Shorts sponsor for the next three seasons.

Lucky Tiger Competitions is a luxury online competitions website offering cash prizes, cars, experiences, holidays, and high-end rewards.

Bailley Collins has departed the club to join Rangers on a permanent basis.

Joining the women of steel from Aberdeen in July 2023, Collins made 32 appearances during her maiden campaign in the SPWPL and was nominated for the club’s Women’s Player of the Year award after impressing in claret and amber.

“Goodbyes are always tough,” Collins said.

“Luckily, thank you’s are not. I’d like to thank everyone (past and present) who has been part of my Motherwell journey. To the players… I leave saying goodbye to not just my teammates, but my friends.

“To the coaching staff… thank you for trusting in me and helping me grow as a player and especially as a person.

“To the fans… thank you for the unwavering support and turning up week in, week out to cheer on the team. It truly is appreciated.

“To those behind the scenes… the unsung heroes, I thank you.

“At Motherwell I have created many special memories with many special people. I will miss every single one of you.

“Best of luck for the season ahead. See you all soon.”

Collins became an integral part of the Motherwell forward line, supporting the club to the Scottish Cup Semi-Final at Hampden Park, and an historic top-six finish in the Scottish Power Women’s Premier League.

“It’s always tough to lose a player with Bailley’s quality,” Head Coach, Iain Robinson added.

“However, we understand that he opportunity of full-time football is something that simply cannot be turned down. Bailley has worked exceptionally hard during her time at Motherwell, and she deserves to open that next chapter in her career.

“Thank you Bailley.”

As the first-team squad continue their pre-season preparations in Denmark, our Under 19s and Women’s Teams have also returned from their summer break ahead of the 26/27 season.

First-Team

Supporters will have their first chance to watch the Alfred Johansson era live on Sunday 5 July, as the Steelmen take on Danish champions AGF Aarhus. The kick-off is at 1pm UK time (2pm local time).

A guide on how to watch the match will be communicated shortly.

The squad return to Scotland on Monday 6 July, as they step up training ahead of Johansson’s first Fir Park match on Friday 17 July against Genk. Kick off is 7pm against the Belgian side, and you are able to buy tickets now by CLICKING HERE.

European football returns to ML1 for the first time since 2022 on Thursday 23 July, when Havnar Bóltfelag visits Fir Park in the UEFA Conference League. The second leg takes place seven days later in the Faroe Islands.

Tickets for both legs are on sale and can be purchased now. Purchase tickets for the home leg by CLICKING HERE.

Buy tickets for the second leg by CLICKING HERE.

Under 19s

Our Under-19s squad are also getting back up to speed following the summer break. The young team have a number of friendlies lined up for the month.

A match against Bellshill Athletic that was previously advertised has been cancelled. Their first friendly match will be against Millwall on Tuesday 7 July, before facing Queen of the South on Friday 10 July.

The squad continue their schedule with a match against Cork City on Wednesday 15 July and then travel to nearby Thorniewood United on Saturday 18 July. Kick off is at 1pm.

On Thursday 23 July they take on English side Walsall before they kick off their CAS Elite Under 19 League campaign against Hearts on Saturday 28 July at the Oriam. Kick-off time is TBC for the opening league match.

Women’s

Iain Robinson’s squad returned to training last week ahead of their SWPL campaign but have a comprehensive pre-season schedule to get match fitness ahead of the league action kicking off in August.

Their first pre-season friendly comes against St Johnstone on Sunday 5 July, before taking on Livingston seven days later. They then host Robinson’s former side Queen’s Park on Wednesday 15 July, before taking on Halifax Town on Sunday 19 July.

Despite being behind closed doors, supporters can follow the matchday coverage on the Motherwell FC Women’s social media channels. Live match updates will be available via the Motherwell FC Women’s X (formerly Twitter) account, with post-match reaction to follow.

Notable Dates

The draw for the third qualifying round in the UEFA Conference League takes place on Monday 20 July ahead of our tie against Havnar Bóltfelag. We are unseeded in the draw.

You will be able to watch the draw take place on the UEFA Conference League website.