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The twelfth domestic Steelmen Matchday Magazine of 2013/14 is on sale when Aberdeen visit on Saturday.

But what is inside the 68-page issue?

‘Well boss Stuart McCall and Captain Keith Lasley both return with the regular columns.

The Fir Park gaffer looks back at last week’s defeat at Celtic Park, recalls previous battles with the Dons and assesses the battle for the top-six and European spots.

The skipper chats about the controversy following last week’s match against Celtic and the difficulty facing a talented Aberdeen side.

The feature interview is with Faroese goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen. The former Blackburn and Man City stopper talks about some of his previous injury hell, finally getting back to fitness and his desperation to repay the faith shown in him by the ‘Well coaching staff.

Gunnar also features as the next in the centre-page souvenir poster collection.

But that’s not where the features stop!

There is the usual extensive section dedicated to our visitors, Aberdeen.

As ever, Ray Morrison introduces the Reds and there’s a player-by-player breakdown of who is likely to line up for the Dons

We also report from Pittodrie and the hosts went down narrowly to Inverness Caley..

Graeme McGarry’s ‘Us and Them’ feature also makes a welcome return, speaking to Dundee midfielder Stephen Hughes.

‘Shug’ talks about how much he enjoyed his time at both Motherwell and Aberdeen and his hopes of a Premiership return with the Dark Blues.

The big features keep coming…

‘From the Press Box’ returns with regular host, the Herald’s Scott Mullen and the third of our Eggheads ‘Quarter Final’ clashes pits Lee Hollis against Simon Ramsden.

Ross Dunbar also returns with his latest ‘Football from around the World’ feature, which looks as the success of FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga.

But wait, there’s more!

Our match reports section takes a look back at the 3-0 defeat at Celtic Park as well as the Under 20s 2-1 win over Dunfermline.

There are a couple of Community stories, with former Chairman and owner John Boyle sponsoring Motherwell’s version of the Apprentice and a background on the More Active, More Often scheme.

We have the latest from The Ticket Office as well as the latest stats, facts and figures from the 2013/2014 campaign.

We also take a statistical look at the match official and the ‘Junior Steel’ kids page that will test the youngster’s quiz minds with puzzles and ‘Did you know’ facts.

The programme is available for £3 and is will be 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 season-long subscription to the magazine by visiting the website of our publishers – Curtis-Sport – CLICK HERE.

Fans who collect the Steelmen Matchday Magazine should note that the abandoned Inverness magazine has been wrote off as it’s possible the postponed match won’t be for some time. Thanks to the understanding of our partners, Curtis Sport, to keep ‘Well fans as up-to-date as possible, they have kindly offered to underwrite the cost of the print, saving the club a four-figure sum. However, we are also aware that fans, collectors in particular, are always keen to get a hold of these rare issues. To that end, a limited number of 100 will be available in the ‘Well Shop and online at Curtis Sport’s website.

Referee for this Saturday’s SPFL Premiership clash with Aberdeen will be Steven McLean.

McLean, the brother of former ‘Well defender Brian, is handling his fourth Motherwell game of the current campaign – two of the three won’t live long in the memory.

The first was back in November, when a depleted Steelmen crashed 4-0 at home to Dundee United.

One month later, as ‘Well were hurting from a Scottish Cup exit, he was the man in the middle for Celtic’s 5-0 win at Fir Park.

Thankfully, last time out, he was the man in the middle for our 5-1 win at Firhill in late December.

Steven is a very familiar face to most Motherwell fans having taken charge of six matches last term too.

His first was the exceptional 5-1 success over Inverness CT just over 12 months ago. Henrik Ojamaa, Adam Cummins, Omar Daley and a Jamie Murphy double completed the rout.

His second was perhaps even more memorable as Motherwell came back from 2-0 down at Easter Road to win 3-2. A Doyle double had the home side in a commanding position but a Murphy brace and a late Bob McHugh winner handed the Steelmen all three points.

Third was the New Year fixture against today’s opponents Celtic when a brave ‘Well went down 1-0 after Tom Hateley had missed a second half penalty.

Fourth was the instantly forgettable 2-0 defeat at Rugby Park in February whereas the fifth was a comfortable 3-0 win at Dens Park – Michael Higdon heading home before a Nicky Law double sealed the three points.

His last was the season finale at McDiarmid Park as the Steelmen went down 2-0 to a Saints side that won the race for Europe ahead of Inverness and Ross County.

His overall record in charge of Motherwell reads ten wins, five defeats and zero draws from fifteen matches. In those games, ‘Well have scored 34 and conceded 25. 40 cautions have been dished out, 24 flashed at those wearing Claret and Amber.

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

He has had an extremely busy start to the season already – handling sixteen SPFL Premiership matches in the first twelve weeks.

He has also had two League Cup matches, both at the Falkirk Stadium, and two Europa League Qualifiers – Omonia Nikosia’s 1-2 defeat by Romania’s Astra Giurgiu and Serbian side FK Vojvodina’s 2-2 draw with Bursaspor.
Recently, he also handled the Europa League Group game between Standard Liège and IF Elfsborg Boras.

McLean will be ably assisted by Brian Templeton and Joseph Lawson with Craig Charleston on fourth official duties.

Aberdeen visit Fir Park this Saturday and we are putting on a fantastic lunch menu in our hospitality suites.

It’s a Saturday and it’s a 3pm kick off so an idea opportunity to combine a lovely afternoon meal with one of the most popular and eagerly-anticipated fixtures of the season.

Places are filling up quickly, indeed, there are only a few spaces left available in some areas, so the atmosphere promises to be electric.

We will be serving:

• Cream of Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup
• Roast Chicken wrapped in Bacon, served with Chefs selection of vegetables.
• White Chocolate & Raspberry Cheese Cake, served with Fresh Cream.
• Tea, Coffee & Mints.

All hospitality packages include your match ticket, programme, team sheet and half time tea.

Former players will host the afternoon with your chance to meet first team players and club staff whilst enjoying your afternoon.

You have a choice of three packages:

• Centenary Claret: Arriving at 1pm prompt for meal. Full service with access to a pay bar till kick off and then again for an hour post match. All this in the comfort of our Centenary Lounge. Book now from only £60 for an adult and £45 for a child under 16.
• Centenary Amber: Arriving at 1pm prompt for meal. Full table service with complimentary bar and then again for an hour post match. All this in the comfort of our Centenary Lounge. Book now from only £99 for an adult and £55 for a child under 16.
• Millennium Ticket: Enjoy a lighter bite with a complimentary bar for one-hour pre & post. Soup pre-match and half time refreshments, team sheet, match day programme for only £70 for an adult and £35 for a child.

If you would like to book a place at our fantastic Hospitality Lunch, you can do so online by CLICKING HERE.

Alternatively, please phone Jennifer Reston on 01698 338 008 or email jennifer.reston@motherwellfc.co.uk..

Extended highlights from the Excelsior Stadium as as the U20s recover from going a goal down to beat Dunfermline 2-1.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Jonatan Johansson was pleased with the character his side showed to come back from a goal down to beat Dunfermline.

The young Steelmen fell behind to a long-range Stephen Husband goal shortly after the break but goals from Jack Leitch and Craig Moore gave ‘Well their second successive victory, propelling them to third in the table.

And whilst the 106-times capped Johansson identified certain areas that need to be improved, he was pleased to win and maintain the run of good form.

[pullquote]I’m pleased with the win and it’s a reward for the work they put in during the week and during games. They’re a great bunch of lads and hopefully we build on this win[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV, he said: “It was a mixed bag as I wasn’t really happy with the first half; we were nervous with the ball and looked hasty, but came out and looked much better in the second half. It took us going a goal down to get ourselves into the game and look confident on the ball.

“We’ve been winning our last few games and that had given the side confidence to believe that if they go a goal down, the can still turn it around and that’s what happened tonight.

“The boys are growing in that way and that is good to see.

“I’m pleased with the win and it’s a reward for the work they put in during the week and during games. They’re a great bunch of lads and hopefully we build on this win.”

-WATCH JONATAN’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Motherwell Under 20s came from behind to beat Dunfermline 2-1 at a rain-soaked Excelsior Stadium this evening.

After a fairly even first forty-five, the Pars took the lead nine minutes into the second half when midfield Stephen Husband’s long-range free kick squirmed through Ross Stewart and into the net.

The lead lasted just ten minutes though as Jack Leitch hauled Motherwell level from the penalty spot before Craig Moore curled home the winner eleven minutes from time.

Jonatan Johansson was forced into one change with Dale Shirkie missing with a fractured jaw sustained in last week’s win against Hearts. His replacement was the returning Jack Leitch, who skippered the side.

With the rain battering down and the wind making it difficult for the players, it perhaps wasn’t surprising that the game got off to a slowish start.

Indeed, twenty minutes had come and gone before a chance of note and it fell for the visitors. Declan O’Kane did well to meet a whipped corner from the left, but his powerful header came crashing back off the crossbar.

Five minutes later and it was another corner causing problems in the home defence, this time Husband flicked on a near post ball forcing Stewart to tip over.

‘Well went immediately down the other end and Craig Moore looked for a penalty after being brought down by Ross Millen but referee Colin Steven waved away the protests.

Whether it was a sense of injustice or not, that decision appeared to fire up the young Steelmen, and they should have been in front five minutes later. A quick-thinking Dom Thomas free kick rolled in Craig McCall but his stinging shot forced Ryan Goodfellow to turn around.

A minute later, Steven Higgins should have put ‘Well in front after racing clear of the Pars defence, but his low shot crept inches wide of the far post.

Both teams had a couple of long-range efforts comfortably dealt with before McCall had a great chance to get his first Under 20s goal just minutes from the break. The ball spun towards the midfielder after a poor defensive clearance, but his shot blazed into the stand.

Much like the first half, the second period took some time to get going but when it did, it was with the visitors getting their noses in front.

Husband, Pars’ most impressive player on the night, smashed a long range free kick at goal. It looked comfortable enough for young Ross Stewart to grasp but the wet ball squirmed through his body and rolled into the net.

To their credit, the Steelmen came roaring back and were almost level straight away; Thomas collecting after a quick counter only for his shot to be tipped into the side netting by the diving Goodfellow.

However, they did restore parity shortly after when Moore won his side a penalty kick. O’Kane fouled the striker inside the area, allowing Jack Leitch the chance to grab his fifth of the season. He kept his composure, drilling a shot hard down the middle.

Johansson’s men pushed hard for a second and half chances came and went for Moore, who curled over, and Thomas, who just failed to connect with a McCafferty cross towards the back post.

However, the defining moment came on the 73rd minute when Dunfermline passed up an incredible opportunity to get back in front.

Scott Mercer was the creator, doing well inside the area, before firing a shot across Stewart. It hit the base of the post, spun out to Gavin McMillan who had the goal at his mercy just four yards but he somehow blazed over.

It was to prove a vital miss as ‘Well would get the winner just five minutes later.

Leitch did well to force the ball over to the left channel where Steven Higgins was lurking.

Despite slipping, he managed to prod the ball back to Moore who curled a shot high past Goodfellow and into the far corner, his fifteenth Under 20s goal this term.

Although they displayed a ton of effort and endeavour, the Pars didn’t look like getting back into things. A long-range effort from Mercer was the closest they came in the closing ten minutes as ‘Well held out for back-to-back wins.

Motherwell: Stewart, Cadden, Ferguson, Murray, Neill, Leitch, McCafferty, McCall (Mackin – 74mins), Moore, Thomas, Higgins (Anderson – 85mins)

Subs Not Used: Long, Hall

Stuart McCall’s Motherwell are a huge part of the first ever SPFL sticker album – which is on sale now!

Published by Topps, the leading collectibles company and official SPFL licensee, Steelmen supporters of all ages will be able to get ‘stuck in’ to the all-new 2014 Scottish Professional Football League Official Sticker Collection.

In a real first, the sticker album features all 42 professional clubs from the Premiership, Championship, League 1 and League 2.

A 48-page album accompanies the brand new collection, which is packed with in-depth player stats, team information and all the biggest stars of the SPFL.

The Topps 2014 Scottish Professional Football League Official Sticker Collection is available from supermarkets and all good local independent newsagents.

Fans can kick start their collection in style with a Starter Pack (£2), which includes a 48-page album and 4 packets of stickers, giving collectors everything they need to get straight into the action! Packets of five stickers are be available for 50p each.

Make sure you’re following our official twitter feed @MotherwellFC for exclusive “stickers” from the 2014 collection, every day this week.

For further information about Topps Scottish Professional Football League Stickers, please visit www.toppsfootball.co.uk.

Extended highlights from Celtic Park as, despite a battling performance, Motherwell crash to a 3-0 defeat to league-leaders Celtic.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Action pictures from the 3-0 defeat by Celtic at Celtic Park in the SPFL Premiership.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

[svgallery name=”celtic180114″]

Stuart McCall was in an upbeat mood despite his side’s 3-0 defeat at Celtic Park this afternoon.

Motherwell have struggled in the East End of Glasgow in recent years, and although they came away with no points, there was plenty to be positive about.

‘Well were in double-figures in terms of chances, and had little luck in front of their own goal.

A close offside call for the first goal, a penalty and an own goal did the damage at the other end with Kris Commons in particular shining for the hosts.

And whilst McCall ankowledged Celtic were worthy of the win, he took solace in how ‘Well played for long spells and the opportunities his side created.

[pullquote]There were a lot of positives. Okay, we didn’t score – we got beat again – but we have a lot to take away from the game.[/pullquote]

McCall said: “I’m disappointed, I’m not saying we should have won the game, but I’m disappointed that we didn’t score a goal.

“I thought we merited a goal. Sometimes we were sloppy and Celtic cut us open with the good quality they’ve got.

“To lose a goal after four minutes, the roof can come in, but we didn’t – we kept playing our football and I was pleased with a lot of things today.

“We had good opportunities to get shots in from outside the box, but we just didn’t hit the target. At 2-0 it looked like we could press and get the next goal, which we said to the players at half time – let’s not lie down,. Inverness have done it – let’s see if we can do it and have a bit of belief.

“There were a lot of positives. Okay, we didn’t score – we got beat again – but we have a lot to take away from the game.”

-WATCH STUART’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–