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Stuart McCall is desperate to continue his excellent Scottish Cup pedigree with a win over Dundee at Dens Park this weekend.

The former Rangers midfielder won the fabled trophy three times in his spell with the Ibrox club and has now set his sights on more glory, starting with a win over Barry Smith’s in-form dark blues.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to win a couple of Scottish Cups,” McCall recalled. “And it’s my job to make sure Motherwell are still in the hat for the next round and that we can progress as far as possible.

“It’s a big game financially – as it is, of course, for Dundee – and it is a big game in terms of us needing a result, because the longer this run goes without a win the more difficult it is to get out of it. We have to turn fortunes around quickly.”

The boss is under no illusions about how tough the task will be for the Steelmen as they head north for the televised encounter.

Dundee are on a run of six consecutive wins, with ten games unbeaten, and haven’t conceded a goal since Mark Millar’s strike in a 3-3 draw with Falkirk back in October last year. Conversely Motherwell are on a run of six fixtures without a victory; a run which, according to McCall, must end this weekend.

“We go up to Dundee and we’ll try to get the win, get the belief back in to the players, and get the performances back to what they were earlier in the season,” the 46-year old insisted. “We are determined to go up there with a positive attitude.

“We’ll need to start well as they will be really fired up for this one and, naturally when two even teams play each other, we will need a bit of luck. It’s up to us to go up there.       

“Dundee is always a tough place to go, but it’s a big park which will hopefully suit our players and the way we want to set up. We go in to this match on the back of six matches without a win, whereas they are on a great run of wins on the bounce.”

The new manager has come into the club at a hectic time on and off the pitch at Fir Park. Not only is there a packed fixture list to come, but he has to deal with contract and loan deal expiries as well as trying to strengthen the squad for challenges to come.

He said: “What excites me is having trained with the lads in the last few days, is that the quality in the squad is extremely good. It’s a small squad in terms of numbers but I have been really impressed with training and the way they have gone about things.

“But Saunders is out this weekend, and we have decided not to renew the contract of Alan Gow. If you add that to the on-going Nick Blackman situation we have lost three players from last week’s squad.

“The Nick Blackman issue isn’t dead and buried, but it’s up to the player and Blackburn Rovers as to what happens next. However I would be confident that if he comes back to Scotland then he will be coming back to Motherwell – but there is no guarantee he will return to Scotland; he has his own contract to sort out.”

‘Well will receive a massive boost ahead of the match on Sunday with the return of Steve Jennings to the Motherwell fold. The influential midfielder has been suspended for the last three matches, and his potential return is bound add some steel and vitality to the ‘Well defence.

“One major plus is the return of Steve Jennings, who is raring to go,” the former Bradford boss praised.

“He’s shown in training that he is desperate to be involved again. We’ve had to pull the reins on him actually; we can’t afford any more injuries!

“He can’t wait to get back onto the pitch, and performing how he was before his suspension.”

The Scottish FA are urging fans to vote for their Scottish Cup Player of the Round and they could win tickets for the 5th round of the Scottish Cup.  Simply log onto www.facebook.com/scottishcup to vote and win.

Motherwell have decided not to renew the contract of striker Alan Gow and the former Falkirk and Rangers man has left the club.

The 28-year-old signed a short-term deal during the summer and played seventeen times in Claret and Amber, scoring twice.

However, manager Stuart McCall has decided not to offer the player an extended deal, and even although his contract expires next week, injury has ruled him out of Sunday’s clash with Dundee so he has been allowed to leave early.

McCall will now use the additional resource to strengthen the team elsewhere.

“The reason we have released Alan has nothing to do with his ability, it is financial,” said the ‘Well boss.

“We can strengthen other areas of the team using that wage, and we are looking to bring in players in the near future.”

Motherwell Football Club would like to thank Alan for all his efforts whilst at Fir Park and wish him every success in the future.

A decision on the future of fellow out-of-contract player Marc Fitzpatrick will be taken next week whilst the club remains hopeful of securing Blackburn’s Nick Blackman on an additional loan.

If you missed your Christmas night out or work during the festive period, why not join us for a late party on the 15th of January?

Due to the adverse weather conditions this month, some of our guests were unable to make their Christmas party here at Fir Park. 

We’re pleased to announce another party date in the New Year so for anyone who missed their Christmas party, why not join our guests on the 15th of January!  Enjoy a fabulous Christmas dinner before dancing the night away until 1am to the sound of local band, Spirit, (with DJ support).  Tickets are priced at just £30 per person.

If you are interested, contact the commercial department now on 01698 338008 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Motherwell Football Club Vice Chairman Derek Weir today released the following update on the current reconstruction debate in Scottish Football.

He said, “I have represented Motherwell on the SPL Strategy Group, and as such, have heard the arguments for and against increasing or decreasing the size of the league. I’ve also been a season ticket holder at Fir Park since 1975 so fully understand the fans’ frustrations.

“The first point to make is that a ten team league has not been agreed. A document setting out the various options has been circulated to all clubs which recommends a number of changes, including league size. Some of those changes are good for Motherwell FC, others not so good. The changes have not yet been voted on and there is still far more work to be done before decisions are made.

“What we do have to bear in mind is the importance of the funds we receive from TV deals, other media and sponsors. We are unfortunately already in a position where our best players can move to lower leagues in other countries for significantly increased wages and any further reduction in income from those sources will only make this problem worse. This will lead to a decline in the quality on the pitch. 

“The reality is that the media in particular want as many games between the bigger clubs as possible. Making any change which reduces the number of these games will inevitably impact on what they would be prepared to pay. Football is like any other business, it relies on maximising income to thrive. It is for this reason that we have been prepared to consider the two leagues of ten set-up but, despite what has been reported, we have not yet agreed to any of the proposals.

“Clearly the fans are a huge part of the game and we absolutely need to fully consider their views before making any decisions. That process is already well underway, with the SPL Chairman meeting representatives of the Supporters Trust from each club. I personally would much prefer that we obtained the vast majority of our income from fans paying to watch exciting live football!

“There is more work to be done before any conclusions are reached and I can absolutely assure you that all input and views are being considered as part of the process.”

Fans are also reminded that the club released the following statement on October 20th covering a great deal of these issues: https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2010/10/20/club-statement-4/

Striker Lee Erwin will join up with the Scotland U17s for their winter training camp in Malta this evening.

The Bellshill-born sixteen-year-old, a regular in the season’s 19s side, will be a part of a squad that will play two challenge matches at their base at the Ta’Qali Training Grounds on the 10th and 12th January respectively.

Head of Youth Development Gordon Young said, “We’re obviously delighted to have any of our boys involved in the International set-up and this is a good opportunity for Lee to impress Ross Mathie and his team.

“We’ll continue to try and develop players not only good enough for the Motherwell first-team but, in time, the Scottish national side.”

Motherwell take on Terry Butcher’s Inverness on Saturday 15th January and we want you to enjoy the big match in style.

The Highlanders have being going fantastically well this campaign, even more so on the road. Incredibly, Caley went the full calendar year without losing a league game away from home but lost their first game in 2011, at McDiarmid Park, to St Johnstone.

They are led by two former Motherwell managers – Terry Butcher and Maurice Malpas; both are sure to get a reception from the ‘Well fans.

Motherwell have being struggling for form of late however, following the appointment of new boss Stuart McCall, the whole club has been given a lift.

With both teams still in the hunt for a top-six spot, it could be a crucial SPL encounter and you can enjoy the big match in style from our recently refurbished Centenary Suite.

You will be welcomed on arrival with a glass of bubbly, then sit down to a fantastic three course meal.

Complimentary Motherwell labelled wine will be served at your table and a pay bar facility is available via our attentive staff offering a drinks service to your table.

Relax until before kick off with your complimentary matchday magazines and teamsheet before taking your seats in the centre of the Phil O’Donnell Stand for the match.

Half time refreshments are served again in the Centenary Suite and a pay bar is available after match.

Prices start from as little as £69!

We also have amazing packages available in both the South Stand Boxes and the Millennium Suite.

If you are interested, then contact Diane or Wilma on 01698 338062 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Stuart McCall is in a positive mood after spending the afternoon getting familiarised with some of the youngsters and squad players at the club.

McCall, in his first full week in charge of Motherwell, watched as a ‘Reserve’ side played a bounce game against St. Mirren at Ravenscraig this afternoon, and the former Bradford City boss is positive about what the future holds.

“It was good, today, to see the likes of Hutchinson, Forbes, McHugh, Casagolda and Pollock and a few other players,” the former Everton and Rangers midfielder praised. “They got a full 90 minutes against St. Mirren – although it was on an artificial surface – and I’ll look forward to seeing more of them.

“It’s important to have a look at these boys, whether it’s in training or in bounce games like today. Every player here is on a clean slate and I will make my own decisions as quickly as possible.

“It’s important that I hit the ground running and assess the squad as quickly as I can. I’ve seen the last few games that the senior lads have played, but I hadn’t seen much of the squad players and the younger boys.”

The new ‘Well gaffer admits he is in something of a race against time to get to know the qualities of his entire squad in the midst of a hectic time for The Steelmen.

Motherwell face a tough trip to Dundee in the Scottish Cup on Sunday before a run of six games in three weeks – including the Co-operative Insurance semi-final against Rangers.

All this is in the middle of a busy transfer window which sees the club negotiating with out-of-contract players and trying to hold on to their loan star.

Many managers would shudder at that schedule, but McCall insists he is thriving: “It’s a hectic time at the moment, but it is something I am relishing.

“It’s great to be back involved. The senior boys had a terrific session today and looked really fired up, and it was good to see Jennings back training too, so it’s enjoyable.

“In an ideal world any manager will tell you that they would like to come in for pre-season and work with the players for five or six games, but we know that we don’t have time for that and we will assess things quickly.

“In the mean time I’ve got a few lads going out of contract and we are still trying to keep Nick Blackman at the club for the rest of the season.”

Stuart McCall’s Motherwell travel north this Sunday to take on Dundee in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round.

The Dees have battled through the problems of administration admirably well and sit just one point off the top of the First Division table, despite losing their management team and a host of first-team players.

They do have an outstanding 25-point deduction hanging over the head, which would take them bottom, but former ‘Well supremo Bryan Jackson at PKF is still appealing that judgment.

Motherwell have found good form hard to come by in recent times but Stuart McCall has given everyone at the club a lift and the players will be eager to impress in front of the live Sky cameras.

Motherwell fans will be housed in the Bob Shankly Stand, behind the goal, with tickets available on the gate priced at:

Adults: £15
Concessions: £5

• Concessions are listed as Under 16’s and 60 and over’s.
• Fans that require wheelchair access should contact the club on 01698 338068 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Supporters Association

Three Supporters Association coaches will make their way to the match:

WISHAW BRANCH

The Wishaw branch bus to Dundee on Sunday 9th January will leave Wishaw at 11am. To book seats phone Anne (01698) 470601 or email andrew.sim48@btinternet.com.

CENTRAL BRANCH

The bus for Dundee will leave the Bentley Hotel at 10.45am. Phone Jim on (01698) 299650 or e-mail Christopher on christopher_hutton@btinternet.com.

BELLSHILL & DISTRICT BRANCH

The Dundee bus will pick up at the Fir Park Club, Motherwell at 9.40am then the Carousel Bar, Bellshill at 9.50am and finally the Holytown War Monument at 10.00am. To book seats, contact Brian Worton after 6pm on (01698) 747644.

By car

The stadium is located less than 200 yards from Dens Park, home of their city rivals Dundee, and is well signposted for travelling fans.

Head towards Perth on the A9 and then follow the A90 into Dundee, leaving at the junction with the B960 to turn right on to Clepington Road (signposted Football traffic).

Continue along Clepington Road for one mile and go through a roundabout before turning right on Arklay Street. The stadium will be clearly visible on the left.

Street parking is available on numerous streets around the ground.

By bus

Several operators run buses to Dundee, departing every hour from Buchanan Station in Glasgow city centre.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.citylink.co.uk.

By train

Dundee station is over two miles away from the ground, although frequent bus services run throughout the city.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.scotrail.co.uk.