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Doncaster and Motherwell drew a blank in a fairly low-key friendly match at the Keepmoat Stadium this afternoon.

In a game of few clear-cut chances, the closest either side came was an outrageously audacious 45-yard chip from Iain Vigurs that came back of the crossbar.

New signings Gunnar Nielsen, Iain Vigurs, Paul Lawson and John Sutton were all named in the starting eleven, although Sutton’s match would barely last twenty minutes before he would be forced off after a clash of heads with Donny defender Jean-Yves M’Voto.

Doncaster lined up with former Steelmen skipper Paul Quinn in their starting eleven. He was joined by former SPL’ers Rob Jones (Hibs), Mariàn Kello (Hearts) and Dean Furman (Rangers).

Motherwell just about shaded an otherwise uneventful first half, restricting the hosts to very little.

Indeed, the only effort of the whole period was Billy Paynter’s long-range effort on the half-hour that sailed way, way off target.

There was just one change for the Steelmen at the interval, Lee Hollis replacing the otherwise underworked Gunnar Nielsen.

The 150 or so ‘Well fans in the sun-soaked East Stand would have been hoping for a goal from their side and they almost got it with a fantastic piece of play from Vigurs.

Bob McHugh did well to win the ball in the middle of the park, quickly knocking it to the former Ross County man. He took a touch to steady himself, a quick glance to spot Kello off his line, before striking a cracker from all of 45-yards.

It looked as if it was going to sail in, but the 25-year old was cruelly denied by the crossbar; the home goalkeeper relieved, his blushed spared.

Donny had already created a half-chance before the Vigurs effort when David Syers turned a Paul Keegan cross over the bar from close range.

Paul Dickov’s side were getting the upper hand and David Cotterill tested Hollis with a stinging low drive that the former Airdrie stopper did well to clutch low to his right. However, they were almost caught on the counter and only a super Kello save prevented the opener.

Vigurs was again involved, dinking a neat little ball over the top of the defence for the supporting McHugh. The ball just wouldn’t drop quickly enough but when it did, the striker sent a stinging effort at goal that the Slovak international did fantastically well to tip over.

The hour mark was the signal for both teams to make wholesale changes – Adam Cummins, Stuart Carswell, Fraser Kerr and Lee Erwin were all introduced in place of Simon Ramsden, Iain Vigurs, Stevie Hammell and Bob McHugh.

Paul Lawson was having an impressive debut in the centre of the park and he had a shot on the 65th minute that looked as if was going close, only for a deflection to take it inches over the crossbar.

Down the other end, a scramble inside the Steelmen six-yard box looked as if it had led to the first goal but Hollis blocked the initial point-blank shot and was quick to smother the rebound.

Motherwell had another fair decent chance when Erwin slipped in Craig Moore but his low dragged shot was fairly easy for Kello to save.

The home side pushed for a winner in the last ten minutes but a Keegan volley that sailed horribly wide, and a Chris Brown header that went straight at Hollis was all they could really create.

In the end, a draw was a fair result and both teams would have been satisfied with the workout.

Motherwell: Nielsen (Hollis 45), Hammell (Cummins 60), Ramsden (Kerr 60), Hutchinson, Trialist, Lawson, Sutton (Moore 22), Vigurs (Carswell 60), Lasley (Murray 75), McHugh (Erwin 60), Francis Angol

Subs Not Used: Stewart

‘Well boss Stuart McCall has lauded the clubs’ week in Spain as the Steelmen prepare to return to the UK and start a programme of pre-season friendly matches.

The 18-man squad has spent the last four full days at their Costa Blanca training base, doing nine sessions in the sweltering Spanish sunshine.

And the 40-times capped former Scotland international is hoping it will set his side in good stead for the forthcoming assault on both Europe and the SPFL.

In a wide-ranging interview which covers topics such as the current squad, fitness levels, transfer targets like James McFadden and others, pre-season friendlies as well as hopes and expectations for the new season, McCall told MFC TV: “I am really pleased with the amount of work we have managed to get in.

[pullquote]It has been pleasing to see just how well the new lads have bonded and have integrated with the rest of the boys. [/pullquote]

“When you go abroad to these types of camps, you usually get three sessions in per day and we have certainly utilised that. Other than a clash of heads on Tuesday, no one has really missed any of the sessions either.

“It has been pleasing to see just how well the new lads have bonded and have integrated with the rest of the boys. Last year we took a few of the young lads to Portugal and we’ve done that this year with Lee Erwin, Euan Murray, Craig Moore and Ross Stewart. It’s vital for them as it lets them feel part of the first-team squad.

“All in all, it has been really beneficial. We didn’t take a match over here, (we) just wanted to concentrate on the training side of things; not only fitness but also getting the rustiness out the legs when we get the footballs out.”

-WATCH THE INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Scouse youngster Adam Cummins is hoping to build on his successful debut year at Fir Park with a regular spot in the starting eleven next season.

The departures of club-captain Stephen Craigan and Tim Clancy and another serious injury for Steven Saunders meant that Cummins was in contention for a place right from the beginning of the 2012/13 campaign.

The 20-year old former Evertonian defender grasped the opportunity with both hands, turning in a series of impressive displays both domestically and in Motherwell’s European fixtures.

He finished the season having appeared 28 times (23 starts) in Claret and Amber, scoring once at Inverness in a 5-1 win.

He was rewarded with a new deal until the summer of 2015 and will now battle it out with the likes of Shaun Hutchinson, Fraser Kerr, Simon Ramsden and Euan Murray for a starting berth in Stuart McCall’s eleven.

[pullquote]My aim has got to be at least to play the same amount as last season and improve my performances from those six out of tens to seven or eight out of tens.[/pullquote]

Cummins is certainly up for the challenge of bettering what was a super campaign both personally and for the club.

Talking to MFC TV and ‘Well’s Spanish training camp, he said: “I spoke to my dad, my agent and a few friends at the beginning of last season and the realistic target for me was probably playing between ten and fifteen matches for the first-team.

“I ended up smashing that so my aim has got to be at least to play the same amount as last season and improve my performances from those six out of tens to seven or eight out of tens.

“The training is great here and we’ve got some real quality in the squad. Obviously there is a level of expectation on us this year, but that something both I personally and all the boys are looking forward to and we are all going to work as hard as we can to stay up in the top two or three in the league.”

-WATCH THE INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

‘Well fans travelling to Doncaster should note that tickets need to be purchased from the Ticket Office adjacent to the away turnstiles.

Motherwell supporters will be located in the East Stand at the stadium and can purchase their tickets on the day from the “Soccer Centre Reception”, located opposite the 5-a-side pitches, just around the corner from turnstiles 2-5 where they will enter the stadium.

It’s a set-up similar to those Motherwell fans would expect at away trips to the likes of St Mirren at Hibernian. There will no cash admission on the turnstiles.

Fans should also note that there is a bar externally at the Keepmoat Stadium for use by both sets of supporters.

Anyone wishing something to eat could use the Lakeside Beefeater restaurant which is just a short walk from the ground.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults: £12
Concessions: £5
Under 12s: £1

It is day four of five in Oliva as Stuart McCall’s men continue to prepare for the new season.

Thursday is the last full day here in Spain (the squad leave tomorrow night for Manchester) and it got off to another forceful start.

8am for breakfast, 9am on the pitch ready to go again for what would be the seventh session in 62 hours…

The majority of the Kenny Black-led intense running of the trip was carried out in the first two days, so training now looks to be geared towards games. Doncaster Rovers, who already have a few friendlies under their belt, are the opponents on Saturday afternoon and the coaching staff are trying to give the lads as much ball time as possible.

One of the pitches looked like a full-on assault course by the time Kenny had set everything up. Cones, disks and poles almost as far as the eye could see. In actual fact, it was a variety of stations designed at getting various elements of the body working hard ahead of the very busy schedule in the next six weeks.

From an onlooker’s point of view (and someone who doesn’t watch training every day), the possession drills were perhaps the most impressive. Both ‘teams’ were scoring points for keeping the ball for a designated period of time or pass. Hopefully it bodes well.

Summer recruit from Birmingham City Fraser Kerr had already spoke to the two Scottish journalists who made the trip; Stuart McCall and trialist Craig Reid did similar at the end.

Another dip in the Mediterranean as a cool down was followed by lunch. The lads will be back at again later in the afternoon too after the usual lunch and break to let the temperature drop.

The 6pm session was based around crossing-and-finishing drills. Some superb crosses, some brilliant shots and goals as well as some top saves by Gunnar, Cheesy (Ross Stewart) and Hollis. One finish in particular, by a certain Mr S McCall, will no doubt make the ‘highlights of the trip’ video cut.

A nine-a-side game followed, with the manager again taking part. He was certainly in amongst it, doing superbly well to head a Faddy strike up and over the bar from the goal line. The 48-times capped former Scotland hitman McFadden almost pulled off the goal of the week with a cheeky chip over Cheesy but the young goalie had the post to save his blushes.

In the end, a Bob McHugh penalty – referee Kenny Black controversially pointing to the spot as Hutchinson was adjudged to have felled Sutton inside the area – was enough to settle the score. 1-0 to the non-bibs.

The last night in Spain will no doubt be spent with the biggest card game of the week. Easier to list who isn’t involved than who is.

Keep up to date with additional information via Twitter and some behind-the-scenes pictures on Instagram. Action shots from training can also be found on our official Facebook page.

If you miss anything from the pre-season trip to Spain, don’t worry, we also send daily summaries view our e-newsletter. Make sure you’re involved by signing up here.

Iain Vigurs says he can’t wait to get his Motherwell career underway when the Steelmen face Doncaster at the Keepmoat Stadium this Saturday.

The summer recruit from Ross County has looked impressive in training as ‘Well prepare for both the Europa League and the new SPFL season.

With two weeks of pre-season already complete, the 25-year old midfielder just wants to pull the Claret and Amber on and get his Fir Park career off to a flier.

[pullquote]I can’t wait for the game this weekend and it will be a really tough test against a side newly promoted to the Championship.[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV at Motherwell’s training base in Spain, the former Inverness man said: “I can’t wait for the game this weekend and it will be a really tough test against a side newly promoted to the Championship.

“It’s a good marker for us and it is one the boys will relish. We all can’t wait for a game; we’ve got a lot of the running done and the fitness side, we just need that match practise.

“Obviously we would like to win but in these games, the results are pretty much immaterial. It’s all about getting the fitness and sharpness up, getting into the swing of things again. Obviously there are a few new faces in the group and it gives us an opportunity to click.

“We will get to know each other’s games, what certain players are good at and getting on the same wavelength. That’s what Doncaster and all our friendly matches will be good for.“

-WATCH THE INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Motherwell are now half-way through their pre-season camp on the boiling Spanish coast.

The third day started with the players getting a little bit of a morning’s rest (Wednesday is normally the day the players have off during the week. However, as it is pre-season, the lads only got the luxury of a few hours before noon).

The day started off with lunch – another plentiful helping with something for everyone. Chicken, beef, pork, fish (although, not quite as exotic as the swordfish that was on the menu last night).

Around about the same time, skipper Keith Lasley and new goalie Gunnar Nielsen took time out to speak to Kenny MacDonald (Scottish Sun) and Gary Ralston (Daily Record).

You will no doubt read all about their experiences in both titles tomorrow. Both lads will be back to speak to more of the squad as the week progresses.

The first session of the day got underway in the gym at the complex right on 2.30pm (local time). The gym isn’t a big room by any matter of means – actually, it’s very small… A rough estimate would be about 10m x 15m. Add in eighteen players, five coaching staff, two media staff and a 83 degree ‘midday’ heat, it was a shift.

Undeterred, the players worked extremely hard, all under the watchful eye of the phenomenally talented and knowledgeable physiotherapist John Porteous.

Stretches, weights, cardio; it all looked very demanding indeed.

The next session is due at 6pm where the players will, for the third night running, have an evening session. There’s probably a little trepidation amongst the lads as to how hard it is going to be given they had a little longer in their beds this morning! Beware of Kenny!

In truth though, the session was mainly about ball work. Loads of drills, small-sided stuff with the standard really, really high. The players were glad of the cooler temperatures. Storm clouds were gathering on the horizon and thirty minutes in, it was certainly much more comfortable for football. The backdrop of the players training hard with approaching thunder and lightening was quite spectacular.

The brief rain made the pitch slick (although the humidity was through the roof). That made for an excellent game at the end of training. The quality was notable for sure with every player looking good and sharp on the ball. There are certainly a lot of very good footballers amongst the group.

Dinner was again enjoyed by most – some more than others! Can you guess which player had a plate this full? We will leave you to ponder for a while but if you would like to know the answer (you probably won’t be surprised) then click here.

After dinner the players had a chilled night in preparation for tomorrow – the last full day in Spain. Some played poker and other card games (with complicated rules), whilst most grabbed an early night.

Keep up to date with additional information via Twitter and some behind-the-scenes pictures on Instagram. Action shots from training can also be found on our official Facebook page.

We’ll also send daily summaries view our e-newsletter. Make sure you don’t miss out by signing up here.

Simon Ramsden says he is feeling fitter than ever as ‘Well work towards European action in little over three weeks.

The defender, who joined last summer from Bradford City, enjoyed an excellent debut season for the Steelmen, forming a solid partnership with Shaun Hutchinson at the heart of the ‘Well rearguard.

The 31-year old has really stood out since ‘Well returned for pre-season training in late June and reckons he is much better placed this summer to build on his 31 appearances so far.

[pullquote]I wanted to repay the manager for showing faith in me (by awarding a two-year contract) by being as fit as I possibly can be.[/pullquote]

Speaking exclusively to MFC TV at the clubs’ Spanish training base twenty miles north of Benidorm , he said: “I feel a lot fitter than I did at the same point last season.

“My partner had just given birth before pre-season was due to start so you can imagine what it was like with sleepless nights.

“I didn’t feel as if I got a proper run at it but this year has been much better. I’ve been doing quite well in the running and I am hoping to carry that on now into the season.

“I wanted to repay the manager for showing faith in me (by awarding a two-year contract) by being as fit as I possibly can be.

“As a senior pro, we need to set an example to the younger players and that’s even as small as being at the front of the line when we’re running.”

-WATCH THE INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Motherwell continued their preparations for the forthcoming season with their second day on the east coast of Spain.

It was an early rise after what seemed like a much-needed sleep. Not only had the players worked exceptionally hard during their first session last night, it was a long day with many up as early as 4am.

The breakfast was everything you would imagine, being on the continent and for footballers. Healthy cereals and fruit everywhere you looked. The milk was an acquired taste though, Goat’s milk according to the in-the-know East Anglian John Sutton.

That was the calm before the early-morning storm with another intense session. Although it kicked off at 9am (local time), it was scorching hot with temperatures at that point tipped the 30 degrees Celsius mark. The pitches are actually about an eight to ten minute walk for the players, which served as a part of their warm-up.

After the traditional John Porteous / Kenny Black starter, the players were glad to see the footballs coming up. A number of drills focused on possession, passing and dribbling were interspersed with little neat games to keep the players interested. A fascinating aside is thst most of training is done in competition, with Stuart McCall always keen on small-sided team trials with players going head to head… The loser, inevitably, is on ten press-ups.

The real test was yet to come with another gruelling running session. Marked out with cones round what looked like a 400m track, it was about fifteen to twenty minutes of constant running with movement variations you would expect to see in a football match i.e. on a whistle, players checking in to specifically position cones then back again to continue their marathon.

If any of the lads had anything left in the tank after the first part of the session; that was enough to zap it.

The cool-down after training was a little different to last night; instead of utilising the pool facilities at the base, JP had the lads up to their chests in the Mediterranean Sea. It wasn’t quite Baywatch, but some of the locals were certainly taking an interest.

Lunch was nice – the Couscous proving particular popular, apparently.

The afternoon shall be spent in the gym (to try and let the sun cool down just a little bit) for 60 minutes then back out onto the pitch again at 6pm.

The session was based around a game with three 20-minute thirds. Stuart McCall took part himself, showing the touch and passing ability, if not the pace, that made him a 40-times capped Scottish International. There was a lot for ‘Well fans to be excited with – Paul Lawson and Gunnar Nielsen in particularly excellent form.

The games were close but a late, late Bob McHugh goal made sure the non-bibs were victorious.

The evening was for the players to have some vital downtime ahead of a more tough training session tomorrow.

Keep up to date with additional information via Twitter and some behind-the-scenes pictures on Instagram. Action shots from training can also be found on our official Facebook page.

We’ll also send daily summaries view our e-newsletter. Make sure you don’t miss out by signing up here.

Motherwell captain Keith Lasley hopes ‘Well’s week in Spain can help build momentum both on and off the park.

With news faces like Iain Vigurs, Paul Lawson, John Sutton and Gunnar Nielsen new to the group, the Steelmen will hope the side can gel as quickly as possible.

A great deal of the success in recent years has been based on a strong, close and hard-working dressing room.

And the veteran midfielder hopes five days on the Spanish coast will help create bonds to take into the forthcoming SPFL and European campaign.

[pullquote]It’s important we get to know these lads off the park as much as on it when we are doing our training. It’s valuable, it really is.[/pullquote]

Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, Lasley said: “We are starting to build-up some of that spirit that served us so well last year.

“These camps are great for fitness, but also for bringing the squad closer together. There are obviously new faces, and old new faces, and trips like this are perfect for those guys.

“Coming into a group on a pre-season trip, you are in an intense environment with your teammates; you do everything together literally down to eating breakfast, lunch and dinner as a squad.

“That can only be a good thing. It’s important we get to know these lads off the park as much as on it when we are doing our training. It’s valuable, it really is.

“If you remember back to last year, we went to Portugal and that really helped kick us on. The hope is this camp will do the same for this squad.”

-WATCH THE INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–