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Motherwell FC is today devastated to learn of the death of the clubs’ Greatest Ever Player, Andy Paton, aged 91.

Paton was born into a footballing family on January 2nd, 1923 in the little Ayrshire village of Dreghorn. His three uncles had already played professional for clubs such as Newcastle, Derby, Spurs and Swansea, so it was almost inevitable Andy too would follow in those footsteps.

In 1937, aged just 14, the young defender was making a name for himself in the blue and white of Irvine Meadow.

Five years later, aged 19 and a little and into the 1942/3 season, Paton decided to take the plunge and leave Kello Rovers, accepting a trial invitation from then Motherwell manager, John ‘Sailor’ Hunter who eventually signed him.

Sixteen years later, including skippering the club for their first ever trophy success in the 1950 League Cup Final, beating the all-conquering Hibs 3-0 at Hampden Park.

Andy, who’d played in all ten League Cup ties, and had been part of the 1945 beaten finalists (war time), beamed with pride as he lifted the silverware high into the grey Glasgow sky.

Moments before he himself was lifted, shoulder high by his jubilant teammates, displaying the gleaming trophy to the adoring fans that had travelled to Mount Florida from Lanarkshire.

Even greater success would follow the next season with one of the clubs’ greatest ever achievements.

Having disposed of Forfar, St. Mirren, Dunfermline, Rangers and Hearts, Stevenson’s men took their place opposite Dundee in the Scottish Cup Final in April 1952.

With the weather blustery and overcast, the Taysiders, with the wind at their backs, dominated proceedings with ‘Well Captain Willie Kilmarnock forced to clear off his own goal line no less than three times!

After the teams changed round, it was Motherwell who took advantage of the conditions, scoring four without reply to secure the Scottish Cup for the first time in the Clubs history.

Less than a month later, Paton was rightly rewarded for his football style, when at last he achieved two (official) Scotland caps, away to Denmark and Sweden, to add to his previous three War time caps.

Sadly and somewhat inexplicably, this would be the first and last time Andy would represent his country.

Come the summer of 1958, Paton bid a fond and sad farewell to Fir Park on a free transfer and joined Hamilton Accies who he would later manage.

With over 500 (official and unofficial) appearances over fifteen seasons for Motherwell Football Club, there can be little doubt the impact this Ayrshire man had on the clubs’ history.

Speak to fans of a certain generation, and Andy will be spoken of in almost reverential terms. The kind of player who had you on the edge of your seat, the kind of player you would pay money to watch.

In 2006, the club rewarded him after being voted the ‘Greatest Ever Player’ by supporters at a ceremony at Fir Park. Andy, a true gentleman, was on hand to accept the award with a humble grace that typified his personality.

It’s unlikely Motherwell, and maybe even football, will see such a talented, and at times maverick, defender ever again.

May he forever rest in peace, firmly etched in Motherwell FC history as the Greatest Ever Steelman.

Words: Eddie Ferguson (GLF)

Stuart McCall is hopeful most of his injured stars will be back in contention for next Saturday’s match with Partick Thistle.

The Steelmen will have sat it out for three weeks by the time they face the Firhill side on their own turf, allowing a number of players to recover from knocks.

Simon Ramsden and Lee Hollis both went under the knife, Fraser Kerr has struggled with an ankle ligament and Iain Vigurs missed the Dons match with a foot injury.

After watching his squad beat Morton 5-1 in a bounce match this morning, McCall revealed: “We were disappointed at losing Rammers (Simon Ramden) for two games as important as the ones with Celtic and Aberdeen.

[pullquote]Both Lee Hollis and Iain Vigurs returned to training on Tuesday and are progressing nicely and with another week they should be in the frame for Thistle.[/pullquote]

“He had been performing really consistently and had made a big contribution to the winning run we had built up prior to the trip to Parkhead.

“We had hoped to have him back for Thistle, but that will not be the case and he is still a few weeks away.

“As for Fraser Kerr, his ankle injury has proven not as bad as we feared at first.

“Again with the extra week for it to settle down, hopefully he will have a chance of making it for Saturday week. But that will be a wait and see situation.

“But both Lee Hollis and Iain Vigurs returned to training on Tuesday and are progressing nicely and with another week they should be in the frame for Thistle.”

Motherwell Chief Executive Leeann Dempster has emailed fans about a significant change to ‘Well Society memberships.

An extract of Leeann’s email can be found here:

You may have known that prior to Christmas, the Society board commissioned a survey to gauge the feeling amongst both members and non-members.

The purpose of the survey was two fold. Firstly we wanted to get supporters thinking about the ‘Well Society again and why it is important to the club. The second reason was to get feedback, which we could use to inform us on how to move forward and what to do next with the Society.

We had around 1,000 supporters who completed the survey. The numbers were roughly split between those who had joined and those who had not.

For those who had already joined, the feedback was focused around the positive elements of the ‘Well Society such as the understanding of the need to convince others to join, the fact that they felt we needed more visibility and more events to get more members and that ultimately, the success of the idea of supporter ownership hinged on many more joining to reach the target.

For those who have not joined the feedback focused principally on the fact that they thought the ‘Well Society is a good idea, that they planned to join it at some point in the future (80% said they intended to join) however paying £300 or £1000 upfront is just too much to manage at the moment.

Now from just £10 a month

The feedback from the survey gave us food for thought and the board of the ‘Well Society and the club met to discuss and debate how we could tweak the Society in order to overcome the barrier of upfront payment.

We were previously advised that we could not ask for payments over a prolonged period of time i.e. a £10 a month type arrangement. However, in light of what you are telling us, we revisited this and challenged the advice. I am pleased to say that we can now accept payments on a monthly basis via standing order.

This means that from as little as £10 a month (or more, if you can afford), you can now join the Society or, if you are already a member, upgrade your membership.

Upgrade your membership

One of the key aspects of achieving our aim of raising £1.5m and full fan ownership is not only attracting new members, but also convincing those who have already committed to upgrade their membership to the next level.

If you’ve already committed to the Society, and its aims and objectives, I am asking if you would consider taking the next step to become either a ‘Claret ‘ ‘Amber’ or ‘1886’ member?

If we can convince people to invest further, not only is their tangible benefits including doubling the discount on your Season Ticket, a signed ball, be in the 2014/15 squad photo, a signed bottle of Claret and much more, you will also further propel the Society towards it’s overall aim.

What’s better, we’ve made the transition from one membership level to another that little bit easier on the wallet by offering the monthly payment options.

If you’d like to know more about what we have changed or to work out a plan that works specifically for you then all you need to do is contact Alison by email at wellsociety@motherwellfc.co.uk, by phone on 01698 338006 or simply by popping into the office.

You can also download an application form by clicking here or a standing order mandate form by clicking here.

Why should you do it?

The club needs your help to make the transition to supporter ownership – it can’t happen unless more supporters join or upgrade, take an interest and ultimately add money to the funds already raised.

We think that £10 a month makes the Society more affordable to everyone, be it joining or upgrading, and we have listened to how to make changes to make it successful.

You now know that monthly payments are available on upgrades, our plan is to leave you to consider the options and hopefully you’ll chose to contact Alison.

If however we don’t hear from you within the next week or so, it is our intention to follow up this email with one to one phone calls. This means you’ll be contacted either by myself, or a Well Society member or a player – all will try to convince you of the need to join.

I’ll finish by saying that it was John Boyle who started us on this journey; he wanted us all to share in the ownership and support the club – for the club to be secure and for us to prosper.

We will continue to try and convince you of this purpose.

Yours,

Leeann Dempster
Chief Executive

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Sports Science & Medical team at Motherwell Football Club.

We are looking to recruit two physiotherapists to work within a team responsible for the Elite Academy players aged 11-17 years.

The successful applicant will be required to work closely with Head Medical Officer and the Academy Director to continue to develop the department in line with the club’s philosophy to provide an integrated medical and sports science support system.

The sport science, analysis and medical department is continually striving to develop best practice protocols and as such, we are seeking committed, enthusiastic individuals with the desire to develop their experience of working in a professional team sports environment. In addition, internal CPD opportunities will also be available to successful candidates.

Previous experience working within football is desirable although not essential.

Applicant must be HCPC / CSP Registered and be available to work most weekends.

If you are interested in applying for the role, please email our football administrator, with a cover letter and a copy of your CV, on karen.paterson@motherwellfc.co.uk.

The SPFL today confirmed the rearranged dates for three of Motherwell’s matches leading to the league split.

The home match with Inverness CT, postponed on January 4th due to a waterlogged pitch, will now go ahead on Wednesday 19th March (kick-off 7.45pm).

The St Johnstone game, due to take place on February 1st at McDiarmid Park, postponed due to Saints’ involvement in the League Cup Semi Final, will now take place on Tuesday 25th February (kick-off 7.45pm).

Finally, the away trip to Inverness CT, penciled in for 15th March but now cancelled due to Caley participation in the League Cup Final, will go ahead on Tuesday 1st April (kick-off 7.45pm).

>> UPDATED FIXTURE LIST

Extended highlights from the Broadwood as an experienced Hibs run out comfortable 3-0 winners.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Under 20s boss Jonatan Johansson was in a philosophical mood despite his side’s 3-0 defeat by Hibernian this afternoon.

The young Steelmen battled hard for the ninety minutes, but were second best against an experienced and ruthless Hibs side.

Goals from the prolific Jason Cummins, defender Tom Gardiner and 32-year old frontman Paul Heffernan gave the Edinburgh side all three points, inflicting Motherwell’s first loss in eight weeks.

However, Johansson wasn’t being too hard on his players, and hoped they will take valuable lessons from playing against senior pros.

[pullquote]In the last few games we’ve always looked to go forward but it wasn’t our day today and we’ll look to get back on track against St Mirren next Tuesday[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV, the former Charlton hitman said: “There was good and bad in the game.  We looked nervous at the start and maybe gave them too much respect, although to be fair, Hibs are a good side. We lost the early goal and after that Hibs were the better team.

“We started the second half quite well, but didn’t get to the standards we expect and when Hibs scored from the corner, which was disappointing, it was a big setback. It maybe wasn’t a 3-0 game but we did’t deserve a point either.

“We struggled to deal with the  movement of both their strikers who have first-team experience. We were negative and instead of trying to push them back, we went back into our shell and took the safe option too many times and that is unlike us.

“In the last few games we’ve always looked to go forward but it wasn’t our day today and we’ll look to get back on track against St Mirren next Tuesday.”

-WATCH JONATAN’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

The Under 20s eight-week unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of an experienced Hibs at Broadwood this afternoon.

‘Well, who had seven seventeen-year olds on the pitch, struggled to cope with the Easter Road side, who had recognisable names such as Paul Cairney, Paul Heffernan, Danny Handling, Dean Horribine and Jason Cummings amongst their starting eleven.

In the end, goals from Cummings, Tom Gardiner and Heffernan gave Hibs the win and although the visitors very much merited their victory, 3-0 was perhaps a tad harsh.

Jonatan Johansson made just one change to the side that put three past Ross County seven days ago. Paul Lawson dropped out and was replaced by the returning Dale Shirkie.

The visitors started on the front foot and could have gone ahead through Heffernan, but his low shot was well blocked by Ross Stewart. From the resulting corner, Cairney’s deep cross found Gardiner at the back post but he headed wide of target

Two minutes later, a long ball over the top by Neill had Craig Moore in on goal but he dragged his shot wide of the far post. Shortly after, the little striker fired a low shot, which forced Paul Grant into a decent save down low to his right.

It was an important block as Hibs took the lead with their next attack. Euan Smith’s deep ball towards the back post flew over Heffernan’s head and landed kindly for Cummings. His volley, which looked to be heading wide, took a wicked deflection off Chris Cadden’s back, looped over Stewart and into the net.

Seven minutes later, the same player had a similar chance but this time, his wicked shot did fly past Stewart’s goal and ran out for a throw-in.

Hibs almost doubled their lead when Heffernan met Ryan Baptie’s deep free kick only to head wide, before Horribine flashed a low shot inches wide of Stewart’s post. Sandwiched between those chances, Dom Thomas fired a lot shot straight at Grant as the Steelmen struggled to cut open James McDonaugh’s men.

Into the second period and Johansson’s men knew the next goal would be crucial, so when Hibs doubled their lead just four minutes in, it made it an uphill task.

Left back Baptie was again involved, his corner kick was perfect for Gardiner and the former Spurs youngster rose well to head home from close range.

Motherwell continued to battle and were almost back in it with a corner of their own, but Dale Shirkie’s header was bundled off the line by Cairney on the post. Hibs quickly went on the counter and Baptie’s low shot skimmed across the surface but dropped a foot or so wide.

Handling and Shirkie carved out half chances at either end before Hibs secured the points with the third goal of the match twenty minutes from time.

Cummings picked up on the left flank and his teasing ball into the area was perfect for Heffernan, who did well to lose his marker, and he was left with the simplest of tasks, heading home from close range.

It could have got instantly worse for ‘Well when Horribine almost made it four after Smith’s cut back, but his stinging shot was tipped over by Stewart at the expense of a corner.

Johnasson took the opportunity to throw on Mackin and Hall late in the game, further reducing the average age of the side but there would be no further scoring as Hibs jump above ‘Well in the table.

The Steelmen will be keen to bounce back when they face an away trip to St Mirren next Tuesday.

Motherwell: Stewart, Cadden, Ferguson, Murray (Hall – 75mins), Neill, Leitch, McCafferty (Mackin – 69mins), Shirkie, Moore, Thomas, Higgins (Anderson – 57mins)

Subs Not Used: Long, McCall, Johnstone

Motherwell Football Club Community Trust will once again be hosting one of their successful Soccer Camps during the February School Holidays.

The Soccer Camp is aimed at boys and girls of all abilities aged 5-12 years and will be held on the fantastic AstroTurf facility at Fir Park stadium on Monday 10th, Tuesday 11th & Wednesday 12th February.

Children will be put through their paces by SFA accredited coaches and will get to rub shoulders with the Motherwell FC 1st team.

A selection of the SPFL stars will visit the coaching sessions & Jonathan Johansson rising stars from the Under 20s squad will also get involved in the activities which will include dribbling, passing shooting through to penalty competitions & small sided games.

Drop off will be between 8:30-9am with pick up being between 3:45-4pm. Participants will require their own packed lunch, a change of footwear for both indoor and outdoor training and comfortable clothes for participating.

The Soccer Camps will be priced at £11 per day or £30 for the 3 days. Places are strictly limited.

To book please call Motherwell Football Club Community Trust on 01698 239926 or visit www.motherwellsoccerschools.com

Milton Rovers YFC were the latest youth group to take advantage of Motherwell’s free-ticket offer.

The Steelmen announced back in October that they were offering free tickets to various youth groups throughout Lanarkshire and it has been very popular since then.

At the recent match with Aberdeen last weekend, 21 kids and 6 adults from the 2004 squad enjoyed their afternoon at Fir Park.

William Allan from Milton Rovers told us: “We really enjoyed last Saturday’s game and general experience; all the kids loved every minute of it.

[pullquote]For some of our kids, it was their first experience of a professional match, which was good. I really can’t thank Motherwell enough for everything.[/pullquote]

“For some of our kids, it was their first experience of a professional match, which was good. I really can’t thank Motherwell enough for everything.

“We hope we can maybe get the chance to do it again sometime, the kids are already asking when we are going back. That’s kids for you and shows how much they enjoyed it.”

If you or your youth group would be keen to build a partnership with Motherwell Football Club and claim complimentary group tickets, contact the Ticket Office Manager Wendy MacFarlane on 01698 333 333 or email ticketing@motherwellfc.co.uk.