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John Sutton admits he and the rest of the Motherwell squad are on the hunt for silverware this season.

The Steelmen are currently in Algarve preparing for the forthcoming European and SPFL Premiership campaign, but despite incredible league success in the last seven years, a Cup win remains illusive.

However, the 30-year old striker, who bagged 23 goals last term, says that gives everyone at the club something to really aim for going into the new season.

He said: “Finishing runners-up for the second season in a row was a brilliant achievement but we were disappointed with our Cup performances.

“St Johnstone and Aberdeen are good teams but we feel as though we could have done more.

“We had three cracks at it in the Cups, really. The Europa League was tricky and although you’ve got to credit Albion Rovers in the Scottish Cup, we were extremely disappointed with ourselves.

“Aberdeen did well to win the League Cup but were had a goal disallowed against them in our game that left everyone a little sore.

[pullquote]With the quality of players we have here and the form shown over the last seven years, you’d think we would get a bit further in the Cups or even go all the way and win a trophy.[/pullquote]

“With the quality of players we have here and the form shown over the last seven years, you’d think we would get a bit further in the Cups or even go all the way and win a trophy.

“Hopefully this will be our season, that’s what everybody at the club wants.”

Sutton admits he is really enjoying life back at the club and feels the happiest he has done during his career.

His four-year combined stint at Fir Park is the longest he’s spent with any one club and admits it’s now his home from home.

“I feel really settled here,” he said.

“I know players sometimes get stick for showing a lack of loyalty but it’s tricky. Every time you have a good season, because of the length of contracts nowadays, you’re touted for a move. Then, if you have a bad season, you’re out the door.

“Motherwell is a great fit for me though, it’s a great place to work. I’ve also completed my A License course but haven’t really thought about going into coaching when I finish playing.

“Hopefully I’ve got a few more years then we’ll see what happens.”

Keep up to date with additional information on our pre-season camp via Twitter and some behind-the-scenes pictures on Instagram. Action shots from training can also be found on our official Facebook page and videos are at our You Tube channel.

Stephen McManus says holding on to Stuart McCall has been ‘Well’s biggest achievement of the summer so far.

Shaun Hutchinson (Fulham), Henri Anier (Erzgebirge Aue) and James McFadden have left in what has been a relatively quiet summer in terms of departures.

Dan Twardzik and Josh Law have arrived whilst others are on the way, but it is retaining the services of the boss that McManus has lauded the most.

Under the former Everton and Sheffield United midfielder’s watch, the Steelmen have finished ‘Best of the Rest’ in the last three consecutive seasons.

Speaking to the gathered press at Motherwell’s Algarve pre-season training base, the 26-times capped defender said: “The most important thing is keeping the manager here. He is the one who makes the place tick.

“Since I’ve been here the gaffer’s been tremendous. The hardest thing to do in football management is rebuild a team. We have lost some of our best players in the past two seasons, but the gaffer has brought in others of similar quality and maintained that level of success.

“We’ve lost Hutchy, Faddy and Henri. One stopped goals, one was creative player and one scored goals. If you are going to be a success you need players who can win you games and score goals, and that’s an area we will look to strengthen.”

McManus, 31, arrived in North Lanarkshire last summer of a three-year spell south of the border with both Middlesbrough and Bristol City.

He was an almost ever-present last season; missing just one game (a 1-0 win at Pittodrie on Boxing Day) making him the clubs’ highest appearance holder in a campaign ‘Well finished SPFL Premiership runners-up.

[pullquote]Since I’ve been here the gaffer’s been tremendous. The hardest thing to do in football management is rebuild a team. We have lost some of our best players in the past two seasons, but the gaffer has brought in others of similar quality and maintained that level of success.[/pullquote]

And the big defender, known affectionately as ‘Mick’ to his teammates, admits the fear of losing his place in the team has constantly driven him on, particularly through the tough pre-season schedules.

“This is my sixteenth year of pre-season training, I would love to say my body is used to it but it’s not!

“But I’ve always trained hard because I’ve been driven by fear someone would nick my place in the team. When I was younger, I spoke to experienced players and asked them what I had to so when I got older and they always said ‘Train, train and train again.

“I thought you could maybe take a day off here or there but they told me to train hard every day. Now I hate missing sessions as I fell as if I am losing something.”

Although ‘Well have achieved an incredible amount in recent seasons, one major task still remains illusive.

The Fir Parkers haven’t tasted success in Cup competitions for almost twenty-five years at that is a firm target for the new campaign according to the former Celtic skipper.

“I would love to win a trophy with Motherwell and there is no reason why we couldn’t,” he added.

“We have been runners-up in the league so we have every right to think we can win some silverware, just like Aberdeen, Hearts, St Johnstone, St Mirren and Kilmarnock have done in recent seasons.”

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

Stuart McCall hopes ‘Well’s Portuguese training camp will be as successful as previous years at giving his side a springboard for the new campaign.

The Steelmen were in Moncarapacho two summers ago and the Costa Brava last July, but have returned again to Colina Verde as they prepare for a busy European and domestic campaign.

McCall and his assistant Kenny Black are putting the squad through a grueling programme, which includes treble sessions each day in the baking Algarve heat, with temperatures on the first day reaching nearly ninety degrees Fahrenheit.

And that, coupled with team bonding, is what the Fir Park boss hopes to take from the camp.

[pullquote]Back home, the weather is never a definite and with grass surfaces in their infancy, things are not always guaranteed, so this gives us the ideal platform to work the boys hard.[/pullquote]

Speaking exclusively to Motherwell’s Official You Tube Channel, the 40-times capped former Scotland midfielder said: “Although this year we’ve only got a few new lads, in previous seasons it (pre-season trip) has really helped in terms of the lads getting to know each other.

“More importantly though, it ensures we get plenty of sessions in.

“Back home, the weather is never a definite and with grass surfaces in their infancy, things are not always guaranteed, so this gives us the ideal platform to work the boys hard.

“It’s a quiet place which allows the lads to focus solely on the training, working hard and enjoying each other’s company. We’ll do that this week before starting bounce games and friendlies when we get back to Scotland.”

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.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall has confirmed squad numbers for current contracted players ahead of the forthcoming 2014/15 season.

The numbers, subject to change for new and departing players, are:

1.
2. Craig Reid
3. Stevie Hammell
4. Stuart Carswell
5. Simon Ramsden
6. Stephen McManus
7. Lionel Ainsworth
8. Paul Lawson
9. John Sutton
11. Iain Vigurs
12. Dan Twardzik
13. Gunnar Nielsen
14. Keith Lasley
15.
16. Bob McHugh
17. Zaine Francis-Angol
18. Josh Law
19. Lee Erwin
20. Fraser Kerr
21. Jack Leitch
22. Craig Moore
23. Adam Cummins

26. Dom Thomas
27. Steven Higgins
28. Morgyn Neill
29. Chris Cadden
30. David Ferguson
31. Max Currie
32. Craig McCall
33. Liam Anderson
34. Dylan Mackin
35. Danny McNulty
36. Robbie Leitch
37. Ben Hall
38. Luke Watt
39. Ross McLean
40. Alan Campbell
41. Brett Long
42. Ryan Watters
43. Jack McMillan

51. Allan Todd
52. David Lindsay
69. Graeme Balmer
80. Stephen Grieve
91. Joe Smith

Action pictures from Dalziel Park as the Motherwell squad return for pre-season training.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

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Motherwell have been drawn to face Stjarnan F.C or Bangor City FC in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the UEFA Europa League.

The Steelmen are in the competition for the fifth time in the tournament’s six-year existence, but have as yet to progress past the ‘Play Off’ stage.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall will bring his side back in for pre-season training this Wednesday before pitting his wits against either Rúnar Páll Sigmundsson or Neville Powell next month.

In recent years, the Fir Parkers have faced stern opposition in the way of Steaua Bucharest, Aalesunds FK, Odense BK, Levante U.D. and FC Kuban Krasnodar.

The match dates are Thursday 17th and 24th July. Full details of home/away as well as ticket and travel information will be posted as soon as they are confirmed.

Motherwell FC is pleased to announce the Season Review 13/14 DVD is now on sale at the ‘Well Shop.

Season 2013/14 had it all: drama, tension, excitement and a sensational finale.

Motherwell fans witnessed yet another record breaking season for The Steelmen, one that looked against the odds as injuries began to take their toll and Stuart McCall’s squad was stretched to its limits.

However, Motherwell battled on and smashed their post war points record, racking up an astonishing seventy points, winning twenty-two games and scoring sixty-six goals along the way.

Now you can relive the thrills and spills of this epic season on this exclusive DVD.

Every goal is here, from Henri Anier’s late winner against Hibs at Easter Road last August, all the way through the twists and turns leading up to the dramatic final game of the season; a shootout against Aberdeen where Craig Reid’s injury time strike propelled The Steelmen into second place and sent the away fans into raptures!

‘Well Society members who have renewed their benefits can pick up their complimentary copy from The Chapman Building at Fir Park.

Non-members can purchase a Season Review DVD for just £10 from The ‘Well Shop either in person or online at www.motherwelldirect.co.uk.

Motherwell FC can today confirm Henri Anier has been sold to 2. Bundesliga side FC Erzgebirge Aue for an undisclosed fee.

Discussions between the clubs have been ongoing for a period of time before an agreement was eventually reached.

Anier joined the club last season on loan from Viking FK, scoring seven goals before signing for the club on a full-time basis last January.

He went on to score a subsequent two goals in the second half of the season, eventually taking his tally to nine goals in 40 appearances during 2013/14.

Speaking to motherwellfc.co.uk, the Estonian said: “I had a big decision to make leaving Motherwell as it has been a brilliant place for me to play football.

[pullquote]I really enjoyed things on and off the park. However, this was a good option for me and for the club, so it is one I had to take.[/pullquote]

“I want to wish everyone at Motherwell the very best of luck for the future and thank everyone for all their support in the last year.”

‘Well boss Stuart McCall added: “We have managed to keep the majority of our squad together this summer but when an offer comes along for a player, the club has to consider it.

“I’ve already been working on several options to replace Henri and now that his move is official, we will now look to pursue them.”

Everyone at Motherwell Football Club would like to thank Henri for his contribution during his spell at Fir Park and wish him every success in his future career.

Motherwell FC Community Trust is once again running their ever popular Summer Soccer Camps during the school holidays for boys & girls aged 5-15 years.

The camp will be held at Fir Park with coaching sessions taking place on the Fir Park AstroTurf & in the Maxim Office Park South Stand Gymnasium.

The coaching sessions will be delivered by SFA accredited coaches & will focus on passing, shooting, tackling as well as fun competitions and small sided games.

The participants may also have the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the Motherwell FC first team players as they prepare for the Europa League Qualifiers & the start of the Scottish Premiership 2014/2015 season.

Prices for the Soccer Camp are £11 per day & £50 for the week.

The dates for the courses are as followed:

• Week 1 – 30th June – 4th July
• Week 2 – 14th July – 18th July
• Week 3 – 28th July – 1st August
• Week 4 – 4th August – 8th August

Further information on times, a detailed breakdown on what you need to bring with you as well as bookings phone the Motherwell Football Club Community Trust on 01698 239 926 or alternatively visit www.motherwellsoccerschools.com.

Motherwell will kick off their SPFL Premiership campaign with a home match against St Mirren.

‘Well will then face Dundee United (a), Inverness CT (h), Kilmarnock (a) and St Johnstone (h) to complete the first month of the new campaign.

Other notable dates are the first Lanarkshire derby of the season against Hamilton Accies, which is on Saturday 27th September at Fir Park. The first at New Douglas Park is on New Years Day – Thursday 1st January.

The first Celtic match is in Glasgow on Saturday 20th September with the first home match against the title-holders not until 6th December.

The festive period has been kind with away trips to Paisley and the aforementioned trip across Lanarkshire the only travelling to contend with.

>> FULL FIXTURE LIST FOR 2014/15