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Motherwell FC is delighted to confirm midfielder Stephen Pearson has signed a two-year contract extension.

The former Scotland International rejoined the club in January and has been one of the major driving forces behind the recent upturn in form.

Pearson, who started his career at Fir Park fifteen years ago, has also played for Celtic, Derby County, Stoke, Bristol City and in the Indian Super League with Kerala Blasters.

There was significant interest in the player from both at home and abroad, but the 32-year old was keen to repay the faith shown in him by manager Ian Baraclough and has committed his future to the summer of 2017.

[pullquote]I am really pleased we have got this all done and dusted so early; I’m delighted to being staying at Motherwell[/pullquote]

Pearson said: “I am really pleased we have got this all done and dusted so early; I’m delighted to being staying at Motherwell.

“I’ve really enjoyed working under the manager and with this group of players. Our first priority is to try and stay in the Premiership then rebuild again for next year.”

Manager Ian Baraclough added: “I am delighted Stephen has signed this extended deal as he has been a huge influence both on and off the park.

“His signing will, I hope, give everyone a boost and it’s a real indication of our intention and determination to not only finish this seasons strongly, but with one eye on building for season 2015/16 and beyond.

“We are in positive discussions with other members of the squad and will look to talk with more as the season reaches its conclusion.”

Motherwell Football Club can today (Friday) announce that majority shareholder Mr Les Hutchison has accepted an invitation to join the Club’s Board of Directors and will take up the role of Vice Chairman with immediate effect.

Mr Hutchison has overseen and facilitated many of the recent improvements both to off-field infrastructure and on-field strength by way of an additional short-term six-figure loan.

It is anticipated those areas of improvement, particularly around scouting and talent identification as well as sport science and conditioning, will help reinforce the Club’s short and long term goals around sustainability, viability and the eventual transition to full fan ownership via the ‘Well Society.

Mr Hutchison will support the current Chairman, Brian McCafferty, in his dual role between the football club and the ‘Well Society.

The Club Board now includes Brian McCafferty, Les Hutchison, Leanne Thomas, Derek Weir, Ian Reid, Jim McMahon and Peter Kellie.

Commenting, Les said: “I am looking forward to increased involvement in Board activities and the opportunity to assist Brian as Chairman.”

Chairman Brian McCafferty added: “We are delighted Les is joining the Board of Directors at Motherwell Football Club.

“He has given us significant help and direction from afar already, but with this appointment he can now get involved to an even greater extent.

“My colleagues and I on the Board look forward to working even closer with him in the weeks and months ahead.”

Manager Ian Baraclough commented: “It’s a hugely positive sign that Les is stepping up his involvement in the Club by formally joining the Board of Directors.

“He has been incredibly supportive to both my staff and I in his short tenure as owner thus far and everyone is working hard to deliver our targets as set out in the Business Plan.”

Hello ‘Well fans,

I wanted to provide another short update on what is happening with the Club and also the ‘Well Society.

Fans’ Event, Sunday 29 March, Fir Park

Last Sunday I was able to attend a function at the Centenary Lounge with many society members in attendance. It was also good to see such a big turnout of fans who had recently purchased their tiles to be placed in the players’ tunnel.

Thanks mainly to Peter Elder, the sports’ quiz was also a big success, and as far as I know, despite the ‘Bois’ best efforts, the best team won!

Prior to screening the Scotland game on TV, the club organised a Q&A session hosted by Phil Speedie with Alan Burrows and myself fielding questions ranging from pledging monthly payments to the society similar to the Foundation of Hearts to questions about the new scouting regime at the club.

I would like to express my thanks to all who attended and, in particular, to Diane Harvey, the catering and bar staff and all volunteers for making the occasion such a success.

Where are we now?

I am pleased to report that the Society once again has been able to provide financial support to the club during a challenging period off the pitch. In addition to the £190,000 loaned to the club in January, it has provided a further £120,000 to cover a temporary cashflow shortfall at the club for March.

To summarise where we are currently, as you know in February the club received Les Hutchison’s loan of £650,000, which was used partly to stabilise the club’s finances and, of course, £1 of which used to purchase John Boyle’s shares. Subsequently, Les provided further investment in order to strengthen the playing squad and improve a number of areas in anticipation of a financial return in the future.

The club

As a business, the club has now been re-organised to focus on its vision to become the most successful community-centred club in Scotland.

As part of its business plan, it now adopts a three-pronged approach concentrating on football, finance, and marketing and sales, which is reflected in its organisational structure as follows:

As you already know the board of directors currently comprises Jim McMahon, Derek Weir, Leanne Thomas, Peter Kellie, Ian Reid and me. In addition, I am very pleased to report that Les Hutchison has agreed to join the board.

As Chairman of the Society, I chair the Club Board, Les is now Vice-Chairman, Derek Weir chairs the Football Committee, Jim McMahon heads up the Finance Committee, and I also chair the Marketing and Sales committee. The three other directors Leanne Thomas, Ian Reid and Peter Kellie support the work of the football and finance committees in particular.

The Society

This organisational arrangement at the club is largely reflected in the organisation and sub committee structure of the society as follows:

Currently the board comprises myself as chair, Tom Feely as secretary, plus two other elected members Robert Montgomery and Allan Todd. Douglas Dickie is one of three possible co-opted members, two of which we need to replace now that Dee Cameron and Derek Watson have stepped down due to pressure of work.

The society is most grateful for their contributions to its work and we wish them every success for the future. Of course, both remain strong Motherwell supporters.
We shall soon be seeking to appoint two new board members who will hopefully be able to complement and supplement the current skills set and experience of the current board members.

The board is also most grateful to Doug Inglis and a team of volunteers who help to develop links with the business community not only with the society but also the club. Doug attends board meetings as an observer as part of his role as special adviser to the board.

Doug also chairs the Income Generation Committee, which includes as our top priority membership recruitment. Douglas Dickie takes the lead on recruitment matters. He is carrying out a revision of the current membership structure and developing proposals for changes. As part of a consultation process, these proposals will be shared with members for their approval in the next week or so.

Allan Todd is working towards increasing the engagement and participation of society members in the work of the society. He would welcome any suggestions about how the society could improve the involvement of the members in any ways.

Robert Montgomery heads up the marketing and communications committee as well as project managing the society’s action planning. He too would welcome any suggestions for improving our marketing and recruitment strategies.

To help with our marketing and sales efforts the board has agreed to appoint a full-time manager who will act also as key contact with the society for its members. An advert for this post will be issued shortly.

The future – reasons to be optimistic

As I explained in my presentation on Sunday, both the club and the society have good reasons to be optimistic about the short-term and long-term future.

For example,

• the team’s performances over the past few weeks have improved significantly and the points gained have been most welcome – as a consequence, I am very optimistic about our chances of remaining in the top division next season.
• the youth academy is developing extremely well and Scott Leitch and his coaching staff are bringing on some very good young footballers who will be our first team players of the future – the manager has kept his promise of not only ‘blooding’ some of these youngsters but given them plenty of playing time in the first team to show considerable promise. The extended contract signings of these players augers well for the future on the playing side.
• although relatively modest but nevertheless welcome, income from hire of function suits and bar takings, catering, sponsorship and other streams are on an upward trend – the club’s aim now is to increase attendances and issue more season tickets for next season than last year.
• Hearts certainly and possibly Rangers or Hibs will join the top flight next season bringing with them potential increases in attendances in the away stand as well as increased sponsorship and hospitality for home games.
• the club is more than hopeful that the SPFL will be able to attract a new sponsor next season and that a new and improved TV deal might be negotiated too.
• finally, Les Hutchison has agreed to continue to provide his new loan on similar terms as the original interest free loan of £650,000 – he has agreed to sponsor the appointment of a new marketing/communications manager for the society with a gift of half the salary

Ongoing Priorities for the Society

Over the coming weeks, the society board will focus on

• revamping the membership structure to make it simpler and less bureaucratic
• recruiting new members
• encouraging attendance at home games and
• seeking sponsorship and support from the business community

Thank you for your continuing support.

Brian McCafferty
Chairman

Motherwell FC is once again providing female supporters aged between 35-65 the chance to become more active, improve their diet and develop a healthier lifestyle through the FFIT for women project.

A nationwide health initiative, FFIT for women will be held weekly in the Davie Cooper Suite at Fir Park.

The programme will begin on Tuesday the 14th of April with sessions being delivered by our fully trained and qualified male and female coaches experienced in programme delivery.

Programme Development Manager, Graeme McArthur said: “Local women will have the opportunity to become part of the club for 13 weeks, being issued with official Motherwell FC training kit to work with our football and health coaches one evening a week.

“Similar programmes have proved a massive success with clubs in the English Premiership and Championship. Now we will be leading the way in Scotland!”

Interested supporters should contact the MFC FFIT Team by phone on 01698 239926, or by email on graeme.mcarthur@motherwellfc.co.uk confirming the following details:

• Name
• Address
• Postcode
• Contact Telephone

Striker Bob McHugh has joined League One side Airdrieonians on loan until the end of the current season.

McHugh, 23, made his debut for the Steelmen back in Mark McGhee’s first year (2007/08), aged just sixteen. He has gone on to play for seven subsequent seasons, taking part in ninety games (fourteen starts), scoring eight goals.

He has also spent time out on loan at Queen of the South towards the tail end of last season but, frustratingly, injury has once again curtailed his involvement during the current term.

With Scott McDonald, Lee Erwin, John Sutton and Craig Moore all battling it out for a place amongst the starters, the Glasgow-born striker will now play out the rest of the season at the Excelsior Stadium.

[pullquote]He has found breaking into the team difficult, so this loan move will allow him to get out there and play regular first-team football in a team batting to get into that play-off zone.[/pullquote]

‘Well boss Ian Baraclough said: “Bob’s attitude since returning from injury has been first class.

“He has played, and worked hard, in numerous Development League matches. Unfortunately for him, whilst he was out, Scott McDonald has joined the club, John Sutton has continued to score, Lee Erwin has really kicked on and Craig Moore returned from injury much quicker than first anticipated.

“He has found breaking into the team difficult, so this loan move will allow him to get out there and play regular first-team football in a team batting to get into that play-off zone.”

Motherwell fans travelling to Rugby Park on Saturday should note the following offer is available.

Due to new turnstile system fans require a barcoded ticket to gain entry into the stadium and to try to encourage fans to purchase before travelling, Kilmarnock are offering discounted tickets as follows:

Adult: £20 (£22 on the day)
Concession: £13 (£15 on the day)
U12: £5

In addition, they are offering up to three free U12 tickets with every adult ticket purchased – this does not apply to concessions.

These discounts will be available until 5pm on Friday 3rd April 2015. To help fans, the club will open late night (7pm) on Thursday, 2nd April to allow fans who wish to pre-purchase tickets the chance to do so.

Full ticket prices on the cash turnstiles will apply on the day at the stadium.

As a part of the approved business plan for Motherwell FC, it was quickly identified the Club has a real need for input when it comes to how it markets itself.

Most, if not all, of the focus has been purely sales driven, giving a lop-sided approach to how the Club is perceived and our ability to maximise revenues.

The refocused objective is to develop a revised brand for Motherwell Football Club based on its history and successes on the field and endurance of the local people through recent economic decline.

The key aspect of the new brand will be to change perception of the Club, which is now more philanthropic, engaging and community based.

With this in mind, both the ‘Well Society and the Motherwell Football Club Community Trust will be fully engaged in helping support the new brand of the Club.

This new brand will be used on all marketing to the local, national and international potential fans, clients and customers of the Club.

That will involve four key stands:

a) Local Marketing
b) National Marketing
c) International Marketing
d) Internet & Social Media Marketing

The ideal candidate would be skilled in sales and marketing of a community activity, excellent skills in the effective use of social media to achieve sales targets, developing new revenue streams, media information preparation and distribution, marketing concepts and positioning, people management, sales planning, competitive analysis, understanding the customer, product development, client relationships, sales target oriented.

He or she would also demonstrate a willingness to really buy into the Motherwell vision of putting the football club at the front and centre of everything the local community aspires to be. That can be achieved by significant focus on some of the great, untold, stories of not only the football club, but the MFC Community Trust.

Main Duties:

• Achieve an effective sales and marketing operation, develop new and grow existing revenue streams, preparing and completing action plans; implementing change.
• Meet and exceed marketing and sales financial objectives, preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analysing variances; initiating corrective actions.
• Determine annual and gross-profit plans by forecasting and developing annual sales quotas for function rooms; sponsorship; advertising; south stand; establishing effective metrics to measure performance
• Accomplishes marketing and sales objectives by planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating advertising, merchandising, and trade promotion programs; developing field sales action plans.
• Build an effective sales and marketing programme using social media and improving current web sites.
• Improves product marketability and profitability by researching, identifying, and capitalising on market opportunities; improving product packaging.
• Take the lead on sales to local, national and international companies. Sustain rapport with key accounts, fans and corporate guests by making periodic visits; exploring specific needs; anticipating new opportunities.
• Accomplishes marketing and sales human resource objectives by recruiting (if necessary), selecting, orienting, training, assigning, scheduling, coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, appraising, and reviewing job contributions; planning and reviewing compensation actions; enforcing policies and procedures.
• Provides information by collecting, analysing, and summarising data and trends.
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organisations.
• Coordinate sales and marketing activity with both the ‘Well Society and Community Trust.
• Manage a team of sales and marketing personnel.

If you are interested in applying please email your CV and covering letter to alan.burrows@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience
Closing Date for applications: 10th April 2015

Motherwell Football Club is an equal opportunities employer.

 Extended highlights from Cappielow Park as the Under 20s crashed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Celtic.

Under 20s boss Jonatan Johansson felt the clinical nature of tonight’s opponents was the main difference between the two teams.

Both teams traded chances during an entertaining ninety minutes, played on a heavy pitch at a rain-soaked Cappielow.

Despite the scores being level after an hour, Celtic scored twice in twenty minutes to secure the win, their second over the Steelmen this campaign after Youth Cup success on the same ground last November.

There was plenty of hard work and no shortage of chances for the Fir Parkers, but it wasn’t to be their night.

[pullquote]It might sound like a stupid thing to say, but the only real difference for me was the goals scored. They were more clinical when they needed to be and we can perhaps defend a little better on both goals.[/pullquote]

Johansson told MFC TV after the match: “It was a good game, both teams played well on a difficult pitch; I really enjoyed the game.

“It might sound like a stupid thing to say, but the only real difference for me was the goals scored. They were more clinical when they needed to be and we can perhaps defend a little better on both goals.

“We created enough chances ourselves to score at least one. Our attitude was good, some of our movement was excellent so despite the defeat, there are plenty of positives we can take from tonight’s game.”

Motherwell Under 20s crashed 2-0 to Celtic at a sodden, rain-battered Cappielow this evening.

On a very heavy pitch, both teams deserve credit for what turned out to be an entertaining evening’s football.

The score was level at the break, with both teams passing up chances. However, Jamie Lindsay and Jaison McGrath got on the score sheet during the second forty-five to ensure all three points went to Stephen Frail’s side.

For the second match in succession, Jonatan Johansson made eight changes to the starting eleven. McNulty, McCall, Maguire, Anderson, R.Leitch, Mackin, Higgins and Campbell all dropped out, replaced by J.Leitch, O’Brien, Kerr, Carswell, O’Brien, Moore, D.Thomas and MacLean.

The rain hammered down on Cappielow and the pitch twice passed an inspection before finally been given the go ahead, despite water pooling on the stand side touchline.

Celtic were the first to threaten when Joe Thomson had two shots within quick succession. His first sailed over the bar whilst his second, a curler from the edge of the D, went inches wide. Teammate Lindsay also had a shot from distance that was only a yard or so over Stewart’s bar.

In reply, Dom Thomas had two efforts and on goal, both of them dragged narrowly wide of Leo Fasan’s left hand post.

Both teams were playing good football, in spite of the terrible conditions, but it was the home side that created more of the chances.

Thomson had another low shot well held by Stewart before the ‘Well stopper made an excellent save to deny Callum McGregor, who had raced clear one-on-one, only for his shot to be blocked.

Tom Rogic had a shot deflected into the side netting, McGrath dragged an effort wide and defender Breslin hooked a long-range effort high and wide as the half drew to a close, with neither team able to get their noses in front.

The Steelmen made much the better start to the second half and Thomas posted early intentions with a curling shot that Fasan was comfortable enough to pluck out the air.

The Italian stopper had to look smart to save a dipping shot from Moore and a long-range Lawson strike along the rain-soaked grass.

It took the hosts about ten minutes to find their feet again, McGregor getting their first shot away in anger, although Stewart was content to watch it rise over the bar.

A similar fate befell a Lawson shot on the hour when, after collecting a sharply taken free kick on the edge of the box, he ballooned an effort high and into the terracing behind the goal.

The deadlock was finally broke shortly after and it was a strike of some quality from Jamie Lindsay. He picked up on a headed clearance after McGregor’s whipped corner and, on the volley, smashed home from twenty yards out.

Motherwell immediately looked to get back into it and on-loan Derby defender Mark O’Brien came close with a header from a corner, but it was straight at Fasan who held on.

Celtic looked dangerous on the counter though, McGregor forcing another decent save from Stewart and sub Nesbitt firing a shot wide of target.

Then, with their next attack, Celtic doubled their lead and secured the points when McGrath got on the end of a Darnell Fisher cutback to poke home at the near post.

There was still time for Fasan to deny Craig Moore with a wonder save, at full stretch turning his rasping drive onto the post before the Hoops defence hoofed it cleared.

Motherwell: Stewart, Watt, McMillan (Mackin – 82mins), Leitch, O’Brien, Kerr, Carswell, Lawson, Moore, Thomas, MacLean

Subs: Currie, McNulty, McCall, Hall, Anderson, Higgins