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Motherwell FC is today delighted to confirm winger Lionel Ainsworth has signed a new two-year deal to stay at the club.

Winger Ainsworth, 27, has pitched in with an incredible twenty goals and twenty assists in a fruitful two-season spell in North Lanarkshire.

Indeed, the Englishman was a notable contributor during the Play-off victory against Rangers; scoring in both legs to secure a famous 6-1 aggregate win. Indeed, his form since the arrival of Ian Baraclough and Stephen Robinson has been extremely impressive, forming a wing partnership with fellow flying machine Marvin Johnson.

And now ‘Well have managed to beat off stiff competition from SPFL Premiership and English clubs to secure his signature for a further two years.

[pullquote]Last season was disappointing in many ways, albeit we finished strongly against Rangers in the Play-offs. I think there is a real desire in me and the guys who are still at the club to ensure next season is much better.[/pullquote]

Speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk, Ainsworth said: “I am very pleased we’ve got things sorted, both for myself and my family.

“Last season was disappointing in many ways, albeit we finished strongly against Rangers in the Play-offs. I think there is a real desire in me and the guys who are still at the club to ensure next season is much better.

“Obviously the way the team plays now with pace all across the front area really suits me, with Marvin on one side and me on the other and the likes of Pearo and Las in the middle. Hopefully we can continue on the way we finished the season into the new campaign.”

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As ‘Well ladies impeding cup final draws ever closer, this Wednesday night actually, everyone associated with the team is aware that history could be made in the coming days!

The Ladies have fought off tough competition in previous rounds from Dundee City, Glasgow Girls Development, Westerlands and Falkirk Ladies, but now find themselves down to one of the last two teams and in the SWFL Division 2 League Cup final, which takes place this Wednesday evening (24th June) at Ainslie Park in Scotland’s capital.

Talismanic Centre half Laura Smith is looking forward to the occasion: “I’m really excited and can’t wait for Wednesday to come already! It’s going to be a great occasion for everyone involved at the club and one our talented squad of players is fully focused on.

“Throughout the competition we have come up against some really tough opposition, but have undoubtedly grown as a squad over the weeks.

“We know what to expect of Rangers and have spent valuable time preparing for the challenge ahead. They are a young squad with talented players and will be a very tough test for us.

“We are aware this is potentially the first piece of silverware Motherwell Ladies could take home since they formed at the start of last season; we could be making history, but that won’t cloud our vision of the job and what we need to do come match day.”

‘Well ladies have now accumulated a staggering 100 plus goal difference in their ventures since the start of this season so are very capable of finding the back of the net, but Motherwell LFC manager Graeme McArthur is not being complacent in his preparations for the game.

“This week is going to be a real test of strength and character from the full squad,” he said.

“With the fantastic, but tough, Scottish Cup win away against SWPL opponents Hutchie Vale two days ago, the League Cup final on Wednesday and our closest league rivals, Hearts Development, next Sunday, it’s going to be a big week, but we have a full squad ready and waiting.

“This is where we want to be though and I have a great squad who are already relishing each and every challenge we face this week.

“Preparations so far have gone well for the cup final; we know how important Wednesday’s final is for the club, the background team and each and every member of my squad.

“We know that Rangers bring a team of young, fit and talented players and their abilities should not be underestimated. However my focus is on my squad and reaching our own high standards and expectations. We are very much looking forward to our first ever cup final and hope to see some of our extended ‘Well family members along to enjoy the occasion.”

There is one man who has been looking forward to this occasion more than most and cannot wait to see the Ladies take to the pitch on Wednesday night.

Douglas Dickie, life long Motherwell supporter and local Chartered surveyor has become so impressed with on goings at the club, he has jumped on board and offered the team an extremely generous sponsorship deal! I had the chance to catch up with the man himself and find out more in our usual Q&A…

Name: Douglas Dickie

Job Title: Chartered Quantity Surveyor

Favourite team: The Well

Footballing hero: Having watched the team since the 60s, there have been a few, but early on there was Jumbo Muir, Brian Heron, Peter Marinello and of course Wullie Pettigrew.

Name of Organisation: Douglas H Dickie MRICS, Chartered Quantity Surveyors

Where is your organisation located: My office is based in Lanark and has been for the last 19 years.

How long have you worked as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor? I set up my business in 1996 – 19 years ago and have developed from there.

Tell us a little bit about what you do as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor? I basically look after the financial and contractual aspects of Construction Projects from inception to completion – needless to say my most rewarding project was to work on the redevelopment of the South and Davie Cooper Stands at Fir Park – a labour of love!

Have you always been a fan of the mighty ‘Well? Yes I have. As I said I have watched the team from the late 60s –no choice my father first took me along through his involvement at the Club, he went on to serve on the Board for over 32 years, including numerous spells as Chairman and Vice Chairman. In fact I had been so used to watching the black and white TV, that when I saw my first live match I was surprised when it was in colour!

It’s absolutely fantastic to see someone who is so keen to get involved and support the women’s game. Do you think there is enough coverage/sponsorship of the women’s game in Scotland? No but I think this is improving particularly with Fir Park hosting some of the Scottish games over the last year or two. I also listen to BBC Radio and they appear to be giving the women’s game much more coverage.

Have you seen the ladies play? Sorry, don’t hold this against me, I just haven’t had the time yet! I do intend to get along and watch some of these great performances I have been hearing and reading about…starting this Wednesday! I’m really excited to watch the Cup final!

What initially attracted you to get involved with Motherwell LFC? With being involved in the ‘Well Society and on the board and indeed speaking with Charlie Bennett, I was made more aware of the Trusts activities and aims, one of which was the ladies team……it went on to develop from there.

You have offered the ladies a very generous sponsorship deal for their impending cup final against Rangers, would you like to tell us more about this?  Similarly to the above, I was aware of the sponsorship deal which was being agreed with the Well Society and the Trust and I wanted to help with the agreement and help the Trust perhaps get slightly more than they had agreed as I do appreciate the work they do. I then saw this was a good opportunity and one I didn’t want to miss out on!

Are you looking forward to the final next Wednesday? Absolutely!! I can`t wait, very excited!!

What’s your score prediction for the game? A Motherwell win of course….good luck!!

On behalf of everyone at Motherwell LFC can I take this opportunity to thank you Douglas for coming on board with us and for the generosity and support as we venture into what we hope to be our first of many Cup Finals! We hope we can do you proud on Wednesday!

If you would like to see MOTHERWELL LFC take on Rangers in the SWFL Division 2 League Cup final, get yourself along to Ainslie Park, Edinburgh (Spartans FC ground) postcode: EH5 2HF this coming Wednesday, 24th June, 7.30 pm kick off.  Adults £5 Children/Concessions £2

The great news is, there is a supporters bus leaving from FIR PARK to take supporters along to the game! For more details or to book your seat, please call 01698 239926 or email community@motherwellfc.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you there!

For all the latest info and live match tweets follow the ladies on twitter @MotherwellLFC

Follow me on twitter @dibsy_

Motherwell FC can confirm it has reached an agreement with Gateshead FC to allow Head of Recruitment Gary Owers to take up the role of assistant manager at the English club.

Gary only recently joined the Steelmen, heading up a new and expanded recruitment department, which now covers the whole of the UK.

He played a significant role in several of the January acquisitions, including Marvin Johnson’s arrival from Kidderminster Harriers, and has worked with Ian Barclough on numerous targets currently being pursued for this summer’s Transfer Window.

However, after stints as manager at Bath City and Forest Green Rovers as well as assistant roles at Aldershot and Plymouth Argyle, the 46-year old has always had an itch to get back into full-time coaching and when the opportunity to team up with a former colleagues in Malcolm Crosby at his local club, Gary was keen to go.

[pullquote]Whilst it is with some disappointment Gary is leaving us for a coaching role at Gateshead, we fully understand his reasons for doing so.[/pullquote]

‘Well boss Ian Barclough said: “Whilst it is with some disappointment Gary is leaving us for a coaching role at Gateshead, we fully understand his reasons for doing so.

“He was up front and honest with us from the start, which is typical of the man. He performed his role fantastically, including setting up a brand new department, which has already proved fruitful in terms of the recruitment of key personnel.

“Everyone at Motherwell Football Club would like to thank Gary tremendously for his effort over the last six months and wish him all the very best in his new role.”

Looking towards the 2015/16 season, the Club will now begin the process of finding a replacement for Gary to start as soon as possible.

Motherwell FC has extended the ‘Early Bird’ offer on 2015/16 Season Tickets by a week to next Saturday – 27th June.

With the fixtures for the forthcoming SPFL Premiership season now confirmed and the first home game set for August 9th against Dundee United, there is a lot to look forward to as Ian Barclough shapes his squad in what will be a busy summer.

However, the club has also acknowledged that with the uncertainty around the Play-offs last season, the window for purchasing the Season Ticket at the ‘Early Bird’ rate was significantly reduced.

Therefore, to try and encourage more fans to come and joy the club for the new campaign, you can now purchase your Season Ticket at the reduced rate for another week.

Details of how you can buy and prices can be found by clicking the banner below:

Motherwell will face Inverness in the Highlands to kick-off the new 2015/16 SPFL Premiership season.

The Steelmen will take on the Scottish Cup winners on their own patch on Saturday 1st August, before taking on Dundee Utd (h), Hearts (a), Aberdeen (h), St Johnstone (a) and Kilmarnock (h) to complete a busy August.

Other eye-catching fixtures include the first Lanarkshire derby of the season against Hamilton at New Douglas Park on the 19th September with the return at Fir Park on the 2nd January 2016.

The first Celtic match of the campaign will be on the 17th October at Fir Park and the Premiership Champions will return to Fir Park in early April, the last match before the league split.

All fixtures are subject to change for live television picks or potential clashes with teams competing in European competition. Indeed, three of Motherwell’s first five opponents will take part in the Europa League this summer.

The full fixture list can be found by clicking here.

Motherwell FC can confirm John Sutton has rejected a new contract and has signed for St Johnstone.

Sutton, who scored thirteen times last season, was offered an extended deal to stay in Claret and Amber but has opted to head to McDiarmid Park.

The 31-year old first signed for ‘Well back in 2008 and scored 43 goals in 125 games before moving to Hearts in the summer of 2011.

He returned to North Lanarkshire in 2013 and scored a further 35 goals in 84 appearances in a fruitful two-year spell.

[pullquote]He has opted to move to St Johnstone and we will now move on and progress with the other targets we have for the striking position.[/pullquote]

‘Well boss Ian Baraclough said: “We are obviously disappointed to lose John after making him the best offer we could.

“However, he has opted to move to St Johnstone and we will now move on and progress with the other targets we have for the striking position.

“On behalf of everyone at Fir Park, I would like to thank John for his fantastic effort over the five seasons he’s been here and wish him all the very best with his future career.”

Motherwell can confirm the first batch of pre-season fixtures ahead of the 2015/16 season.

The club will travel to the Netherlands on Saturday 4th July for a week’s training in Doorwerth, just outside Arnhern.

Whilst there, the club will take on Borussia Mönchengladbach Under 23s on Tuesday 7th July in Rheden (Kick Off TBC). Two days later, they will face Eredivisie SC Heerenveen in Drachten (7pm KO).

On their return to Scotland, Ian Baraclough’s side will face Scottish Championship side Livingston at the Energy Asset Arena (3pm) on Saturday 18th July.

The club will confirm further fixtures on Scottish soil on Tuesday 14th, Tuesday 21st and Friday 24th July and will announce as soon as possible.

Motherwell can today confirm Lee Erwin has signed for English Championship club Leeds Utd.

Erwin, 21, who has been at the club for almost ten years and is a graduate of the Elite Academy, had been offered several new deals to stay at Fir Park after flourishing under boss Ian Baraclough.

However, despite the clubs’ best efforts to keep the former Scotland Youth International, he has chosen to sign a three-year deal with the Yorkshire side.

Motherwell FC has protected its rights to training compensation for the player and will now pursue that with the Elland Road club at the point of registration.

Commenting, ‘Well boss Ian Baraclough said: “We are obviously disappointed to lose a player like Lee and I told the lad himself I think he would’ve benefited from a further year playing week to week in our first-team.

[pullquote]This is yet another example of Motherwell producing or recruiting a player, developing them and helping them move up the football ladder.[/pullquote]

“However, with that all being said, I understand how football works and Leeds Utd is a great club with a great tradition and it’s a big opportunity for him. We’re very proud of him and what he’s achieved.

“From our point of view, it’s a feather in the cap for our Elite Academy; from Chris McCart, Gordon Young and Scott Leitch as well as the individual coaches and the scouts who worked with Lee from such a young age.

“They are often over-looked, but this is yet another example of Motherwell producing or recruiting a player, developing them and helping them move up the football ladder.

“That’s exactly our strategy for the forthcoming years and the challenge for myself and everyone at the club is to find the next Lee Erwin, and do it all over again.

“I would like to personally thank Lee for all his effort since my arrival at the club. He has been absolutely superb for me both in matches and in training and has earned this move. We wish him all the very best in his career down south.”

Motherwell FC Community Trust will again host their successful Summer Soccer Camp for the seven weeks throughout the school holidays.

The Summer Camp which takes place at Fir Park Stadium runs regardless of our “Summer Weather”, outdoors in the fantastic Astroturf facilities as well as indoors in the Maxim Office Park Stand Gymnasium and is for boys and girls of all abilities aged 5 to 12 years, with the emphasis on positive play and having fun!

Participants will enjoy a wide range of football activities delivered by SFA Accredited Coaches from dribbling, passing and shooting through to penalty competitions, and small-sided games.

To celebrate another successful year at Motherwell FC Community Trust we have reduced our prices to only £10 per day 9am to 3pm and £40 for a full week. Half days 9am to 12pm and 12pm to 3pm are also available at only £6 per session.

Week 1: Monday 28th June – Friday 3rd July

Week 2: Monday 6th July – Friday 10th July

Week 3: Monday 13th July – Friday 17th July

Week 4: Monday 20th July – Friday 24th July

Week 5: Monday 27th July – Friday 31st July

Week 6: Monday 3rd August – Friday 7th August

Week 7: Monday 10th August – Friday 14th August

For information and booking, call: 01698 239 926 or visit our booking website at: www.motherwellsoccerschools.com

What We Provide:
Warm ups and reaction games Technique training including passing, dribbling, shooting, turning, attacking and defending
Fun games to practise techniques
Small sided matches
Penalty Competitions
Skills competitions
Expert coaching from our fantastic Motherwell Soccer School Coaches
Supervision for the day including lunch and breaks
Promotion of a healthy lifestyle for young people
Motherwell Football Club promote fair play, respect, discipline, and anti bullying
Players are coached according to their size and ability

What To Bring:
Football kit or tracksuit, or shorts/joggers and t-shirt Football boots or training shoes
Shin pads (which must be worn at all times)
Goalie gloves (if applicable) P
Packed lunch Plenty to drink (not fizzy drinks)
Sun cream *Warm, waterproof clothing in case of inclement weather
Any medication (Please note we are unable to administer medication)

The Well Society has launched a new, simpler and more accessible membership scheme.

Please sign up for as little as £10 a month and get immediate benefits including access to exclusive Q&A sessions with the manager and players, an annual quiz night featuring the playing squad, a vote on Well Society matters, and much more.

By joining, you will

• receive several benefits that will take you closer to the club and players

• avoid the club being sold to outsiders with no connection to Lanarkshire

• protect the club financially and help it develop a strong, sustainable future

• support the Lanarkshire area and people – the MFC Community Trust touches the lives of more than 35,000 people each year

• help Motherwell fans own the club they love

With one click below, and within 60 seconds you can become part of the club and help Motherwell FC towards a financially stable future.

As you probably know, Les Hutchison has provided a major five-year interest free loan to the club. Without this input Motherwell FC could have been sold to a foreign consortium or, worse still, plunged into a deep financial crisis. Instead we are moving towards a sustainable, self-sufficient financial future.

But Les cannot do this alone – he stepped in to protect the club for the benefit of the community and to ensure it can be in the hands of supporters for generations to come. We, the supporters, now need to step up and the Well Society is asking all of you to pay what you can to continue to be part of something special.

Fans who cannot commit to monthly payments can also pay a one-off sum – every contribution will be recorded and can lead to further benefits in the future.

Please note that the direct debit system does not work for overseas bank accounts. We are trying to install a Paypal option and we hope to do that soon.

Very many thanks for your support.

Brian McCafferty

Chairman

Motherwell Football Club