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Motherwell will take on English Championship side Preston North End in the final game before the new 2015/16 season kick off.

Preston, who have former ‘Well hero Chris Humphrey in their squad, will take on Ian Baraclough’s men on Friday 24th July (7pm KO) at Livingston’s Energy Assets Arena (with Fir Park still not ready to host a match due to the play-off delayed summer renovation works).

The match is the fourth for the July schedule, with the remaining two likely to be confirmed and announced early next week.

Ticket information for all matches will be released in due course.

First-team pre-season schedule:

Tuesday 7th July 2015
Borussia Monchengladbach U23 –v- Motherwell
VV Rheden, Ijsselsingel 91, 6991 ZR Rheden
Kick-off: 1900 (local time)

Thursday 9th July 2015
SC Heerenveen –v- Motherwell
Sportvereniging Langezwaag,
Paradys 8, 8404 BV Langezwaag
Kick-off: 1900 (local time)

Tuesday 14th July 2015
TBC

Saturday 18th July 2015
Livingston –v- Motherwell
Energy Assets Arena, Livingston
Kick-off: 1500

Tuesday 21st July 2015
TBC

Friday 24th July 2015
Motherwell –v- Preston North End
Energy Assets Arena, Livingston
Kick-off: 1900

An English-based businessman has pledged a major sum of money towards projects at Fir Park after deciding to give something back to his family’s community.

John Walker, who is the founder and chairman of world-renowned consultants ‘Oxford Economics’, has already gifted the club and Motherwell FC Community Trust more than half of the sum to go towards projects that help on and off the park.

Part of the three-year funding will help the Community Trust develop its ‘Learn and Play the Motherwell Way’ project, which aims to encourage children who are disengaged with formal education to improve their literacy, numeracy and IT skills by using Motherwell in particular and football in general as a learning stimulus.

John’s generosity has also helped fund recent improvements in the fitness and conditioning of players by Gordon Crawford, the recently-appointed physical performance and conditioning coach.

As part of his focus on education, John is helping to fund Gordon’s PhD and has sponsored the purchase of equipment to aid his work with the playing squad.

Gordon was brought in to improve the fitness of the players and also to prevent injuries: he will also work with the Community Trust to aid their work in helping the fitness and wellbeing of people in Lanarkshire.

The injury list among players has subsided significantly in recent months and it is hoped that his ongoing work will slash medical bills that saw the club spend £120,000 on operations and related consultations last year.

John was raised in Yorkshire but his father, a keen fan of the steelmen, came from Motherwell and he wanted to put something back into the Lanarkshire community.

He heard about the Well Society’s attempts to safeguard the future of Motherwell FC for the community and got in contact with chairman Brian McCafferty to offer his help. A number of discussions led to the funding offer.

John said: “I was impressed with the community ethos of the club and felt it was the perfect way to give something back to the area where my family came from.”

Motherwell chairman Brian McCafferty added: “We are extremely grateful for John’s hugely generous support for the Lanarkshire community and Motherwell Football Club.”

“The projects he has funded are a great example of how the club can help the community and vice versa.

“We hope other business people will recognise the value of supporting the community ethos of the club.”

“Any contribution to making sure the community remains at the heart of the club is very welcome – people can pledge sums from £10 a month to the Well Society.”

Squad numbers for the forthcoming 2015/16 campaign have now been confirmed.

The list thus far reads:

1.
2.  Craig REID
3.  Stevie HAMMELL
4.
5.  Louis LAING
6.  Stephen McMANUS
7.  Lionel AINSWORTH
8.  Stephen PEARSON
9.  Wes FLETCHER
11.  Marvin JOHNSON
12.  Dan TWARDZIK
13.
14.  Keith LASLEY
15.  Joe CHALMERS
16.
17.
18.  Josh LAW
19.  David CLARKSON
20.  Louis MOULT
21.  Jack LEITCH
22.  Craig MOORE
23.  Dom THOMAS
24.
25.
26.  Chris CADDEN
27.  David FERGUSON
28.  Luke WATT
29.  Dylan MACKIN
30.  Robbie LEITCH
31.  Brett LONG
32.  Ben HALL
33.  Jack McMILLAN
34.  Ross MacLEAN
35.  Allan CAMPBELL
36.  Ryan WATTERS
37.  Jake HASTIE
38.  Adam LIVINGSTONE
39.  Dylan FALCONER
40.  Barry MAGUIRE
41.  PJ MORRISON
42.  Josh MOORE
43.  David TURNBULL

Motherwell FC can today confirm the signing of striker David Clarkson.

The 29-year old former Scotland International, nephew of the late, great Phil O’Donnell, came through the ranks at Fir Park, and went on to score 49 league goals in 165 starts before signing for Bristol Rovers for a significant six-figure fee back in the summer of 2009.

He spent three years at Ashton Gate, before crossing the City to team up with his former ‘Well boss Mark McGhee at rivals Rovers.

He was two-years with the Pirates before returning back north of the border to sign with SPFL Premiership side Dundee.

Clarkson made an explosive start, netting in an incredible eight consecutive matches including a corker at Fir Park against ‘Well, picking up the November Player of the Month along the way.

[pullquote]It’s good to get everything signed up and it’s a place I know and that is close to my heart.[/pullquote]

A brief injury forced him out the team and he found it difficult to regain his place, such was the form of Greg Stewart. He finished the season having netted nine goals in nineteen competitive starts for the Dark Blues.

And ‘Well boss Ian Baraclough took the opportunity to quickly add the forward to his squad on an initial one-year deal with the option for a second.

Speaking on his return home to Fir Park, Clarkson said: “It’s good to get everything signed up and it’s a place I know and that is close to my heart.

“I had a meeting with the gaffer and the staff and they told me their philosophies and the way they want to take the club forward and that is something I want to be part of.

“Pre-season is the start of it all and hopefully I can do well and at the start of the season we will see what happens but first and foremost I want to get my feet in the door, get to know some of the new lads and then hopefully get some time on the pitch.”

Motherwell Ladies picked up their first ever trophy after beating Rangers 2-6 in the Division 2 League Cup Final tonight.

Graeme McArthur’s side have enjoyed an incredible start to the 2015 season, winning 16 consecutive games and scoring an astonishing 166 goals in the process.

However, they faced a tough challenge against a Rangers side who themselves have gone unbeaten so far this campaign.

After an edgy start, it was ‘Well who drew first blood when skipper Stacey Cook managed to clip a lovely little shot over the Rangers keeper Elliott after great work by Pamela Liddell on the flank.

However, Rangers weren’t to be behind for long and they were level shortly after, Claire Mullen’s free kick from the left bouncing through and ending up in the back of the net.

‘Well were back in front again just after the half hour and it was a superb goal – good play down the right created space for Julie Ferguson who squared it inside for Toni Mason. She took a touch before whipping home a lovely finish from outside the box.

Again though, Rangers battled hard and were again level when after robbing the ball in the middle of the park, they broke with pace before Caitlin McLean tucked home at the back post.

It was level at the break and the start of the second period was fairly even before Motherwell added a third on the 67th minute. Liddell flicked on a McMillan pass, allowing Mandy Burns to race clear on goal and she kept her composure slot beyond the goalkeeper, in off the post.

‘Well turned the screw and added a further three in the space of eleven minutes. Pamela Liddell grabbed her seventy-first of the season, picking up a loose ball from a free-kick before spinning and smashing home from eight yards.

Rangers looked demoralised and when Ainsley Douglas and Toni Mason added a fifth and a sixth from corner kicks, the win and trophy, was sealed.

Motherwell: Gibson, Ferguson, MacMillan, Donnelly, Douglas (Smith – 81mins), Cook, Mason, M.Bruns (Goodwin – 85mins), T.Burns (Templeton – 85mins), McBride (Gallacher – 85minx), Liddell (McInally – 80mins)

Subs: Wright, Robertson, Dixon

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

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.”

 Follow ‘Dibsy’ on Twitter 

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.