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Motherwell FC can confirm James McFadden has left his role as Assistant Manager after his contract expired this week.

The 48-times capped former Scotland front man was appointed by Mark McGhee as his number two earlier in the season, on a deal until the end of the 2016/17 campaign.

The 34-year old was retained by Stephen Robinson after a managerial change back in February, but both have amicably agreed to part following the conclusion to the season.

Robinson said: “James and I have worked together over the last few months, but I feel a change and something a bit different will be beneficial to the squad at this moment in time.

“It’s a tough call because James is a top lad and he’s done so much for the club.

“We both had a good, open and honest chat after the game at Inverness; James is at the start of his coaching pathway, still doing his badges and qualifications, and I have no doubt he will make a very good manager one day.

“We’ve left each other on good terms.”

[pullquote]James and I have worked together over the last few months, but I feel a change and something a bit different will be beneficial to the squad at this moment in time.[/pullquote]

McFadden himself said: “I’ve enjoyed my time as Assistant at the club. I was asked to stay on when the manager changed earlier this year and I agreed to do that because the club was and is the most important thing.

“I spoke with the manager at length after the last game and we talked about where I see myself now and what my aspirations are going forward, so I will take the summer to weigh everything up.

“I’d like to thank the club, and Mark McGhee, for the opportunity and wish Stephen, the players and everyone at Fir Park all the best for the future.”

Everyone at Motherwell FC would like to sincerely thank James for all his hard work across his most recent spell at Fir Park and wish him all the very best in his future career.

Motherwell FC is delighted to confirm midfielder Gaël Bigirimana has joined the club on a two-year deal.

The 23-year old Burundi International joins the Steelmen on a Bosman free from English League One side Coventry City, rejecting several offers from clubs south of the border.

Bigirimana was born in the Central African country, but moved to the United Kingdom in 2004 and signed for Coventry a year later, eventually making his debut for the Sky Blues in August 2011.

A year later, English Premier League side Newcastle reportedly paid a seven-figure fee for the midfielder, signing him on a five-year contract.

He played both in the Premier League and in the Europa League for the Toon, scoring his first senior goal against Wigan in December 2012.

In February 2015, Rangers beat off competition from the Steelmen to take Bigirimana on loan, but illness at that time prevented him playing any football whilst in Scotland.

He was soon back at Coventry though, firstly on loan then eventually on a permanent transfer, the highlight of his second spell coming in a scoring performance in the 2016-17 EFL Trophy Final against Oxford United, which Coventry went on to win 2-1 back in April 2017. He finished the campaign winning several of the Cov Player of the Year awards!

Despite representing England at youth International level, Bigirimana has one cap to his name when he represented Burundi against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Speaking of his move back north, Gaël said: “I’m very excited and first of all I thank God for this. I know Motherwell has a great history and I look forward to pulling on the top.”

He added: “I’ve met the manager before when he was at Oldham and I was playing for Coventry, I had a really good game and afterwards he came up to me and told me that but I told him it wasn’t even my best yet.”

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson added: “Gaël is a super signing for us, he gives us something we’ve been missing in midfield and comes with a great pedigree, having played at a very good level.

“His desire to come and play for Motherwell and to the Scottish Premiership sold him to me just as much as his ability – Gael is a real coup for Motherwell.”

Motherwell FC is today delighted to confirm the capture of striker Alex Fisher on a two-year contract.

The 6ft 3-inch front man was most recently with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, where he finished top goal scorer last term.

The 26-year old has certainly clocked up the air miles in his ten year career thus far.

After coming through the ranks and eventually playing for Oxford United, the Londoner moved to Spain and had a prolific season with lower-league side Jerez Industrial Club de Fútbol.

He was quickly on the move again though, and spent the next two years in Belgium, playing for KVK Tienen, KRC Mechelen and, latterly, with K.S.K. Heist. It was whilst in Antwerp his form caught the eye of Italian Lega Pro side A.C. Monza Brianza.

He spent a year in northern Italy before returning home to the United Kingdom for spells with both Mansfield Town and Torquay United.

In January 2016, then Caley boss John Hughes took him to the Scottish Highlands, although an early injury ruled him out of the second half of the 2015/16 campaign.

Fisher finished the current season on fire and ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson had to battle off stiff competition from both the SPFL Premiership and the English League One to secure his signature.

Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, Fisher said: “It’s fantastic, I spoke to the gaffer at the end of the season, had a good talk and I’m delighted to get this move over the line.”

“It’s a big club with a great fanbase and good history and when I spoke to the manager and he told me about his plans for this season I knew I wanted to be a part of it so it was an easy decision.”

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson added: “I’m delighted to welcome Alex to the club and he will add a bit of firepower to the side.

“He scored 8 goals in 9 games at the end of last season, and there’s a variation in his goals as well, so we’ve got ourselves a terrific first signing.”

The Motherwell squad will head to Ireland for a weeklong training camp as preparations get underway for the new 2017-18 campaign.

Stephen Robinson will take a new-look squad across the Irish Sea to the exclusive Carton House resort, located 20km outside Dublin, for a week of intensive training at the end of this month.

Carton House has a unrivalled reputation and has hosted some of the world’s biggest clubs including Real Madrid, Chelsea and even the Brazilian National team.

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson, who is familiar with resort having used it as a base whilst Northern Irish assistant before Euro 2016, said: “Preparation and organisation is huge for me and after reviewing everything about last season, it’s [going away for a pre-season camp] something I feel we probably missed.

[pullquote]“The whole resort is first class and, just as important to me, it’s conducive to a concentrated, hard-working environment.[/pullquote]

“I think the time together, working hard, bonding and getting to know each other is extremely important, particularly if you’re recruiting a lot of new players.

“I’ve had first hand experience of Carton House and I can honestly say I have never worked in a better football facility anywhere in the world. You only need to look at the teams who will follow us in the weeks after we leave; it’s who’s who of EPL clubs.

“The whole resort is first class and, just as important to me, it’s conducive to a concentrated, hard-working environment.

“We’ll put the lads through their paces. We won’t play games as I want to concentrate fully on getting the squad as fit as possible and as soon as we return, we’ll go immediately into pre-season matches.”

The club will announce the first of its pre-season fixtures following the Betfred Cup draw on Friday night.

Motherwell FC have been listed as a top seeded side in the South Section ahead of the Betfred Cup draw on Friday afternoon.

The Steelmen are joined by Partick Thistle, Kilmarnock and Hamilton Academical as the South Section top-seeded outfits.

Second seeded clubs include Greenock Morton, Queen of the South, St Mirren and Dumbarton.

Last season’s Betfred Cup opponents Annan Athletic and Stranraer are among the unseeded sides which will be drawn live on BT Sport 2 on Friday.

Top seeds: 

Partick Thistle, Kilmarnock, Motherwell, Hamilton Accies

Second seeds: 

Greenock Morton, Queen of the South, St Mirren, Dumbarton

Unseeded: 

Ayr United, Livingston, Airdrieonians, Queen’s Park, Stranraer, Albion Rovers, Stenhousemuir, Annan Athletic, Edinburgh City, Berwick Rangers, Clyde, East Kilbride

The draw will be conducted live on BT Sport 2 at 6.30pm this Friday (2 June), as well as being streamed live and free-to-view on BT Sport’s Facebook and Twitter feeds.

Today is the last opportunity to take advantage of the superb ‘Early Bird’ offers available for 2017/18 season tickets. 

And ‘Well fans are reminded to snap up their 2017/18 season ticket to not only secure their seat but to also be in with a chance of winning some great prizes.

As an added incentive the club have put up some money can’t buy prizes to ensure those that buy early guarantee maximum value when buying their season ticket before May 31st.

Any Junior (15 or Under) that secures their 2017/18 season ticket will be benefiting from one of the following prizes.

• Playing against a Motherwell XI at our summer open day at Fir Park
• 20 juniors will be chosen to be mascots next season*
• 10 juniors will be chosen at random and will have their season ticket personally delivered by a player or the manager**

Anyone else that secures their 2017/18 season ticket could be benefiting from one of these great prizes.

• 5 season ticket holders per home game will be chosen at random and invited with 3 friends to watch a game in the South Stand “Fan Box” during the 2017/18 season.
• 10 season ticket holders chosen at random will get their ticket delivered by a player / manager**
• A meal out with Tam Cowan and a player as part of Tam’s food review in association with the Scottish Sun.

To buy your 2017/18 season ticket and to be in with a chance of securing one the above prizes visit www.MyMFC.co.uk or call us on 01698 333 333.

Motherwell FC is today delighted to announce a three-year pouring deal with Scotland’s leading brewer Tennent’s.

Tennent’s continues to grow its distribution at stadia across the country and the deal sees Fir Park join the likes of Hampden, BT Murrayfield, Ibrox Stadium, McDiarmid Park and Celtic Park to work with Tennent’s as a wholesale and supply partner.

A range of Tennent’s brands including Tennent’s Lager, Caledonia Best, Magners Cider, Magners Dark Fruit and Heverlee will be available at the stadium, taking over from previous supplier, Heineken.

The range will be available at the stadium’s four bars; The Cooper Bar, the Millennium Suite, The Joe Wark Lounge and the Centenary Suite, all of which are available for matchday hospitality and private events.

[pullquote]It came through loud and clear in our recent fans survey that our regulars really wanted the Tennent’s brand and variety they offer, so we’re delighted to confirm the deal![/pullquote]

Tennent’s will commence supply at Fir Park from July, in a deal that runs until 2020. The bars will be supported by Tennent’s through a range of POS and visibility designed to promote the brands and drive sales through the tills.

Suzanne Reid, Head of Commercial and Marketing at Motherwell FC, said; “We’re really excited to be working with Tennent’s to offer our fans, staff and customers such a vast range of recognised and desirable brands. Bar sales at the stadium are a real contributor to the club’s revenue and part of our growing trading platform.

“It came through loud and clear in our recent fans survey that our regulars really wanted the Tennent’s brand and variety they offer, so we’re delighted to confirm the deal!”

Alan Hay, Tennent’s Sales Director, said: “We are delighted to be working with Motherwell FC as the exclusive beer and cider partner at Fir Park. Tennent’s has a long-standing history of supporting Scottish sport; it’s great to have our range of products on the bar.

“We’re sure they’ll be well received at all the events at Fir Park and ultimately drive sales at the bar as they look forward to another exciting season in the SPFL Premiership.”

The Ticket office is open late tonight (Tuesday) and Wednesday for fans wishing to buy their Season Ticket before the Early Bird deadline.

The chance to renew at the reduced rate ends on Wednesday, so we are open until 7pm for the first three days of this week to allow everyone the chance to get their ticket on time.

As well as getting your ticket at a lower price, we have a number added incentives and money can’t buy prizes for those who pick up their ticket before May 31st.

Any Junior (15 or Under) that secures their 2017/18 season ticket will be benefiting from one of the following prizes:

• Playing against a Motherwell XI at our summer open day at Fir Park
• 20 juniors will be chosen to be mascots next season*
• 10 juniors will be chosen at random and will have their season ticket personally delivered by a player or the manager**

Anyone else that secures their 2017/18 season ticket could be benefiting from one of these great prizes.

• 5 season ticket holders per home game will be chosen at random and invited with 3 friends to watch a game in the South Stand “Fan Box” during the 2017/18 season.
• 10 season ticket holders chosen at random will get their ticket delivered by a player / manager**
• A meal out with Tam Cowan and a player as part of Tam’s food review in association with the Scottish Sun.

Tough tackling Dutchman Luc Nijholt was a hugely popular figure amongst the Fir Park faithful in a spell at Motherwell that saw him lift the Scottish Cup in 1991.

Signed by Tommy McLean in the summer of 1990, Nijholt had been recruited from Old Boys Basel for a reported £100,000. Prior to his season in Switzerland he had previously played all his football in his native Holland largely with Harlem, but latterly at AZ Alkmaar and Utrecht.

Luc made his ‘Well debut in a 4-3 League Cup win over Morton on 21 August 1990 and made his league bow in the memorable 2-0 victory over Celtic four days later. He was initially deployed in central defence alongside Craig Paterson and Chris McCart but over time he would prove himself capable all across the back line.

The defender suffered a broken leg just four months into his ‘Well career but returned to full fitness as Motherwell’s Cup run began to gather momentum. After missing out on the opening two ties, Nijholt featured in every round from the Quarter Final against Morton onwards and capped his first season in Lanarkshire in style, by helping Motherwell to their first Scottish Cup win since 1952.

Luc’s second season in claret and amber saw him reveal a previously unseen facet of his game. Taking advantage of his much admired calmness under pressure, he inherited penalty taking duties and netted three spot kicks in the opening month of the season, including a late winner in the first ever Premier League derby between Motherwell and Airdrie. Over the course of the season he slotted home no fewer than six penalties.

Having been a member of the Cup winning side and involved in the first ever Motherwell side to play a match in Europe, Nijholt’s third season at Fir Park had no such highlights, yet it would still be a rewarding campaign. With Tommy McLean’s side in danger of being detached at the foot of the table, a second half of the season turnaround saw Motherwell escape the drop on the penultimate weekend of the season after a tense encounter that saw Dougie Arnott bag a late winner against Falkirk to send both the Bairns and Airdrie down.

A measure of the impact Nijholt had made in Scottish football was evidenced when Luc was offered the opportunity to play in the English top flight with Swindon Town in the summer of 1993.  Having given the club three years of terrific service Motherwell didn’t stand in the Dutchman’s way and saw the £175,000 fee for a player edging towards veteran status as fair compensation.

After two seasons with the Robins, Luc returned to the Netherlands to join Volendam where he concluded his playing career. Moving into coaching he was at one time assistant to Louis Van Gaal at AZ Alkmaar and given his noted fondness for the Steelmen, he has been linked with the manager’s job at Motherwell more than once.

With just 4 days to go until the end of the early bird offer supporters are reminded to snap up their 2017/18 season ticket to not only secure their seat but to also be in with a chance of winning some great prizes.

As an added incentive the club have put up some money can’t buy prizes to ensure those that buy early guarantee maximum value when buying their season ticket before May 31st.

Any Junior (15 or Under) that secures their 2017/18 season ticket will be benefiting from one of the following prizes.

• Playing against a Motherwell XI at our summer open day at Fir Park
• 20 juniors will be chosen to be mascots next season*
• 10 juniors will be chosen at random and will have their season ticket personally delivered by a player or the manager**

Anyone else that secures their 2017/18 season ticket could be benefiting from one of these great prizes.

• 5 season ticket holders per home game will be chosen at random and invited with 3 friends to watch a game in the South Stand “Fan Box” during the 2017/18 season.
• 10 season ticket holders chosen at random will get their ticket delivered by a player / manager**
• A meal out with Tam Cowan and a player as part of Tam’s food review in association with the Scottish Sun.

To buy your 2017/18 season ticket and to be in with a chance of securing one the above prizes visit www.MyMFC.co.uk or call us on 01698 333 333.