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    Andy Rose joins the Steelmen

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    The Foreign Legion: Henrik Ojamaa

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    Father’s day at Fir Park

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    Craigan prepares under-20s squad

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    Season Ticket sales on the rise

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    The Foreign Legion: Benito Kemble

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    Young fans set for new season

  • Archive

    Betfred cup fixtures announced

  • Archive

    Carson joins from ‘Pools

  • Archive

    Club announce new main sponsor

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    Andy Rose joins the Steelmen

    Motherwell FC is today delighted to announce the signing of Andy Rose from Coventry City on an initial one-year deal.

    The 27-year-old is Stephen Robinson’s fifth arrival of the summer transfer window as the Northern Irishman builds his squad for the 2017/18 campaign.

    The Australian midfielder, who spent three seasons in the MLS with the Seattle Sounders before moving to Coventry last summer, will wear the number 15 jersey for the Steelmen.

    The midfielder, who stands at 6ft 3in, follows new signing Gaël Bigirimana from the English League One side.

    Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, Rose said: “I can’t wait to get going now, it’s been going on for a few weeks but I’m delighted to get it over the line and I’m looking forward to working with Stephen Robinson.”

    He added: “The vision he set out was very exciting, with a great group of guys and a good family club but with great ambition.

    [pullquote]The vision [Stephen Robinson] set out was very exciting, with a great group of guys here and a good family club but with great ambition.[/pullquote]

    “Most importantly I can’t wait to play here in front of our fans and give my all for the club.”

    ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson said: “I’m delighted that we’ve managed to secure the signature of Andy Rose this afternoon, he’s yet another fantastic coup for the club and one of my primary targets.

    “Andy not only brings a physical presence to the middle of the park but he brings energy and drive and I’m very encouraged by the squad we’re building here this summer.”

    He added: “We’ve also secured the signing of a left-sided defender who has Championship and League One experience and will do pre-season with us before we announce the signing.”

    You can watch the Australian midfielder’s first full interview on MFC TV’s YouTube channel.

  • Archive

    The Foreign Legion: Henrik Ojamaa

    Henrik Ojamaa shot to fame with Motherwell in 2012 in a quick-fire rise from obscurity to become one of the Scottish games most feared forwards. 

    Estonian Ojamaa had previously played in the UK with Derby County but after leaving the Rams had spells in Germany, Holland and Finland without ever quite fully establishing himself.

    Arriving at Fir Park on trial after he had left RoPS in Finland Henrik clearly made an impression on ‘Well boss Stuart McCall. He was latterly invited to return for a second trial period at the club, at the end of which he signed a deal until the end of the 2011’12 season.

    Coming off the bench in the Scottish Cup 4th round tie against Queen’s Park on 7th January ‘12 Ojamaa would make an instant impact netting on his debut in ‘Well’s 4-0 win.

    Henrik’s impressive form would continue with 5 goals in his first 6 games securing him the SPL Young Player of the Month award for January 2012 and an improved and extended contract.

    Flourishing in a Motherwell side packed with attacking flair and verve he developed a particularly good understanding with the prolific Michael Higdon and added another four goals before the end of the season.

    Ojamaa’s game more was more than just about goalscoring though. Indeed if anything his goals were an added bonus as he routinely tormented opponents with his terrific pace, control and trickery, setting up countless chances for his team-mates in the process.

    His part in Nicky’s Law goal in a 3-0 win over Hearts a few months into his career for example was Ojamaa at his best. Drawing no fewer than four Hearts defenders towards him on the edge of the area, he beat one. Then another. Twisting this way and that he astutely kept possession just long enough to allow the oncoming Jamie Murphy to take possession of his pass. One angled ball later and Nicky Law had fired home.  Law’s name was on the score-sheet but the build up was pure Henrik.

    In the summer of 2013 Ojamaa was snapped up by Poles Legia Warsaw but an early injury meant he struggled to settle in as well he would have hoped.

    Henrik made a welcome return on loan to Motherwell in August 2014 in an effort to return to full fitness and with ‘Well struggling it was hoped he could help kick-start the club’s season.

    Although he added 4 goals to the previous thirteen he’d scored first time around he took some time to get up to speed and never quite hit the same heights of his first spell at Fir Park.

    It can sometimes be the case that a unique set of circumstances will allow a player to perform at their best. With a minimal level of expectation, a hugely supportive manager in Stuart McCall and a group of top quality team-mates, Henrik most certainly did that in his opening spell at Motherwell where ‘Well fans were able to enjoy watching him at his peak.

  • Archive

    Father’s day at Fir Park

    With Father’s day just around the corner, we have some unique ideas for your ‘Well loving dad’s as we approach the 18th of June.

    For just £55 you could buy a unique brick and get their name and your message etched into the walls of Fir Park! Or maybe a tile in the tunnel is more their thing? Your message to your dad will be seen as Stephen Robinson’s men walk from the changing rooms to the Fir Park pitch before each game.

    If your dad is up for laugh then our comedy and curry night on Friday the 16th could be an ideal gift for them. Starting at 7.15pm, £20 will get you a curry and hours of comedy with five great comedians.

    If you’d like your unique message on the wall, in the tunnel or you’d like to be at our comedy night, then give our events team a call on 01698 333 333 or email events@motherwellfc.co.uk

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    Craigan prepares under-20s squad

    Under-20s boss Stephen Craigan is preparing for another big season with his youngsters.

    The Northern Irishman has welcomed Liam Brown for Queens Park as he gets his squad ready for the 2017/18 Development League campaign.

    Dylan Falconer, Barry Maguire, Peter Morrison, Adam Livingstone and Shea Gordon have all been retained for another year, and David Turnbull, Jordan Armstrong, James Scott, Jake Hastie and Allan Campbell all remain under contract.

    Young midfielder Tom Fry and centre-forward Dylan Mackin have been released, whilst Kyle McDonald makes the step up from the under-17s.

    And with another big year ahead, manager Stephen Craigan said: “It’s a big season for a lot of the young players with regards to taking the next step towards our first team.

    “They have seen a lot of their teammates make their debut in the last couple of seasons so that has to be a motivating factor for them.

    “I am going to push them and challenge them every day on and off the pitch to get the best out of them so they can reach their potential but of course the players have a huge role in being the best they can be.”

    He added: “As always with under-20 players, some have left the squad and some have joined us, notably Liam Brown from Queens Park and Kyle McDonald has stepped up from our U17s. We welcome them to our squad.

    “I’d also like to wish the lads who’ve left us all the best in their careers.

    “Tom Fry and Dylan Mackin move on from the club but they have been terrific for me and they were model professionals during their time here at Fir Park.”

  • Archive

    Season Ticket sales on the rise


    Season Ticket sales for the month of June have increased by a staggering 57% as the Fir Park faithful continue to show their support for the club. 

    Ahead of the new campaign getting underway in just over a months time, the Steelmen have been boosted by encouraging sales of 2017/18 season tickets.

    And with junior tickets now just £20, an incredible increase in sales by 167% means the next generation of ‘Well supporters has never looked brighter.

    Marketing and Fan Engagement Manager Ryan Murrant said: “The uptake so far has been very positive and we thank the new and our loyal supporters that will be joining us next season.

    “The season ticket launch has been very successful and with the early signings that the manager has made there is a real buzz around the club and from our supporters.”

    He added: “There is still lots of work to be done to keep the season ticket sales going and we want our supporters to know that we still offer split payments and direct debit payment options.

    “Wendy and her brilliant ticket office team are happy to chat through the options to anyone that needs help and they will be open 10-1pm over the next three Saturdays, as well as the regular opening hours.”

    Don’t miss your chance to make the most of our fantastic prices and show your support next season.

    For more information, visit mymfc.co.uk

  • Archive

    The Foreign Legion: Benito Kemble

    With a playing style as distinctive as his flowing locks, fan-favourite Benito Kemble spent two seasons as a Steelman around the turn of the millennium. 

    After succeeding Harri Kampman, Billy Davies achieved his initial goal of securing the club’s place in the top flight for season 1999’00. To help him do so, chairman John Boyle had sanctioned a full rebuild of the squad as he sought to make Motherwell the “third force” in Scottish football.

    Committed to playing exciting, attacking football, Davies primary focus in the close season had been to provide the ammunition required to supply the likes of Spencer, Goodman and McCulloch; and indeed the goals flowed.

    As the season developed however, it became clear that he now required to turn his attention to his backline which was conceding a broadly similar number to those being scored at the other end of the park.

    In the aftermath of an incredible 6-5 loss to Aberdeen, Davies moved to bring Kemble to Motherwell from EVV Eindhoven in Holland.

    Benni made his ‘Well debut three days after the Aberdeen loss on 23rd October 1999 and helped the Steelmen to their first clean sheet of the season in a 2-0 win over Dundee Utd at Tannadice.

    It would be the first of three successive clean sheets, one of which included a remarkable 1-0 success over Celtic at Parkhead where Kemble demonstrated his defensive qualities to the full as Motherwell played the last hour of the game with only ten men. The crunching tackles and last gasp blocks he produced that evening inspired his team-mates and immediately endeared him to the Motherwell support.

    It would become a feature of his time at Fir Park that the Surinamer would often rise to the occasion and he appeared to enjoy nothing more than challenging himself against high profile strikers in matches against either half of the Old Firm.

    Motherwell took the battle for a European place to the final game of the season, but despite beating Champions Rangers 2-0 it wasn’t enough to overcome third placed Hearts. Who knows, had Benni arrived even just a week or two earlier, it might well have been enough to see ‘Well qualify for the UEFA Cup.

    Benni’s second season was altogether more difficult for both player and club. Injury meant Kemble was unable to play any more than five successive games at any one time and being regularly shorn of his talents did little to help a Motherwell side struggling to match the previous season’s achievements.

    As John Boyle re-assessed his business model for the club, team-mates such as Spencer, McCulloch, Brannan, McMillan and Goodman began to move on.

    Upon the conclusion of his contract in 2001, it was with some regret on both his and club’s part that a parting of the ways was required as the restructuring of the club’s finances continued.

    Benni spent a final season in Scotland with St Johnstone but seemed ill at ease in Perth and failed to replicate the form he produced at Motherwell.

  • Archive

    Young fans set for new season

    Three young ‘Well fans couldn’t contain their excitement for the new season as they picked up their Junior season tickets at Fir Park.

    Father of three Raymond Lawrie bought his daughters their first season tickets for just £20 each, and admitted it was too good an offer to miss.

    Now Jessica, 8, Macy, 6, and Carys, 3, will get to watch the Steelmen take to the pitch in Lanarkshire for the 2017/18 campaign, even if their dad can’t make it to the match.

    Raymond said: “Due to my work commitments I can’t make every game, but this is the first time that they are at an age where all three of them will enjoy going to the games.

    [pullquote]For me, it’s ideal. My daughters can enjoy the football and it also means that they are getting full use of their season tickets if I can’t be there – making it a no brainer really.[/pullquote]

    “The youngest, Carys, is 3-years old and is starting to really get in to it – and the older two are football daft, so it’s worth every penny.”

    He added: “My uncle and cousins come along every week so we got the girls season tickets next to them. “For me, it’s ideal. My daughters can enjoy the football and it also means that they are getting full use of their season tickets if I can’t be there – making it a no brainer really.”

    8-year-old Jessica, who is a big fan of star striker Louis Moult, said: “Me and my sisters can’t wait to come along when the season starts, we all love Motherwell.”

    Don’t miss your chance to make the most of our fantastic season ticket offers.

    For more information, visit mymfc.co.uk

  • Archive

    Betfred cup fixtures announced

    Motherwell FC will open the 2017/18 campaign with a trip to Hampden Park against Queens Park on Saturday July 15th in the Betfred Cup.

    The full fixture list for the group stages were revealed this afternoon, and the Steelmen will travel to the home of the Spiders before hosting the first home match of the season against Greenock Morton.

    The ‘Well are competing in Group F alongside Greenock Morton, Queen’s Park, Edinburgh City and Berwick Rangers.

    The full fixture list is as follows:

    • Saturday 15th July – Queen’s Park (A)
    • Saturday 22nd July – Morton (H)
    • Tuesday 25th July – Edinburgh City (A)
    • Saturday 29th July – Berwick Rangers (H)
  • Archive

    Carson joins from ‘Pools

    Motherwell FC is today delighted to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Trevor Carson from Hartlepool for an undisclosed fee.

    The 29-year old stopper, born in Downpatrick, south of Belfast in County Down, has penned a three-year deal at the Steelmen.

    Trevor, who has numerous Youth International caps as well as being named in several senior squads without gaining his first cap, came through the ranks at the then Premiership side Sunderland, eventually making it into the matchday squad as number two.

    During his six-year professional career with the Black Cats, he also enjoyed several stints out on loan including Chesterfield, Bury, Brentford and Hull City.

    And when his contract expired at the Stadium of Light, it was one of those clubs, Bury, who snapped him up. He spent two years at Gigg Lane, and also had a very successful loan spell at Portsmouth.

    A short stay at Cheltenham followed before a return to the North East when he signed for Hartlepool in June 2016. His first campaign at Victoria Park was a successful one, rewarded with both the fans and players Player of the Year.

    His second season was unfortunately punctured by injury though and despite recovering in time for the last few games, it wasn’t enough to save Pools’ from the drop.

    Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, Trevor said: “I’m absolutely delighted to get it done finally, it’s been ongoing for a couple of weeks now, it’s been on and off but to get up here, get the medical done and everything signed is great and I’m delighted.”

    He added: “As long as the deal is ongoing you can never switch off from football, it’s always in the back of your mind and now to get it done means I can go away for a week, switch my phone off and relax before coming back recharged to start pre-season.”

    ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson said: “He’s a terrific signing for us, he’s 29-years old and I have high hopes for him looking forward – he’s a very good addition to the goalkeeping department.

    “I’ve been chasing Trevor all summer so to get it over the line is fantastic, our chief scout Martin Foyle has been brilliant and we look forward to working with him.”

  • Archive

    Club announce new main sponsor

    Motherwell Football Club and McEwan Fraser Legal are today pleased to announce a partnership which sees the award-winning solicitors & estate agents become the Fir Park club’s new main sponsor.

    McEwan Fraser Legal have agreed an initial one year partnership which will complement existing club sponsorship agreements with Dundee, Dundee United & Inverness.

    McEwan Fraser Legal will adorn the front of the club’s new home, away and goalkeeper shirts, with the new kit due to be released soon.

    Having built a strong reputation for fan-focused engagement with existing sponsored clubs, McEwan Fraser Legal will be again be championing supporters with its challenge to, “think differently.”

    It will use the rights available via the sponsorship to create unique campaigns, featuring many ideas which have never been seen before in Scottish football.

    Last season, McEwan Fraser Legal campaigns with existing clubs included #HomeRun, where players personally delivered the new home kit to supporters’ homes; #HomeAlone at which former players joined supporters who couldn’t make a big away game for a night in front of the box; and #HomeAdvantage which created memorable experiences for all those involved, not least double amputee Tommy McKay who stunned Scottish football with his 40-yard wonder strike!

    Motherwell will be represented on McEwan Fraser Legal’s www.mcewanfraserlegal.co.uk/football microsite, whilst Well supporters will be able to get involved from the off on twitter, with a new official twitter account, @MFC_MFL now online, offering one supporter a chance to win a pair of 2017-18 season tickets.

    McEwan Fraser Legal chief executive Ken McEwan said: “We’re delighted to add Motherwell FC to the group of club’s we’re proudly supporting next season. Being a supporter-owned club was a key factor in our decision to support the Steelmen.

    “Motherwell, like ourselves, are committed to thinking differently. In our case that means extended hours until midnight, multi-lingual staff, and an entirely different approach to marketing properties.

    “For Motherwell, it’s about building a sustainable future with the club in the safe hands of supporters, and that’s something we are delighted to support.”

    Motherwell FC head of commercial & marketing Suzanne Reid added: “It’s great news that McEwan Fraser Legal have joined us at Motherwell as our new club sponsor.

    “We’ve been hugely impressed at the way they have engaged with the supporters of other clubs, and so it’s exciting that they are coming on board at Fir Park, with many exciting plans ahead.

    “This agreement is undoubtedly testament to the ownership of the club under the stewardship of The Well Society, something McEwan Fraser Legal made clear during this process.”