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Motherwell suffered their first defeat of pre-season at the hands of Gateshead – slumping to a 3-2 defeat at the International Stadium.

Arriving on the back of consecutive 2-0 victories, Robinson’s side contained five summer recruits in the shape of Gaël Bigirimana, Craig Tanner, Alex Fisher, Charles Dunne and Cédric Kipré.

Goals from Andy Rose and Ryan Bowman, bagging against his former employers, were too little too late for the travelling ‘Well.

However, Robinson’s men cruised through the opening half hour, and much of the match, but somehow couldn’t find the breakthrough until the final few minutes thanks to a number of wonder-saves from Dan Hanford in the Tyneside goal.

Despite few opportunities, the hosts managed to snatch the lead five minutes before half time.

Macauley Langstaff capitalised on a moment of miscommunication in the ‘Well backline to strike a low effort on target. A fortunate deflection took the ball past Russell Griffiths and, despite Tait’s best efforts to scoop the ball away from the goalmouth, the referee awarded the goal.

The Fir Parkers got off on the front foot in the second period against an entirely different Tyneside eleven. Carl McHugh’s goal bound header was tipped over the bar by substitute stopper James Montgomery a minute after the restart.

A number of changes saw the introduction of Rose, Elliott Frear and Ross MacLean as the Steelmen searched for an equaliser.

However, Robinson’s men found themselves two behind when Kieran Green released a stunning effort beyond Griffiths in to the far corner.

Soon it was three when the hosts experienced another slice of luck – this time Tom White’s effort deflected wickedly beyond Griffiths with just 15 minutes remaining.

Bowman had a number of opportunities to respond for the visitors, with the creativity and delivery from substitute Frear proving too much for the Gateshead defence.

The striker eventually took his chance in the 90^th minute when he headed home Frear’s cross to bag his fourth goal in as many games.

New arrival Andy Rose made it 3-2 in the dying seconds when he tapped home from two yards, but it was too little, too late for the Lanarkshire outfit, who face Barrow on Tuesday night in their final friendly ahead of the Betfred Cup opener against Queen’s Park.

Motherwell: Griffiths, Tait, Hammell, Heneghan, Bigirimana, McHugh, Bowman, Fisher, Dunne, Kipré, Tanner

Subs: Morrison, Cadden, Frear, Rose, McMillan, MacLean, Turnbull

Motherwell FC is today pleased to announce the club’s first Supporter Liaison Officer as long time ‘Well fan Joanne McQue.

Joanne, a customer service assistant and Union Rep, will service the club and supporters in the build up to, on and after matchdays, to help improve the supporter experience at home and away games.

And the club’s first SLO admits she can’t wait to start helping the club she loves.

Joanne said: “I’m a Motherwell supporter, and I thought to myself ‘if there’s anything I can do to help the club, I’d do it’ and I’m delighted to be involved now.

“I’m really excited and I can’t wait to get stuck in and do my best in this role.”

[pullquote]Motherwell means everything to me, it’s right up there with my kids! But I have to say my granny is probably a bigger supporter than me![/pullquote]

Joanne, who couldn’t hide her excitement and optimism, added: “I work in customer services already and I can always get some banter going when needed too, so I think I can be a good, friendly face for the supporters whenever they need help.

“Motherwell means everything to me, it’s right up there with my kids! But I have to say my granny is probably a bigger supporter than me!”

Craig Hughes of the Well Society said: “With fan ownership it is vital that we are always looking to improve the communication between supporters and the club and we believe that appointing our first SLO is a massive step in the right direction.

“We have absolutely no doubts Jo will be an excellent SLO and a massive asset to both the club and more importantly the fans. We are looking forward to working with her throughout the upcoming season.”

Marketing and Fan Engagement manager Ryan Murrant added: “It’s great that Jo is joining us an SLO ready for the season. Her passion for this club and for customer services will help her and our supporters massively in this role.

“Jo is the first of our SLO’s in place this year and we look forward to her helping us help our supporters. Jo will join us and other SLO’s on Wednesday at the Supporters Direct conference, which is if you like, the beginning of her exciting journey with the football club.”

If you are interested in becoming an SLO or understanding more about the role please see the attached Job Description PDF.

To apply for one of the positions, please send your CV to us at supporter.services@motherwellfc.co.uk and tell us more about yourself, why you should be suited to the volunteer role of an SLO and what stand you would best represent.

Striker Jacob Blyth will miss the next four to six months after an operation to repair a foot injury.

The 24-year old, who joined from Leicester City last summer, had an injury-plagued campaign that restricted him to just one start and eight appearances from the substitute’s bench.

Towards the end of last season, he went off early in an Under 20s match against Falkirk at the Excelsior Stadium with a foot injury that eventually required surgery in late June.

[pullquote]It’s extremely frustrating for the lad as he’s only managed one start in his time at Fir Park and has not been able to show people why he was signed.[/pullquote]

The striker, who has had previous loan spells at Burton Albion, Notts County, Northampton Town, Cambridge Utd and Blackpool, will be likely be unavailable for the remainder of 2017.

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson said: “It’s extremely frustrating for the lad as he’s only managed one start in his time at Fir Park and has not been able to show people why he was signed.

“It’s also very frustrating for the club as we’ll miss a player for almost half the season and with the constraints we work under, it’s not as simple as just going out and buying a replacement, so we have to readjust our plans.”

‘Well fans will have the chance to meet first team players and take part in fun activities at an upcoming open day.

Taking place on July 30th at Fir Park, the Claret and Amber faithful will be able to come along and collect their 2017/18 Season Tickets, meet the players and take part in some fun games.

There will be a Junior Season Ticket Holders vs MFC XI match, MFC Community Trust showcase, along with a Well Society 7-a-side tournament from 1pm.

Face painting and fun and games will also be included on the day, which all gets started from 10:00am and will run until 12.30pm before the Well Society event at 1pm.

[pullquote]It’s a great opportunity for our supporters to come and meet their heroes, enjoy some fun activities and to get down to Fir Park before a promising season starts the following week.[/pullquote]

There will also be a special visit from the Police and Fire Departments amongst other things.

According to Marketing and Fan Engagement Manager Ryan Murrant, it’s one not to be missed.

He said: We have had a lot of requests, either through our latest survey or through social media for the return of the open day and as a result we are genuinely excited to be bringing it back.

“It’s a great opportunity for our supporters to come and meet their heroes, enjoy some fun activities and to get down to Fir Park before a promising season starts the following week.”

He added: “We have seen a real positive reaction so far in our season ticket sales and with these still up by 19% year on year we hope the day will be a success as our supporters also come and collect their season ticket books.”

Motherwell FC is today delighted to announce the signing of central defender Cédric Kipré on a one-year deal.

The ex-Leicester City and Paris Saint Germain youngster has agreed terms with the Steelmen following a trial period with the club, where the 20-year-old impressed Fir Park boss Stephen Robinson.

Positive performances in the club’s pre-season friendlies and during training has resulted in the Frenchman being rewarded with a contract with the ‘Well.

And the 6ft 2in central defender, who was bought by the Foxes for an undisclosed fee before becoming a free agent this summer, boasts a number of impressive attributes.

Powerful, gifted with the ball at his feet and with an eye for a pass, the Frenchman is also strong in the air and has his best years ahead of him.

[pullquote]I’m feeling very good and I’m very happy to have signed here. I’ve been in for a couple of weeks now so I’ve had a chance to see everything, see the facilities and everything so yes, I’m very happy.[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV after signing for the club, Cédric said: “I’m feeling very good and I’m very happy to have signed here. I’ve been in for a couple of weeks now so I’ve had a chance to see everything, see the facilities and everything so yes, I’m very happy.”

He added: “I’ve met everyone too and everyone is really nice. We got to know each other better when we went away to Ireland.”

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson added: “We’re very happy that Cédric has agreed to join us and becomes our eighth new arrival this summer.

“I managed to get a very good look at him over the past few weeks and it was never a doubt in my mind that we’d offer him a contract – so I’m delighted he’s agreed to sign.”

He added: “He’s only 20-years old but his development is staggering, he is incredibly strong and will complement the boys we’ve got at the back already.

“I very much look forward to working with Cédric this season. I’m also looking to bring in one more defender and another striker before the window shuts but I will have to ensure there are some outgoings first.”

Extended highlights from the Tony Macaroni Arena where Motherwell continue their pre-season preparations with a 0-2 win over Livingston.

Images from tonight’s 0-2 pre-season win over Livingston.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

[svgallery name=”livingston040717″]

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson reflected on his sides 2-0 victory over Livingston as the Steelmen continue their pre-season preparations.

Goals from Gaël Bigirimana and Ryan Bowman secured the Fir Parkers second victory in four days as Robinson aims to see his side gain some valuable playing time ahead of competitive football getting underway in just under two weeks.

Speaking to MFC TV at full time, the Northern Irishman said: “I think the most important thing is getting minutes and game time in to peoples legs.

[pullquote]I think the most important thing is getting minutes and game time in to peoples legs.[/pullquote]

“There was some very good stuff played at times tonight, from both sides I have to say, Livingston popped the ball about very well.”

He added: “We made a lot of changes so the game lost it’s pattern a little bit but I have to say the players who came on did very well too so it bodes well.”

You can watch the manager’s full post match interview on MFC TV’s YouTube channel.

Motherwell continued their pre-season preparations with a 0-2 win over Livingston this evening.

The Steelmen went ahead shortly before half-time when Gaël Bigirimana slotted home from close range.

It stayed that way until the 86th minute when substitute Ryan Bowman rounded the goalkeeper and finished to confirm the win.

It was a cold, wet and damp Tony Macaroni Arena that greeted both teams. Sadly, there was little in the early exchanges to warm the 824 punters inside the ground, with both teams enjoying spells of possession, but nothing of note in the final third.

The first chance came on twelve minutes when Danny Mullen’s low shot was blocked by Charles Dunne at the expense of a corner.

Motherwell’s first real chance came five minutes later when a lovely little reverse ball from Craig Tanner played in Bigirimana whose square ball looked perfect for Alex Fisher, but the former Inverness man blazed over from eight yards.

‘Well continued to create and Fisher was the creator for Andy Rose shortly after, but the midfielder’s shot from distance took a slight deflection en route and bounced inches wide of target.

Matthew Knox had a free-kick sail high over the bar on 26 minutes before going within an inch of putting his side in front, when his looping shot from distance was brilliantly tipped over by Griffiths in the visitor’s goal.

That was to prove an important stop from the young stopper as with their next attack, the Steelmen took the lead. Burundi International Bigirimana broke up a Livi counter before playing a neat one-two with Tanner and slid the ball past Maley to put ‘Well a goal up at the break.

Stephen Robinson introduced the impressive Cédric Kipré at the interval, alongside Stevie Hammell and Richard Tait who replaced Charles Dunne, Bira Dembélé and goal scorer Bigiramana.

The Fir Parkers made a positive start to the second period and Rose had a shot wide before Chris Cadden looked set to score, but for a goal-saving challenge by Livi sub Rafa De Vita. Then, shortly after, Tanner had a low free-kick that was comfortably held by Maley.

As the hour mark approached, both teams started to change things with substitute every few minutes intrupting any real flow to the game.

One sub, Ross MacLean, almost grabbed a goal himself with a driving shot from distance, but Livi’s trialist keeper, introduced for Maley shortly before, held on well.

However, he was powerless to stop Ryan Bowman just four minutes later, when the big striker got on the end of a tantalising Hammell pass, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home from an acute angle.

Bowman almost had a third in the dying seconds, when he got on the end of a Tuton cross, but his header was somehow bundled off the line. When it broke out to young sub Jack McMillan, he blazed over.

It was the last action of the game. The Steelmen will now travel south to Gateshead on Saturday for game three of four in the pre-season schedule.

With the opening home game of the 2017/18 campaign less than three weeks away, you can now book in to our newly revamped centenary suite for when we face Greenock Morton on July 22 in the Betfred Cup. 

This means that you can enjoy the relaxing environment, a 3 course meal, a premium match seat and half-time refreshments for just £50 per person with concessions at just £35 (60 or over & under 16’s)

If you are interested in our McEwan Fraser Legal box suites, which offer a free bar before and after the game, a hot one course buffet, half time pies and the comfort of a padded seat during the game for just £75, give our team a call now.

We also have places available in our Millennium Suite. This gives you the ultimate match view from our directors box, complimentary food and drink on arrival and at half time plus a match programme and team sheets. Adults tickets are £60 with concessions just £50.

To secure your seat call 01698 333 333 or email  hospitality@motherwelfc.co.uk