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Motherwell FC is today delighted to announce the signing of central defender Peter Hartley on a one-year loan deal from Blackpool.

The 29-year-old arrives in Lanarkshire following stints at clubs like Bristol Rovers, Plymouth Argyle, Sunderland and, most recently at the Seasiders.

The Englishman offers experience at the back and is a real threat going forward too, as he showcased for the Pirates last season, netting six goals in 25 appearances.

Hartley made his senior debut in 2006, aged 18, when he signed his first professional contract with the Black Cats.

A loan spell with Chesterfield in 2008 was followed by a move to Hartlepool where Hartley scored his first professional goal in a 1-0 win over Tranmere Rovers.

He followed that up with his second goal just six-weeks later as the Pools kept a clean-sheet and won 3-0 against Millwall.

[pullquote]I’m delighted, obviously I know two or three of the boys here and when the gaffer rang me with the opportunity to come here I was straight here, literally.[/pullquote]

Hartley was courted by the club back in 2015 and again earlier this summer, but it’s third time lucky on Deadline Day 2017.

The defender will wear the number 6 shirt recently vacated by Stephen McManus, and chatting to MFC TV he said: “I’m delighted; I know two or three of the boys here and when the gaffer rang me with the opportunity to come up I was straight here, literally.

“I spoke to the manager three or four times throughout the summer and it didn’t work out so I chose to go to Blackpool and then the opportunity came up again to come to Motherwell on deadline day so I took it with both hands.”

Stephen Robinson added: “We tried to bring Peter in earlier in the summer so we’re absolutely delighted that we’ve managed to bring him in on a season-long loan.

“Peter is an experienced defender who has played at a high level in England so is a coup for us. He’s someone who will coach and organise our defensive line, and provides a huge threat in the opposition box at set pieces.

“I’m happy with the shape of the squad now – we’ve revamped things this summer and we’ve brought in some really promising young players and now with Peter we have got that crucial experience at the back.”

Motherwell Football Club is today delighted to announce the return of the versatile Liam Grimshaw.

An academy graduate at Manchester Utd and a former captain of the Red Devil’s U21 side, Grimshaw enjoyed a loan stint at Fir Park two years ago, signing on deadline day back in September 2015.

His high-energy, committed style endeared him to the Steelmen faithful and his performances and impact improved almost on a weekly basis.

Indeed, by the time his stay was cut short in January 2016 to allow United to trade him on to Championship side Preston NE, the Fir Parkers were on a terrific unbeaten run, with the 22-year old at the heart of it.

Sadly, his big move to Deepdale didn’t get off to the best start as a knee injury ruled him out for the rest of the campaign almost immediately after making the switch.

Although he made a positive start to the 2016/17 season, first-team football dried up and he would eventually join League One Chesterfield on loan during the January 2017 Transfer Window, making thirteen appearances for the Spireites.

[pullquote]I am thankful to everyone at Motherwell for again showing faith in me and I aim to repay it in the best way possible over the next year.[/pullquote]

He returned to Preston in the summer, but hasn’t featured in new boss Alex Neil’s plans, and following a release, has joined on for an initial one-year deal, subject to registration formalities.

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson said: “When Grimmy became available it was a no-brainer for us, really.

“Not only does he give us fantastic versatility in that he can play in defence, full-back or in midfield, but he’s a superb character who will fit exactly with the type of mentality we’re trying to create here.

“He was popular with the supporters too because he’s one of these lads who will not only run all day, but is tough in the tackle with a never-say-die attitude. However, it’s important to remember that he’s got good ability and by the time he moved to Preston, he was providing us with a real threat from midfield.

“I am really looking forward to working with him again.”

Grimshaw, a member of the ‘Well Society, spoke of his delight at returning to the place where he has enjoyed his football the most: “I’m buzzing to be back as I only have amazing memories of the club and the supporters.

“It’s by far the best time I’ve had in football when I was last at Motherwell and it provided me with the launch pad I needed following years in the youths at United.

“I am thankful to everyone at Motherwell for again showing faith in me and I aim to repay it in the best way possible over the next year.”

Motherwell FC can today confirm that defender Jack McMillan will join Livingston on a Development Loan until January.

The 19-year-old full-back will move to the club vying for first-team football for the next four months.

In-form Livingston currently sit sixth in the Scottish Championship with a spot in the semi-final of the Betfred Cup still up for grabs when they face Hibs later in September.

McMillan will work under the guidance of David Hopkin at Livi until he returns to the Steelmen at the turn of the year.

[pullquote]We’ve seen just exactly what a Development Loan can do for the young lads and it’s a great opportunity for Jack.[/pullquote]

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson believes the defender will be able to take his career to the next step with the help of a loan spell.

He said: “We’ve seen just exactly what a Development Loan can do for the young lads and it’s a great opportunity for Jack.

“When Chris Cadden returned from his spell at Albion Rovers he came back a more mature player and one who was ready to push for a spot in the first-team.

“I hope for the same from the all the boys who have went out on loan this window.”

Motherwell FC can today confirm defender Ben Heneghan has left to join English Championship side Sheffield Utd for an undisclosed fee.

Heneghan joined ‘Well last summer and was a mainstay in the heart of the Steelmen’s defence last campaign and this.

He scored his first goal for the club against Rangers on the opening day of the SPFL Premeirship and made his fiftieth start last weekend against Hearts.

Heneghan said: “I am obviously really pleased to be joining such a big club like Sheffield United in the English Championship, but I leave Fir Park with a heavy heart.

[pullquote]I’ve also enjoyed a great relationship with the supporters and I want to wish them, and everyone at Motherwell, all the very best for the future.[/pullquote]

“I’ve loved my time in Scotland and the people at the club have been first class with me from the moment I walked through the door. It has been a great opportunity.

“I’ve also enjoyed a great relationship with the supporters and I want to wish them, and everyone at Motherwell, all the very best for the future.”

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson added: “Ben has been excellent for the football club; he’s a top footballer and a brilliant lad.

“It’s a very good piece of business for the football club both now and potentially in the future and we’ve got an experience replacement lined up.

“On behalf of everyone at Motherwell, I want to wish the lad all the very best of luck going forward.”

Motherwell FC can today confirm that young goalkeeper Peter Morrison will join Clyde on a Development Loan until January. 

The 19-year old will move to the League Two side to gain some valuable first-team experience under the guidance of manager Jim Chapman.

Peter has come through the youth set-up at Fir Park and has become a regular starter for Stephen Craigan’s Under-20s side in recent seasons and will still be available for selection for the Northern Irishman’s side.

[pullquote]Development Loans are obviously crucial for young players and we hope to see the boys come back with more experience and push for a first-team spot here.[/pullquote]

The teenager will be set for four months of first team football before making his return to Fir Park at the start of 2018.

And ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson said: “It’s a great opportunity for PJ to go out and get some first-team football with Clyde.

“Development Loans are obviously crucial for young players and we hope to see the boys come back with more experience and push for a first-team spot here.”

Ahead of next weekend’s league encounter with Kilmarnock, don’t miss your chance to enjoy the clash in style with our superb hospitality packages.

Our offers are on sale now for the fifth fixture of the Ladbrokes Premiership campaign, as Stephen Robinson’s men look to follow up on consecutive home victories.

With a number of options, including Centenary Suite and Millennium Suite hospitality, there is something for everyone to suit different price ranges.

Season Ticket holders can upgrade to hospitality for just £45.

If you’re not a season ticket holder you can enjoy hospitality from £80 in the Centenary Suite or from £75 in the Millennium Suite.

For more information, please contact: hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk or phone 01698 333 333.

Motherwell under-20s face a trip to Belfast this weekend for the Irn-Bru Cup second round clash against Crusaders.

Following a hard-fought win over Queen’s Park in the first round, the youngsters will make the trip to Northern Ireland for the first time since 2006.

The under-20s have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season and will be hungry to extend their journey in the Irn-Bru Cup but face tough opposition on Saturday.

U20s boss Stephen Craigan will be boosted by the return of Shea Gordon, who missed Tuesday’s clash against Aberdeen due to being away on international duty.

George Newell and Allan Campbell, who have both tasted first team action this season, will be available for selection this weekend as the youngsters look to extend their unbeaten start to the season.

You can follow all the action on twitter @MotherwellFC

Extended highlights from Forthbank Stadium as despite playing with ten men for most of the game the Under 20s earn a point against Aberdeen.

Stephen Craigan admitted that he was delighted with the way his players responded to going down to ten-men against Aberdeen tonight.

Despite having a man less for nearly an hour, the young Steelmen held on for a goalless draw at Forthbank Stadium.

The under-20s boss spoke to MFC TV at full time after his side maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

[pullquote]I’m delighted with the way the boys went about the game in the second half. We slightly changed the shape to put the onus on to [Aberdeen] to work a bit harder.[/pullquote]

He said: “I’m delighted with the way the boys went about the game in the second half. We slightly changed the shape to put the onus on to [Aberdeen] to work a bit harder.”

He added: “I think when you go down to ten-men you almost need an out-ball somewhere and we tried to keep two strikers on the pitch so that we could go long when we were under pressure.

“From the message we gave at half time the boys took it on really, really well.”

Ten-man Motherwell maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a goalless draw against Aberdeen U20s tonight.

Stephen Craigan’s youngsters were limited to few chances in front of goal and had a call for a penalty waved away by the referee on a largely quiet evening at Forthbank Stadium in Stirling.

Youngster Jamie Semple made his second start for the under-20s with George Newell leading the claret and amber attack.

However, the forward cut a lone furrow up top for the majority of the evening after Dylan King was sent for an early shower against the northern opposition.

The Northern Irish centre-back picked up his first booking when he tripped Connor McLellan and was shown a second yellow in the 35th minute when a slack touch allowed Bruce Anderson to rob the youngster before being bundled off the ball.

However, despite their man advantage the Dons struggled to create much going forward and Russell Griffiths was largely untested until three minutes before the interval.

Anderson’s effort from outside the box forced a decent save from the Englishman and the stopper palmed the ball back in to the danger area where, fortunately, Jack McMillan was there to hook the ball clear.

With his side level but down to ten men, Craigan removed Semple from the action at half time and replaced him with Kyle MacDonald.

The second half nearly got off to the ideal start for Motherwell as Davie Turnbull got his head on the end of Dylan Falconer’s corner – but his effort flew narrowly past the post.

Ellis Plummer tested Dons stopper Archie Mair on the hour mark when the defender burst past a number of challenges and struck his effort straight at the young keeper.

On what was a quiet evening, the final five minutes sparked some life in to the game and brought some controversy with it.

A neat ‘Well move down the right flank could have led to the breakthrough and certainly led to the talking point of the game.

Allan Campbell’s one-two with Davie Turnbull saw the midfielder, who had shifted to right back, burst in to the box before being tripped by Danny Harvie, who got nowhere near the ball. The referee decided to wave play on.

A few minutes later, the visitors had a penalty claim of their own but the referee adjudged marauding centre-back Scott McKenna to have dived in the area and booked the defender.

Motherwell nearly snatched all three points when a clever run from substitute Alfie Agyeman and a perfect through ball from Jordan Armstrong led to a corner, but Aberdeen managed to eventually avert the danger and ensure the game ended goalless.