Latest News

Stuart McCall expects Saturday’s Lanarkshire derby to be a lively spectacle after making his ‘Well bow in a tame affair at New Douglas Park.

A 0-0 draw with Hamilton, low on quality and incident, represented McCall’s first match in charge of the Steelmen, but the Motherwell boss expects much better this weekend after witnessing the passion of his troops in midweek.

“I thought, in my first game in charge, it was quite mild really, but it was a poor match,” the former Bradford boss acknowledged.

“I expect something fiercer at home. I looked at the boys in the dressing room on Tuesday and saw the desire they have, and they took that out on to the pitch. We need to show the same again.

“In a derby match you can expect it to be frenetic and we need to be up for the fight, that’s for sure.”

The ‘Well boss was quick to laugh off any suggestions that his side may take Accies lightly.

Billy Reid’s charges lie rooted to the bottom of the SPL and look likely to be entrenched in a relegation battle for the rest of the season, but their form against Motherwell has been excellent.

“There will be no chance of us underestimating them – we’ve played them twice this season and still haven’t scored against them,” McCall vehemently insisted.

“It’ll be a battle; a scrap. But we’ll do our best and hopefully get the result – which is the most important thing. They are fighting for their lives and we know it will be tough.”

The Motherwell gaffer was typically focused ahead of a massive Lanarkshire derby this weekend but, as he addressed the assembled press, he did take a moment to revel in a superb midweek victory at Pittodrie.

Despite conceding and early goal – which would have been a death knell to weaker sides on a run of one win in twelve league matches – the Steelmen fought back to earn a deserved victory thanks to goals from Jamie Murphy and new striking star Franny Jeffers.

It was a win which propelled the men in claret and amber back up in to fifth place in the SPL.

“It was a massive result for a number of reasons,” a delighted McCall said. “We needed a result on the back of our defeat at Ibrox and then for us to go a goal down in two minutes was a big blow – but the lads showed great character.

“The manner of the result really pleased me. I watched the game back the other night, before the Arsenal-Barcelona match, and I thought we were superb…then I watched those sides; we still have a way to go!

“We played some terrific football, especially in the first half, and we thoroughly merited our victory. We’ll now look to kick on from that on Saturday, and look forward to three home games on the bounce.”

Looking ahead, there looks to be some good news on the injury front, as McCall’s battered, thin squad gradually gets back to fitness.

It’s been something of a nightmare for the former Scotland midfielder since his arrival, with the likes of Saunders, Hammell, Lasley, Jones, Craigan and Murphy all suffering injuries at one time or another.

But there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel ahead of Accies’ visit, in terms of injury recoveries and the promising form of a new arrival.

“We were only ever going to get an hour out of Franny (Jeffers) but, even apart from his goal, his movement and team ethic was superb,” the 46-year old praised. “He was unlucky not to get on the score-sheet more than once.

“When a striker comes to a club he wants to get off the mark as quickly as possible so I’m delighted for Franny.

“Hammy (Steven Hammell) is available now and we left Humphrey out at Pittodrie – he could come back in. This is the first time I’ve had a bit of a selection headache since I’ve been here, and that is what you want.

“We still have a couple of people out but it is certainly clearing.”

Referee for this Saturday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Hamilton Accies at Fir Park is Crawford Allan.

It will be 43-year-old Allan’s seventh SPL game of the current campaign, having previously taken charge of Hibernian’s 1-1 draw with Inverness CT in September, Hamilton’s 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock two weeks later, St Mirren’s 2-1 win over Aberdeen, Hearts’ 2-0 win at New St Mirren Park and, most recently, the Jambo’s 1-0 success at home to St Johnstone last month.

It will, of course, be his second Motherwell game of the current campaign after previously taking charge of the 4-0 destruction of St Johnstone in November of last year. He is also no stranger to the Steelmen or Fir Park having overseen two games here last season too.

He was the man in the middle for the 3-1 success early in Jim Gannon’s reign when John Sutton, Ross Forbes and Shaun Hutchinson gave the ‘Well all three points.

Some three months later, and almost a year ago from tonight, he officiated the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen when Gary McDonald, who would later be ordered off, cancelled out a Lukas Jutkiewicz opener.

Tragically, Allan took charge of the ‘Well game on the 29th December 2007, forever etched in history as the date when Phil O’Donnell tragically passed away in the 5-3 victory over Dundee United.

Phil’s death had a profound effect on the whistler, a Grade 1 official for nine seasons, but he won heartfelt praise for the way he handled what was an extremely difficult situation and his sensitive approach is and was appreciated by everyone at Motherwell Football Club.

In another twist of fate, Allan is only one of two referees to have ever refereed a Motherwell away game at Fir Park as the Steelmen faced hosts Gretna during the 2007/2008 campaign.

His record in charge of the ‘Well is a fairly decent one, with the Fir Parkers winning four and drawing three of the seven games in total. In those games, 23 players have seen yellow, nine in Claret and Amber, whilst three have been sent for an early bath.

Allan will be ably assisted by Brian Templeton and Ross Haswell with Steve Conroy on fourth official duties.

Motherwell U19s will look to get back to winning ways when the face Aberdeen at Bathgate tomorrow.

Young’s men have lost two from the last three, going down to Kilmarnock and Hamilton, and need to pick up all three points to consolidate their position near the top of the table.

A win for the Fir Parkers could, depending on goal difference swing, put them above the Dons and into fourth, still with a game in hand.

The Reds were demolished 3-0 on their own patch by Celtic in their last match, two weeks ago, so it’s all to play for.

The match will take place at the Creamery Park, Bathgate with kick-off at 1pm.

It has taken slightly longer to get my feelings down on email and out to you this week – my apologies for that. It’s been a hectic week and this morning, before training, is the first real time I’ve had to actually sit down and put it together.

What a week it has been! I spoke after the Rangers game and asked you, the ‘Well fans, to remain patient as our long term plan will, at times, be painful as our young squad mature. To that, I would like to thank each and every single fan that travelled to Pittodrie on Tuesday night. I hope we restored some pride after the defeat at Ibrox with what I think was probably the best performance since I arrived at the club.

We were excellent! The players did everything I asked of them and more and proved, even to themselves, that they are good footballers who are capable of going to difficult places like Pittodrie and not only winning, but doing so in style.

I know the fans were hurt by what happened at the club in December – I hope that win goes some way to exorcising some of those negative feelings.

However, what is important now is that we build on that positive result. We play Hamilton tomorrow and I expect an extremely tough encounter despite their league position. I’ve been told from some of the Motherwell fans on the staff that we haven’t quite had the results against our Lanarkshire neighbours that we would want. I really want to put that right tomorrow and the players will be up for it as much as the Hamilton boys are, that’s for sure.

I’ve been in charge now for 11 games, and only three of them have been at Fir Park. We played well against Kilmarnock and lost, we were poor against Hibs and won and only played for a half against Inverness and got a point. In the next nine days we have three games and I want to try and pick up as many points as possible and, if possible, put on a show for our fans.

A big part of that is down to you, the fans. You can help us by coming along, supporting the team and pushing us to the wins we need to consolidate our place in the top six. This week could define our season, positive and negative, and hopefully, together, we can build on our three points at Pittodrie with a couple of wins at Fir Park.

Thanks again and all the best,

Stuart McCall
Manager

Stuart McCall felt character was the main facet of their victory after his team bounced back from the loss of an early goal to win 2-1 at Pittodrie.

Goals from Francis Jeffers and Jamie Murphy overturned Sone Aluko’s second-minute strike to move ‘Welll back into the top six of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Motherwell moved the ball around with some confidence in the first half as they showed no lasting damage from their 6-0 weekend thrashing by Rangers, with the impressive Jeffers coming close on several occasions after heading a 14th-minute equaliser.

The Lanarkshire side regained control following a scrappy period that followed Aberdeen skipper Paul Hartley’s red card and Murphy kept his nerve to fire a 71st-minute winner.

McCall said: “It was all about character. We had a good word in the dressing room about not coming for a point and having a go.

“We knew if we won tonight we could go fifth, albeit having played a couple of games more.

“When you go a goal behind so early it’s easy to cave in, obviously after what happened on Saturday, but I thought in the first half we bounced back superbly.

“There were a lot of big, big performances from a lot of players, even more so when we went a goal behind against a resurgent Aberdeen side, so character was the key.”

The Motherwell boss dedicated the win to the ‘Well fans, insisting the Steelmen owed the Fir Park faithful with a performance after the defeat at Ibrox.

He said, “I am absolutely delighted for the band of supporters that made it here tonight. I am so pleased for them.

“It’s nice to be on a winning side. We played exceptionally well against Kilmarnock at home and didn’t deserve to lose. We went to St Johnstone, it was a poor game that should have finished 0-0, but we lost to a soft penalty.

“You saw us in the cup semi-final against Rangers, we played some good stuff there. We have a limited squad but there’s a lot of quality in it.

“It’s just trying to keep them fresh. We’ve got a game on Saturday, a game on Wednesday; there were a lot of tired legs out there tonight.”

McCall hailed the “excellent movement” of Jeffers on his first start for the club and dismissed suggestions that Keith Lasley should have followed Hartley down the tunnel.

Lasley caught the former Scotland International  when both men challenged for a header; Hartley responded by kicking the Motherwell midfielder.

“I haven’t seen it again but I didn’t even think it was a free-kick,” McCall said. “Lasley challenged for the ball and won it and both players fell on the ground. I didn’t see what happened after that but I think Paul lashed out with his feet.”

Pictures from the 2-1 win over Aberdeen in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Pittodrie.

These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

[svgallery name=”aberdeen150211″]

[tab:Match report]

Goals in either half from Francis Jeffers and Jamie Murphy gave Motherwell a precious three points against 10-man Aberdeen.

The Steelmen were excellent throughout, particularly the first half, and fully merited the 2-1 win.

Aberdeen went ahead when Sone Aluko smashed home inside the opening few minutes but the Steelmen fought back, showing terrific heart, determination and skill and eventually drew level thanks to a fantastic looping header from Francis Jeffers.

Motherwell continued to flourish but weren’t able to grab that decisive second. Dons captain Paul Hartley then got himself sent off for a kick out at Keith Lasley, reducing the home side to ten men.

‘Well pushed and eventually grabbed the winner when former Scotland under-21 hit-man Jamie Murphy latched on to a ball over the top and coolly dispatched under Jamie Langfield.

Stuart McCall made three changes from the weekend, with Chris Humphrey, Jonathan Page and Steve Jones all dropping out. They were replaced by Jamie Murphy, Ross Forbes and Francis Jeffers, who was making his full debut.

After losing such an early goal at Ibrox three days previous, McCall’s message to his Motherwell troops in the dressing room beforehand would surely have centred on avoiding a repeat at a wet and windy Pittodrie.

So who knows what was going through the head of the former Bradford City boss when Sone Aluko put the home side ahead within the first two minutes. The Nigerian made the goal look simple but it was a strike of some quality – albeit McCall and Black will no doubt pick the bones out of it when the team next meets to go analyse the match.

The 21-year-old winger started the move in the middle of the park and after spreading it wide to the left flank for Steven Smith, continued his run towards the edge of the box. He received the return pass from the on-loan Norwich full-back and expertly dinked the ball over the recovering Shaun Hutchinson, before blasting past Darren Randolph into the far corner of the net – his first goal in eleven months.

After the capitulation at Ibrox at the weekend, most of the 200 or so travelling ‘Well fans in the South Stand must have feared for their team. They needn’t have worried!

Motherwell immediately set about clawing their way back into the game and went on to dominate most of the first half.

The returning Ross Forbes, playing on the left hand side of a midfield diamond, was industrious for the Steelmen throughout and he almost brought his side level with a trademark free-kick, curling a left-footed strike from the edge of the box. Jamie Langfield was forced into a terrific one-handed save at the expense of a corner kick.

‘Well, clad in all white, were very much on top and their movement and range of passing was causing menace amongst the home ranks. Jamie Murphy, playing slightly deeper than his usual striking role, collected a Keith Lasley square ball and unleashed a stinging effort from the edge of the box that Langfield could only beat away before collecting at the second attempt.

It was looking more and more likely that the Steelmen would equalise and new boy Francis Jeffers duly delivered on the fourteen minute mark. Stephen Craigan collected from a Gunning throw-in on the left flank and delivered a terrific cross into the area. The former Arsenal and Everton man flicked the ball on with a deft header, over Langfield, and into the net for his first goal in Claret and Amber.

The goal didn’t stop the Steelmen in their tracks and Jeffers almost got his second just two minutes later but was halted by another terrific block by Langfield. Jamie Murphy was the creator, bursting down the left flank before drilling a low ball across the face of goal. It took a fortuitous bounce off a defender, landing at the feet of the 30-year-old, but his side-footed effort was stopped by the legs of the Aberdeen keeper as the Dons survived.

It continued to be all Motherwell but, incredibly, it was Aberdeen who came within inches of scoring totally against the run of play. Former Motherwell trialist David McNamee collected the ball on the right flank, shifted it on to his left foot, before looping a terrific ball into the area. Scott Vernon met it but his header dropped just wide of the post.

Hartley blasted wide and, down the other end, Murphy had another fearsome shot that narrowly cleared Langfield’s crossbar.

Jeffers was looking lively for ‘Well, taking up great positions, and he was almost the hero again as the half-time interval approached. Dancing round two challenges, the pint-sized hitman prodded a low shot that was comfortable for Langfield to hold.

For all the away side dominated the first forty-five, Scott Vernon almost put the Dons in-front with the last effort of the first half. The former Blackpool striker managed to shimmy past two challenges before striking a decent enough effort that Darren Randolph spilled. Fortunately for the Irish keeper, it squirmed wide of the post for a corner which ‘Well comfortably cleared.

Games are often defined by official’s decisions and, at the start of the second half, referee Steven McLean had a tough call to make as Paul Hartley and Keith Lasley clashed in the centre circle. The Motherwell midfielder jumped to win a header and caught the Dons captain with his arm. The former Celtic and Hearts man didn’t like it, and kicked out – sparking a 20-man shoving match.

When things were calmed down, Hartley was ordered off for his retaliation and Lasley was booked for his clumsy – at worse – challenge. There were howls of derision from the home stands but television replays suggest the official got this one spot on.

McCall quickly made some changes with Chris Humphrey replacing Jeffers and Hammell coming on for Lasley, who had taken another sore kick to his already bruised ribs.

Humphrey almost made an immediate impact, finding space on the right wing and hanging up a lovely cross towards the back post for John Sutton. The former St Mirren man almost added to his eight goals this campaign with a decent header but, again, Langfield was in fine form and blocked with one hand.

However, he was beaten shortly after when Motherwell finally took the lead. Langfield’s long goal kick was headed back down field by Gunning and was helped on by Zander Diamond, who was caught slightly under the ball. That allowed former 21-year old Jamie Murphy to race clear of Nikola Vujadinović and coolly slot the ball under Langfield for 2-1.

Despite their ten men, Aberdeen pushed hard for a leveller but didn’t really trouble Darren Randolph in the Motherwell goal. Indeed, in the last few seconds, Murphy almost added gloss to the ‘Well win after running the full length of the half, rounding the keeper only for his shot to be cleared off the line by Smith.

That wouldn’t take away from what was an excellent win and performance from the ‘Well – exercising some of the ghosts from the recent past.

[tab:As it happened]

Alan Burrows at Pittodrie:

90mins – Full Time! Dons 1 – 2 ‘Well – C’Mon yea ‘Well!

88mins – Murphy has a great chance after running the full length. Steven Smith somehow hooks off the line though.

79mins – Aberdeen are throwing everything at Well but not really troubling Darren Randolph

75mins – Tempers are flaring. Maguire and Hateley both booked. Hateley was lucky there I think! ‘Well NEED to keep the discipline!

73mins – Vernon almost brings Aberdeen level but his strike drops just wide. Phew!

72mins – Aberdeen hook Nick Blackman too!

71mins – Young striker latches on to a ball over the top and finishes under Langfield in style. C’mon now ‘Well – hold on!

GOOOOOOOALLLLLLL Motherwell! JAMIE MURPHY! YA WEE BEAUTY!

69mins – Another terrific Humphrey cross is hung up towards the back post. No takers, it bounces down to Gunning but he blazes well over!

67mins – Resulting corner eventually finds Sutton at the back post but his header is well saved by Langfield!

66mins – Great ball by Forbes has Humphrey in. His low ball across the face is somehow cleared for a corner.

62mins – That should be, Blackman bursting through! Getting too excited here! C’mon the Steelmen!

62mins – Quick throw has Blackman bursting throw. His shot takes out an oil worker on a rig half way to Norway though… New ball please!

60mins – Another ‘Well sub. Lasley looks as if he’s hurt and is replaced by Hammell. That means things are switched around.

60mins – Dons look up for it after being reduced to 10 men! ‘Well have to just calm things down and play.

57mins – Langfield and Craigan also carded in the melee! ‘Well sub too as Jeffers, who has worked his socks off, is replaced by Humphrey.

57mins – Paul Hartley is sent off for hitting out at Hartley! Lasley is booked for the initial challenge. Mayhem at Pittidrie!

55mins – Burst up in the middle of the park as Lasley clashes with Hartley.

52mins – Aberdeen chance inside the area but a shot at the back post is somehow blocked for a corner. Randolph gathers the resulting kick

50mins – Free kick into the area is turned back across the face by Hutchinson but no takers as Aberdeen get it clear.

49mins – Jeffers is on the end of a really bad tackle from Diamond and he is down hurt. Hope he is ok – that’s the last thing we’d need!

49mins – Murphy, Lasley and Jeffers combine to tee up Gunning but his shot blazes waaaayyy over the bar. Still 1-1!

48mins – End to end stuff here but Dons show first and have an early corner. Keep it tight ‘Well!

46mins – Teams are out and it’s Well to kick-off. Keep your fingers crossed folks!

45mins – Half Time! Excellent first-half for the Steemen. Shame about the early goal though. Some of the football has been terrific!

45mins – Murphy’s attempted looping effort bounces wayy wide of goal. Still, good pressure from the Steelmen.

42mins – Motherwell’s front three is running a mock! Just need to add another goal to things! C’Mon ye ‘Well!!!!!!

41mins – Jeffers immediately puts ‘Well on the attack though. Hutchinson finishes with the shot that is held by Langfield!

40mins – Vernon’s run and shot almost puts Aberdeen ahead but Randolph turns round – just. I think I’d cry if Aberdeen scored there.

39mins – I’m not kidding – we’re tearing Aberdeen to shreds. Jeffers dances round three challenges but his shot is comfortable for JL!

36mins – Another terrific move followed by a curling shot from Murphy goes just over. Thought JL got a touch on that?

34mins – Aberdeen venture into the Well area for the first time in what seems like ages. Hartley’s shot from distance bounces just wide.

31mins – Murphy’s ball into the box almost finds Jeffers but he is sniffed out by the Dons defense allowing Langfield to gather!

29mins – ‘Well corner into the box causes problems but Aberdeen just about scrape it clear. Their attempted break is halted by Jennings!

26mins – Another good ball into the area, Sutton gets on the end but his effort goes high over the bar… C’Mon ‘Well – keep this up…

24mins – OMG! Another terrific curling effort from Jeffers, after more great build-up – but what a save by Langfield! Corner!

23mins – Well are playing some terrific football. It’s a joy to watch. We’re cutting Aberdeen open – just need some luck in the final 1/3

19mins – Jeez! Down the other end, Aberdeen almost make it 2-1 themselves. McNamee’s cross is flicked on by Vernon but it drops just wide.

18mins – Offt, Jeffers almost makes it 2-1. Murphy’s ball into the middle finds the striker and his shot is brilliantly saved by Langfield.

14mins – The former Arsenal man gets on the end of a Gunning (I think) cross from the left and looped a header over Langfield! Magnificent!

GOOOALLL MOTHERWELL! FRANCIS JEFFERS! GET IN!!

10mins – Motherwell are now playing some really, really nice football. An early reply would be great! C’Mon ‘Well!

9mins – Motherwell threaten again – Lasley tees up Jamie Murphy and his thunderous effort is beaten away by Langfield and eventually saved.

5mins – Ross Forbes almost brings ‘Well back into the game with a fantastic free-kick but Langfield turns over for a corner.

2mins – Terrible start for the Steelmen. Aberdeen are well on top at the moment…. Hopefully we can weather the early storm.

2mins – GOAL for Aberdeen! Aluko! The striker somehow finds space in the box and smashes a fearsome effort in off the far post. Disaster!

1mins – And the game gets underway.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“It was a big game for us tonight and it has pushed us back into where we want to be. At times we played some excellent stuff. I am delighted with the victory – we needed it.

“We haven’t got the points that our performances have merited. I thought the first-half performance was outstanding, especially to go a goal down so early on,” McCall told BBC Radio Scotland.

“People probably thought Motherwell were going to crumble, but the players deserve full credit. Franny Jeffers’ movement – I thought he and (John) Sutton combined well. But throughout the side I was really pleased with them.

“We looked dangerous all night. When you get beat like we did on Saturday (6-0 by Rangers), everyone hurts. I am absolutely delighted for the band of supporters that made it here tonight. I am so pleased for them.”

Aberdeen manager Craig Brown:

“The better team won; We didn’t play at all well. We were determined to make a good start because Motherwell had lost by six at the weekend. The goal should have been the impetus that we required.

“But Motherwell, to their credit, settled down and played exceptionally well in the first 15 minutes.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”38″]

Motherwell stalwart Keith Lasley is ready to play through the pain barrier for the Steelmen as ‘Well head north to face their old gaffer.

Lasley was touch-and-go before kick-off at Ibrox but played the entire match, and turned in an exemplary performance in the middle of the park, despite the scoreline – with Stuart McCall, today, describing him as ‘the best Motherwell player on the pitch’.

With the help of painkilling injections, the 31-year old is looking to turn in a similar performance – with a different outcome – at Pittodrie.

“I’m still a bit sore, taking the odd painkiller but I managed to get through the game against Rangers,” Lasley said. “The adrenalin takes a little bit of pain away but I’m fit to play again. I wanted to play. I want to play every game.” 

“We’re still positive despite the fact that we have had a rocky period. You can see how tight the SPL is. The team that has a consistent run is going to be the team that gets in the top six. We’re hoping to start that at Aberdeen.”

The former Plymouth midfielder was full of praise for his former boss, Craig Brown. The 70-year old, now in charge of the Dons, was clearly a popular gaffer with the players and he is looking forward to seeing the former Scotland manager again.

Although, he acknowledges that the pleasantries might not be so forthcoming from the Motherwell enclosure: “We know the fans will give them a nice reception, I’m sure,” Lasley smiled.

“That’s part of the game but all we can take away from this game is three points and that’s what we will try to do. The fact Craig and Archie are there is irrelevant in that sense.

“Before the game I’m sure there will be a few pleasantries between the players and Craig and Archie because they were popular – but when it comes to game time we are going there to beat them and they will be no different.

“They are popular characters with the boys, got on well with everybody that was here. In the time they were here, they did well for the club. There are not too many people with bad things to say about them, they chose to move on and we’re going up tomorrow as Motherwell players to do the best for Motherwell.

“Once the whistle goes, it doesn’t really matter who the Aberdeen manager is, we’re up there to try to get three points and push Motherwell back into the top six.”