Referee for Saturday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Kilmarnock at the Rugby Park will be Steven McLean.
McLean, brother of former ‘Well defender Brian, will be handling his third ‘Well game of the current campaign.
His first was the exceptional 5-1 success over Inverness CT back in November. Henrik Ojamaa, Adam Cummins, Omar Daley and a Jamie Murphy double completed the rout.
His second was perhaps even more memorable as the Motherwell came back from 2-0 down at Easter Road to win 3-2. A Doyle double had the home side in a commanding position but a Murphy brace and a late Bob McHugh winner handed the Steelmen all three points.
The last was the New Year fixture against Celtic when a brave ‘Well went down 1-0. Tom Hateley had the chance to put the Fir Parkers in front but his missed penalty would prove costly as Gary Hooper scored the game’s only goal five minutes later.
McLean began his refereeing career back in 1997, aged just 16, but had to wait six years before being promoted to the SFA Senior List.
It took him a further four years (June 2007) to get promoted to a Category 1 where he has spent the last three years handling SFL and ALBA Challenge Cup games as well as gaining experience as a fourth official at SPL matches.
He eventually made his bow in Scotland’s top league when he took charge of Aberdeen’s 1-0 away win at McDiarmid Park over two years ago. A late Darren Mackie goal was enough to give the Dons all three points and McLean had a good afternoon, booking five players in a competitive contest.
He also had the distinction of being the man in charge of the UEFA Champions League qualifier between KR Reykjavík and HJK Helsinki – the Finns running out 2-1 winners. He also handled Tromsö IL of Norway and Ukrainians Metalurg Donetsk in the Europa League too.
McLean will be ably assisted by Brian McGarry and David Watt with Euan Norris on fourth official duties.