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Referee for this Sunday’s Boxing Day Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Rangers at Fir Park is the experienced Iain Brines.

Brines will be taking charge of his third ‘Well game of the current SPL campaign, having been the man in the middle for the games against St Johnstone in early September and St Mirren at Fir Park one month later.

A Nick Blackman wonder strike and an own-goal from Kevin Rutkiewicz was enough to earn the Steelmen all three points in Perth and late goals from Tom Hateley and Jamie Murphy gave ‘Well a 3-1 against Danny Lennon’s men.

To his credit, Brines was excellent in both matches with the game at McDiarmid Park passing off without a single caution; a rarity in modern football.

He will be a more than familiar face to ‘Well fans over the years. Last season, he looked after the games at Easter Road in December (2-0 defeat), the 1-0 home win against Kilmarnock in February and the 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park in April.

The 43-year-old, who has been a top-flight official for a decade and amongst FIFA’s elite group for five years, has had a busy campaign with Saturday being his tenth SPL fixture of the season.

Brines is no stranger to a Motherwell versus Rangers clash here in Lanarkshire. He was the man in the middle for the Co-operative Insurance Cup clash back in October 2007 when Paul Quinn’s late goal couldn’t prevent ‘Well crashing out 2-1 thanks to goals from Boyd and Novo.

His overall record in charge of the Steelmen is a bit of a mix bag. Of the 25 games he has taken charge of, Motherwell have won nine, draw four and lost twelve.

In those games, 95 players have seen yellow, 44 of which in claret and amber, while three have been sent for an early bath.

Iain will be assisted by John Gilmour and Tommy Johnston with Craig Charleston on fourth official duties.

Tomorrow’s match with Aberdeen has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

No date has, as yet, been scheduled for the re-scheduled game.

Tickets previously purchased for the match will be valid for the re-arranged fixture.

The Steelmen face Rangers on Boxing Day and we want you to enjoy one of the biggest games of the season from the comfort of one of our hospitality suites.

Incredibly, it’ll be eight years to the day since Motherwell last beat Rangers, Boxing Day 2002, when a single James McFadden goal past Stefan Klos gave Terry Butcher’s men all three points.

Can the Fir Parkers repeat that feat some 2922 days later? Let’s hope so!

It’s the day after Christmas after all and what better way to enjoy the big match in style from our recently refurbished Centenary Suite.

You will be welcomed on arrival with a glass of bubbly, then sit down to a fantastic three course meal.

Complimentary Motherwell labelled wine will be served at your table and a pay bar facility is available via our attentive staff offering a drinks service to your table.

Relax until before kick off with your complimentary matchday magazines and teamsheet before taking your seats in the centre of the Phil O’Donnell Stand for the match.

Half time refreshments are served again in the Centenary Suite and a pay bar is available after match.

Prices start from £119!

We also have amazing packages available in both the South Stand Boxes and the Millennium Suite.

If you are interested, then contact Diane or Wilma on 01698 338062 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.

The Trust’s Fans Forum on Thursday evening provided an entertaining few hours thanks to Andy Devlin and the four guests who fielded all questions thrown at them.

The good natured banter covered lots of topics, some were specific to Motherwell but many issues relating to the new SPL and McLeish proposals were covered. The well placed panel members were able to illuminate the topics from their different perspectives and it is to be hoped that the views of the audience would be taken on board as information flowed in both directions.

The inclusion of Neil Doncaster in the panel was particularly relevant as the SPL seems set to undergo another transformation. Time and time again he made it clear that we are not living in an ideal world and that the financial imperative of securing the best TV deal was one of the main reasons that led to the hope of a ten team top division.  He also felt that a season starting in early July would help to fill the TV schedules with ‘our product’ when our neighbours south of the border were still on their summer break. The introduction of Colt teams would, in his view, help to promote the  development of young players.

Leeann Dempster, our Chief Exec, accepted that some of the ideas in the proposed package were acceptable but suggested that others would need further discussion. She pointed out that there would have to be compromises on all sides. The search for a new manager was going well. There was lots of interest and it was hoped that initial discussions with candidates could start very quickly. She expected that some good news regarding use of the Ravenscraig Facility might be announced in the near future.  She stressed the importance that the club placed on working in and with the community. We must encourage the lost generation of youngsters to find the habit of watching live football.

Gordon Young was delighted at the attitude of the squad following the departure of the manager. There were no prima donnas needing their egos massaged and they were working hard. He echoed Leeann’s thoughts about our young fans.  His job in youth development was to bring in lots of youngsters and search for the elite in the hope that they could be developed. If that didn’t happen then his job was to ensure that they became Motherwell supporters.

Bill Leckie entertained with his football views that, at times, were at odds with the establishment. ShoUld the Old Firm get out of Scottish football? “I’ll drive the bus”!  Has glad that there seems to be a growing transparency in the SPL and that should be encouraged. He was sad that football was now seen as a business where “the bottom line” seemed to be everything. Football was better before that idea became rooted.

Questions from the audience made it clear that there should be provision made for safe standing areas and that prices are excessive. There was no support for the ten team league. It would lead to over familiarity and an all pervasive fear factor. Neil Doncaster countered that the scrap at the bottom would deliver “excitement”.

Trust chairman, Joe Smith, closed the night by thanking all participants and presented them with a gift. The Trust signed up more members on the night. If you have not joined yet then visit www.mstonline.net.

Motherwell Football Club have today (Thursday) issued the following statement regarding the departure of Craig Brown and Archie Knox to Aberdeen.

“During a difficult time for Scottish football and when clubs are about to enter discussions on a major league re-structuring, we are of the view that it is not in anyone’s best interests for two Scottish Premier League clubs to be involved in an ongoing dispute.

“Following constructive discussions with Aberdeen, we have reached an agreement to draw a line under the matter and have formally withdrawn our complaint to the SPL in relation to their employment of Craig Brown and Archie Knox.

“We have always maintained a good working relationship with Aberdeen and look forward to that continuing in future.

“We strongly believe this action is in the best interests of the club and will make no further comment on the matter. We will now focus all our resources on employing a new management team to take the club forward.”

Craig Brown and Archie Knox face taking a bitter blast from Motherwell fans at Pittodrie tomorrow.

All the duo will get from Fir Park caretaker-boss Gordon Young is a warm handshake and his gratitude.

Young understands why the supporters are raging over Brown and Knox quitting to join Aberdeen after having originally stated they were staying at Well.

He, however, has nothing but respect for the veterans – and a real appreciation of the stunning job they did in the dugout for the Steelmen.

Young is still desperate to beat them, though, and gain his first victory as stand-in.

He said: “I’d like to think I’d speak to Craig and Archie on an ongoing basis.

“They are far too worldly-versed and they have assured me I can call on that. Maybe not this weekend, though.

“Craig texted a message to the players before the Hearts game on Tuesday wishing them all of the best and told myself and the staff he wished us good fortune and that we could be successful.

“I’m not going to trot out old clichés, but life goes on and we all have a hard job. We mention pressure – but it’s a pleasure and we come to work for fulfilment.

“I feel sorry for guys who have to labour and toil. I can only talk for myself, but I’m a supporter and take people the way I find them. I can’t change.

“The pair were amicable and hospitable towards me.

“Whatever the fans think, they are more than entitled to because, next to the players, they are the most important people in our business. I would never tell anyone what to say or think but when people are upset, it’s not a back-handed compliment, it’s a massive compliment to what they achieved.

“Everyone has their reasons to make changes and they will, hopefully, justify it.

“A year ago here there was a different mindset and a morale-lifting exercise had to be undertaken.

“A year down the line, the place is stabilised.”

Young’s been in charge twice as a caretaker – this season and last – and each time endured defeat.

Nothing would give him more pleasure than victory tomorrow, although it still wouldn’t change his mind about not wanting to be a candidate to replace Brown.

The youth chief said: “I really enjoy the role I have at the club.

“What did manifest over the past year was an ascension to a No3 position. Craig was quick to highlight a person who could help players make the transition from youth team to first team. As a club which depends on promoting young players, it was good there was that sounding board to get them from youths all the way to the first team.

“I’m flattered if anyone thinks I could be good enough for the main job.

“I genuinely believe my skill-set is geared to other things with assistance to whoever comes into the job. From my heart, I believe Motherwell should be looking for a sound, professional boss. Not underselling myself, but they need a skill-set which can take Motherwell forward.

“You have a personal pride. I have been fortunate enough to work with a lot of great managers such as Billy Davies, Terry Butcher, Eric Black, Maurice Malpas, Paul Hegarty, Chris McCart, Scott Leitch, Mark McGhee.

“Even Jim Gannon, it’s been a great learning curve.

“I’m not so naive that I don’t know how to organise – but it is horses for courses. It’s a challenge for me to win. Forget that Craig and Archie are my friends; I have to make sure Motherwell get the three points.

“I just hope that the weather is kind. The players are desperate to get the game on and this would be a good game to have live on TV. I think people are self-motivated.

“We are not going there with a point to prove but I’m encouraging the players to go there as leaders.

“Regardless of who is in charge, they have to show they don’t rely on someone at the side of a pitch. You have to remember, we started early in the season. We have had a European campaign, we’ve been in the top six all season, we were in the top three up until the bad weather.

“The boys are desperate to get back on the rails and prove to people we can finish in the top four.”

Interim boss Gordon Young was disappointed his debut in the Fir Park dugout ended in defeat.

Young, head of Motherwell’s Youth Development Programme and a lifelong fan, was in charge following the departure of Craig Brown and Archie Knox.

And although the hosts showed some positive signs, the three and a half week break looked crucial as a rusty ‘Well side crashed to a 2-1 defeat to on-form Hearts.

Young said: “The players were desperate to get back into action after three and a half weeks out, it was ideal we got back into the game just before half time. The feeling in the dressing room was we could build on it and I don’t think we kicked on, and losing the penalty definitely didn’t help. I thought we looked a bit leg weary as the game went on, and I’ll need to galvanise the team before the weekend.

“In terms of the lack of games, if we had won I would have said no (it wasn’t a factor), but I do think it is a contributing factor but it is a game under our belts, and we have a reserve game tomorrow for the guys who didn’t play. Therefore by Friday the squad will be in a much healthier position.”

Young did salute the never-say-die attitude of his players despite going down to ten men.

The Steelmen quickly hit back after Hearts’ opener and although the visitors took the lead from the penalty spot midway through the second period, Motherwell continued to have a go. Young praised the spirit and hoped it would prove a springboard for Saturday’s big match at Pittodrie.

“That (scoring immediately after Hearts) gave us a great opportunity and I thought we passed the ball a lot better, and Motherwell’s game plan is about getting the ball and playing combination passes and trying to move through the middle of the park in an offensive manner. We had to overcome the long ball game Hearts play and the dominating fashion they do it. I felt we were coping with it really well and going in 1-1 at half time gave us a great chance.

“But it makes Saturday a big game now, with all the additional factors attached to it that makes it a reporters dream but as a football match, Motherwell have to use the next couple of days to get their legs back and prepare for the game in the normal fashion.”

Pictures from the 2-1 defeat to Hearts in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Fir Park. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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A second-half penalty from Kevin Kyle gave Hearts all three points against ten-man Motherwell at Fir Park this evening.

Jim Jefferies side went ahead two minutes before the half-time interval when David Templeton’s speculative bicycle kick was well saved by Darren Randolph, only for the rebound to cruelly bounce of Mark Reynolds and trickle over the line.

However, the lead was short-lived when Keith Lasley scored his first goal in three years, tucking away from twelve yards after good work by Alan Gow.

Both teams went for it in the second half, but it was Kyle who would grab the winning goal from the penalty spot after referee Stevie O’Reilly adjudged Stephen Craigan to have fouled David Templeton inside the area.

‘Well pushed for a second leveller but their rally was derailed by Steve Jennings’ controversial ordering off.

The Steelmen were led by Youth Development supremo Gordon Young, following the departure of Craig Brown and Archie Knox to Aberdeen at the tail end of last week. The interim boss made just one change from the team that drew with St Mirren 24-days ago. Scotland International Steven Saunders was replaced by the returning Lasley with Tom Hateley filling in at full-back.

‘Well started the game on the front foot and Jamie Murphy gave notice of early intentions with a low fizzing shot that had Kello scrambling across his area.

Down the other end, the visitors were forced into long range efforts with both Ryan Stevenson and Rudi Skacel going close from distance but nothing to overly trouble Darren Randolph in the home goal.

However, the Gorgie side should’ve taken the lead just before the half-hour mark when Stephen Elliott found himself in acres of space inside the area but could only screw his effort over the bar after excellent wing play from young Templeton.

Young’s men weathered that Hearts pressure and came more and more into the game as the half drew to a close. Murphy was proving to be Motherwell’s main danger, firing a low shot wide then, minutes later, seeing a shot-cum-cross just miss the waiting Nick Blackman at the back post.

The deadlock was eventually broken two minutes before the break. Industrious wide play by Kyle was rewarded when the former Kilmarnock man turned a neat looking cross into the area. Templeton met the ball with an acrobatic overhead kick, which was stopped brilliantly by Randolph. However, the goalkeeper and Reynolds got in each other’s way as they tried to clear and the ball somehow trundled over the line.

The Hearts fans in the South Stand had barely taken their seats when ‘Well hit back with a leveller. Marius Zaliukas’ attempted clearance was collected by Alan Gow who picked out Lasley with a wonderful through ball. The veteran midfielder met finished with some aplomb, neatly tucking under the outrushing Kello from about twelve yards.

Hearts came out the traps well in the second half with winger Templeton the man causing the majority of problems for the home defence.

However, it was his team-mate Elliott who should’ve put the visitors 2-1 in front when he passed up a great chance inside the six-yard box. Darren Barr burst forward and picked out the Irishman inside the area. After a neat shimmy, he could only smash the ball off the underside of the bar before looping the rebound over with the ‘Well defence closing in.

It was a let off for Motherwell but Hearts would eventually grab a second, and ultimately, the winner, shortly after and it again it was Templeton who was involved.

The winger, cutting in from the left, appeared to have lost the ball but his advances were halted by Stephen Craigan. Referee O’Reilly was well placed and he pointed to the spot. Kevin Kyle didn’t pass up the opportunity and drilled home his seventh of the campaign, sending Darren Randolph the wrong way.

Templeton was looking for another penalty shortly after when there was a coming together with Steven Jennings. This time the official wasn’t interested despite the claim looking stronger than the somewhat soft award minutes earlier.

As the game entered the final stages, Motherwell continued to battle hard in search of the equaliser. Jamie Murphy thought he had it but his low shot was somehow blocked by the outstretched Zaliukas with Kello looking beaten all ends up.

The task of getting level was made even more difficult when Steve Jennings was shown a straight red card for dissent. The former Tranmere man was protesting a penalty claim after Gow went down in the area. Referee O’Reilly took exception, dismissing the midfielder to the surprise of most inside Fir Park.

‘Well through on John Sutton for Chris Humphrey but nothing that was thrown into the area would fall at the feet of a man wearing Claret and Amber. Hearts eventually held on for all three points with Motherwell left to contemplate Saturday’s visit to take on the former management team in their first match in charge at Pittodrie.

[tab:As it happened]

90+3 – Full Time – Motherwell 1 – 2 Hearts.

90mins – Motherwell are throwing everything into the area but the ball just isn’t bouncing for the Steelmen.

87mins – Late sub – Ross Forbes is coming on for Alan Gow. Young will be hoping the youngster can pull one his trademark free-kicks with a few minutes to go.

82mins – No idea what that was for… I must be for something he said. If it’s for touching him then that is very, very harsh indeed.

82mins – Jennings is sent off! A straight red card too…

81mins – Murphy twists and turns in the box but his shot is blocked by the Hearts captain.

76mins – Humphrey off – replaced by Sutton

71mins – Kevin Kyle shanks a shot well wide of the post. Tonight has got ‘one of those nights’ written all over it

67mins – Hearts are trying to ‘slow the game down’

63mins – The match official is getting pelters from the ‘Well fans. He’s lost the plot a wee bit!

59mins – GOAL for Hearts! Kevin Kyle tucks away the penalty! TV says a stick on pen but a chorus of boos ring round Fir Park.

58mins – Penalty for Hearts! Craigan catches Templeton in the box and the ref points to the spot. ‘Well players are chasing Stevie O’Reilly and the punters are far from happy.

57mins – Hearts should equalise. Barr creates, pass into Elliott. Should burst the net – hits the bar then heads the rebound over.

54mins – Hearts register the first chance of the second half. Barr’s cross to the back post met Templeton but he could only head over

46mins – Second half kicks off – Hearts get us underway!

Half Time – Motherwell 1 – 1 Hearts

44mins – GOOALLLLLLL Keith Lasley! Great ball from Gow and the midfielder slots home! 1-1

44mins – Goal Hearts – Reynolds OG (I think). Cross from the right finds Templeton in the box. His overhead kick is brilliantly saved by Randolph only for the rebound to hit the defender and trickle, somehow, into the net.

42mins – Kyle flashes a shot wide again. Surely a push in the build up though? No idea how the ref missed that?!

37mins – Ooooffttt, Motherwell almost take the lead. Murphy’s shot-cum-cross almost found Blackman at the back post but it goes wide.

35mins – Motherwell’s first real change at goal. A mix up in the Hearts backline allowed Murphy in. Snatched at it a wee bit and wide

30mins – Another shot from Stevenson but again, miles over. Terrible for half hour here at Fir Park. Hopefully a better 2/3 to come

29mins – Game bursts to life – Templeton burst down the left, his near post ball is met by Elliott but he somehow screws over.

24mins – I have to say – in all honesty – this game has been absolutely dreadful… Horrible stuff!

20mins – Ref O’Reilly is upsetting the home fans with a number of calls. Good ol’ SPL football is back!

17mins – Another long range effort, this time from Skacel flys just wide of Randolph’s right hand post! That one was closer…

13mins – A long range shot from Stevenson fizzes over the bar. Randolph looked comfortable enough…

7mins – Jennings booked for a trip in the middle of the park…. I think that is him now suspended.

4mins – Craigan foul on Kyle gives Hearts a free-kick at the edge of the box…

1min – Motherwell kick-off!

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Motherwell interim manager Gordon Young:

“We suffered for not playing in the last three weeks. It was ideal getting back in the game just before half-time. The feeling in the dressing room was we could build on that, but I don’t think we kicked on.”

“Steve Jennings apologised to me after the game (for his rec card). He’s a competitor and he wanted to win the match.

“He felt strongly and maybe on another day the referee would have been more lenient. But if he’s spoken out of turn then the referee is quite entitled to put him off.”

Hearts manager Jim Jefferies:

“It was a fantastic win for us, a great result. Sometimes when you are on runs like this you have to grind it out and we showed that we have those qualities because Motherwell made it hard for us.

“Who would have thought at this stage, after the start Rangers and Celtic got, anybody could get anywhere near.

“They are big clubs, with good resources and good players but that’s eight wins out of nine for us and they’ve been slipping up,” added Jefferies, when quizzed about competing with Rangers and Celtic.

“We’ll give it a go and we’ve certainly put ourselves in a position from where we can challenge.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Gordon Young has backed Motherwell to bounce back after a traumatic few days which saw Craig Brown and Archie Knox leave for Aberdeen.

Young, the head of ‘Well’s highly respected Youth Development system, will take charge of the side for Tuesday evening’s televised tie against Hearts and he thinks his players have the mental toughness to get a win against in-form Hearts.

“I’ve worked very closely with the previous management regime, and of course I am disappointed that they have left to go to pastures new,” the temporary gaffer admitted.

“But the players are a tight-knit, confident bunch and I think they are prepared to handle this situation.

“It’s credit to the players’ professionalism that they have managed to pick themselves up this week. After the initial disappointment we got on with training and have kicked on since then.

“The players are the most important thing. We have a lot of keen players who are either under contract or whose contracts are near expiry – and they will provide an excellent platform for the new manager.”

The departure of former Scotland boss Brown to the Granite City has left something of an unpleasant taste in the mouth for many Motherwell fans.

Yet Young has nothing but praise for the previous management team, although he does share the fans’ frustration at the frequency will which gaffers seem to jump ship after reasonable success with the Fir Park club.

“We have had young, hungry managers who have cut their teeth here and we have had more experienced coaches that we thought were finishing their career here. I don’t know where the happy balance is – or if there is one,” he mused.

“What I do know is that Motherwell is a base for positive people to come and work; they will inherit a good staff, they will inherit good players and they will work with good people from top to bottom.

“Motherwell is better off as a club due to the work done by Craig and Archie. The staff are further forward, the players are a better group and the fans got to enjoy some great success in the last year.

“We’re sad their not here anymore but they have been very positive for the club.”

Ironically Craig and Archie spent Saturday afternoon at Tynecastle watching their new club drop to rock bottom of the SPL at the hands of ‘Well’s opponents on Tuesday.

The Dons’ capitulation against the Gorgie side allowed the Jambo’s to make it five wins on the bounce, with a truly remarkable aggregate of 13-nil.

There is little doubt Young has been handed arguably the toughest opponent in the SPL at the moment to face.

He said: “Nothing that we have done, or are going to do in the next few days, will change our methods under Craig and Archie. We will replicate the regime that we normally do and hopefully we will get success with that formula.

“I saw the game on Saturday and I thought Hearts were excellent. They went about their business well and they have clearly got a settled shape and a good team pattern, but we will look forward to the challenge.”

Young also confirmed, in keeping with a very positive media conference, that the club is looking to tie down some of the stars who are only under contract until this summer.

John Sutton, Mark Reynolds, Steve Jennings and captain Stephen Craigan are all on deals which will expire in the summer, and in-form striker Nick Blackman is on a loan deal from Blackburn which will expire next month – meaning there is much work to be done behind the scenes.

“As far as I’m aware the club is working hard to address people running out of contract. The club is being proactive and has engaged in talks as recently as Friday and hopefully that is something which can appease the fans.