| 3 | Dundee United | 23 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 37 |
| 4 | Aberdeen | 21 | 10 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 34 |
| 5 | Motherwell | 23 | 9 | 4 | 10 | -9 | 31 |
| 6 | Hibernian | 23 | 7 | 8 | 8 | -2 | 29 |
| 7 | St Mirren | 23 | 8 | 3 | 12 | -11 | 27 |
Robert McHugh’s proposed loan deal with First Division side Partick Thistle has been cancelled.
The nineteen-year-old was due to sign a two-month deal with the Firhill club but complications surrounding Mike Grella’s transfer has made any move impossible for the time being.
[onlymembers]McHugh will be in the Motherwell squad for tomorrow’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Hibs at Fir Park.[/onlymembers]
The winner of the Co-operative Insurance Cup Semi Final Mascot competition has been announced.
[onlymembers]The question was who was the last Motherwell player to score in a Semi Final back in February 2006?
And, of course, the answer was A – Richie Foran.
The winner, chosen at random from over 50 entries, was Holly Sommerville from Carfin.
This season is the twelfth consecutive season of The Co-operative Insurance’s sponsorship of the Scottish League Cup. Over the past twelve seasons eleven different teams have participated in the Final with four teams going on to lift The Co-operative Insurance Cup – Celtic, Rangers, Livingston and Hibernian.
As well as the sponsorship of The Co-operative Insurance Cups in Scotland and Northern Ireland, The Co-operative Insurance has been investing in football since the 1970s and supports grassroots initiatives throughout the UK.
Since The Co-operative Insurance grassroots programme began in 1999 youth teams have been supplied with over 3,700 sets of kit and 750 sets of equipment and football coaching has been provided for more than 16,500 children.
The Co-operative Insurance is part of the wider financial services group, The Co-operative Financial Services, which is the name for the group of businesses consisting of The Co-operative Insurance, The Co-operative Investments and The Co-operative Bank including smile and Britannia.[/onlymembers]
Motherwell are today disappointed to confirm that the transfer of Mike Grella has fallen through due to a FIFA technicality.
Grella has played 34 minutes for Leeds Utd at the start of the season, before joining Carlisle Utd on an emergency loan in October and completed eleven games for the Cumbrians.
FIFA rules state that a player can register for three clubs in any one year but can only play for two.
It was both clubs understanding that emergency loans do not count when calculating the number of clubs a player has played for however, whilst completing clearance formalities with the Scottish Football Association last night, they highlighted an issue due to the cross border nature of the transfer and his move from the Elland Road club will now not be allowed to be completed.
Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said, “Motherwell Football Club have benefited from the FIFA cross border rules in previous years however in this instance, things have worked against us which is extremely disappointing.
“Our focus now is to provide Stuart McCall with all the tools he needs to bring in additional players.”
Darren Randolph is eyeing up a victory against Colin Calderwood’s side to end ‘Well’s disappointing SPL run and destroy the Hibs hoodoo.
Hibs have claimed two victories against Motherwell this season – 50% of the Edinburgh side’s win total this season – but are currently in a sorry situation after losing to Ayr in the Scottish Cup in midweek.
[onlymembers]The Steelmen stopper is now hoping to compound the misery for the Easter Road club with a weekend win – and gain some revenge, for two tight defeats, along the way.
“The two losses against Hibs will add a little bit of edge to the game. We feel a little hard done by with the manner of the last two games with Hibs,” he admitted.
“We should have got something in both games; we feel like we should have beaten them twice, so perhaps we can get some revenge on Saturday.
“They are in a worse position than us right now, and could be suffering with low confidence. Most of the lads watched the game on Tuesday and we feel like we could get a win.”
You could forgive Randolph for smarting after the departure of his central defence stalwart Mark Reynolds to Sheffield Wednesday but, instead, he is excited about the promise shown by Shaun Hutchison upon his return to top-team action.
Plus, with new additions and the mooted courting of a couple of others, there is a feeling that the rebuilding process following the departure of Gow, Reynolds, Blackman and Fitzpatrick is now taking shape.
“Players leaving the club are always a bit of a blow, but that happens in football. We are happy to get up and get on with it,” the Irish custodian said honestly.
“I was gutted to see Mark go, but he’s a great player and need to look after his own career because he’s going to be a big success. But Shaun Hutchison, in his first game in 13 months, did really well and he’ll get better and better with time.
“I’ve seen big Hutch in training and it’s no surprise that he’s come in and done really well. Also, everybody we have on the bench is good enough to come in and perform for us. I believe, when they get the opportunity, that they will take it.
“We’re looking forward to getting some new bodies in. That will add to the quality we have here, and we know that chances will come in games and we need to take them – if we do that the results will come.”
Transfers news aside, the former Charlton keeper is delighted with the impact Stuart McCall has made at the club in his short time in charge, and he fully expects the results to turn in the near future.
“The Dundee game (4-0 win for ‘Well) was coming for a while, and I expect us to do that to a team in the SPL soon,” the 23-year old insisted.
“Everything has calmed down at the club and the gaffer has put his own stamp on things. We’re used to his training methods now and everybody is loving life at the club at the moment and we are full of confidence.”[/onlymembers]
First Minister Alex Salmond praised the positive impact SPL clubs are having on the economy and local communities.
Charlie Bennett, Head of Adult Learning and Motherwell FC in the Community, helped launch the SPL Community Report at Hampden on Thursday, which unveils the unique contribution that SPL clubs make to the Scottish economy and society.
[onlymembers]Motherwell FC has a significant impact on Motherwell and surrounding areas through engaging with the local community on a range of projects aimed at improving the lives of local people. The positive impact on their local area goes far beyond 90 minutes on a Saturday:
Many of the projects are aligned with Scottish Government National Outcomes and aim to deliver on:
– SPL Community Report 2011 – the full document
– SPL Community Report 2011 – summary version
On the launch of the report, Charlie Bennett said: “Here at Motherwell Football Club we will continue to use the power of football to engage, enthuse and motivate people irrespective of age, ability, or gender
“We are fully committed to offering all members of the local community access to the highest quality programme of grassroots football, lifelong learning, employability initiatives and health awareness programmes from which they can fundamentally change their lives for the better.”
On a national level, First Minister Alex Salmond has given his backing to the Report and said: “I welcome the publication of this comprehensive SPL Community Report, which provides clear evidence of the very positive work that SPL clubs are doing in their communities.
The Scottish Government recognises the valuable contribution that football clubs make to our local and national economy and to wider society. That is why we are supporting many of these initiatives and we are looking to develop these to ensure we maximise the local and national impact of our investment in football and sport.”
SPL Chief Executive, Neil Doncaster said: “The SPL Community Report showcases the excellent work that has often gone unrecognised across our clubs. Those in charge of developing community activity have a wealth of experience and expertise that has been used to create new and innovative projects that now deliver benefit not only to their supporters, but also the wider community.
“The unique hook of a football club is being used to engage with traditionally hard to reach groups, and we are proud our clubs have such a significant impact on their local community.”[/onlymembers]
Motherwell have secured the signing of former Northern Ireland International Steve Jones on loan until the end of the season.
The 34-year-old Walsall left-winger, capped 29 times for his country, played under current boss Stuart McCall at Bradford City back in 2008/09.
[onlymembers]Jones has also had spells at Leigh RMI, Crewe, Burnley and Huddersfield as well three years in Irish football.
And the latest Fir Park recruit admitted it was the influence of McCall that tempted him north of the border for the first time in his long career.
He told motherwellfc.co.uk, “The opportunity to work with Stuart again was one I just couldn’t turn down.”
“I played under him at Bradford City and I thoroughly enjoyed it; he’s a great coach. Coming to Motherwell is a great opportunity and I am keen to repay the faith shown in me being creating and scoring as many goals as I can for the club.
“We’ve got a big game on Saturday and I can’t wait to get started.”
McCall added, “I know Steve well as a player and what he can bring to the team.”
“He’s got a trick or two and I think the fans will take to him. He is a naturally left-sided player, something we’ve been crying out for, and I am hopeful he will fill that gap.
“I don’t think this is the end of the new faces either. I’ve got more lined up to come in so we’ll see what happens in the coming days.”[/onlymembers]
Stuart McCall has confirmed the arrival of Mike Grella on loan from Leeds Utd, and he hopes that the American can put ‘Well back on the goal trail.
23-year old Grella is highly thought of by the Elland Road hierarchy and McCall expects the front man to be a success north of the border, potentially starting this Saturday against Hibs at Fir Park.
[onlymembers]“We’ve brought in Mike Grella on loan until the end of the season. He’s been on loan to Carlisle for a couple of months. Leeds have got massive hopes for him so hopefully he’ll come up here and score some goals.
“I’ve spoke to a couple of players and coaches down there and they speak highly of him. Leeds are only letting him go because they have three or four strikers on good form. The kid’s hungry to succeed and we are happy to give him a platform.
“We are happy to be keeping clean sheets, but we need to start finding the net in the SPL, hopefully Mike can help us do that.”
The ‘Well gaffer is still on the hunt for options to beef up his squad, following the departure of Reynolds, Blackman, Gow and Fitzpatrick, and there could be more good news on the horizon for claret-and-amber fans.
McCall has made no secret of his desire to bring in a left-winger and there could be move on that front in the near future.
“I’ve been out scouting and working hard looking for players. I really could do with a left centre-back and a left winger,” the former Bradford gaffer admitted. “I’m hoping to bring a wide player in within the next 24 hours, so he could hopefully play on Saturday. That would give us some competition in the wide areas.
“A left-sided centre-back and a wide player would see me happy with my squad of players, having used up my transfer budget for this month.
“Hopefully there won’t be any outgoings either, and with Stevie Saunders coming back to fitness there is plenty to be positive about at the moment.
This weekend sees Motherwell face Hibs, who are coming off the back of a massively disappointing Scottish Cup defeat to second division Ayr United. The Hibees are also languishing in tenth spot in the SPL, only ahead of St. Mirren on goal difference.
All things considered, this could be a great chance for the Steelmen to gain revenge for the two SPL defeats to the Easter Road club this season – but McCall is taking nothing for granted.
“I was at the Hibs game the other night and, although I was pleased for Brian Reid, I felt sorry for Colin,” the gaffer said of his former Scotland team-mate.
“Hibs didn’t play poorly and had a couple of really good chances; perhaps on chances they should have won the game, but when you are the bottom sometimes things go against you.
“I’ll focus on our team. We will send the lads out in a positive frame of mind and hopefully we’ll get the win and start climbing the table again.”[/onlymembers]
Motherwell have today secured the signing of Leeds United’s American striker Mike Grella on loan until the end of the season.
Grella, a 23-year-old born in New York, has been in Yorkshire for two years after a few seasons in the American Development Leagues.
[onlymembers]He has found regular first-team football difficult to come by at Elland Road with high-flying Leeds gunning for the Premiership. He was on loan at Carlisle in the first half of the season, netting three times in ten appearances for The Cumbrians.
Speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk, Grella said, “I am delighted to be joining Motherwell and I am aiming to make an impact in my five months here.
“The main thing for me is playing regular first-team football and that’s why I’ve came to Motherwell. I trained with the boys this morning and they are a great bunch.
“If I play well, then who knows, this is a shop window. I want to force my way into the Leeds Utd team and playing well for Motherwell is the best way to do that. I also have aspirations of playing for the US National side and, similarly, the only way that is going to happen is if I am playing regularly, and playing well, at a good level.
“It’s great we have a game so quickly and hopefully I came make an impact on Saturday if I get the nod.”
Grella will be at Fir Park until May 22nd, subject to International clearance[/onlymembers]
Motherwell Football Club today released the following update to supporters regarding the ongoing re-construction debate.
Speaking collectively, the Board at Motherwell FC said, “We want to take the opportunity to update Motherwell fans on the issue of league re-construction, following Monday’s meeting at the SPL.
[onlymembers]“Firstly, we must emphasise that, despite what is being reported in the media, Motherwell Football Club has neither agreed to nor voted for any restructure proposal. Our position has been to participate fully in the debate and listen to the various arguments being put forward. We have made it clear that we are strongly in favour of change which makes for all of Scottish football.
“We are acutely aware of the strong media and fan support for a top league of 14. This has been discounted by a number of clubs due to lack of remaining funding for a second league and potential for a number of meaningless games following a split after 26 games. We do agree that proper funding for a second league is key to moving the game forward.
“We are therefore potentially faced with a stark choice – vote for the 10 and 12 league structure or vote to stay as we are. Our position has been consistent throughout the many months of discussions – we would prefer a larger top league but are willing to discuss and consider alternative structures favoured by other clubs.
“Turning to the specific proposal being discussed, we along with other clubs have continued to state that we are unhappy with certain aspects of what is being proposed.
“We are supportive of a number of the proposed changes, including an early July start date and winter break. As Neil Doncaster stated on Monday, he has been asked to further develop a number of areas and return to the clubs with a revised document. Part of this process is focusing on a proper financial safety net for relegated clubs.
“Once that document is received, the Board of Directors will fully consider the revised proposal and make a decision. This has been our position throughout many months of discussion and it did not change in any way during Monday’s meeting.
“Now that the overall position with the proposal is clearer, we are keen to engage fully with our fans and encourage full and frank discussion. Leeann Dempster has arranged, after requesting Supporters Trust assistance, an open fans forum for this coming Monday and we would encourage you to attend.
“Thank you for your continued support.”[/onlymembers]
Motherwell Football Club will host an open forum this coming Monday to discuss the recent SPL restructuring proposals.
The meeting will take place on Monday 24th January 2011 in Fir Park’s Cooper Suite, with the evening getting underway at 7.00pm. Motherwell FC Chief Executive Leeann Dempster and Vice Chairman Derek Weir will take part in a Question and Answer session with all topics welcome.
The event is open to all Motherwell fans, demand is expected to be high and admission is on a first come first served basis. Motherwell Supporters Trust members can guarantee a place by emailing members@mstonline.net.
The Trust has encouraged Motherwell fans to get in touch by emailing splmeeting@mstonline.net with their questions for Leeann and Derek. These won’t be shared before the night but it will ensure that questions are asked and opinions heard.
