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Motherwell FC can today confirm Shaun Hutchinson has left the club to sign for Championship side Fulham.

The 6ft 2-inch powerhouse arrived at Fir Park from Wallsend Boys Club back in 2007 after catching the eye during the annual exit trials staged by the English FA at Lillieshall.

He enjoyed seven excellent years in North Lanarkshire, making his debut against Hamilton Accies in May 2008 aged just 17.

He went on to play a further 142 times in Claret and Amber, including numerous Champions League and Europa League games, netting nine times in total. He was also named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year in 2012/13 as ‘Well cruised to their first of two consecutive runners-up spots.

Although the club offered Shaun an extended deal, ‘Well boss Stuart McCall was resigned to losing him with significant interest from elsewhere.

“I had mentioned to his agent that we would offer him slightly improved terms from last season, but it was fairly clear that there was some big hitters looking at him,” McCall told motherwellfc.co.uk.

“Shaun has been excellent for Motherwell and this move is a reward for all his hard work and dedication.

“We will obviously miss him, but at the same time, we wish him well in what is a superb move.”

Hutchinson was understandably sad to be leaving what has become home for him, but was excited at the prospect of joining a club like Fulham.

He said: “I was a difficult decision to leave Motherwell and I had to really think hard about it.

“It has been a fantastic apprenticeship for me and I am very appreciative of what everyone at the club has done. The fans have also been brilliant and I want to personally thank them for their support.

“However, this is a great opportunity at Fulham and I can’t wait to get started. “

Hutchinson may make a speedy return to Fir Park with the Cottagers due to play a pre-season friendly in North Lanarkshire on July 12th. Tickets for that match are available on the gate priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Motherwell FC is delighted to announce the partnership with programme publishers Curtis Sport has been extended by another year.

The Fir Parkers have enjoyed three excellent seasons with the West Midlands based company, collecting several awards along the way.

And with a new editor and fresh ideas for the forthcoming European and SPFL season, 2014/15 promises to be the best ever for ‘Steelmen’.

General Manager Alan Burrows commented: “We have made steady progress with the magazine each year and Stuart Curtis, the designer Karl Wheeler and the rest of the team deserve huge credit for their continued drive and determination to improve the product

“They are the absolute best at what they do, which is recognised each year by being at the top of the table in the various awards and votes.

[pullquote]It has been a huge privilege for me to have worked so closely with them over recent season and with a new Head of Club Media set to be appointed, it should give the magazine a refreshed look and feel.[/pullquote]

Curtis Sport are again offering subscriptions ahead of the new season ensuring you have every home programme the club produces.

Just £90 (UK only) sent in a hard backed envelope and dispatched in time to arrive for the day of the game!

This offer includes all friendly, league, domestic cup and European games played at Fir Park.

To order your subscription, or for back-dated programmes from 2011/12 onwards, head to the Curtis Sport website.

Motherwell FC is pleased to confirm Fulham will visit Fir Park for a pre-season friendly match on Saturday 12th July.

The game against the Craven Cottage side, managed by experienced German Felix Magath, will the clubs’ only home pre-season friendly match prior to the Europa League Second Qualifying Round the following Thursday.

It won’t be the first time the Londoners have been guests at the home of the Steelmen in recent times though. Back in 2003 they travelled north and played out an entertaining 2-2 draw. Louis Saha and Steve Marlet on target for the tourists that day with ‘Well earning a deserved share of the spoils thanks to an Alex Burns double.

The friendly will provide a stern test ahead of impending European and domestic commitments.

To confirm, the match will take place at Fir Park on Saturday 12th July 2014, kick-off is 2pm.

Admission will be available on the gate priced at:

• Concessions are listed as 15 and under, Over 60s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.

It has also been confirmed that the Steelmen will once again head for Portugal for a pre-season training camp. Stuart McCall and his squad will be in the Algarve from Sunday 29th June to Friday 4th July.

Upon their return, ‘Well will likely take part in two closed-door bounce games before the Fulham fixture.

The club have put Europa League Second Qualifying Round tickets on sale to Season Ticket Holders.

The draw will be made in Nyon on the 23rd June 2014, leaving the club a very short period in which to make the relevant match preparations.

However, It is hoped that by extending the selling period, it will ensure a quicker and easier process for fans wishing to attend the match.

Fans should note that the days allotted for the Second Qualifying Rounds are 17th July for the first leg and 24th July for the return leg.

Obviously it is still not known when the match will take place at Fir Park so anyone buying prior to the draw being made (23rd June) should be able to attend on any of those two dates.

Tickets will initially go on sale for 2014/15 Season Ticket Holders up until Saturday 28th June before they go on full general sale on Monday 30th June.

Fans renewing their Season Ticket will also be able to purchase their European ticket, if they so choose.

Prices for the match have been set at:

• Concessions are listed as Over 60s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation.
• Juveniles are listed as Under 16s.
• A Family 1 ticket consists of x1 Adult and x1 Juvenile.
• A Family 2 ticket consists of x1 Adult and x2 Juveniles.

Motherwell FC is pleased to confirm three Academy graduates have extended their contracts at the club.

Defender Morgyn Neill, winger Dom Thomas and forward Steven Higgins (all 18) have committed their immediate future to Fir Park.

Neill, a commanding 6ft 3-inch centre back, started more games than any other player for Jonatan Johansson’s Under 20s side last term.

Thomas is an exciting, dynamic and skillful winger who scored eight and assisted fourteen in twenty-eight games.

The youngest of the three is Higgins, a pacey forward who netted nine and assisted nine in just nineteen starts.

The three, who have all had Scotland Youth International experience, are expected to push for the first-team squad in the forthcoming campaign.

[pullquote]This is where the hard work for these players really begins. It’s one thing to shine for the Pro Youths and then the Under 20s, which they all have. It’s quite another to really ask questions of the first-team manager.[/pullquote]

Academy Director Scott Leitch told motherwellfc.co.uk: “We are really pleased the three lads have extended their deals at the club.

“It’s another sign that our re-launched Elite Academy at Braidhurst is really starting to bear fruit.

“However, this is where the hard work for these players really begins.

“It’s one thing to shine for the Pro Youths and then the Under 20s, which they all have. It’s quite another to really ask questions of the first-team manager.

“They all have the ability, so it’s very much how they respond now.

“Stuart McCall has demonstrated that he’ll give youngsters their chance. Look at the likes of Ross Stewart, Euan Murray, Stuart Carswell, Jack Leitch, Chris Cadden, Craig Moore and others; they all deputised under the manager.

“Motherwell is a club where if you do well and work hard as a young footballer coming through the ranks, you will eventually be rewarded.”

The club can also confirm Under 20s Dale Shirkie, Frazer Johnstone, Paul McCafferty and Ross Kellock will not be offered extended contracts and have now left the club.

Motherwell Football Club would like to put on record our thanks for their efforts whilst at Fir Park and wish all four every success in their future career.

Being a Season Ticket holder at Fir Park is more than just a right to view games. It is a true and genuine commitment to the Motherwell Football Club family.

And although the ‘Early Bird’ period has now passed, there is still great value to be had.

There’s little better in Scottish football than a big game at Fir Park and, over the last few years, we’ve had our fair share including Champions League football for the first time and regular challenges in the top six.

Although you will notice a modest increase in price this season (please read the Board Message contained within the Season Ticket menu), whether bought individually or as part of a family package, we firmly believe the season ticket represents tremendous value.

We have also continued our ‘WELLevate’ scheme which allows any adult or senior citizen buying a season ticket at Fir Park to claim a juvenile ticket absolutely free of charge or TWO Under 16s tickets if you sit in the Cooper Stand…

[pullquote]That’s just over a £5 each per league game for an ‘Adult’ WELLevate ticket or, incredibly, just £3.25 each per match for a ‘Senior Citizen’ WELLevate ticket.[/pullquote]

Season Ticket uptake has grow over 36% over the last four years because of this brilliant initiative – perhaps the single most effective way of recruiting new, younger fans over the last 100 years

The excellent Season Ticket offers which can be used to earn a host of discounts in a number of well-known businesses is back and bigger than ever.

The likes of Barrett and David Wilson Homes, Motorpoint, First Bus, Subway and Peter Vardy have been added to a 37 strong list which already contained the likes of McDonalds, KFC, Pizzahut, LivingWell Health Club, Evans Halshaw, M&D’s and many, many more.

We’ve enjoyed a fantastic run in the last six or seven years. Together, the club and our loyal fans can continue to grow Scotland’s best community and family club.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE 2014-15 INFORMATION AND PRICES

Motherwell FC is pleased to announce midfielder Jack Leitch has signed a new two-year contract to stay at the club.

Eighteen-year old Leitch is a graduate of the clubs’ Elite Academy and made his first-team debut last term, eventually turning out ten times for Stuart McCall’s side.

His contract was due to expire but he has been rewarded with a new deal, which ties him to Fir Park until the summer of 2016.

The hot prospect is the latest in a line of players who have committed their future to the club, with the squad for 2014/15 taking shape.

Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, Leitch said:  “I’m delighted to have my future sorted out, especially being a Motherwell fan. I’ve grown up supporting Motherwell and it’s always been my dream to play for the club.

[pullquote]I’m delighted to have my future sorted out, especially being a Motherwell fan. I’ve grown up supporting Motherwell and it’s always been my dream to play for the club.[/pullquote]

“The manager threw me in and, at my age, I can’t complain at having ten appearances and six starts. I want to build on that and continue playing well, hopefully achieving the success we had last year.

“There’s a lot of competition for midfield places but that’s healthy and still being young, I can learn a lot of the the likes of Keith (Lasley) and Paul (Lawson) and hopefully continue to develop myself as a player.”

‘Well boss Stuart McCall added: “We asked Jack to step-up to the plate later last season and he did just that.

“Everyone was very impressed with just how easily he made the transition from Under 20s captain into the starting eleven.

“Games against Hearts and Celtic at Fir Park in particular stand out in terms of his overall performance and contribution.

“We have nine Academy products in our first-team squad at the moment and that not only bodes well for the club, but highlights some of the fantastic work going on at Braidhurst by the coaches, scouts and other staff.

-WATCH JACK’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

The award-winning Motherwell Media team is an essential department within the business, with the aim of ensuring fans and the local community feels connected and engaged with the football club.

In addition, the department provides essential support to the various departments throughout the club as well as maintaining and growing relationships with both local and national media to promote Motherwell FC’s best interest.

Reporting to the General Manager, this position manages the people and processes with regard to the delivery of a fully operational club media and communication department across a variety of platforms.

The role requires a commercially aware, energetic professional who will further develop and execute an integrated communications strategy, manage various stakeholder groups and will be forward thinking in the areas of new media.

Based primarily at Fir Park, the post holder will directly manage a full time team of two with a larger team on match days.

The post holder will provide strategic direction and leadership for the Media team, including club website development, exclusive football and non-football content, publications, social media, public affairs and other activities such as football analysis, whilst overseeing the distribution of high quality communications to Motherwell fans and stakeholders.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Manage the design, editorial and development of the club’s website and social media platforms.
• Oversee the production of the ‘Steelmen Matchday Magazine’, including content creation and quality of design, as well as other relevant publications.
• Responsible for delivering all match day communication requirements, communications team management and media liaison.
• Oversee the development and expansion of the clubs’ football analysis department.
• Head up and manage the Motherwell Media team, providing clear direction and aiding development through effective management.
• Maintain a close, trusting relationship with the first-team manager, his staff and players.
• Develop and ensure the successful and timely execution of an integrated communications strategy.
• Fully understand and support the club business, including contractual and commercial objectives through the communications strategy.
• Take complete ownership of the communications agenda internally and externally across all stakeholders, using all available channels including social media, website, email, PR etc.
• Work alongside each department to prioritise key communication requirements set against the business objectives.
• Monitor Motherwell FC’s reputation, ensure coherent and consistent presentation of messages and deliver a robust response to crisis management.

What we’re looking for:

Experience and knowledge of the sports industry is desired but not essential. However, a passion for football is.

Education/Qualifications/Training:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent or significant industry-specific experience.

Specific Experience:

• Experience of producing innovative, exciting and engaging football and non-football content for the various club platforms including website, social media and publications.
• Experience of developing, managing and executing integrated communication strategies and tactical plans.
• A track record of delivering high profile, innovative communication campaigns that have delivered results and achieved business objectives.
• Proven people management experience within a sports or events environment.

Abilities, Skills, Knowledge:

• Knowledge and experience of managing website content, email and social media programmes.
• Demonstrate vision and the ability to influence and deliver change into an organisation.
• Positive about achieving club, departmental and individual success.
• Must have the ability to make quick decisions in a fast paced environment, if required.
• A natural leader who has experience of managing a team.
• A strong communicator who can converse at senior levels with strong written and presentation skills.
• A people person who has the ability to build strong relationships across all internal and external stakeholders.
• Must be accountable for delivering results within assigned levels of responsibility.

You will be required to attend all First-Team and Under 20s fixtures, including evening games and potentially matches involving the Academy and Woman’s Team, as well as events with relevant time off in lieu.

Due to the nature of the business a flexible attitude in terms to unsociable hours will be necessary in order to perform the role effectively. A full driving licence is also essential.

How to apply:

Please send your CV with a covering letter to alan.burrows@motherwellfc.co.uk by Thursday 12th June.