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Massive changes in society in the 1870’s gave birth to a new generation of leisure pursuits, which saw football became the sport of the masses.

The revolutionary introduction of half days on Saturday for many trades gave the working class man the time to indulge in these pursuits. During this time many teams were founded throughout the Lanarkshire area. These teams were most notably work teams.

Two teams dominated the Motherwell area at the time, the first being Glencairn, who started up in 1877. Named after John Glencairn Carter Hamilton of Dalziel, they initially called open ground at Craigneuk their home, using a local school as their facilities. This park was known as the ‘Foot of the Knowe.’ However, they soon moved to ‘The Meadows’ via a short stay at a pitch at Broomside near Kidstones Pit, in the area now known as North Lodge.

The Meadows was an in demand park, hosting the annual gala occasions as well as being the home of Glencairn’s fierce rivals, Alpha FC. Alpha FC would go on to become the most popular side in the area and eventually become the backbone of Motherwell Football Club.

Founded in 1881 by the workers in George Russell’s Alpha Steam Crane and Engineering Works, which was based in Park Street, they developed by playing against a host of other amateur teams that had sprung up in Motherwell, Wishaw and Bellshill. Some of the more prominent names at the time were Dalziel Rovers, Milton Rovers, Motherwell North End, Motherwell Amateurs and Hamilton Park.

In 1886 a Motherwell Charity Cup was established to engage local teams in a tournament that was to be for the ‘benefit of the poor.’ Another game that was set up at this time was an exhibition between Glasgow Ancients – as the name suggests, a selection of older players from Glasgow – and a select eleven made up of players from both Alpha FC and Glencairn.

This was a huge deal; as the months prior to the game had been filled with talk of the two top sides in Motherwell amalgamating to form a stronger team. This argument was done no harm when the select eleven overcame the more experienced Ancients two goals to one in front of a large crowd.

On the 6th May 1886, the Alpha board met and decided to disband the club as it was, and reform it under a new constitution and set of rules. The plan was to keep the same name, but eleven days later (17th May 1886) representatives of Glencairn and Alpha met in Baillie’s Pub in Parkneuk and decide to form a new club altogether. This new club was to be called Motherwell Football Club.

A committee was formed and they were able to field a team, albeit and Alpha dominated one. Their debut fixture proved to be a successful one as they outshone Hamilton Academicals 3-2.

On the dawn of this new era the Motherwell Times commented that the merger of the two sides could make “Motherwell second to none in the West of Scotland as a country club.”

Chairman Jim McMahon said: “For 130 years since, Motherwell have been a Scottish football institution, winning every major trophy and breaking boundaries with worldwide tours during the 1920s and 1930s. The club has also competed in every European competition, making it amongst the most successful non-City clubs in our game.

“We remember and celebrate our past on this, a special anniversary, whilst looking towards our future. The club has always been built on the passion and energy or its supporters and those who love the club.

“The club is again in transition, and everyone at Fir Park is working exceptionally hard to ensure our future is safeguarded for generations to come – so people during the next 130 years can enjoy the highs and lows of being a Motherwell fan.

“We ask you to help us by renewing our buying your Season Ticket for 2016/17. It’s a huge season for the club, one where we’ll need absolutely everyone working together to make us competitive as we can. You can help us by again putting your faith in us, and getting your ticket this summer.”

From more information and prices, click below:

Following the conclusion to the SPFL season, the club can announce the following squad updates for summer 2016.

The following players (both first-team and Under 20s) are in discussions with the club with a view to extending their deals:

• Stevie Hammell
• Stephen McManus
• Craig Samson
• Keith Lasley
• Craig Moore
• James McFadden
• David Ferguson
• Ben Hall
• Scott McDonald

—–

• Dylan Mackin
• Robbie Leith
• Jack McMillan
• Ross MacLean
• Ryan Watters

The following players will leave the club when their contract expires at the end of the month:

• Connor Ripley (Loan: returned to Middlesbrough)
• Wes Fletcher
• Morgaro Gomis (Loan: returned to Heart of Midlothian)
• David Clarkson
• Jack Leitch
• Brett Long

‘Well boss Mark McGhee said: “We’re talking to the lads and their representatives at the moment; I’ve gone on record saying I would like to retain the nucleolus of the squad then add some fresh faces in the key positions where we feel we are a little light.

“We obviously need to know what the lads who are already at the club intend on doing so we can plan accordingly and we hope that will become clearer in the next week or so.

“To the lads who are leaving, some of whom have been at Fir Park for quite some time, I want to sincerely thank them all for their contributions and wish them every success in the future careers.”

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 this summer, more than most, is a time to join us and commit to the Motherwell cause, helping to secure the future of a historic Lanarkshire institution.

It has been a fantastically positive last few months at Fir Park, with the team flying high in the top-six of the SPFL Premiership, the emergence of some talented youngsters into the starting eleven and the Under 20s winning the SFA Youth Cup for the first time ever.

The theme of our Season Ticket campaign this year is ‘Past, Present and Future’. That’s a celebration of our historic achievements, this being the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Cup win in ’91 and the clubs’ 130th year, a nod to the excellent last few months in terms of the present day and excitement around our future, with the Under 20s winning the SFA Youth Cup and the charge towards full fan ownership.

We have not only continued, but extended our ‘WELLevate’ scheme which allows any adult or senior citizen buying a season ticket at Fir Park to claim a juvenile (15 or under) ticket absolutely free of charge or TWO  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 30% over the last six years because of this brilliant initiative – perhaps the single most effective way of recruiting new, younger fans over the last 100 years

And, for the first time, we’ve introduced a new, fair level to our concession tickets. No longer will 16 to 18 year olds be asked to pay full adult prices – instead, they will be asked to commit at concession rates.

The excellent Season Ticket offers which can be used to earn a host of discounts in a number of well-known businesses continues.

The likes of Motorpoint, First Bus, Subway and Peter Vardy return amongst a expansive list which also contains the likes of McDonalds, LivingWell Health Club, Evans Halshaw, and many, many more.

Our past has been something to be proud of, our present has been satisfying but together, we can ensure our future is exciting and stable for generations to come.

From more information and prices, click below:

Mark McGhee was left dumbfounded as ‘Well lost heavily at Celtic Park on the final day of the 2015/16 season.

The score was level midway through the first half, but a six-goal, 38-minute blitz shell-shocked the Lanarkshire side, before Celtic added a seventh late on.

It was a disappointing and frustrating end to what has otherwise been a good league season for the Fir Parkers, with fifth place confirmed with a win over Ross County during the week.

“I didn’t see it coming, that’s for sure,” McGhee admitted.

[pullquote]“It’s hugely disappointing to end the season on that note and I am sorry to our fans who came along.[/pullquote]

“Today was an aberration and nothing like we’ve seen over the last few months. We looked tired and never really got tuned into the game. We didn’t defend, we didn’t attack and we didn’t connect

“It’s a sore one, but taking the full season into account, fifth has been a sterling effort and as much as today wasn’t anywhere near good enough, we go into the summer in a positive frame after a good last few months.”

Action images from today’s 7-0 loss to Celtic at Celtic Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

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[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee at Celtic Park

A hugely disappointing performance ensured Motherwell failed to repeat their December victory at Celtic Park.

‘Well lost six goals in a 38-minute blitz as the league champions ran riot against a knackered-looking visitors.

Three goals inside seven minutes midway through the first half finished the game and another quick treble early in the second sealed ‘Well’s fate, before a late seventh rubbed salt into the wounds.

For the second consecutive season the Fir Park men concluded their season facing up to the ‘Old Firm’. Unlike last season’s dramatic win over Rangers to retain their Premiership status, this encounter at sun-drenched Parkhead was a totally one-sided affair with ‘Well fans having absolutely nothing to celebrate.

Injury and suspension hampered Motherwell’s selection with Stevie Hammell and Keith Lasley missing, forcing two changes in the ‘Well ranks, with youngster Luke Watt coming in at right back and Lionel Ainsworth restored to the left flank in front of Marvin Johnston.

Following a couple of comfortable saves, Connor Ripley was forced into the first of several crucial stops, blocking Ryan Christie’s stab at goal from six yards. In the 13th minute the ‘Well ‘keeper produced a spectacular stop to palm Tom Rogic’s dipping volley over his cross bar.

From the resultant corner Morgaro Gomis booted Mickael Lustig’s header off the goal line.

Ripley came to the rescue again after 18 minutes when Christie darted through but the ‘Well ‘keeper again raced from his line to block the striker’s effort.

The home side’s pressure paid off three minutes later when Motherwell-born fullback Kieran Tierney was allowed to drag the ball across the box before slamming a low right foot shot beyond the despairing Ripley. There were questions of offside, with Christie standing in an offside position, blocking the goalkeeper’s view, but there was no bail out from the assistant referee.

Five minutes later Celtic doubled their lead. Stuart Armstrong worked a one-two at the edge of the box, but a fortuitous touch off Chris Cadden carried him beyond the ‘Well defence and when his shot rebounded from the post, Rogic was unchallenged as he tapped the ball into the empty goal.

Before Motherwell could rally, they found themselves three down. Both Ripley and Pearson got caught under Armstrong’s in-swinging corner and Lustig rose unchallenged at the back post to nod the ball down and over the line.

In truth the damage could have been worse before ‘Well regrouped and reshaped at half-time. With Kieran Kennedy and Joe Chalmers in the respective full back berths the Fir Park men made a positive start to the second half.

However, that challenge evaporated five minutes into the half when Armstrong’s volley from 12 yards made it 4-0. Within eight minutes, Roberts curled one into the corner and Christie rolled another under Ripley as Celtic effortlessly made it 6-0.

Ripley was helpless on those occasions but the ‘keeper produced another diving save to deny Callum McGregor. Christie then rattled a shot off the post before substitute Jack Aitchison got in off an unlucky Stephen Pearson and made in 7-0 with his first touch of the match.

Motherwell’s day was summed up when Craig Gordon made his first and only save 10 minutes from time, admittedly a smart stop to push a Gomis drive round the post.

It was a dreadful afternoon for the Steelmen, but the loss didn’t dent their league position after confirming fifth in the table during the week.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Celtic Park

FT: Celtic 7 – 0 Motherwell

84′ | 7-0
Celtic sub, Armstrong off for Janko.

81′ | 7-0
Gomis’ shot from distance is palmed wide of the post. Corner is easily dealt with.

77′ | 7-0
Goal – Loose ball falls to Aitchison inside the box and he slots it home to make it 7.

75′ | 6-0
Celtic sub, Aitchison on for Rogic

69′ | 6-0
Christie strikes the post and thankfully the ball comes out off Ripley and wide for a corner.

66′ | 6-0
Roberts cuts inside and gets a shot away which Ripley does well to tip around the post.

64′ | 6-0
Cadden down receiving treatment after being absolutely clattered by Sviatchenko in front of the dugout

59′ | 6-0
Goal – It’s 6. Christie with acres of time and space to fire past Ripley. This is absolutely woeful stuff.

56′ | 5-0
First proper sniff at goal and it comes from a McManus header which loops just over the bar.

56′ | 5-0
Celtic sub, Tierney off for Izaguirre.

55′ | 5-0
Goal – Roberts adds a fifth with a low curling shot from outside the box.

50′ | 4-0
Goal – Armstrong volleys into the top corner from inside the box.

49′ | 3-0
Positive play from Cadden wins a corner…..but it’s easily headed away by Lustig.

Celtic get the second 45 underway.

Double Motherwell change, Chalmers and Kennedy on for Ainsworth and Watt #CFCvMFC

HT: Celtic 3 – 0 Motherwell #CFCvMFC

41′ | 3-0
Should have been four after Ripley saves Rogic’s shot and Christie fires over from 12 yards with an open goal to aim for

28′ | 3-0
Goal – It’s three and all too easy for Celtic. Lustig heads home unmarked at the back post.

26′ | 2-0
Goal – Celtic double their lead, Rogic tapping in after Armstrong’s shot hit the post.

21′ | 1-0
Goal – That’s been coming. Tierney cuts infield and fires low beyond Ripley from 20 yards. 1-0 to Celtic.

19′ | 0-0
Ripley is going to be a busy man! Saves yet again from Christie, who was slid in by Roberts

14′ | 0-0
Ripley again with a fine save, this time from a long range Rogic drive which was heading into the top corner!

12′ | 0-0
Johansen drags his left-footed shot well wide of the post. All Celtic so far…

7′ | 0-0
Great save Ripley! Christie looks certain to open the scoring but the big stopper spreads himself well and makes the block.

4′ | 0-0
Ripley is forced into action, diving low to his right to deny Christie, who had shot from the edge of the box.

2′ | 0-0
Early chances for Celtic. First Rogic’s shot is deflected wide then Lustig heads over the bar from the corner.

Pearson and Gomis get the action underway. #COYW

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

Coming Soon…

Celtic Manager Ronny Deila

Coming Soon…

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Referee for Sunday’s Ladbrokes Premiership finale with Celtic at Celtic Park is Euan Anderson.

Anderson, 33, will be handling his second Motherwell match of the season.

The first was a vital 3-1 home win over Dundee back in December, when goals from McDonald, Moult and Pearson gave McGhee’s men all three points.

The second was a month later, when Motherwell again won at home, this time the comfortable 5-0 victory over Cove Rangers in the Fourth Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

The Dumbarton-based whistler was promoted to category one in the summer of 2011 and has taken charge of three Motherwell matches in the past, the first coming in the Scottish Cup fourth round defeat to Albion Rovers at New Douglas Park on November 2013 where a first goal of the season for Albion’s Gary Phillips ensured the Coatbridge outfit’s qualification to the next round of the cup.

He was also in charge of Motherwell’s 2-1 win away to Kilmarnock in 2014/15 season where goals from Stephen Pearson and Lee Erwin secured three points for Well’ on this occasion with an Anthony Straker own-goal being the only blotch to the copybook on that day.

The win was part of a three match win streak that Well’ put together on the backend of last season, commencing with a 4-0 victory over Hamilton and a 5-0 victory over St Mirren to bookend the Kilmarnock fixture.

Euan will be assisted by Alasdair Ross and Gordon Crawford, with John McKendrick on fourth official duties.

Marvin Johnson hopes Motherwell can be party poopers when they take on Celtic in Glasgow on Sunday.

The Steelmen face the SPFL Champions on the day Ronnie Delia’s side lift the trophy.

With a large crowd expected, the home side will be overwhelming favourites to sign off the season with a victory.

However, Johnson thinks ‘Well can thrive in the underdog role and perhaps spring a surprise, not for the first time this year.

[pullquote]Yes, it’s a big occasion with a team being crowned champions, but that gives us a chance to maybe create an upset.[/pullquote]

“We went to Celtic Park last time and no-one gave us a chance and yet we came away with the three points,” he said.

“Although there’s a lot going on, it’s just another game of football for us. Yes, it’s a big occasion with a team being crowned champions, but that gives us a chance to maybe create an upset.

“Not only that, it’ll be an atmosphere for us to enjoy and relish, particularly for the guys who maybe haven’t played there before. I can’t wait to get on the park and get going.”