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Motherwell FC is today delighted to announce the renaming of the East Stand to the John Hunter Stand, in tribute to the club’s legendary former league-winning manager.

John Hunter, or ‘Sailor’ as he was commonly referred to, was a centre forward whose playing career saw him cross the border on several occasions.

He was a member of the first Liverpool team to win the title in 1900/01, and also had spells at (Woolwich) Arsenal and Portsmouth.

In Scotland he played for Abercorn, Hearts and Dundee. Latterly, he signed for Clyde, but had to retire having never played for them due to injury.

Hunter went into management early and was appointed secretary-manager of Motherwell in 1911 – aged just 32.

He presided over the most consistent and successful spell in the club’s history when, between 1926 and 1934, the Steelmen never failed to finish outside the top three.

He was one of the first managers to take his team abroad and they enjoyed a very successful tour of Spain in 1927, winning six out of the eight games they played and losing only one.

These results included an emphatic 3-1 victory over Real Madrid and a 2-2 draw with Barcelona.

He also pioneered several other tours to South America and South Africa, a real first for the time.

However, his crowning achievement undoubtedly came when Motherwell won the league title in 1931/32 with 30 wins in 38 fixtures, scoring 119 goals – a record 52 of which were scored by Willie MacFadyen. The was the only and only time the Steelmen have been Champions of Scotland!

[pullquote]In future years, we want young fans to ask who John Hunter was so his incomparable half-century contribution to Motherwell FC and the amazing story can be kept alive and well for every generation.[/pullquote]

Hunter also led the club to three Scottish Cup finals in 1931, 1933 and 1939 but they were defeated on all three occasions.

He eventually stepped down as manager after the Second World War in 1946 but remained at the club as secretary, during which time he played a pivotal role as ‘Well lifted the League Cup in 1950 and the Scottish Cup in 1952 for the first time.

He eventually retired in 1959 after an astonishing 48-year association with Motherwell Football Club.

John died in the town aged 87, back in 1966, and to mark the fiftieth year since his passing, the club is honouring arguably its greatest ever son with the renaming of our iconic home stand.

Chief Operating Officer Alan Burrows said: “We currently honour and remember a number of our legends from yesteryear with the Joe Wark Lounge, the Phil O’Donnell & Davie Cooper Stands and the Martis, Weir, Humphrey and Paton Boxes in the South Stand.

“In future years, we want young fans to ask who John Hunter was so his incomparable half-century contribution to Motherwell FC and the amazing story can be kept alive and well for every generation.

“We will rebrand the side of the stand, renovate the entrance way and will dot little facts and figures about Sailor’s achievements around the stand, so people know exactly what this true great management to accomplish whilst in charge of our club.

“We’ve had the full cooperation, support and blessing of John’s family and will invite as many of as possible to be present when we officially ‘reopen’ it shortly.”

With over fifteen years of service and captaining the Steelmen to both League Cup and Scottish Cup success, it seems easy to see why in 2006 Andy Paton was voted the club’s ‘Greatest Ever Player’ by Motherwell fans. 

But what makes the award all the more special however is that even though by then Paton’s boots had been hung-up for almost half-a-century, such was his reputation that many supporters who hadn’t seen him play in the flesh were still moved to vote for him.

Signed from Kello Rovers during season 1942’43, Paton had impressed Motherwell manager John ‘Sailor’ Hunter whilst on trial.

Every inch a true “footballer”, Andy gained notoriety for his point blank refusal to adopt a safety-first approach to defending. It simply wasn’t his style to clear the ball to touch or as far up the park as possible. Sure, he could be firm in the challenge when required but Paton adopted a more cultured approach to the game where his dribbling and passing skill came to the fore.

In 1950 Andy would captain Motherwell to their first, and thus far only League Cup success, after Hibernian were beaten 3-0 at Hampden. The sight of Paton, carried shoulder high, by his team-mates with the trophy aloft would become one of the most iconic images of the club’s history.

There was further glory to follow in 1952 when Motherwell finally shook off their Scottish Cup hoodoo to win the trophy for the first time by dispatching Dundee 4-0.

Full international caps would soon follow against Sweden and Denmark.

After a shock demotion in 1953 Paton helped Motherwell to an immediate return to the top flight in 1954 and such was his influence that whilst very much in the veteran stage of his career he won the first ever Player of the Year award which Motherwell issued in 1956.

Andy’s ‘Well career, more spanning more than 500 games, reached its conclusion in 1958 when he moved on to Hamilton.

It was with great sadness Andy’s passing was recorded in February 2014.

His legend however lives on.

Extended highlights from this morning’s 1-0 win over Cumbernauld Colts in the Youth Cup.

U20s manager Stephen Craigan was relieved to get through as his team huffed and puffed past Cumbernauld Colts in the Youth Cup.

A well-organised Colts team frustrated the youngsters on a sunny morning at the Excelsior Stadium, with a Jake Hastie strike enough to secure the 1-0 victory.

Speaking to MFC TV after the match, Craigan revealed that he felt his side were a little disjointed.

[pullquote]Cup games are about getting through – we were nowhere near our best today, we looked a little disjointed but I’m not going to make excuses because the boys should do better than that.[/pullquote]

He said: “Cup games are about getting through – we were nowhere near our best today, we looked a little disjointed but I’m not going to make excuses because the boys should do better than that.

“Playing cup football though, irrespective of the performance, you want to get through to the next round.”

The U20s boss added: “They upset us at points, they put us under pressure, but ultimately if we take our chances in the first half the game’s dead and we’re out of sight but we haven’t done that and as long as the game stays at 1-0 we keep them alive.”

[pullquote]If we take our chances in the first half the game’s dead and we’re out of sight but we haven’t done that and as long as the game stays at 1-0 we keep them alive.[/pullquote]

Overall though, Craigan admitted he wants more from his team going forward.

He said: “I’m probably disappointed more than anything because I think we’re better than that. If that was the first time you came to see our U20s play you’d probably think that they’re not as impressive as people say.

“But we have off days, they’re young boys and I think that the two games we haven’t played well this season have been Hibs away and here today. But we’ve won and that’s the important thing.”

Motherwell U20s got their Scottish FA Youth Cup defence off to a winning start, but were made to work hard by a well-organised Cumbernauld Colts.

Stephen Craigan named a strong side for the early morning kick-off at the Excelsior Stadium, with Ross MacLean and Jack McMillan returning to the side and James Scott replacing the suspended Dylan Mackin up front for the Steelmen.

Allan Campbell returned to his familiar central-midfield role after filling in at right back midweek and making his debut for the first-team against Ross County last weekend – and right from the off he dictated much of the play and tempo of the match.

It was a dominant opening ten minutes from the Claret and Amber men, with Cumbernauld keeper Ross Campbell producing a fine save to deny Jake Hastie from close range and a number of opportunities being squandered in a tight, busy Colts box.

Some terrific footwork and a flighted cross from Ross MacLean led to a opportunity for James Scott, but the striker couldn’t quite get enough on it and Campbell collected it.

Adam Livingstone fancied his chances from range after collecting the ball out wide on the right in the 22^nd minute, driving forward and cutting inside onto his left foot before attempting a powerful effort from the edge of the box, but it flew narrowly over the crossbar.

The visitors were mostly limited to opportunities from corners, with Fraser Sheridan sending in a few threatening deliveries.

And Colts went closest to opening the scoring from one of Sheridan’s corners – an in swinging corner leading to a bit of a scramble in the Motherwell six-yard box which PJ Morrison gathered in the end to quell the danger.

But it was a brief spell for the visitors, as Motherwell began to relax again and eventually took the lead just minutes before half time. A clipped ball over the top from Livingstone allowed Hastie to charge through on goal and slot the ball past Campbell to open the scoring.

The second period started much brighter yet somehow the score remained 1-0 after an several opportunities went begging for Craigan’s side.

Hastie burst through on goal and had Scott with him for support, but the youngster went for goal instead and the save from Campbell dropped right at the feet of the striker, but, under pressure, he struck over the bar from close range.

Scott had another opportunity just minutes later when he got on the end of a flighted cross from MacLean, but couldn’t get enough on the header and it flew wide of the mark.

It was so nearly two and a second for Hastie when the winger was played in down the left – charging in to the box the youngster beat his man with a neat step over and fired a powerful left-footed strike across goal, agonisingly clipping the far post as went beyond for a goal kick.

Scott was withdrawn from the action after 57 minutes of play, being replaced by Dylan Falconer who immediately got in on the action, bursting down the right side of the box and firing a low ball across goal which ran past everyone in the box.

Davie Turnbull was next in line to have an effort on goal, this time getting on the end of tom Fry’s free kick but heading narrowly over the bar from close range.

If Cumbernauld Colts were going to grab a goal back, it almost certainly looked like coming from a set piece, with the Motherwell defence having little to do in open play. A free kick from Pirie from around 30 yards tested Morrison who did enough to get his body behind it and save.

The margin remained just one and in the 75^th minute it seemed Motherwell could double their lead as they hit Colts with pace on the break. Hastie, picking up the ball in the right wing position, cut inside and teed up Fry who was clattered by a challenge. Fortunately the ball landed back with Hastie who took a touch and dragged a low left-footed strike wide of the post from the edge of the box.

Connor McKenzie nearly punished the Steelmen with ten minute to go and it was the visitor’s best chance of the game. A low, dangerous ball across goal towards McKenzie could only be turned over the bar from close range.

Dylan Falconer had to leave the field of play after coming on for Scott, limping off in the 84^th minute to be replaced by Ryan Watters. And the substitute nearly sealed the game with his first touch, sending his lefty-footed, curling effort just over the bar.

Some intricate play down the left allowed Cumbernauld Colts to get in behind the Steelmen from a throw-in, crossing the ball in to the head of Sean Brown who could only head wide from inside the box as the visitors put in a strong showing in the final ten minutes.

Brown nearly made amends for his missed header in the 90^th minute, spinning Jordan Armstrong and unleashing a half-volley towards goal but it scraped the roof of the net as it fizzed over the bar.

Fortunately, the Steelmen managed to hold on and see out the game 1-0.

They didn’t hit their familiar heights on a sunny morning at the Excelsior Stadium, but ultimately the youngsters defence of the cup got off to a successful, winning start.

Motherwell: Morrison, Livingstone, Armstrong, Maguire, McMillan, Campbell, MacLean, Turnbull, Scott (Falconer – 75mins (Watters – 84mins)), Hastie, Fry

Subs Not Used: Pettigrew, Agyemang

Today marks the launch of the clubs two Flexi-ticket packages, offering fans the chance to save 20% on ticket prices and juniors up to 50%.

The Flexi-ticket allows supporters to purchase either a 5 or 10 game package of match tickets to games of your choice from the remaining fixtures in the Ladbrokes Premiership season – including matches against Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Aberdeen.

Marketing and Fan Engagement Manager Ryan Murrant believes it is a great choice for ‘Well fans. He said: “This allows fans to choose their games and most importantly it saves them some money too.”

[pullquote]The Flexi ticket gives a great alternative to those who didn’t go for a season ticket at the start of the season, whilst protecting the season ticket holders ensuring they always get the best value.[/pullquote]

He added: “The Flexi ticket gives a great alternative to those who didn’t go for a season ticket at the start of the season, whilst protecting the season ticket holders ensuring they always get the best value.”

“The flexi-ticket is a great idea and is arriving at the perfect time for a Christmas present.”

The packages replace the season and half-season tickets for the remainder of the 16/17 campaign.

A 10 game Flexi-ticket is available from as little as £168, which works out at just over £16 per match and with a 5 game option from as little as £84.

Juvenile Flexi-tickets offer the chance to save an impressive 50% on ticket prices.

How it works…

When buying either package, you will receive a voucher printed with a barcode which when scanned at our ticket office, will entitle you to receive the match tickets you require.

If you already know which games you want to attend then when buying the package, you can take home the tickets right there and then!

Alternatively, on the day of each game simply pop into our ticket office to have your voucher scanned and receive your match day ticket.

Flexi-ticket packages are available from the Fir Park ticket office right now call 01698 338 002

Please note that Flexi-ticket vouchers can only be redeemed at the ticket office – please collect your ticket before 2.30pm (7.15pm for evening games) on match days.

The Flexi-Tickets allow you to take advantage of all remaining MFC 2016/17 Ladbrokes Premiership home matches, tickets for other MFC games can be bought separately.

*Please note, concessions are applicable to over 60s, full-time students with a valid matriculation card and, for the first time ever, 16 to 18 year olds. ‘Juvenile’ age of Under 16 is applicable as at 1st August 2016.

Extended highlights from Dens Park as goals from Cammy Kerr and Marcus Haber consign Motherwell to a 2-0 loss.

‘Well boss Mark McGhee admitted the first goal was critical as his side lost 2-0 away to Dundee this afternoon.

With the game goalless, a controversial decision from the officials ensured the Steelmen were not awarded a goal despite Dundee stopper David Mitchell bundling the ball over his own line.

Speaking to MFC TV, the manager expressed his disappointment at the result and touched on the importance of the match officials decision.

He said: “We were going through a period in the game when it looked like we’d make a breakthrough.

[pullquote]The first goal is so important in these games and I think if you make the breakthrough you go on to win the game.[/pullquote]

“The first goal is so important in these games and I think if you make the breakthrough you go on to win the game because at that point we were starting to undermine their confidence, the crowd were starting to rumble a wee bit and we were creating chances.”

He added: “Not to be given the goal was ludicrous, it was a shocking, scandalous decision – but then we go on and concede a goal which was just as big a crime as the referee and the linesman were guilty of.

“It was the first half that cost us because we didn’t play as well as I would’ve hoped, down the sides especially, and then the decision not to give us the goal which I think would have sent us on to do pretty well in the game.”

[pullquote]It was the first half that cost us because we didn’t play as well as I would’ve hoped, down the sides especially, and then the decision not to give us the goal which I think would have sent us on to do pretty well in the game.[/pullquote]

McGhee also admitted that Dundee got their second half tactics correct, frustrating the Steelmen after riding their luck in the opening 45.

He said: “I think in the second half Dundee did the right thing and I told the boys at half time exactly what they were going to expect – you’re going to expect the balls raining in from distance, they’re going to hook it on and turn you around – and it was absolutely the right tactics.”

Images from today’s 2-0 loss to Dundee in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

[svgallery name=”dundee051116″]

[tab:Match report]

 Lewis Irons at Dens Park

Motherwell suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Dundee in the Ladbrokes Premiership, on an afternoon of controversy and disappointment.

Motherwell were incorrectly denied a clear goal when Dee stopper David Mitchell ran the ball across his line and were punished by a late Cammy Kerr strike in the first half, which swayed the momentum of the game and contributed to a poor second half showing.

Mark McGhee named two changes from the side that recorded a 4-1 win over Ross County last weekend. Lee Lucas missed out due to injury but was replaced by the returning skipper Keith Lasley, while youngster Jack McMillan was replaced by experienced full-back Stevie Hammell.

And it was a dominant first period for Motherwell after the game settled down. Louis Moult fancied his chances from range within the opening five minutes, but his ambitious effort was off target and didn’t trouble Mitchell.

Some neat passing allowed Jamie Kerr a good opportunity inside the Motherwell box after eight minutes, but from a tight angle he flashed his effort across goal.

It took over ten minutes for the game to settle somewhat, and the Steelmen enjoyed a good spell of possession deep in Dundee’s half. Cadden teed up Tait who swung a cross on to the head of Scott McDonald, who directed it on target but was halted by the linesman’s flag.

Mitchell did well to tip an in swinging Lionel Ainsworth corner on to the crossbar, and McGhee’s men didn’t quite get the luck they needed as it bounced too high for McManus who struck it on the half-volley over the bar.

The pressure was maintained and just minutes later Scott McDonald tried his luck from range, but he too struck too high and Mitchell remained fairly untested after the first 20 minutes.

There was a huge decision to be made for the officials in the 25^th minute, as David Mitchell was caught off guard from a lofted Scott McDonald cross, which had him scrambling back towards his goal and as he gathered it, the keeper ran the ball over his own line sending the travelling ‘Well fans in to disarray as the linesman didn’t flag for a goal and play went on.

Lionel Ainsworth was denied a sure goal by an impressive block from … after cadden’s low, drilled cross landed at the wingers feet – but his first time effort crashed against the defender and it remained 0-0, when in truth it could have been two and most certainly should have at least been one for the Fir Parkers.

Completely against the run of play and in crushing fashion, Cammy Kerr gave Dundee the lead with just minutes left in the first half.

McGhee replaced Stevie Hammell with Jack McMillan at the break before withdrawing Ainsworth and Lasley for youngsters Thomas and MacLean.

The second half was largely scrappy, with neither side creating too many clear cut chances. The best opportunity fell Dundee’s way just before the 70^th minute, when Holt had time to attempt a shot from inside the area, which flashed wide of Samson’s far post.

In a scrappy half with next to no chances created, Dundee grabbed their second of the match and all but sealed the three points. Wighton got in behind the Motherwell defence before cutting the ball back to Haber who slotted it past Samson from close range.

Almost immediately down the other end, Stephen  McManus should have pulled one back as the ball broke to him inside the box after Mitchell fumbled, but the centre-back blazed it high over the bar.

David Mitchell was forced in to a double save in the 85^th minute, as Craig Clay’s effort was plamed before McDonald’s header was eventually gathered by the Dundee stopper.

But it wasn’t to be for Motherwell, on an afternoon where a controversial decision denied the Fir Parkers the lead and ultimately changed the game.

[tab:As it happened]

 Lewis Irons at Dens Park

FT: Dundee 2 – 0 Motherwell #DFCvMFC

5 minutes added on.

84′ | 2-0
Another good chance there as Clay’s shot is beaten away by Mitchell then McDonald heads straight at him

82′ | 2-0
Chance to nick a goal back there as Mitchell fumbled to McManus but he fires over the bar.

79′ | 2-0
Goal – Wighton gets in behind the defence and cuts it back to Haber who slots it home. 2-0 to Dundee.

67′ | 1-0
Dundee break away and a loose ball falls to Holt who fires just wide from the edge of the box.

58′ | 1-0
Double Motherwell sub, MacLean and Thomas on for Ainsworth and Lasley

56′ | 1-0
Gomis hobbles off and is replaced by Williams

54′ | 1-0
McManus booked for fouling Gomis on the edge of the box.

51′ | 1-0
Great save from Samson who palms Haber’s close-range header onto the bar!

50′ | 1-0
Wighton tests Samson with a good effort from 20 yards but the ‘keeper palms it over the bar.

Both sides are back out and Dundee get the second 45 underway…

Motherwell sub, McMillan on for Hammell

HT: Dundee 1 – 0 Motherwell #DFCvMFC
40′ | 1-0
Goal – Unbelievably Dundee take the lead with their first dangerous attack of the game. 1-0 to Dundee through Kerr.

33′ | 0-0
Chance! Cadden with a great low cross to Ainsworth whose shot from 12 yards is blocked by O’Dea!

24′ | 0-0
Motherwell spurred on by that injustice and McDonald goes close with a header from close range.

21′ | 0-0
Woah! Incredibly bad decision there as McDonald’s shot goes well into the net but linesman somehow doesn’t see it.

17′ | 0-0
McDonald drops the shoulder to beat Vincent but his effort on goal is way off. Still 0-0.

16′ | 0-0
Off the bar! Ainsworth’s cross causes Mitchell all sorts of problems and he has to palm it onto the woodwork!

8′ | 0-0
Close! Kerr overlaps and from a tight angle takes on the shot which fizzes inches past the far post.

6’ | 0-0
Moult advances but has little options and opts to go for a shot which is way off target.

Lasley gets the game underway. COYW!!!

Both teams emerge from the tunnel, Dundee in pink and dark blue, Motherwell in all white.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

Dundee  Manager  Paul Hartley:

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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