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Motherwell have had plenty of fine shot-stoppers down the years but few could match Sieb Dijkstra for colour and character when he kept goal for the Steelmen in the early nineties.

Confirming there was at least some validity in the old cliché that all goalkeeper’s are mad Sieb endeared himself to his new followers before he’d even kicked a ball for the club when tabloids revealed he had attempted to smuggle his pet cat into the country when moving from Holland.

Joining from Roda JC Dijkstra was called upon to make an early debut filling in for Billy Thomson in a League Cup tie against Raith Rovers on 21 August 1991.  Whilst the game resulted in a shocking 4-1 loss for then Scottish Cup holders the Dutchman impressed between the posts and did likewise in keeping his first clean sheet for the club in the Lanarkshire derby win over Airdrie three days later.

Sieb had to bide his time for his next opportunity waiting for more than a year for his next appearance in claret and amber but soon established himself ahead of Billy Thomson as first choice.

Resplendent in his trademark florescent coloured top every inch of the penalty box was his domain. It became commonplace to see him launch his 6ft 5in tall and near 15 stone frame high in the air on the edge of his area to claim crosses off the heads of oppositions players. And woe betide any player – friend or foe who was unfortunate enough to get in his way whilst in full flight!

Of course not all of these aerial assaults would work out as planned with the occasional goal lost as a consequence but much loved as he was the Motherwell fans were forgiving of a player whose passion was such he occasionally have blazing on-field rows with his own team-mates.

Sieb’s commanding presence between the posts contributed to Motherwell avoiding relegation in season 1992’93 and secure third place in season 1993’94 in Tommy McLean’s last season at the club, a campaign that would see him start every one of the club’s forty-nine league and cup fixtures.

It would in fact also turn out to be Sieb’s final year at Fir Park when QPR offered him the opportunity to test himself in the English top flight.

In later years he would again serve under Tommy McLean at Dundee Utd but he retained a special bond with Motherwell FC and the club’s supporters.

Dijkstra would travel from the Netherlands to feature for ‘Well legends sides in both the Phil O’Donnell tribute match staged at Celtic Park and  Dougie Arnott’s testimonial in 2008.

He would also be one of the first former players to be interviewed for the popular MFC Podcast and in 2013 would even make a trip to Scotland to turn out for the Fir Park Corner Motherwell supporters team.

Join us at Fir Park on Friday 16th of June for what promises to be a laugh-filled night.

We have invited along five of Scotland’s funniest and upcoming comedians;

Ray Bradshaw, who is one of the brightest and most exciting acts on the UK Comedy circuit, having performed sell out solo festival shows in Edinburgh, Adelaide, and Melbourne. A double Scottish Comedian of the Year finalist, Ray has numerous radio credits under his belt with BBC Scotland and Radio 4, as well as recently being the tour support for Ardal O’Hanlon.

Chris Scott and Joe McKeown who are two up and coming stars of the Scottish comedy scene.

Accompanying them will be Susie McCabe whos is known for her brilliant storytelling, acute observations and killer punchlines, which have made her one of most sought after performers in the UK, supporting the likes of Ardal O’Hanlon, Zoe Lyons and Stewart Francis.   She has been tipped as one to watch in 2017, so don’t miss this chance to catch her on her first ever Scottish tour!

Completing the billing is Des McLean who Billy Connolly has cited McLean as his favourite comedian.

Tickets cost £20 which includes a Curry.

To book and makes sure you don’t miss out, call the events team on 01698 333 333.

Motherwell Football Club is tonight delighted to showcase the new Macron home and away kits for the 2017/18 season.

It will be Motherwell’s fourth campaign with Italian manufacturers Macron and the first with new principal sponsors McEwan Fraser Legal, the UK & Scotland’s award-winning solicitors & estate agents.

The home strip has a very traditional look and feel to it, with a return to claret shorts and the claret and amber hooped socks.

The away is something different and unique, with a black, grey and claret hooped shirt, with black shorts and hooped socks and includes an unique white tonal badge.

Both shirts will be available to pre-order online at www.motherwelldirect.co.uk from this coming Monday, 19th June 2017.

[pullquote]”We are extremely delighted to be able to showcase our new kits in June and we’re obviously proud of what Macron have delivered for us once again.”[/pullquote]

The home shirts are expected to be on sale before the end of June, with the away to be available before the end of July.

Chief Operating Officer Alan Burrows said: “We are extremely delighted to be able to showcase our new kits in June and we’re obviously proud of what Macron have delivered for us once again.

“We are also excited to be working with McEwan Fraser Legal for the first time and think their logo compliments the kits perfectly.”

PSL Managing Director Alan Provan added: “It’s important for us to retain a traditional look and feel to a Motherwell home kit, and that’s what we’ve tried to achieve.

“We have again gone with something a bit different for the away kit this year, something that’s a little away from the normal but we’ve been extremely pleased with the results. We look forward to launching both over the next few weeks.”

A spokesperson for McEwan Fraser Legal said, “We’re delighted to see the new Motherwell FC kits revealed tonight.

“We’re sure that they will be popular with supporters at a time when much good is happening around the club in preparation for the new season on and off the field.”

To kick-off the new kit, Well supporters can win the new home shirt on the official McEwan Fraser Legal twitter account for the Steelmen, @MFC_MFL.

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Motherwell FC will lead the way for Scottish Football with innovative new warm-up areas being added to the Fir Park pitch ahead of the new season.

Head Grounds man Paul Matthew and assistant Stuart Harker are overseeing the operation which will lead to extra protection for the pitch during the 2017/18 campaign.

And the new areas, located behind both goals, will be ideal for visiting teams as well as the Steelmen throughout the season.

Paul Matthew said: “It’s something we looked at a couple of years ago when we realised that we had a problem with the intensity of the warm-ups within the SPFL and the top flight.

“It became a problem in terms of the damage that is incurred on the pitches during warm-ups so we came up with an idea of extending the pitch to create a warm-up area for teams to use.

[pullquote]The primary function of it is to take the hardwearing exercises and warm-ups, including goalkeepers, off the park, but still have them on grass.[/pullquote]

“We had more room at the South Stand than we did in front of the Cooper, so we extended the South Stand side by six-metres and we’re going to put in a hybrid carpet, which can take a lot more wear and tear during warm-ups.

“Goalkeepers will now go back there, teams can do their drills, fast-feet and intense work off the pitch area which means the pitch is there for what it is meant for… the game.”

And the exciting development is a first in Scottish football, and could well inspire other clubs.

Paul said: “It is a first in Scottish football. There are clubs that have hybrid pitches, but none are using the surface we will be using called Extra Grass which we have done our research on and we are excited to use over the course of next season.

“We think we can do other small things with it, for example our players will be able to do fitness tests on it, maybe do a bit during the week instead of having to go up to Dalziel Park.

“The primary function of it is to take the hardwearing exercises and warm-ups, including goalkeepers, off the park, but still have them on grass.”

Motherwell FC is today delighted to announce the signing of Andy Rose from Coventry City on an initial one-year deal.

The 27-year-old is Stephen Robinson’s fifth arrival of the summer transfer window as the Northern Irishman builds his squad for the 2017/18 campaign.

The Australian midfielder, who spent three seasons in the MLS with the Seattle Sounders before moving to Coventry last summer, will wear the number 15 jersey for the Steelmen.

The midfielder, who stands at 6ft 3in, follows new signing Gaël Bigirimana from the English League One side.

Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, Rose said: “I can’t wait to get going now, it’s been going on for a few weeks but I’m delighted to get it over the line and I’m looking forward to working with Stephen Robinson.”

He added: “The vision he set out was very exciting, with a great group of guys and a good family club but with great ambition.

[pullquote]The vision [Stephen Robinson] set out was very exciting, with a great group of guys here and a good family club but with great ambition.[/pullquote]

“Most importantly I can’t wait to play here in front of our fans and give my all for the club.”

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson said: “I’m delighted that we’ve managed to secure the signature of Andy Rose this afternoon, he’s yet another fantastic coup for the club and one of my primary targets.

“Andy not only brings a physical presence to the middle of the park but he brings energy and drive and I’m very encouraged by the squad we’re building here this summer.”

He added: “We’ve also secured the signing of a left-sided defender who has Championship and League One experience and will do pre-season with us before we announce the signing.”

You can watch the Australian midfielder’s first full interview on MFC TV’s YouTube channel.

Henrik Ojamaa shot to fame with Motherwell in 2012 in a quick-fire rise from obscurity to become one of the Scottish games most feared forwards. 

Estonian Ojamaa had previously played in the UK with Derby County but after leaving the Rams had spells in Germany, Holland and Finland without ever quite fully establishing himself.

Arriving at Fir Park on trial after he had left RoPS in Finland Henrik clearly made an impression on ‘Well boss Stuart McCall. He was latterly invited to return for a second trial period at the club, at the end of which he signed a deal until the end of the 2011’12 season.

Coming off the bench in the Scottish Cup 4^th round tie against Queen’s Park on 7^th January ‘12 Ojamaa would make an instant impact netting on his debut in ‘Well’s 4-0 win.

Henrik’s impressive form would continue with 5 goals in his first 6 games securing him the SPL Young Player of the Month award for January 2012 and an improved and extended contract.

Flourishing in a Motherwell side packed with attacking flair and verve he developed a particularly good understanding with the prolific Michael Higdon and added another four goals before the end of the season.

Ojamaa’s game more was more than just about goalscoring though. Indeed if anything his goals were an added bonus as he routinely tormented opponents with his terrific pace, control and trickery, setting up countless chances for his team-mates in the process.

His part in Nicky’s Law goal in a 3-0 win over Hearts a few months into his career for example was Ojamaa at his best. Drawing no fewer than four Hearts defenders towards him on the edge of the area, he beat one. Then another. Twisting this way and that he astutely kept possession just long enough to allow the oncoming Jamie Murphy to take possession of his pass. One angled ball later and Nicky Law had fired home.  Law’s name was on the score-sheet but the build up was pure Henrik.

In the summer of 2013 Ojamaa was snapped up by Poles Legia Warsaw but an early injury meant he struggled to settle in as well he would have hoped.

Henrik made a welcome return on loan to Motherwell in August 2014 in an effort to return to full fitness and with ‘Well struggling it was hoped he could help kick-start the club’s season.

Although he added 4 goals to the previous thirteen he’d scored first time around he took some time to get up to speed and never quite hit the same heights of his first spell at Fir Park.

It can sometimes be the case that a unique set of circumstances will allow a player to perform at their best. With a minimal level of expectation, a hugely supportive manager in Stuart McCall and a group of top quality team-mates, Henrik most certainly did that in his opening spell at Motherwell where ‘Well fans were able to enjoy watching him at his peak.

With Father’s day just around the corner, we have some unique ideas for your ‘Well loving dad’s as we approach the 18th of June.

For just £55 you could buy a unique brick and get their name and your message etched into the walls of Fir Park! Or maybe a tile in the tunnel is more their thing? Your message to your dad will be seen as Stephen Robinson’s men walk from the changing rooms to the Fir Park pitch before each game.

If your dad is up for laugh then our comedy and curry night on Friday the 16th could be an ideal gift for them. Starting at 7.15pm, £20 will get you a curry and hours of comedy with five great comedians.

If you’d like your unique message on the wall, in the tunnel or you’d like to be at our comedy night, then give our events team a call on 01698 333 333 or email events@motherwellfc.co.uk

Under-20s boss Stephen Craigan is preparing for another big season with his youngsters.

The Northern Irishman has welcomed Liam Brown for Queens Park as he gets his squad ready for the 2017/18 Development League campaign.

Dylan Falconer, Barry Maguire, Peter Morrison, Adam Livingstone and Shea Gordon have all been retained for another year, and David Turnbull, Jordan Armstrong, James Scott, Jake Hastie and Allan Campbell all remain under contract.

Young midfielder Tom Fry and centre-forward Dylan Mackin have been released, whilst Kyle McDonald makes the step up from the under-17s.

And with another big year ahead, manager Stephen Craigan said: “It’s a big season for a lot of the young players with regards to taking the next step towards our first team.

“They have seen a lot of their teammates make their debut in the last couple of seasons so that has to be a motivating factor for them.

“I am going to push them and challenge them every day on and off the pitch to get the best out of them so they can reach their potential but of course the players have a huge role in being the best they can be.”

He added: “As always with under-20 players, some have left the squad and some have joined us, notably Liam Brown from Queens Park and Kyle McDonald has stepped up from our U17s. We welcome them to our squad.

“I’d also like to wish the lads who’ve left us all the best in their careers.

“Tom Fry and Dylan Mackin move on from the club but they have been terrific for me and they were model professionals during their time here at Fir Park.”

Season Ticket sales for the month of June have increased by a staggering 57% as the Fir Park faithful continue to show their support for the club. 

Ahead of the new campaign getting underway in just over a months time, the Steelmen have been boosted by encouraging sales of 2017/18 season tickets.

And with junior tickets now just £20, an incredible increase in sales by 167% means the next generation of ‘Well supporters has never looked brighter.

Marketing and Fan Engagement Manager Ryan Murrant said: “The uptake so far has been very positive and we thank the new and our loyal supporters that will be joining us next season.

“The season ticket launch has been very successful and with the early signings that the manager has made there is a real buzz around the club and from our supporters.”

He added: “There is still lots of work to be done to keep the season ticket sales going and we want our supporters to know that we still offer split payments and direct debit payment options.

“Wendy and her brilliant ticket office team are happy to chat through the options to anyone that needs help and they will be open 10-1pm over the next three Saturdays, as well as the regular opening hours.”

Don’t miss your chance to make the most of our fantastic prices and show your support next season.

For more information, visit mymfc.co.uk

With a playing style as distinctive as his flowing locks, fan-favourite Benito Kemble spent two seasons as a Steelman around the turn of the millennium. 

After succeeding Harri Kampman, Billy Davies achieved his initial goal of securing the club’s place in the top flight for season 1999’00. To help him do so, chairman John Boyle had sanctioned a full rebuild of the squad as he sought to make Motherwell the “third force” in Scottish football.

Committed to playing exciting, attacking football, Davies primary focus in the close season had been to provide the ammunition required to supply the likes of Spencer, Goodman and McCulloch; and indeed the goals flowed.

As the season developed however, it became clear that he now required to turn his attention to his backline which was conceding a broadly similar number to those being scored at the other end of the park.

In the aftermath of an incredible 6-5 loss to Aberdeen, Davies moved to bring Kemble to Motherwell from EVV Eindhoven in Holland.

Benni made his ‘Well debut three days after the Aberdeen loss on 23^rd October 1999 and helped the Steelmen to their first clean sheet of the season in a 2-0 win over Dundee Utd at Tannadice.

It would be the first of three successive clean sheets, one of which included a remarkable 1-0 success over Celtic at Parkhead where Kemble demonstrated his defensive qualities to the full as Motherwell played the last hour of the game with only ten men. The crunching tackles and last gasp blocks he produced that evening inspired his team-mates and immediately endeared him to the Motherwell support.

It would become a feature of his time at Fir Park that the Surinamer would often rise to the occasion and he appeared to enjoy nothing more than challenging himself against high profile strikers in matches against either half of the Old Firm.

Motherwell took the battle for a European place to the final game of the season, but despite beating Champions Rangers 2-0 it wasn’t enough to overcome third placed Hearts. Who knows, had Benni arrived even just a week or two earlier, it might well have been enough to see ‘Well qualify for the UEFA Cup.

Benni’s second season was altogether more difficult for both player and club. Injury meant Kemble was unable to play any more than five successive games at any one time and being regularly shorn of his talents did little to help a Motherwell side struggling to match the previous season’s achievements.

As John Boyle re-assessed his business model for the club, team-mates such as Spencer, McCulloch, Brannan, McMillan and Goodman began to move on.

Upon the conclusion of his contract in 2001, it was with some regret on both his and club’s part that a parting of the ways was required as the restructuring of the club’s finances continued.

Benni spent a final season in Scotland with St Johnstone but seemed ill at ease in Perth and failed to replicate the form he produced at Motherwell.