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Motherwell FC have made their first signing of the summer transfer window, agreeing a two-year contract with goalkeeper Mark Gillespie.

The 26-year-old moves to Fir Park from English League One side Walsall, in a career which has also seen him on the books of Newcastle United and Carlisle United.

His move will become official when the Scottish transfer window opens on June 9.

Gillespie, who will wear the number 20 shirt this season, has amassed 205 professional appearances in his career to date and makes the switch north after one season with the Saddlers.

“I’m excited to get going here,” he said. “I spoke to Stephen Robinson, Martin Foyle and Craig Hinchliffe and just got a good feeling about it. They made me feel wanted to be part of the project they’ve got going on here.

“I’m here to work hard, improve and play in good games in a good league.

“The main feedback I’ve got coming here is there is a good spirit in the dressing room, so I want to get involved, be part of the squad and look to push on from what they achieved last season.”

Gillespie was on the books at Newcastle United as a youngster before signing his first professional contract at Carlisle United.

At the age of 18, he became the club’s youngest-ever goalkeeper when he made a substitute appearance against Norwich City.

A loan spell with Blyth Spartans followed, before he started to establish himself in Leagues One and Two with Carlisle.

Gillespie shot to fame with his performance in a League Cup game with Liverpool in 2015, keeping a star-studded Reds side at bay all the way to a penalty shootout, where he saved from Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana.

After 180 games with the Cumbrians, he stepped up a division to League One for the 2017/18 season with Walsall, making 25 appearances.

“We are delighted to have landed Mark,” manager Stephen Robinson said of the signing.

“He has played a lot of games at a good level in England, so comes here with a lot of experience and will provide excellent competition in goals.”

Motherwell will start their Betfred Cup campaign with a home match against Edinburgh City on Tuesday, 17 July.

The Steelmen, beaten finalists in the 2017/18 competition, will sit out the first day of group stage action on 14 July.

A trip to Stranraer will follow on Saturday, 21 July, before Queen of the South are visitors to Fir Park on Tuesday, 24 July.

The final match of the group stage away to Clyde on Saturday, 28 July will be broadcast live on BT Sport.

As was the case in the previous two seasons, group stage matches will be played in the traditional format of three points for the winner after 90 minutes.

In the event of a draw, both teams will be awarded a point but a bonus point will be on offer for the winner of a penalty shootout at the end of 90 minutes of play.

The group winners and four best runners up will then progress to the last 16, where they will be joined by Aberdeen, Celtic, Hibernian and Rangers.

This season’s final will be played on Sunday, 2 December.

BETFRED CUP FIXTURES

Tuesday, 17 July: Edinburgh City (H), 7.45pm

Saturday, 21 July: Stranraer (A), 3pm

Tuesday, 24 July: Queen of the South (H), 7.45pm

Saturday, 28 July: Clyde (A), 3pm, live on BT Sport

PFA Scotland has named Fir Park as the best pitch in the Scottish Premiership for the 2017/18 season.

After a season long study of all 42 of the SPFL’s pitches – a joint venture between the players union PFA Scotland, the Scottish FA and Sports Labs, the leading international experts in sports surface development and testing – Fir Park was named the best surface in the Scottish top league.

Throughout season 2017/18, players at all Premiership clubs were asked to rate the pitch they played on every time they were away from home via a specially commissioned PitchRater APP.

The breakdown saw the Premiership clubs rated:

1st – Motherwell’s Fir Park: 4.26
2nd – Hibernian’s Easter Road: 4.10
3rd – Dundee’s Dens Park: 3.94
4th – Celtic’s Celtic Park: 3.75
5th – Partick Thistle’s Firhill: 3.52
6th – Rangers’ Ibrox Stadium: 3.50
7th – Ross County’s Global Energy Stadium: 3.26
8th – St Johnstone’s McDiarmid Park: 3.08
9th – Aberdeen’s Pittodrie: 3.00
10th – Heart of Midlothian’s Tynecastle: 2.96
11th – Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park: 1.70
12th – Hamilton Academical’s New Douglas Park: 1.18

Off the back of the PitchRater study, PFA Scotland, Sports Labs and the Scottish FA will sit down with relevant parties, including groundsmen, to go over the results in more depth and come up with a list of recommendations going forward to improve, and maintain, the condition of pitches across all SPFL clubs.

Fraser Wishart, chief executive of PFA Scotland, said: “Too often players’ views are overlooked within football. In this case alterations are made to pitches and different surfaces laid without any thought of, or consultation with, our members.

“It is often forgotten that the pitch is our members’ place of work and for that reason we are delighted to partner in this groundbreaking research with Sports Labs and the Scottish FA.

“Players are the ones with the intimate knowledge of how a pitch plays, how it feels underfoot and what type of football has to be played therefore it makes perfect sense to ask them for their views.”

Motherwell chief executive Alan Burrows added: “I am delighted the hard work, dedication and talent of our head groundsman has been recognised and acknowledged by the professional footballers in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

“There are a number of excellent pitches in the league and to have been named the best by the players is a huge feather in our cap and a validation of our recent hard work to improve the surface at Fir Park, which struggled for a number of years prior to Paul’s arrival.

“We have invested significantly once again this year as we strive to make our surface even better for future seasons.”

Paul Matthew, head groundsman at Motherwell said: “I am pleased Motherwell has been named the best pitch in the Scottish top flight.

“I get fantastic support from the senior management at the club, something I don’t think anyone in my industry will underestimate.

“The industry as a whole is on an upward curve at the moment with a number of extremely talented groundsman in place who have enhance their pitches.

“I look forward to further support from the SPFL to help further protect and improve what is a vital part of the product in this country.”

Motherwell Ladies missed the opportunity to record their 10th successive SWPL2 victory after being held to a 1-1 draw at struggling Aberdeen. ‬

‪The women of steel ended the game with nine players, after Kerry Montgomery and Kirsty McLaughlin both saw red in a fiery second half. ‬

‪It was a hugely contrasting second period to the first, where chances and incidents of note were at a premium.‬

‪Hayley Cunningham twice went close for the visitors, while Susan Murray and Chloe Fitzpatrick both passed up opportunities for Aberdeen.‬

‪It had been a below-par showing from Eddie Wolecki Black’s side, but they responded by making a bright start to the second half. ‬

‪On 49 minutes it took an excellent stop from Emily Mutch to deny Suzanne Mulvey from breaking the deadlock.‬

‪The frantic five minute spell that followed saw the game burst into life.

It began with Montgomery being dismissed for a second yellow card and just 30 seconds later they found themselves behind. Lynne Robertson powered a header beyond Johnstone to put the Dons in front.‬

‪Motherwell have shown themselves to be resilient on numerous occasions so far this season and they replied in the best fashion possible just one minute later.

McLaughlin broke free under pressure from three Aberdeen defenders and unleashed a low shot that found the net over the far post to level the score.

‪After finding the perfect reply, Motherwell continued to press for the goal that would put them ahead, while their opponents with an extra player advantage continued to post a threat too.‬

‪With 14 minutes remaining, Motherwell were reduced to nine when McLaughlin received a second booking. It was a decision that appeared to be harsh on the midfielder and put huge pressure on the league leaders going into the final stages of the match.‬

‪A mixture of brave defending and determination helped ‘Well through a spell of Dons pressure. They could have quite easily have gone on to take a remarkable three points, with Megan Burns and Cunningham both missing good chances.‬

‪The controversy continued after the final whistle, when Niamh Johnston became the third player in claret and amber to see red.

‪Results elsewhere mean that Motherwell retain their eight-point advantage at the top of the table with 10 games remaining.

There are no fixtures next weekend due to the international break, meaning the next match for the ladies comes on 17 June when they host Cumbernauld Colts in the second round of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup.‬

Chris Cadden earned his second Scotland cap on Sunday morning in the team’s 1-0 defeat in Mexico.

The Motherwell man was given a 35-minute run out by manager Alex McLeish, giving him the chance to stake his claim for the forthcoming Nation’s League matches.

Giovani Dos Santos’ strike early in the first half was enough for the hosts in front of 71,000 at the Azteca Stadium.

Cadden had a chance to make it an even more memorable trip with 10 minutes left on the clock, but his shot from outside the area was saved.

Allan Campbell was again in the starting team as Scotland Under 21s recorded a 2-1 win over South Korea at the Toulon Tournament.

The Motherwell midfield regular played his third consecutive match at the tournament as the young Scots followed up their win over France in midweek.

Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour and West Bromwich Albion winger Oliver Burke were on the scoresheet in the victory against the Koreans.

Campbell’s club team mate Chris Cadden will also hope to pull on the dark blue jersey this weekend, as the men’s senior A squad take on Mexico at 1am UK time on Sunday.

Season ticket sales for the 2018/19 campaign have almost doubled, compared to the same first three weeks of sale the previous year.

After an encouraging 2017/18 under manager Stephen Robinson, which saw the Steelmen reach both national cup finals for the first time in 67 years, we asked you to fuel the fire and make your investment in building on what has been started by the team.

You’ve responded in big numbers already, with many of you making use of our new online ticketing system to buy or renew.

We’d like to thank every single one of you for securing your seat and giving your backing to what we are aiming to achieve in 2018/19.

Season tickets are still available at the early bird price, so get yours before 8 June to secure a discounted price.

We hope that you too want to renew your season ticket and continue your unwavering support as we look to create even more memories.

Many of our great deals from past seasons have been retained. Juvenile tickets have been frozen at £20, and those who purchase adult or concession season tickets can still get up to two juvenile season tickets for free.

This year it’s even easier to buy or renew. You’ll be able to enjoy early bird prices and the convenience of buying quickly and easily online at tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk. There’s also the option to purchase by post, at Fir Park or on the telephone as usual.

SEASON TICKET PRICES

Concessions are applicable to those aged 60 and over, 16-18 year olds and full time students with a valid matriculation card. Juveniles are applicable to those aged 15 and under.

Ways to pay

As before, there are many ways to pay for your season ticket.

Online you can pay by debit/credit card or by using our Zebra Finance option. Click here for more information on our Zebra Finance option.

If you choose to pay by phone, you can pay up front by cash, cheque or debit/credit card. You can also take out a standing order or use our Zebra Finance option.

All the information you need:

• Prices
• A message from the chairman
• A message from the manager
• Buy your season ticket now
• Download our brochure
• Ways to pay
• Activating your online account
• How to buy for more than one person

It’s been a season to remember for Chris Cadden.

Appearing in two national cup finals and representing his country at under 21 level are achievements to be proud of for the young Scot.

But in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the boy from Bellshill arguably topped the lot.

Trailing 2-0 against Peru, Scotland boss Alex McLeish called on Cadden to replace Aberdeen’s Kenny McLean.

And as he entered the fray with around five minutes remaining in the heat of Lima, it marked a memorable day for Chris, his family, and Motherwell Football Club too.

No player has appeared in Scotland colours whilst plying their trade at Fir Park since Steven Saunders in 2010.

[pullquote]To have travelled with the first team, got some valuable experience out here in Lima and then to have got my first cap was brilliant.[/pullquote]

And Chris, reflecting on a first cap for his country, said: “It’s obviously a moment I’ll never forget. It’s something that my family and I are extremely proud of and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity.

“The scoreline was obviously not what we would have wanted, but to have travelled with the first team, got some valuable experience out here in Lima and then to have got my first cap was brilliant.”

A proud Scot and a humble man, Chris is equally thrilled by earning his first cap, as much as he is hungry for more.

“It’s something I want to build on,” he explained. “Getting that experience and being around the group has made me determined to build on things from here.”

Off the pitch, Motherwell’s number seven has barely had a rest, with his phone being bombarded with messages.

“There’s been a few messages that’s for sure,” the midfielder joked, “but no, in all honesty it’s great hearing all the kind words from friends and family and it just makes it sink in a bit more to be honest.”

There’s an immediate opportunity for the youngster to follow up on his first cap, with Scotland back in action on Sunday as they take on Mexico.

Trevor Carson played his part in Northern Ireland keeping a clean sheet in their 0-0 draw away to Panama.

The Motherwell goalkeeper played the first 45 minutes in Panama City, in what was his second appearance for his country.

Carson will be in contention to feature again for his country when they play Costa Rica in San Jose on Sunday.

Motherwell youth academy graduate Chris Cadden made his first appearance in Scotland colours on Wednesday morning.

The 21-year-old, an ever-present for the Steelmen and one of our most consistent performers, was rewarded for his progression by coming on as a late substitute in the nation’s friendly defeat in Peru.

Cadden replaced Kenny McLean in the 87th minute in Lima, as Alex McLeish’s side lost 2-0 in the first of two international matches. Scotland next travel to face Mexico on Sunday morning.

Everyone at Motherwell FC is delighted for Chris and are immensely proud to see him represent Scotland at full senior level.

His appearance marks the first for Scotland by a current Motherwell player since Steven Saunders in 2010.