Latest News

The fourth inductee into the Motherwell FC Hall of Fame class of 2019 is James McFadden.

McFadden was a product of what is now the club’s youth academy and – after impressing for the reserves – made his top-team debut on Boxing Day in 2000 in a 3-0 reverse at home to Dundee.

Few in the swollen 6,000-plus crowd that afternoon would have envisaged what an indelible and important mark the young Glaswegian would not only have on Motherwell, but Scottish football over the next two decades.

By the time the club had crashed into administration in May 2002, Faddy was a mainstay and indeed, scored a memorable goal away to Kilmarnock in a 4-1 win when a packed Chadwick Stand, full of worried ‘Well fans, cheered on their new talisman.

It was around that time McFadden was selected by the then-national team boss Berti Vogts for a tour of the Far East. Aged just 19, McFadden earned his first cap against South Africa and even managed to miss his flight home after a night out. It only added to the intrigue as the nation began to fall in love with this talented “cheeky boy”.

With ‘Well being run by administrator Bryan Jackson and the club clinging for survival, McFadden was a light through those dark days.

He netted 19 times in 35 matches for the Steelmen during the 2002/03 season, collecting 15 cautions and a red card to boot, but couldn’t stop a Terry Butcher-led Motherwell finishing bottom of the SPL table, despite memorable wins over Rangers, Celtic and Hearts.

However, Falkirk’s lack of a stadium at the time saved ‘Well from the oblivion of relegation.

McFadden finished that season in style, netting a cracking hat-trick against Livingston on the final day, including an audacious “Panenka” penalty, firmly establishing himself as the hottest property in Scottish football.

‘Well fans were counting down the days to the end of the summer window of 2003 in the hope their hero would still wear the claret and amber that campaign. But on the last day, 1 September, the inevitable happened and he joined English Premier League side Everton for a deal that would eventually land ‘Well close to £2m.

It’s never been told publicly, but McFadden gave up his share of that fee to ensure Motherwell, or more so the creditors the club had at the time, could be better recompensed. His transfer was the main reason the club could emerge from the stranglehold of the court-appointed accountants less than eight months later.

McFadden went on to become an important player in the David Moyes story at Everton, and more so, established himself as a national hero as the focal point of the national team for numerous campaigns.

His 48 caps brought many fond and special memories, none more so than the incredible goal in Paris as Alex McLeish’s Scotland stunned former world champions France.

Multi-million pound moves to Birmingham, then back to Everton, before a short spell at Sunderland were next, before an emotional return home to Motherwell in February 2013, making his mark on his first appearance as ‘Well saw off Celtic 2-1 at Fir Park.

He then rolled back the years with his first goal of his second coming with a cracker against Hibs in a 4-1 win in front of the ESPN cameras at Fir Park.

Motherwell would finish second behind Celtic that season, with Faddy contributing five goals in 11 starts, and second again the following season, when they pipped Aberdeen on the last day of the campaign at Pittodrie.

A brief year at St Johnstone was next before a third spell at ‘Well, when Mark McGhee signed him initially as a player, before making him his assistant for the 2016/2017 season.

An unforgettable player, a coach, an assistant manager, a Scotland hero and a man who provided inspiration and hope to a group of supporters in their darkest of days. James McFadden will always be known as one of Motherwell’s most important figures.

He will be inducted at a dinner at the Bothwell Bridge Hotel on Saturday, 23 November, along with George Stevenson, Willie Pettigrew, Ally Maxwell. Hosted by Tam Cowan, our event is now sold out.

You can still choose who you want to see in the Hall of Fame through our fan vote that will be announced on the night. Click here to cast your vote.

Motherwell return to Ladbrokes Premiership action on Saturday, 23 November with a trip to face Hibernian.

Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office. Pre-purchase is advised.

The game at Easter Road kicks off at 3pm.

Children price applies to pre-sale only. Tickets on the day will cost £14.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

Motherwell made it two wins in a row in the SPFL Reserve League on Monday, defeating Queen of the South 4-0.

A Ross MacIver double, with further goals from Sherwin Seedorf and Christy Manzinga, gave Maurice Ross’ side a convincing victory at Broadwood.

After some early chances for the hosts, Seedorf opened the scoring with 25 minutes gone.

Casper Sloth played the winger in down the right, before he cut inside, beat his man and fired the ball into the top corner.

Five minutes before the break, it was two. Manzinga got to the byline and cut it back to the forward, who slotted the ball home.

Manzinga then made it three after 56 minutes with a superb finish from a tight angle, before MacIver swept home his second in the 67th minute from Brown’s through ball.

Motherwell: Morrison, Brown, Hussain, Devine, Muir, Sloth, Cornelius, Semple, MacIver, Seedorf, Manzinga.

Subs: Hemfrey, Robertson, Hale, Starrs, Kettings.

Motherwell Football Club is delighted to announce a partnership with Scottish craft gin producer The Dundee Gin Company.

The Dundee Gin Company is a three-year-old, Dundee-based gin and gin liqueur specialist that carry a variety of flavours, as well as full-strength gins.

“Having expanded recently with a much higher profile on the west coast, we were seeking a partnership in Scotland with a company that shares our community-based ethos,” Lewis Murphy of The Dundee Gin Company said.

“None could embrace this more than Motherwell FC, as the only fan-owned club in the Scottish Premiership.

“All the staff and supporters we have met so far have been a testament to the club, welcoming us with open arms.

“After our initial meeting with the club, it was obvious that this was a great partner for us and that a long-term relationship would be a benefit to both Motherwell FC and ourselves.

“We have already been converted into fans of the Steelmen and we are very excited to see what the future can bring as the official gin sponsor of Motherwell Football Club.”

Suzanne Reid, head of commercial and marketing at Motherwell FC, added: “We’re delighted to be expanding our partnership portfolio by working with The Dundee Gin Company.

“As part of the sponsorship, a new Motherwell FC gin liqueur will be launched in time for Christmas. We thank the company for their support and look forward to working with them.”

An Odsonne Edouard strike and an own goal from Richard Tait sees the league leaders take all three points in the Ladbrokes Premiership match.

Motherwell are in SPFL Reserve League action on Monday, with Queen of the South the visitors.

Maurice Ross’ side are at Broadwood Stadium. Kick-off is at 2pm.

“We are disappointed with the result. But we’ve raised our standards and it’s hard to be critical.”

Stephen Robinson speaks as Motherwell perform well but lose 2-0 at Celtic.

A goal in each half, laced with a bit of fortune, eased Celtic to a win over a Motherwell side which will take plaudits from their performance in Glasgow.

However, despite another decent showing against one of the big two, the Fir Park side again left the city with nothing to show for its efforts and positive approach to the fixture.

The Steelmen’s confident start to the season was apparent in the large periods of possession they enjoyed.

But on the two occasions that they looked to make an impact they lost goals. Firstly, to an Odsonne Edouard strike, midway through the first half, and then an own goal from Richard Tait nine minutes after the break, as ‘Well made a positive start to the second half.

Stephen Robinson made several changes in personnel and his starting formation for the visit to Celtic Park. Peter Hartley’s illness allowed Bevis Mugabi to start alongside Declan Gallagher, with Richard Tait on his left to form a central three in a flexible back five.

With Liam Donnelly suspended, Barry Maguire was handed the role in the centre of midfield.

Motherwell were hoping that Celtic’s colossal performance and result in Rome on Thursday would have an adverse effect on the Parkhead side. However, Neil Lennon’s men showed no signs of fatigue and were on the front foot from the first whistle.

Mark Gillespie made his first save after six minutes, throwing himself low to his left to push Odsonne Edouard’s low curling shot round his post.

Although a series of crosses whizzed across the ‘Well goal, the visitors were keen to get forward and support Devante Cole and Christopher Long.

After 10 minutes, Long had the first attempt at Fraser Forster’s goal, driving the ball a couple of metres wide of the target from 30 yards.

Three minutes later, only a fabulous tackle from Gallagher prevented Elyounoussi from opening the scoring after Maguire lost possession and the ‘Well defence was spliced wide open.

The Fir Park men then enjoyed a period of possession around the Celtic box. Liam Polworth’s corner was cleared and when the ‘Well midfielder regained possession on the left of the box, he released Cole but his half-hit effort was easily taken by Forster.

Just when Motherwell started to look comfortable on the ball they found themselves a goal down after 19 minutes.

Gallagher did well to track James Forrest’s run across the box. But the Fir Park defender was unlucky that his block sent the ball into the path of Edouard, who from 12 yards lashed the ball high past a helpless Gillespie.

Celtic seemed content with the lead and as Motherwell pushed for a quick equaliser they came within a few feet of drawing level in the 25th minute.

From wide on the left, Jake Carroll delivered a low tempting ball across the six-yard box with Long sliding in and failing to make contact, while Campbell fared no better as the ball sailed across the goal begging a touch.

Celtic’s ability to break with pace attempted to expose the Steelmen’s rearguard but Gillespie was generally well protected by his central defenders, as the Parkhead fired a few openings high over the ‘keeper’s crossbar.

Four minutes from the break, Tait delayed his free kick until Gallagher raced to the home box. And it almost paid off as the ex-Livi man’s knock down forced Forster to push the ball away from his goal, with Carroll unable to get onto to the loose ball.

Just before the break Hayes looked as if he would cross the ball, but instead pinged a shot at goal which Gillespie beat away, for only his second save of the game.

Only a goal behind, the ‘Well players still looked undaunted as the second half began. Within a couple of minutes, Gallagher’s long throw into a packed Celtic box was only partially cleared, but from 20 yards Polworth slashed his shot wide of goal.

Play continued around the home box as Carroll’s long throw failed to reach Gallagher before Polworth’s free kick, from a good position, harmlessly floated into Forster’s hands.

However, once again as Motherwell thought they might find a way back into the game, they conceded a killer second goal.

Ironically, Tait found the touch that eluded Long in the first half. Unfortunately, the full back slid into the six-yard box to connect with Jonny Hayes’ low cross, he stabbed the ball past Gillespie and into his own net.

Motherwell continued to give the Celtic defence some concern and Carroll’s low ball forced Christopher Julien, under pressure from tireless running Cole, to sweep the ball behind his own goal.

Despite the two goal lead, the Parkhead fans were unhappy with amount of possession given to the visitors.

And with around 25 minutes remaining, and Stephen Robinson suspecting that a Motherwell goal might raise the anxiety in the stands, ‘Well changed to a more attack-minded formation bringing on wide men Jermaine Hylton and Sherwin Seedorf.

It was Celtic substitute Ryan Christie, though, who forced a rare save from Gillespie, the keeper going to ground to smother a low drive. Gillespie made one more stop on a relatively quiet afternoon at Celtic Park, sticking out his left boot to force Olivier Ntcham’s angled drive away from his goal.

The final change for ‘Well came after 79 minutes when James Scott replaced Cole in a final effort to break down the Parkhead defence.

With Celtic perhaps jaded after their midweek efforts and Motherwell unable to grab a goal and lift the tempo of the game, the match drifted towards the final whistle.