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Ricki Lamie has signed a new two-year contract.

The 28-year old defender’s new deal will keep him at Fir Park until the summer of 2024.

“We are delighted Ricki has agreed to extend his stay with the club as we hope he will continue to be a big player for us in the coming months and years,” manager Graham Alexander said.

“We were in discussions with his representative for some time, but those were paused when another club made him what was an extremely attractive offer that he had no option but to accept. We understood and respected that, but had no concerns around his professionalism and in actual fact he was amongst our most important players in the second half of the campaign.

“When circumstances changed, it presented an opportunity for us and we’re so pleased to not only keep someone who is a big player on the pitch, but an important character off it too.”

Lamie arrived from fellow Premiership side Livingston in the summer of 2020 and has gone on to make 70 appearances in claret and amber.

As well as cementing a place in the heart of the Steelmen’s defence, he has made a vital contribution at the other end of the pitch with key goals against Livingston to secure a top six spot and against Hearts to confirm UEFA Europa Conference League football.

“Motherwell is an excellent club, with so many good people and characters,” Lamie added.

“It was a great ending to the season for the team, to finish in the top six and qualify for Europe.

“That being said, I still think we can improve and have got more to give collectively. I really want to play a part in that, which is why I am pleased to be staying for at least another two years and I am already looking forward to getting back in next month.”

Motherwell pair Liam Kelly and Stephen O’Donnell have been called up by Scotland for the FIFA World Cup play-off match(es) and UEFA Nations League fixtures. 

Scotland will take on Ukraine in the World Cup semi final play-off on Wednesday 1 June at Hampden.

Should they progress, Steve Clarke’s side will then face Wales in the play-off final on Sunday 5 June at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Scotland are also in Nations League action as they kick off their group matches against Armenia on Wednesday 8 June at Hampden.

They then travel to Dublin on Saturday 11 June to face Republic of Ireland before a trip to Armenia three days later.

With the 2021/22 season at an end, we can provide supporters with the following update on players’ contracts.

Liam Grimshaw departs having spent five-and-a-half seasons at Fir Park across two spells, making over 130 appearances in claret and amber. The tenacious utility player has been a popular figure amongst the ‘Well support, but has found first team opportunities limited over the last year.

Northern Irish international Liam Donnelly departs after 70 outings in four seasons. The versatile midfielder, who more recently showed his qualities in the defensive line, clocked up 13 goals for Motherwell and also two caps for his country.

Also exiting is Mark O’Hara, who spent three seasons in claret and amber following a move from Peterborough United in 2019. Playing in a variety of positions, Mark made 74 appearances and scored six goals, but has opted to depart for St Mirren.

Other names leaving Fir Park are Darragh O’Connor, Justin Amaluzor, Jordan Roberts, PJ Morrison, Victor Nirennold and youngster Cody McLeod. Liam Shaw will return to his parent club, Celtic, following the end of his loan spell.

“I want to thank everyone who is leaving Motherwell this summer for their effort during their time with the club,” manager Graham Alexander said.

“The likes of Liam Grimshaw, Liam Donnelly and Mark O’Hara have been in our first team for extended periods, so I want to pay particular tribute to them. Although Grimmy didn’t feature as much as he would like, for me he was always a fantastic professional and trained hard every single day, and that says a lot about the type of person he is.

“Any time Liam or Mark featured they gave everything, so I want to thank them both too. PJ Morrison has also been with the club from a very young age, but we both agreed he needed to kick his career on by playing regularly every week.

“Everyone leaving has made their mark in some way, big or small, and we wish them well for the future careers, wherever that takes them.”

The following players will leave at the expiry of their contract or return to their parent club at the end of their loan:

• Justin Amaluzor
• Liam Donnelly
• Liam Grimshaw
• Mark O’Hara
• Cody McLeod
• PJ Morrison
• Victor Nirennold
• Darragh O’Connor
• Jordan Roberts
• Liam Shaw (end of loan – Celtic FC)

The following player has been offered an extended deal:

• Ricki Lamie

The 2021/22 cinch Premiership season will be remembered for many reasons – but ultimately securing a spot in Europe.

A strong start to the campaign left the Steelmen in a comfortable position, sitting in the top half of the table by Christmas.

But a poor run of form after the winter break meant seven teams were drawn into a tight mid-table battle for the top six, and ultimately that European place.

Just when Motherwell looked down and out, they dramatically came from behind to deny the odds and not only secure their spot in the top half of the table, but also clinch a UEFA Europa Conference League spot as well.

This is how the 38 games unfolded, ultimately ending with the European success supporters were deprived of celebrating in 2020 when Covid-19 hit.

This is the story of our 2021/22 season.

The Well In scheme, which was launched last summer to help families from low income and unemployed households watch their team, will continue in 2022/23.

We are once again asking supporters who feel financially able to donate towards the scheme this year.

Donations of any value are welcome, with 100% of the money going towards the purchase of season tickets. In return, the club will again match all donations to ensure as many season tickets as possible are made available to our community.

To donate, please go to donate.motherwellfc.co.uk or alternatively you can call us on 01698 333333.

Motherwell player and assistant manager Leanne Crichton has been nominated for the Kat Lindner Award at the SWF Annual End of Season Awards.

The award, which is for Outstanding Academic & Athletic Achievement, was introduced in 2016 in Katherine Lindner’s honour.

Also nominated is Claire Shine of Glasgow City and Tessel Middag of Rangers.

“I am honoured to be nominated for such a prestigious award,” Leanne Crichton said.

“Kat was a huge figure within the Scottish Womens game and was a huge influence in helping the game advance to where it is today.

“She was an exemplary role model, combined with her work off the field and her academic studies and research, she was remarkable.

“It is an absolute privilege to be nominated for this award named in her honour.”

Goalkeeping coach Craig Hinchliffe has left Motherwell to take up the role of Goalkeeping Coach at Dundee United.

The former Partick Thistle and Arbroath player joined Motherwell in 2017 and has worked with, and improved, goalkeepers such as Trevor Carson, Mark Gillespie and Liam Kelly in his stint at the club.

“I’m obviously disappointed to see Hinchy go, but he goes with nothing but full respect and affection from me,” Manager Graham Alexander said.

“He’s been brilliant to work with and played a big part in our success this season. I know how much the players liked him, especially the keepers who have all benefited from his expertise. We all wish him the best of luck for the future.”

We thank Craig for his efforts at the club and wish him all the best for the future.

Motherwell secured a dramatic late victory after defeating Aberdeen 3-2 with the final kick of the game in a gripping season-finale at Park Alliance Park.

Gill Inglis fired Motherwell ahead with a precise finish before Francesca Ogilvie levelled the game minutes from half time. Ogilvie netted her second of the afternoon to put Aberdeen in the ascendency before Jemma Hughes restored the scoreline minutes from full time.

As the final whistle approached, Kaela McDonald-Nguah’s strike from distance nestled comfortably into the top right corner to secure maximum points for the hosts.

Following last weekend’s narrow 1-0 victory over Hearts, Paul Brownlie made two changes from the previous outing, with Jordan McLintock and Jemma Hughes replacing McDonald-Nguah and London Pollard who both dropped to the bench.

Looking to secure their season-long ambition of a top-six finish, Motherwell made a positive start, limiting the visitors to their own half.

Chelsie Watson’s accurate long ball caught the high Aberdeen defensive line off guard, leaving Carla Boyce to race through on goal, but the strikers drilled effort was superbly parried round the post by the keeper.

Motherwell continued to flood the Aberdeen penalty area and eventually found the breakthrough after 12 minutes. Inglis skilfully worked her way into the box with a clever nutmeg before curling a composed finish into the bottom left corner.

The women of steel continued to pile on the pressure and were convinced they should’ve been awarded a penalty after Inglis was hauled down deep into the Aberdeen penalty area, but the referee quickly waived play on, much to the bewilderment of the Motherwell technical area.

Despite a dominant first half display, Aberdeen found the equaliser on the stroke of half time.

Kelly Forrest’s direct through ball caught the Motherwell defence scrambling, and Ogilvie took full advantage as she coolly slotted her strike into the bottom left corner.

With the final 10 minutes remaining, Aberdeen took the lead, with Ogilvie netting her second of the game. Finding space on the left, the striker cut inside with relative ease before picking out the far corner from an acute angle.

With the women of steel chasing the game in the final few minutes, Katie Rice’s free kick sailed invitingly into the path of Hughes yards from goal, and the strikers audacious effort floated beyond the reach of the keeper to bring Motherwell level.

As the full-time whistle approached, McDonald-Nguah drilled a sensational effort from distance into the top-right corner to secure all three points in a dramatic season-finale.

A fitting finish to what has been a transformational debut season under Paul Brownlie. The women of steel’ will return to competitive action in July.

“We are obviously disappointed today. But what we’ve achieved this season is something to be proud of.”

Motherwell failed to spoil the party at Celtic lifted the cinch Premiership title with a 6-0 win in the final game of the season.

A first-half double from Kyogo, either side of a David Turnbull goal, put the champions comfortably ahead at the interval.

Victor Nirennold and Bevis Mugabi came into the defence at the expense of Juhani Ojala and Liam Donnelly, with Stephen O’Donnell moving to left-wing back to accommodate the Frenchman.

But with Celtic in party mode as they prepared to lift the trophy, ‘Well were camped in for long spells in the opening stages.

‘Well defended resolutely but it would be a set play that would prove their undoing in the 22nd minute.

The corner kick that it came from was disputed but the resulting ball into the box saw Nirennold slip making his clearance at the back post, allowing Kyogo to steal in and thrash the ball low past Kelly.

Having absorbed the early pressure, Motherwell would gradually grow into it with a succession of set plays presenting opportunities.

A Goss free-kick from the left saw Mugabi head back across goal against the outstretched arm of Rogic. A corner was given, with the ball perhaps narrowly – and legally – striking the upper arm.

Carroll sent the ball back towards goal from the resulting corner and Mugabi was set to pounce to knock in from two yards before Hart’s reaction saw him arrive late and snatch the ball.

Slattery sent a shot from 30 yards wide and Cornelius steered a shot wide from the edge of the box as Motherwell got themselves up the pitch, but couldn’t take one of the chances they were starting to carve out.

Chances come at a premium without being punished at Celtic Park and it would be a favourite son who would make ‘Well pay.

Picking the ball up 30 yards out, Turnbull surged for goal, dancing through a succession of challenges before firing low into the bottom-left corner of the net to make it two with five minutes left in the half.

The champions would then go in three up at the break. A chipped ball over the top found the run of Kyogo down the right, who took the ball on the bounce to steer past a helpless Kelly.

Celtic continued to pile on the pressure but it was the visitors who should have netted next.

A Carroll free-kick from the right was half-cleared and Mugabi was on hand to react and knock the ball goalwards, but saw his effort drop past the left post.

Predictably, Celtic would make Motherwell pay. A sweeping move through the middle saw the ball eventually arrive at the feet of Jota, who steered the ball home from close range to make it four just before the hour mark.

Substitute Giakoumakis’ close-range overhead kick after Donnelly’s clearance into the air made it five, and the Greek netted again at the death as the season ended with defeat but European football secured.