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  • First team

    Stuart Kettlewell previews Livingston trip

  • First team

    Hughie Ferguson is our first 2023 Hall of Fame inductee

  • Women

    Match Preview: Celtic (A)

  • First team

    Liam Kelly in squad squad for October double header

  • First team

    Brodie Spencer called up Northern Ireland squad

  • First team

    The one before the October break

  • First team

    Player of the month September vote

  • First team

    Lennon Miller named in Scotland’s Under 19 squad

  • First team

    Football can be so cruel // Motherwell 1-2 Celtic

  • Women

    Montrose 3-0 Motherwell: The women of steel exit the Sky Sports Cup.

  • First team

    Stuart Kettlewell previews Livingston trip

    Stuart Kettlewell was pleased to see his team’s reaction to the late sucker punch they received on Saturday against Celtic. 

    Despite conceding the late goal, his team got straight back to work first thing on Monday morning, having dusted themselves down, and immediately drew out a plan for the match against Livingston in the cinch Premiership this weekend.

    The manager discusses his thoughts on sticking to the plan that has seen us be so successful since February and offers an update on the injured players and their recovery plans.

  • First team

    Hughie Ferguson is our first 2023 Hall of Fame inductee

    Hughie Ferguson is our first 2023 Hall of Fame inductee

    We welcome Hughie Ferguson as the first 2023 Hall of Fame inductee. 

    A name familiar to many in the Motherwell fanbase, Hughie Ferguson was born on the 2 March 1895 in Motherwell. His footballing life began right here in ML1, playing with local youth sides including the Dalziel School team, where he featured as a half-back.

    He began to move further up the pitch the older he became, turning out for the Motherwell branch of the Boys’ Brigade and Motherwell Hearts as an outside forward.

    The time would come in 1914 for Hughie to move further afield, when he joined Glasgow-based Parkhead which is where he began to apply his trade as a centre forward. He would impress everyone whilst playing for Parkhead with media outlets labelling him as ‘in a class of his own.’

    Goals would begin to be an ever prevalent part of Hughie’s game and the first move of his career was on the cards as he began contract talks with Manchester City. A move down South would be put on hold however, due to the outbreak of World War One.

    With his move to Manchester off the cards, Scottish football would continue during the war and Hughie opened talks with John Hunter ahead of the 1915-16 season. Despite these discussion, he would remain at Parkhead where we would notch more than 30 goals in the first four months of the campaign.

    As a result, many clubs began to take note of Hughie’s ability and sheer consistency of finding the back of the net. A move to Motherwell looked likely for the second time however, the move fell through.

    By the end of the 1915-16 season, Hughie had scored more than 70 goals, as many of the Parkhead team went on to sign for professional clubs.

    With the start of the 1916-17 season looming, the time eventually arrived for Hughie to join his hometown club and pull on the claret and amber. In his own words ‘if the Manchester City deal was off, then Motherwell was the only club I would think about.’

    With a prolific goalscoring record at junior and amateur level, Hughie made his professional debut in a 2-2 draw against Raith Rovers in 1916. Unsurprisingly, he scored both goals. It would only take him two weeks to score his first professional hat trick.

    In his first season at Fir Park, his game time would be somewhat limited through injury. As a result, he would only go on to net 25 goals- which was fourth highest in the league and he was responsible for over half of Motherwell’s goals. Not a bad start his Motherwell career.

    His second season at Motherwell would also be laden with goals and success stories. Scoring 34 goals, he was the highest scoring Scottish player come the end of the league season and helped his team finish fifth in the table, a record at the time.

    Motherwell would see a dip in form but Hughie would record 19 goals in the 1918-19 season, albeit was his lowest scoring tally for the club.

    He would go on to net 11 goals in six matches in the 1919-20 season and scored in every game he featured up until 6 October. The goals would continue to flow for the entirety of the campaign as Motherwell finished a record breaking third in the league with Ferguson claiming 33 goals.

    Despite clubs taking note of Hughie, his focus remained at Motherwell and he would go on to have a record breaking season at Fir Park in 1920-21 where he would score 42 goals in the league, a new record in Scotland for goals scored in a single season.

    The bids began to fly in for Hughie with the likes of Manchester City, Everton, Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic all interested but his heart remained in Lanarkshire as the forward turned down all offers.

    Hughie would stay on the books at Motherwell until the November 1925 when he moved to Cardiff City to help raise funds for the club.

    A fee of £5,000 was agreed between the two clubs, as the local steelworks closed for half-an-hour to allow the workers to wave their hero for many years away for the final time. Something like this was never seen before.

    Large crowds gathered at the train station also to see him on his way and thank him for his tremendous service to the club.

    The goals would continue in Blue for Hughie as he netted the winner in the 1927 FA Cup Final against Arsenal. He would continue to break record after record, including scoring 32 goals in a season and becoming the highest scoring player in English and Scottish football on 352 goals.

    He would pick up the Charity Shield and Welsh Cup in his time in Wales before making the journey back home to Scotland to play for Dundee in 1929.

    Despite vocalising his desire to return to Motherwell, Ferguson would remain at Dens Park where goals would be difficult to come by due to injury.

    On the 8 January 1930, Hughie Ferguson tragically died aged 34 at Dens Park following a training session. He would later be buried in Airbles Cemetery.

    Making over 346 appearances for Motherwell and scoring a remarkable 284 goals, Hughie Ferguson will forever be remembered for his remarkable goalscoring record but he was much more than just that.

    He broke records and engrained himself into the Motherwell history books for the rest of time but he also forged a path for Motherwell to reach heights never seen before, he was a true pioneer for this football club and for that, we welcome him into the Motherwell FC Hall of Fame.

     


     

    We will never forget those who have forged the path to where the club sits at present day. Some with us and some sadly not, we want to come together to celebrate the proud history we have at Motherwell Football Club.

    This year, the event will take place at Dalziel Park Hotel on Friday 17 November, with host Tam Cowan inducting five new names.

    If you would like to attend our night of celebration, tickets cost £66 for adults and £30 for children under the age of 12 are on sale now.

    You can buy tickets for the dinner online or contact the commercial department on 01698 338011.

    Please note than some of the colourful language on the night may not be appropriate for young children or those easily offended.

  • Women

    Match Preview: Celtic (A)

    Match Preview: Celtic (A)

    Looking to put a weekend of cup disappointment firmly in the past, the women of steel return to league action this weekend, as Motherwell seek to end their recent winless run against title-chasers Celtic.

    Motherwell’s pre-international break woes persisted on their return in the East coast, as a prolific Montrose racked up three second-half goals to secure their place in the second round of the Sky Sports Cup, with Motherwell suffering a disappointing early exit.

    Paul Brownlie’s side will now travel to the Excelsior stadium, as they look to conclude their misfortunes on the road.

    The Tale of the Tape

    Motherwell

    The visitors exceptional start to the league campaign saw Motherwell record three wins from their opening five league games, however the women of steel have since faced a strenuous couple of months, with four successive defeats in all competitions.

    Battling performances against Partick Thistle and Hibernian unfortunately yielded no points, with narrow one-goal deficits ultimately deciding the tie.

    Motherwell will be looking to replicate their previous performance against the Glasgow outfit, as neither side found the target which transpired to be an historic point in the last meeting in January.

    Celtic

    Last season’s Scottish Cup champions Celtic have picked up where they left off last season, with an impeccable eight successive victories in all domestic competitions, placing the Glasgow side one point behind league leaders and fierce rivals Rangers with a game to spare.

    Celtic have proven to be prolific in-front of goal whilst remaining compact and difficult to break down at the back, as Fran Alonso’s side netted 41 goals and conceded only five in their opening seven league games.

    Ticket Information

    Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture. Supporters can purchase tickets here:

    • Adult – £8
    • Under 16s – £4 (Proof of age may be required)
    • Adult & Child (U16) – £10

    How to follow the action

    Those attending Excelsior Stadium will be able to access the ground from 13:30 ahead of a 14:00 kick off. Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match.

  • First team

    Liam Kelly in squad squad for October double header

    Liam Kelly in squad squad for October double header

    Steve Clarke has named Liam Kelly in his October Scotland squad. 

    Although withdrawing from last month’s squad, Kelly has fully recovered from a back problem and goes into the October camp having played all of Motherwell’s league games this season.

    Scotland once again have the opportunity to qualify for EURO 2024 this month, after their fine 3-0 win over Cyprus in September.

    They have one qualifying match this month, which is a trip to Spain on Thursday 12 October before making the short trip to take on France on Tuesday 17 October in a friendly match.

    Scotland only require a point from their remaining games to guarantee qualification.

    • Spain v Scotland 
    • KO: 7.45pm
    • Thursday 12 October 
    • Estadio La Cartuja De Sevilla, Seville, Spain

     

    • France v Scotland 
    • KO: 8pm
    • Tuesday 17 October 
    • Decathlon Arena, Lille, France
  • First team

    Brodie Spencer called up Northern Ireland squad

    Brodie Spencer called up Northern Ireland squad

    Brodie Spencer has been named in the latest Northern Ireland squad. 

    The defender, on loan from Huddersfield, has been a prominent feature in the Motherwell backline. He was called up to the Under 21 squad last month, before a late call up to the first team due to injuries.

    He was an unused substitute on both occasions last month against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.

    Northern Ireland have two matches in October, first facing San Marino on Saturday 14 October before Slovenia come to town on Tuesday 17 October. Both games take place in Belfast.

    • Northern Ireland v San Marino
    • KO: 2pm
    • Saturday 14 October
    • Windsor Park, Northern Ireland 

     

    • Northern Ireland v Slovenia 
    • KO: 7.45pm
    • Tuesday 17 October 
    • Windsor Park, Northern Ireland 
  • First team

    The one before the October break

    Motherwell are looking to go into the October international break on a high, with a trip to Livingston next up for the Steelmen.

    Kick off is 3pm at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

    How to follow the game
    Away section
    Adults £25
    Concessions (Over 65’s/Students/Amb Dis) £17
    Juniors (Under 16) £10

    Tickets will be online apart from wheelchair/carer tickets which will be posted to us. Ambulant supporters should contact Livingston directly:

    If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.

    Should you be in the UK, it will be live commentary only.

    Kit Watch

    For the first time this season, we will be wearing our away kit for this match.

    Team News

    Jon Obika, Calum Butcher and Mika Biereth will remain missing for this match.

    Motherwell’s fortunes

    It was sheer heartbreak for Motherwell in their last match against Celtic. The champions opened the scoring in 87th minute before Blair Spittal seemingly earned his side a point with an equaliser in the 95th minute.

    However, Celtic scored again with the last kick of the ball meaning it’s been three losses on the spin for Stuart Kettlewell’s side.

    Although facing the top three teams in the league table on the bounce, Motherwell will feel hard done by in each match, not to come away with anything.

    Motherwell are unbeaten in their last seven against Livi, with Stuart Kettlewell picking up a win and a draw against them in his tenure at Fir Park.

    Last time out, an early Kevin van Veen goal was cancelled out in the second half, with the game ending 1-1.

    Opposition Report

    Livingston have one league win this season but earned a point on the road last time out against St Johnstone.

    Sitting on seven points in the league, they occupy tenth in the table.

    Bruce Anderson has continued to be the main source of goals this season for David Martindale, scoring five goals in competitions this term.

  • First team

    Player of the month September vote

    Player of the month September vote

    It’s time to vote for your G4 Claims player of the month for September. 

    Callum Slattery, Blair Spittal, Brodie Spencer and Bevis Mugabi are all up for nomination.

    To vote, head over to the Motherwell Facebook page.

    Games in September
    • Hearts 0-1 Motherwell 
    • Motherwell 0-1 St Mirren 
    • Rangers 1-0 Motherwell 
    • Motherwell 1-2 Celtic 
    Bevis Mugabi

    After a difficult season last year, Bevis Mugabi has cemented his place at the heart of the backline this season. He has played every minute of every game in September.

    Mugabi’s excellent last ditch blocks and winning his aerial duals was crucial to our win against Hearts in Edinburgh and has made 29 interceptions this month.

    Similarly against Rangers and St Mirren, the Ugandan limited to the opposition to few opportunities.

    With a pass accuracy of 85%, Mugabi has been key to Motherwell’s nice style of football.

    Brodie Spencer

    Arriving on loan from Huddersfield, Brodie Spencer was thrown straight into the fire.

    Although a right-sided full back, he has been featured more prominently on the left hand side, providing width and an attacking threat going forward. It was Brodie’s throw that led to Blair Spittal’s late equaliser against Celtic on Saturday.

    He kept an ever present James Tavernier quiet at Ibrox and won 90% if his aerial duels against St Mirren.

    Tirelessly working the full length of the pitch, Spencer has made 17 interceptions in four games and as a result, earns his first player of the month nomination.

    Callum Slattery

    Up once again for nomination, Callum Slattery has once again been involved in everything at Motherwell.

    The midfielder scored the only goal of the game against Hearts to give his side three points, making it his fourth goal of the season.

    With a pass accuracy of 91% against Rangers, he made nine interceptions and won 80% of his defensive duals against Celtic and St Mirren.

    A box-to-box midfielder, he has been instrumental in linking the play from to front and has been operating in a more forward area of the pitch.

    Blair Spittal

    Also up a regular nominee, Blair Spittal has continued his fine run of form this month.

    The midfielder continued his fine partnership with Callum Slattery, by setting the number eight up for his goal against Hearts with a pinpoint through ball.

    Against Rangers, Spittal seen two efforts cleared off the line before scoring a last minute leveller against Celtic on Saturday. With these efforts included, Spittal has registered 14 shots in four games as he hunts down a high, goalscoring season.

    Having only missed 12 minutes against Elgin City this season, the number seven is a key component in Stuart Kettlewell’s system.

  • First team

    Lennon Miller named in Scotland’s Under 19 squad

    Lennon Miller named in Scotland’s Under 19 squad

    Lennon Miller has been called up to Scotland’s Under 19 squad. 

    Earning his first caps at Under 19 level last month, Miller has retained his place in the squad for their two matches later this month.

    Scotland lineup against Ireland on Wednesday 11 October before taking on Portugal on Sunday 15 October.

    • Scotland U21 v Ireland U21
    • KO: 4pm
    • Wednesday 11 October 
    • Pinatar Football Arena, Murcia, Spain

     

    • Scotland U21 v Portugal U21
    • KO: 12pm
    • Sunday 15 October 
    • Pinatar Football Arena, Murcia, Spain
  • First team

    Football can be so cruel // Motherwell 1-2 Celtic

    Champions Celtic travelled to ML1 after their strong start to the season as Motherwell prepared to face their third top three team in three weeks. 

    Off the back of two frustrating and harsh losses, the Steelmen were hunting an upset and a strong performance. They most definitely got the latter, producing a fine work ethic and a number of chances.

    However, they managed to keep Celtic at bay going into the latter stages of the game, before the game would spark into life.

    Luis Palma tucked away his effort on 87 minutes, seemingly giving Celtic the three points with only minutes left and sending the away end into pandemonium.

    However, Motherwell kept battling right until the bitter end and were rewarded for their strong character. On 95 minutes, Blair Spittal fired into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations from the home side.

    With just seconds remaining, Celtic launched an immediate attack and Matt O’Riley tucked home at the back post to take Motherwell from ecstasy to agony.

    Another deflating result where the performance warranted more, Motherwell now travel to Livingston next Saturday in their final match before the international break.

  • Women

    Montrose 3-0 Motherwell: The women of steel exit the Sky Sports Cup.

    Montrose 3-0 Motherwell: The women of steel exit the Sky Sports Cup.

    Motherwell’s pre-international break woes persisted on their return in the East coast, as a prolific Montrose racked up three second-half goals to secure their place in the second round of the Sky Sports Cup, with Motherwell suffering a disappointing early exit.

    Aimee Ridgeway broke the deadlock early into the second-half, with Neve Guthrie quickly doubling the hosts advantage on the hour mark. Louise Brown added a third in the latter stages to compile Motherwell’s misery on the road.

    Head coach Paul Brownlie made three changes from the previous defeat to Hibernian, as Murron Cunningham, Katie Rice and Bailley Collins all returned to the starting XI. Academy graduate Hannah Cairns secured a pace on the bench whilst Carla Boyce and Kaela McDonald-Nguah led the line.

    Keen to break their three game winless run of form, Motherwell started firmly on the front foot, with Collins coming agonisingly close to an opener in the early exchanges.

    The wingers strike from distance changed direction in the air, leaving the Montrose stopper scrambling, as the ball rattled off the crossbar. Carla Boyce prodded home the rebound, but the strikers celebrations were quickly cut short, as Boyce narrowly strayed offside.

    Motherwell were awarded a penalty minutes later, as Louisa Boyes’ clever first-touch caught the defender off-balance, and a reckless challenge left the referee no alternative but to award the spot kick. McDonald-Nguah stepped up and saw her penalty parried clear by Lauren Perry in the Montrose goal. A moment which soon reflected the visitors afternoon.

    Louisa Boyes had the ball in the net as the half-time whistle approached, but the referee adjudged an offside in the build-up which kept the scoreline intact.

    As the second half resumed, Montrose netted the opener. Substitute Flo Bruce’s delivery was met by Ridgeway near the edge of the box, and the forwards powerful attempt sailed into the top-left corner.

    The hosts soon doubled their advantage, as Charlotte Gammie’s delivery from the right was parried clear by Mutch, but only to the feet of Guthrie who fired home from close range.

    With the women of steel desperately searching for a route back into the game, Montrose secured a decisive third on the counter attack.

    Guthrie capitalised on Motherwell’s high defensive line, racing in-behind before picking out Louise Brown inside the penalty area, and the midfielder calmly placed a low effort into the bottom-right corner to earn her sides place in the third round of the Sky Sports Cup.

    Motherwell will turn their attention to league action with Celtic the hosts at the Excelsior Stadium.