| 3 | Rangers | 11 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 22 |
| 4 | Dundee United | 12 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 19 |
| 5 | Motherwell | 11 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 19 |
| 6 | St Mirren | 13 | 4 | 3 | 6 | -5 | 15 |
| 7 | Dundee | 12 | 3 | 3 | 6 | -6 | 12 |
Stephen O’Donnell is looking forward to getting back to the action after a break. The Scotland internationalist says the last two breaks have been very different in terms of timing of results. O’Donnell reckons the previous break came at a bad time as momentum was with the team, and this one has allowed us to reset.
The full-back discusses the recent form of Scotland, whilst also addressing his own future at Motherwell.
After a two week hiatus, Motherwell return to action this weekend in the cinch Premiership against St Mirren and manager Stuart Kettlewell provides a full update on the squad fitness, after the players who have been on international duty have returned to the club.
Kettlewell was asked about the statement the club published last week with regards to VAR and refereeing decisions this season, as well as addressing recent speculation surrounding Blair Spittal’s future.
Brian Caldwell was recently appointed as the new CEO of the club and Kettlewell discusses how that process has came about and the impact it will have on the club as a whole.
Stuart Kettlewell offered an update on the playing squad ahead of our match against St Mirren.
Speaking at Thursday morning’s press conference, Kettlewell provided the update after the return of players who have been away representing their country.
“Lennon Miller came off late on for Scotland against Italy, so he’s a doubt,” Stuart Kettlewell said.
“He played with a fractured patella earlier in the season so for him to come off tells you there’s an issue. We’re hoping it’s not a massive one and it’s touch and go for this weekend.
“How much involvement he can have this weekend will be determined over the next 24 hours.
“Jon Obika remains out. Outwith that, we’re assessing one or two coming back from international duty.”
Kettlewell also provided an updated on Harry Paton’s progress.
“Harry is getting on well,” Kettlewell added.
“From the time of the injury, we’re looking at 10-12 weeks. He is out of the boot and walking but has quite a chunk to go. I spoke to him on Tuesday, he’s upbeat and feeling better. But he’s not going to be returning imminently.”
We had six players away on international duty, with some involved in friendly action and others tasked with COPA America Playoffs.
Liam Kelly was an unused substitute in Scotland’s 4-0 defeat to The Netherlands. Kelly was one of four goalkeepers in the squad, fighting against Angus Gunn, Craig Gordon and Zander Clark.
Against Northern Ireland at Hampden, Kelly was once again named on the bench with Gunn given the nod. Scotland lost out 1-0.
Bevis Mugabi pulled on the armband for the first time and led his country out against Comoros. It was a 4-0 defeat for Uganda on the night, with Mugabi playing the full match.
In their second match, Mugabi lined up as captain against Ghana. He played the full match, leading his team to an impressive 2-2 draw.
Scotland Under 19s were in Italy for their EURO qualifiers. They were in a group with Italy, Georgia and Czech Republic. In the first match against Italy, Lennon Miller was named in the starting lineup and played most of the match. Scotland lost out 3-1 on the day and Miller had to come off with minutes remaining.
As a result, he missed their second match against Georgia where Scotland lost 3-2 and third match against Czech Republic.
Back in the international setup for one of their biggest matches, Theo Bair was on the bench for the playoff match against Trinidad and Tobago. Looking to reach their first ever COPA America, Bair was an unused substitute on the day but Canada got the job done, winning 2-0.
Davor Zdravkovski was an unused substitute in North Macedonia’s first friendly match against Moldova. His side drew 1-1.
Looking for his first international cap, North Macedonia took on Montenegro in their second match. North Macedonia lost out 1-0, with Zdravkovski being an unused substitute.
There was only one game for Scotland’s Under 21 side during this international window, facing Kazakhstan in their EURO qualifying group.
Adam Devine was named on the bench but came on with 15 minutes to play. Scotland comfortably won the match 4-1, strengthening their grip on qualification in the process.
Here is the latest update on the players who are currently out on loan.
Ricki Lamie has signed a pre-contract with Dundee, where it will see Lamie join the Dee on a permanent basis at the end of the season.
East Kilbride missed out on the opportunity to win the league, however, the Kilby remain pole position to do so.
They have also reached the Lowland League Cup final where they will face Tranent.
Connelly is now on 11 appearances for East Kilbride and is their first choice keeper. With seven wins and two defeats in the last nine in the league, Connelly was able to keep a clean sheet against East Stirling in a 2-0 win for his side prior to a very comfortable 6-1 win over Broomhill in their latest outing.
East Kilbride travel to Civil Service Strollers needing only one point to win the league.
Ewan Wilson has made two start and one sub appearance so far for Beith Juniors.
He was a 77th minute substitute against Darvel in a 3-2 win at the start of March, and was awarded his first start against Pollok a week later.
Beith are currently in second spot, five points behind Clydebank. However, Beith have five games in hand over the table toppers.
In their last match, Beith were in cup action against Darvel. Wilson once again started the match and played the full game. The match went to extra time, with Darvel winning 5-4 on spot kicks. Wilson took a penalty, dispatching it cooly down the middle.
Arran Bone has made four appearances since the last loan update. Gala Fairydean Rovers hadn’t won in four games prior to their match against Stirling University. Bone played the full 90.
The centre-back, who has also been operating as a full-back, has seven appearances thus far in the Lowland League.
They are 16th in the league standings but have a 23 point cushion over 17th placed Gretna.
Walsall and Ross Tierney have been a strong run of form as they have propelled themselves up the table and are only three points off of a playoff spot.
Tierney has featured in all of Walsall’s last nine games, starting two in the process. He scored his third goal for the club against Morecambe last month.
With only one defeat in their last nine games, Walsall have put themselves in a strong position going into the latter parts of the season. 23-year-old Tierney is now on 29 games for the club since his arrival in the summer. He has made substitute appearances in the last five games.
Adam MacDonald has made four appearances for Cowdenbeath since last month’s update. All four of those appearances have came off the bench for the midfielder.
With 27 appearances in total this season, MacDonald has developed well in the Lowland League.
Cowdenbeath have moved themselves up to 11th in the table having recorded three wins, a draw and two defeats in their last six matches.
Motherwell return to cinch Premiership action after the March international break, facing St Mirren at Fir Park.
Kick off is 3pm.
| Hunter Stand | O’Donnell, Cooper, McLean Stand | |
| Adults | £24 | £26 |
| Concessions | £19 | £19 |
| Young Adults | £12 | £12 |
| Juniors | £6 | £6 |
– Concessions Tickets would be ages 65 and over and FT Students with a valid matric card.
– Young Adults tickets would ages 12 to 17.
– Juveniles would be 11 and under
Supporters are able to buy tickets online here or visit the ticket office at Fir Park.
Ticket Office open from 9am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility.
If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.
Should you be in the UK, it will be commentary only.
We will be wearing our home kit for this match.
Callum Slattery, Harry Paton, Barry Maguire and Jon Obika will all be absent for this match.
Lennon Miller will be assessed upon his return to Fir Park after the midfielder came off early on international duty.
It has been a bit stop-start in terms of games for the Steelmen of late. With no games in two of the last three weekends, Motherwell return to action for the season run-in.
Last time out against Aberdeen, in controversial fashion, Motherwell lost out 1-0 to the visitors. Prior to that match however, Motherwell were is good form. Picking up back-to-back wins against Livingston and Rangers, they pushed themselves up the table.
Their results mean the Steelmen are eighth in the table, six points off Hibernian in sixth. With two wins and three defeats in their last five, Motherwell have three games to go between now and the split. Those games include St Mirren at home, Dundee away and Hibernian at home.
Against St Mirren this season, Motherwell have yet to register a win over the Paisley side, despite some strong showings. It was a 1-0 win for St Mirren at Fir Park earlier in the season, despite domination from the home side. St Mirren knocked the ‘Well out of the Viaplay Cup in another 1-0 win before a 0-0 draw in the league in December.
Before the international break, St Mirren looked to be heading for two wins out of two in the league, with Stephen Robinson’s side 2-0 up at Kilmarnock. A second-half comeback seen Killie win 5-2.
That makes it two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five games. Those two defeats and draw have both came on the road.
St Mirren are currently fifth in the table, with Hibernian only four points behind in sixth. Top six looks to be secured for Stephen Robinson’s men, with their eyes now fixed on securing European football.
Mikael Mandron, a familiar name to Motherwell fans, is the top scorer for St Mirren. With 10 goals in all competitions, he has four goals and one assist in his last seven appearances.
Motherwell will face Dundee United at Fir Park on Sunday 14 April.
Kick-off will be at 4PM.
The women of steel will be set to take to the Fir Park turf for the third time after previously facing Hamilton and Glasgow Women in the previous two SWPL campaigns. The encounter in ML1 will follow a two-week break to the domestic calendar, with Paul Brownlie’s side set to face Dundee United after meeting closest league rivals Aberdeen prior to the international break. The hosts will be poised to continue their positive run of form after securing back-to-back victories over Hamilton and Spartans.
There will be free entry to the stadium for the match. However, if you are able to, there will be buckets available for fans to place donations.
All profits will go towards the girls academy.
Fans will be located in the John Hunter stand for the match.
We can confirm that Brian Caldwell will join the club as Chief Executive on 2nd April 2024.
Brian has a wealth of football experience spanning over almost 30 years, having served as Chief Executive of Ayr United, St Mirren and Shrewsbury Town in England.
“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Brian to Motherwell,” Chairman Jim McMahon said.
“As one of the most experienced football Chief Executives who has worked in both Scotland and England, we feel Brian will be a huge asset to Motherwell Football Club.
“The board and the Well Society are all looking forward to working closely with Brian when he starts in a couple weeks.
“I also want to record my personal thanks to Derek Weir for stepping into the CEO role last year. Derek has now been involved with the club in various roles for over 14 years.
“We are extremely grateful for the time commitment and the significant contribution he has made to the club during that period.”
“I know how important Motherwell Football Club is to the local community, the fans and generations of families who support the club,” Brian Caldwell added.
“I am delighted to be joining and to be part of the exciting future that Motherwell Football club have in front of them.”
Motherwell’s Under 18s came back from the Capital with a point, after a 1-1 draw with Hearts on Thursday afternoon.
Szymon Plesiewicz opened the scoring at the start of the second period for the Jambos before substitute Shay Nevans levelled the scoring.
Richard Foster named a strong starting 11, with a drizzle of first-team experience coming from Dylan Well and Luca Ross. In blustery conditions, both teams took time to adjust accordingly to the weather and the opening exchanges seen chances come to fruition.
On 13 minutes, the first chance came to the Steelmen. Olly Whyte produced a wonderful turn on the ball to take two opponents out the game before feeding a ball through for Luca Ross. L.Ross’ effort came off the post and Zack Tomany could only blaze over the bar from the follow up.
The first change of the game would come on the half hour mark, after McQuarrie came off due to injury.
Another bit of promising play from Wells followed next, with the attacker being tripped on the edge of the box. Wells took the subsequent free kick from inside the ‘D’, his effort was blocked and defender Scott Williamson had an audacious effort from 35 yards fall wide of the mark.
Motherwell continued to stay on top of their opponents and another opening would soon follow on 35 minutes. Max Ross chipped a lovely ball over the Hearts backline, towards a darting Wells. With pressure coming from the onrushing keeper and tracking back defender, Wells had a go on the half volley from the edge of the box and produced a fine save from Tas in the Hearts goal.
On the stroke of half time, Bogan was called into action for the first time after he had deal with a deflected shot from Muirhead.
Conditions wouldn’t improve for the start of the second half and only four minutes in, Hearts got themselves infront. A pass back to keeper Bogan would seem to be under control, however the young stopper slipped and Plesiewicz nicked in and poked into an empty net. 1-0.
Hearts almost doubled their lead when Zack Flatman was caught in possession and Bogan had to tip a Hearts effort over the bar.
On the hour mark, Foster opted to make changes and brought on Mikey Booth, Shay Nevans and John Joe Webb. The subs would appear to make an instant impact as Motherwell levelled the game.
Wells, once again, causing the Hearts defence problems, squared up his defender and rushed to the byline, before drilling a low cross into the six-yard box where substitute Nevans was on hand to knock home with his first touch of the match. 1-1.
With the wind in their sails, the ‘Well almost got in front on 66 minutes. Wells this time beating two defenders on the touchline, smashed a similar ball into the area that only just missed a sliding Nevans at the back post.
Wind would wreak havoc in the closing stages but Motherwell had the final opportunity of the match. In stoppage time, Wells’ cross found Nevans again, who flicked on and full-back Robbie Garcia couldn’t find a way past the keeper at the back stick.
An encouraging performance that warranted the three points, Motherwell will take all the positives into their final few matches of the Under 18 season.
Motherwell team: McQuarrie (60′), Garcia, Williamson (60′), M.Ross, Flatman, Whyte, L.Ross, Nelson (60′), Tomany (60′), Wells, Marshall.
Motherwell substitutes: Bogan (GK, 30′), Webb (60′), Johnstone, Booth (60′), McAllister, Nevans (60′), McLean.
Following the events at our match against Aberdeen on Saturday, the club have written and submitted a video package to the SFA seeking an explanation on the rule regarding incidences of handball in the lead up play prior to a goal being scored.
On the 28 October 2023, Eamonn Brophy opened the scoring goal in a match against Motherwell at Fir Park.
In the build up to the goal, Victor Loturi handled the ball before playing the ball to Brophy who went on to score. We were informed after the match, by the Fourth Official, that due to Loturi not scoring the goal, and the handball not being deliberate, the goal was allowed to stand.
The IFAB rule states:
“Accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring a goal or having a goal-scoring opportunity will no longer be considered an offence.”
In our match against Aberdeen on Saturday, Lennon Miller scored what we believed was an equalising goal. The on-field decision by referee Willie Collum was to award the goal however, after a lengthy VAR check by Steven McLean, the referee was advised to go the VAR monitor.
After reviewing the goal, the on-field decision was reversed due to a handball in the build up by Theo Bair. The explanation we received for this decision was that as Theo’s hand was outstretched and high, it was a deliberate handball and therefore the goal was ruled out.
This was different from the decision in the Ross County game as the “handball was deemed to be non penalisable as the ball rebounded onto the player’s arm. This is despite the handball occurring when the hand is well above the player’s head and changing the direction the ball is travelling.
Whilst we do accept that all decisions, particularly in relation to handball, are subjective, we are baffled as to how anyone can conclude Theo’s handball is deliberate when the ball only glances his shoulder as he attempts to head it. It also had no impact on the next phase of play when the goal was scored.
We also do not believe this incident meets the “clear and obvious” error threshold that all clubs’ signed up to when VAR was introduced, at a significant cost to each club.
We were then further disappointed at the decision not to award a penalty kick near the end of the match when the ball clearly hits Graeme Shinnie’s arm in the penalty area. We were advised that as the ball had ricocheted off another defender prior to impact, it could not be deemed to be deliberate, despite his arm being outstretched.
We fully understand that individual decisions made during games will always be open to interpretation and that it is unlikely that universal consensus will ever be reached. We are however concerned that rules are being interpreted differently, even during the same game, there is a high level of inconsistency in decision making and that the threshold for VAR intervention appears to be moving. There is also the issue that no-one in the stadium has any idea why the goal has been ruled out.
We are aware from the recent SFA announcement and from interaction with SPFL officials that a full review of VAR is ongoing and we have had input into that process. There are many potential consequences of some of these decisions, but we are most concerned that the inconsistency of decision making, regular lengthy VAR interventions during most games and lack of any clarity on why decisions have been made, is having a serious impact on fans’ enjoyment of the game.
The feedback we receive from our own fans on VAR is almost entirely negative and, if given a choice, we believe most would vote to no longer have it in use. It’s actually not easy to find anyone who either participates in football or watches it who is happy with the current position.
We look forward to the output from the review and how the required improvements will be implemented.
