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The month of June started off with the group stage Viaplay Cup draw, with the Steelmen placed with Queen of the South, Elgin City, Queen’s Park and East Fife. 

The inevitable end of season squad update brought the news that Jake Carroll was departing the club after four years of service, with David Devine and Jack Aitchison also parting ways with the club.

As the beginning of the new season drew closer and closer, the anticipation was building in the stands as over 3000 season tickets had been sold.

With only a short three weeks off, the players return to Fir Park for pre-season ahead of the new campaign. 

Prior to their departure, the start of the rebuild began with the addition of Jon Obika and Harry Paton on permanent contracts. But as arrivals were confirmed, a big looming departure was also given the green light. Record breaker and fan favourite Kevin van Veen joined Groningen for an undisclosed fee after a 29 goal haul in the season prior.

Academy graduate Dean Cornelius made his move away from the club, joining League 2 Harrogate Town.

The Women of Steel began their summer rebuild with the additions of Sarah Gibb and Kaitlyn Canavan.

New threads were released as the ‘Truly Traditional” Motherwell home kit was released, with a new front-of-shirt sponsor G4 Claims.

The squad set off for Delden, Netherlands for a seven day warm pre-season camp.

In their seven days away, the first friendly test took place against HSC Haaksbergen. With a hefty Motherwell support in the stands, an own goal from Mika Schrijver just before half-time proved to be the difference between the two sides as Stuart Kettlewell aimed to get much needed minutes into the players legs following a four-week break.

It was confirmed that Motherwell would face a trip to newly promoted Dundee on the opening day of the 23/24 season, as all the fixtures were revealed.

As their stay in the Netherlands drew to a close, Motherwell rounded off the pre-season tour of Holland with a comfortable 0-6 win over S.V. Longa’30.

Blair Spittal got two, with Mark Ferrie also notching a double. Callum Slattery blasted one in from 25 yards before Ross Tierney rounded off a comfortable evening. The Steelmen returned home to continue pre-season preparations ahead of the Viaplay Cup kicking off in two weeks time.

Stephen O’Donnell has extended his stay at the club after agreeing a contract extension.

The defender, who has been a mainstay at Fir Park since signing as a free agent in 2020, has put pen to paper on another two-year extension after previously agreeing to a two-year deal in 2021 after an impressive maiden season at the club.

Representing the club at the EURO 2020 and making 147 appearances since his arrival in ML1, the local boy has committed to another two years at the club. This extension is a one-year deal with the option of another.

“Stephen is an excellent professional,” manager Stuart Kettlewell.

“From availability to a high standards shown in training, he is a role model for young players.

“In my time here, he has been tremendous. Last season, he was asked to play in a number of positions but applied himself impeccably.

“It’s another player signed up early which is something I’ve been wanting to do.”

O’Donnell made his 500th professional appearances at the end of last season and the 32-year-old is excited to be back at Fir Park.

“This club means a lot to me,” Stephen O’Donnell said.

“I live locally and I’m very proud to represent a club that is a pillar in the community.

“Extending my contract is a delight. I’ve loved my time here and frankly didn’t want it to end.

“I will continue to give my all for the badge and give it my everything.”

With the 2023/24 season at an end, there are a mixture of match worn shirts that need to find new homes. 

This year, we are running auctions on each shirt. Unique and unavailable to purchase anywhere else, this is truly a one and only time chance to get your hands on some amazing merchandise.

From Mika Biereth to Lennon Miller, all shirts are either medium or large, with home and away tops available.

The money raised from each shirt auction will directly go to the Motherwell Football Club Community Trust to help run vital community programmes, including mental health awareness and school summer camps.

All shirts can be found online here.

Each auction will run for one week only.

Now that our 2023/24 ScottishPower SWPL season has reached it’s conclusion, we can provide an update on our playing squad.

Players under contract

• Emily Mutch
• Katie Rice
• Lucy Ronald
• Chelsie Watson
• Gill Inglis
• Louisa Boyes
• Eve Donald
• Jo Addie

Loan players returning to parent club

• Laura Berry
• Brooke Nunn
• Kayla Jardine
• Sophia Martin

Players departing

• Amy Anderson
• Kaela McDonald-Nguah
• Georgie Rafferty
• Kaitlyn Canavan
• Shana MacPhail
• Lori Gardner

Players offered new contract and negotiating

• Bailey Collins
• Tara McGonigle
• Morgan Hay
• Morgan Cross
• Sarah Gibb
• Murron Cunningham
• Laura McCartney
• Rebecca Cameron
• Katie Andrews

Sam Nicholson has re-joined the club on a permanent basis.

The midfielder, who has been on loan at Fir Park since January, has put pen to paper on a two-year deal after an impressive maiden season at the club.

The 29-year-old made 16-appearances throughout his time in Lanarkshire; netting twice, including an exceptional goal of the season contender from distance against Livingston.

“It feels to good to be back here permanently,” Sam Nicholson said.

“I had to be patient when I first arrived but just tried to take my chances when they came.

“The fans and club as a whole have been welcoming and a joy to represent. That’s why I was keen to return permanently.

“The excitement is already building for next season.”

“Sam has shown his quality,” manager Stuart Kettlewell added.

“His match fitness wasn’t quite there when he first came in but when he got a run in the team, I think everyone was impressed with his energy and pace.

“He works hard for the team and will offer lots to us next season. With a full pre-season under his belt, he will have all the ingredients for a successful campaign.”

Jon Obika has announced his retirement from playing and will join our coaching staff for the 2024/25 season.

The forward missed large spells of the 23/24 season with a recurring hamstring injury and following discussions with Stuart Kettlewell, has opted to hang up his boots and focus on his coaching career.

On his new role, Obika said, “I just feel this is where I’m supposed to be.”

“When reflecting back, I just knew that this opportunity doesn’t come often under people you value and respect. I feel honoured.”

After discussing his motivations behind the decision to progress as a coach, Obika expressed the experience and dedication of Stuart kettlewell as a motivating factor.

“The gaffer was a big part [of my decision],” Obika explained.

“When he first came in, just watching how he took over and across the 18-months seeing him work, he is someone you want to deliver for. I feel in this role, I can deliver for him.

Having developed a closely-bonded relationship with players, coaches and supporters over his two and a half year spell in North Lanarkshire, Obika described how vital the close connection will be during the first steps on his coaching journey.

“The fans have been fantastic since I’ve come here,” Obika said.

“Before I joined St. Mirren, there was a chance of coming to Motherwell, but things didn’t work out, so it’s always been a club I’ve looked out for.

“You can see how committed [the fans] are to the cause. As players, we feel it and now even more as a coach, I feel I can deliver.”

Stuart Kettlewell said, “This has been something we’ve had in the pipeline.”

“I‘ve often said how nice a person Jon is. His season has been tricky from a playing perspective due to injury and extending his contract beyond this season wasn’t something we were going to do.

“However, I feel Jon’s experience in the game, playing at various levels, mixed with his personality, is a perfect combination for a first-team coach.

“Obviously, it’s been a big decision from Jon to hang up the boots, and one we wanted him to take his time over.

“Thankfully, he has agreed to our proposal and now we can look forward to him bringing fresh ideas to the back room staff next season.

“It’s an exciting time at the club as we continue to build for the future.”

We have been drawn in Group G of the 2024/25 Premier Sports Cup group stage.

Partick Thistle, Montrose, Edinburgh City and Clyde will be the opponents.

Fixtures will be announced shortly, with the first game being on the weekend of 13/14 July.

There isn’t long until the new season begins and we have all the key dates for your diary. 

First up, is the draw for the Premier Sports cup group stage. This will take place on Wednesday 29 May at 1pm and is available to watch on the Premier Sports YouTube channel, Premier Sports X/Twitter page as well as the SPFL YouTube channel.

We are seeded in the draw and will discover fixture information shortly after the draw has taken place. The draw is not regionalised.

Our first-team will return to Fir Park for pre-season on Tuesday 18 June, before setting off for Delden, Netherlands on Monday 24 June.

During their stay in Netherlands, they will face Eredivisie side FC Twente on Friday 28 June.

In their second match of the trip, Motherwell will take on DSVD Deuringen on Sunday 30 June. Both matches will take place at DSVD Deurningen’s stadium. Kerkweg 14, 7561 PT Deurningen, Netherlands.

Ticket prices for the match with FC Twente are:

• Adults £12.50
• Under 12 £5

Fixtures will be announced on Thursday 27 June for the new Premiership season.

The Premier Sports Cup group stage will kick off on weekend of July 13/14, with all group stage matches to be completed by July 23/24.

Premiership match day one is on the August 2/3 with the final round of fixtures taking place on 17/18 May 2025.

There will be no winter break due to the expansion of UEFA European competitions.

Away from first-team fixtures, there are some other important dates for your diary.

Season tickets for the 2024/25 season are now on sale. 

You are able to renew or purchase your season ticket for the upcoming campaign here.

Our Early Bird discount will end on 31st May 2024.

Season ticket holders have until the 30th of June to secure their seat.

The fixtures for the 2024/25 SWPL season will be published on Thursday 27 June at 3pm, with the first round of games taking place on Sunday 11 August.

There will be a winter break in the SWPL, starting on Monday 23 December and ending on Saturday 12 January.

Match day 32 will take place on Sunday 18 May, concluding the regular season.

The first round of the Sky Sports Cup will take place on Sunday 1 September.

Theo Bair has been called-up to the Canada National team for two friendlies in June.

The striker has been rewarded for a fine season, where he netted 15 times, with international recognition as the Canucks gear up for the Copa America tournament with friendlies against the Netherlands and France.

Bair was last called up in March and although he didn’t make an appearance, new manager Jesse Marsch will be keen to assess all his striking options ahead of a big summer for his team.

Netherlands v Canada
Thursday 6th June
7.45pm
De Kuip, Netherlands 

France v Canada
Sunday 9th June
8.15pm
Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, France 

We are looking to add a physiotherapist to assist our women’s side ahead of the forthcoming SWPL campaign.

If you are interested and require further details, please contact Head Coach Paul Brownlie:

Paul.Brownlie@motherwellfc.co.uk