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Striker Luke Armstrong has completed a loan deal from English League Two side Carlisle United until the end of the season, subject to international clearance. 

Armstrong came through the ranks at Middlesbrough before a short spell within the youth sides at Birmingham City. After being released from the Blues in 2015, Armstrong earned his first taste of Scottish football with Cowdenbeath.

Following a short stint with the Blue Brazil, Armstrong joined Northern Premier League side Blyth Spartans, where he netted 23 goals in 42 appearances at Croft Park. His performances attracted one of his predecessors as he returned to the Riverside Stadium.

Armstrong continued his goalscoring form on loan at Gateshead before stints at Accrington Stanley, Salford City, Hartlepool United, and Harrogate Town. The forward netted 29 times in 103 appearances for the latter before completing a move to Carlisle United in 2024.

The Steelmen overcame a host of competition North and South of the border for the 28-year-old’s signature, with Armstrong choosing Fir Park as his preferred destination.

“I’m really excited to be here,” Armstrong said.

“The manager really sold me on his vision for the club and how I could fit into the system alongside the strikers already in the squad. There were other offers on the table, but I felt this one suited me and could get the best out of me as a player.

“I’m in the prime age of my career, and I felt that the challenge of the Scottish Premiership was one that I simply couldn’t miss out on.”

The forward, who has netted six times throughout his time at Brunton Park so far, had previously been a key transfer target for League One promotion-chasers Wrexham, but paperwork couldn’t be completed before the 2024/25 summer window deadline.

“We’re delighted to have Luke at the club,” Manager Stuart Kettlewell added.

“There have been a lot of clubs competing for Luke’s signature, so to get this over the line, we are extremely pleased.

“Luke is combative, capable of finding pockets of space in the box, and an accurate finisher. We were looking for a player who held these attributes, and Luke perfectly fit the profile.”

Stuart Kettlewell says the team have spent plenty time in the video room following their defeat last weekend against St Johnstone. He says the players have no egos and have accepted that they were not good enough in front of a healthy travelling crowd. 

Offering updates on Liam Gordon and Harry Paton, the manager also speaks about the recent transfer speculation surrounding Lennon Miller, as well as commenting on recent VAR audio released by the SFA.

25-year-old shot-stopper Ellery Balcombe joins the Steelmen on a loan deal from Premier League side Brentford until the end of the season, subject to international clearance. 

A product of ‘the Bees’ academy, Balcombe has risen through the ranks in the English capital, featuring within the first-team squad just three weeks after his 17th birthday.

He made his competitive debut for Brentford in 2023, as the London side defeated Newport County in the EFL Cup, with Balcombe saving two decisive spot-kicks following a 1-1 draw after extra time. He soon signed a four-year extension at the club, with the option of an additional year.

Balcombe has since tested his talents throughout a variety of loan spells at Boreham Wood, Viborg FF, Doncaster Rovers, Burton Albion, Bromley, Crawley Town, Bristol Rovers and latterly St. Mirren.

“I’m delighted to make the move to Motherwell,” Balcombe said.

“One thing I noticed when playing for St Mirren was the competitiveness of the league and the atmosphere at most stadiums. This is a great opportunity for me to come back and do it again.

“I’m looking forward to getting started, and I can’t wait to see you all at Fir Park.”

Internationally, the goalkeeper has contested the fierce competition within the English youth ranks, making 18 appearances across Under-18, 19, and 20 age categories, including selection within the 2018 UEFA U19 European Championships and the 2017/2019 variations of the Toulon tournament. The Watford-born stopper also trained alongside the full England first-team during his U21 call-up.

“I’m really pleased to welcome Ellery to the club,” manager Stuart Kettlewell added.

“We’ve not had our issues to seek with regards to injuries within the goalkeeping department. Ellery has played plenty of football this season in this league, so he won’t need a settling-in period.

“Having watched Ellery on numerous occasions for St. Mirren, you instantly recognise that he is a commanding presence in the box and a leader in the backline. We look forward to seeing him in action at Fir Park.”

The women of steel have secured the signature of highly-rated youth prodigy Mason Clark on a permanent deal from Rangers after a successful initial loan spell. 

The 18-year-old traded royal blue for claret of amber in the summer of 2024 after a productive loan move across the River Clyde at local rivals Hamilton last season. Clark featured 22-times in red and white, scoring five-times at New Douglas Park. The youngster was then awarded Accies’ Player & Young Player of the Year.

“I’m delighted to make the move to Motherwell permanent,” Clark said.

“It’s already been an incredible few months at the club. I feel my game has significantly progressed, and the competition for places in the squad has been a challenge that I’m proud to have taken on.

“I’ve been at Rangers since I was very young, but I felt that this was the right moment to make that step into regular senior football, and I felt that there was no better opportunity than to continue with the club.

The midfielder has already featured 14-times for Motherwell, netting once in a 6-1 victory against Queens Park.

“We’re delighted to have Mason remain at the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“She has came to the club with the correct attitude and the mindset to challenge other players for places, and strengthen the squads ambitions of a top-six finish this season.

“Mason has started to really hit her stride, and we are looking forward to continuing her progression this season.

Signing from Dundee United in the summer of 2023, defender Eve Donald added a wealth of Premier League experience to the Motherwell backline after defying the odds to protect her predecessors top-flight safety in the previous domestic season. 

Despite maintaining an impressive CV throughout her time in the City of Discovery, Donald sought to continue her development at the women of steel whilst then still being at the youthful age of 23. However, a recurring injury rapidly disrupted her progression on the pitch, as Donald featured on only nine-occasions before a serious and unforeseen knee injury ruled the defender out of action for over nine-months.

Donald has continued to quietly work behind the scenes, whilst progressively building up to a return to action,

“It’s been the most frustrating part of my footballing journey,” Donald explained.

“There were small recurring injuries that stalled the start of my time at the club, but I’d started to overcome them and earn a more consistent run in the team. Then, in a single unpredictable moment, I turned sharply on the ball, and it resulted in one of the most challenging injuries a player could ever encounter.

“It became apparent on the pitch that I’d sustained an ACL rupture, which we then confirmed after an MRI scan. This specific injury has been increasingly prominent in the women’s game, and it’s always a concern that you try to keep in the back of your mind, but that day it ultimately became a reality for me.”

A physically and mentally demanding challenge for the now 24-year-old, with Donald acknowledging that the severity of the injury and the expected duration on the sidelines was tough to comprehend.

“It’s been a slow arduous time away from the pitch,” Donald noted.

“I was aware of the time scales attached to ACL injuries. Having witnessed many teammates go through it in the past, I knew how long the process would be.

“I wasn’t able to immediately receive the surgery that I needed, so my recovery time only stagnated as the days and weeks went by. Thankfully, since being able to get the operation, the recovery time has been slightly shorter than what was originally anticipated, which has allowed me to get back training.

“You don’t fully appreciate it until you’re on the sidelines, but having the opportunity to be around your teammates and train is a perfect motivator to continue working behind the scenes and regain my place in the matchday squad.

“I’ve been working tirelessly to get back as soon as possible, and for myself, gradually building up my sharpness and gaining momentum will be the best approach going forward. Once I’m mentally and physically ready to play, I will do my upmost to support the squad whenever I’m called upon.”

With teammates Laura McCartney and Lucy Ronald both recently returning from severe long-term injuries, that collectively amounted to over three seasons on the sidelines, Donald expressed the importance of having those with related experiences to aid the recovery process.

“There’s obviously a lot of concerns and fears of the unknown and the extent of the recovery process,” Donald said.

“Until you’ve been in that position, it’s difficult to understand exactly what the process involves and how to prepare myself for the surgery as well.

“The support from the rest of the squad was pivotal, especially from the players who have been in the same situation, so the reassurance and guidance really helped to alleviate those initial fears and concerns around when I’d get back onto the pitch.

“There is a really good core group of players at the club, and everyone in the dressing room looks out for each other. They’ve been essential throughout this year, and I can’t wait to be back sharing the pitch with them.”

Motherwell FC Community Trust, Street Soccer Scotland and the North Lanarkshire Recovery Network have been working together for three years to deliver free football for the local community.

The organisations pride themselves in shared values and a commitment to improving lives, with Street Soccer Scotland partnering with the Motherwell Community Trust to utilise the facilities at Fir Park Training Centre.

“We’ve been delighted to support Street Soccer Scotland,” Motherwell Community Trust CEO Dawn Middleton added.

“Stuart Lovell and the team have been working tirelessly to support those in the local community, and we are pleased to support them on that journey with access to the facilities at Fir Park.

“We look forward to continuing a thriving partnership in the years to come.”

Street Soccer Scotland have been supported on their mission by Scotland international captain and Liverpool defender Andy Robertson, with 94% of participants feeling that their life has been improved, and 90% having better communication skills since joining Street Soccer Scotland.

Keen to get involved?

Street Soccer Scotland can be contacted on 0131 554 9157 or alternatively can be found via email at info@streetsoccerscotland.org

The women of steel return to action this weekend for the first-time in under a fortnight, as they travel to face Montrose at Links Park on Sunday. 

Motherwell haven’t faced a competitive matchday since defeating Dundee United by six-goals to one at Foundation Park in the first SWPL matchday of 2025. Head Coach, Paul Brownlie’s side will travel up the A9 to the North-East coast, facing the Gable Endies for the first-time since a narrow 3-2 victory at K-Park last August. Former striker Morgan Cross broke the deadlock, before summer addition Rachel Todd and Bailley Collins both added to the scoresheet in East Kilbride.

The visitors will be keen to continue their unbeaten run against Sunday’s hosts, with the women of steel unbeaten in their last-four against Montrose, earning two-wins and two-draws. Motherwell will be motivated to secure their first victory at Links Park, after picking up two-points from four in their previous trips to the North-East.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Motherwell started 2025 on the right note, defeating relegation-survival hopefuls Dundee United with an assured display in the City of Discovery. Motherwell face a closely-fought race to the finish line to achieve a top-six place this season, with the women of steel five points clear of nearest league rivals Partick Thistle, who have a additional game in-hand. Motherwell will face Montrose, Spartans, Aberdeen and Glasgow City in their remaining four SWPL fixtures, with victory this weekend putting Motherwell’s ambitions within touching distance.

Montrose 

The Gable Endies sit precariously above the relegation places, level on points with Aberdeen in 10th, but ahead of the Dons on goal difference. The hosts have picked up one-win from their last 11, defeating relegation rivals Queens Park by a single goal before the winter break.

Ticket information 

Supporters can purchase their ticket in advance through the Montrose ticketing website or on the day, with pay at the gate available.

Adult – TBC

Concession – TBC

Under-11 – TBC

This year’s club Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 27 February. 

The AGM will take place in the 91 Lounge at Fir Park, commencing at 7pm.

Papers will be issued in advance of the meeting to all Club shareholders week commencing 10^th February.

Having been knocked out the Scottish Cup on Saturday, Chief Executive Brian Caldwell thanks supporters for making the trip to Perth. In this interview, he discusses a range of topics including new signings, rejecting a bid for Lennon Miller and supporters buses. 

He also talks about his relationship with the Well Society and dates for the upcoming club AGM.

Motherwell return to McDiarmid Park for the second time in a week, taking on St Johnstone on Saturday 25 January in the William Hill Premiership. 

Kick off is 3pm.

How to follow the game

Tickets can be bought online.

Additional information:

• Ticket sales are online only (with the exception of the wheelchair & PA tickets – see attached).
• Disabled/ambulant supporters must be in receipt of PIP/DLA and will be asked to verify this when purchasing online.
• Personal assistant tickets cannot be added to an order without the age-appropriate ambulant disabled ticket being added first.
• U12 tickets cannot be purchased without an adult/concession ticket (max 2 x U12 per order), the adult/concession ticket must be added first.

Wheelchair & PA tickets can be purchased directly from the St Johnstone FC ticket office on 01738 459090 (option 1).

Adult/concession wheelchair tickets are £20/£12 respectively. A personal assistant ticket is included in the ticket price.

We have a limited amount of disabled parking bays for visiting supporters to book in advance (£5 – cash on the day). Supporters should email dao@perthsaints.co.uk with their name and vehicle registration to enquire about booking.

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

We will be wearing our away kit for this match.

Squad Update

Ross Callachan, Zach Robinson, Jair Tavares, Steve Seddon, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, Paul McGinn, Aston Oxborough and Lennon Miller are out for this game. Liam Gordon will be assessed.

Jack Vale is suspended. Stuart Kettlewell will be in the stand, with the manager suspended from the dugout for two games.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

Motherwell came out second best last weekend against St Johnstone at McDiarmid and will be looking to rectify this time round. With nine first-team players missing from the squad, Stuart Kettlewell will be hamstrung when it comes to team selection again.

But the Steelmen will be relatively happy with league proceedings to this point, sitting fifth in the table. Motherwell are currently four points off of fourth-placed Aberdeen and could be sitting a point behind come Saturday night.

Opposition Report

St Johnstone ended a nine-game winless run with a narrow victory over Motherwell on Saturday in the Scottish Cup. With their spot in the fifth round of the Cup secured, their attentions turn back to league business.

The table doesn’t make for good reading at present for St Johnstone, with the Perth side sitting at the foot of the table, nine points behind 11th.

But, they’ll take confidence from the victory of the Steelmen and the fact there are only three points separating 11th and 7th. Mackenzie Kirk continued his fine season in St Johnstone colours, scoring his seventh goal for the senior side last time out.