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  • First team

    Injury Update on trio

  • Archive

    Dundee United 1-0 Motherwell

  • Archive

    Michael Wimmer reacts to first match in charge

  • First team

    Kyrk Macmillan speaks following Wimmer appointment

  • First team

    Ellery Balcombe: The madness of football

  • First team

    Stephen O’Donnell looks ahead to Dundee United

  • First team

    Michael Wimmer’s first Motherwell Press Conference

  • First team

    Dundee United: The Wimmer era begins

  • First team

    Michael Wimmer’s First Interview as Motherwell boss

  • First team

    Stevie Frail says goodbye

  • First team

    Injury Update on trio

    Monday 24 February 2025
    Injury Update on trio

    We can provide the following update on three of our first-team players.

    Filip Stuparevic

    Filip Stuparevic has sustained a rupture to his ACL and will be out for a significant period of time. The Serbian was enjoying a loan spell with Morton in the Championship but had to come off after 18 minutes against Hamilton.

    The forward has since returned to Motherwell and has begun his rehabilitation. Speedy recovery, Filip.

    Shane Blaney

    Shane Blaney has sustained a knee injury. The Irish defender has since been to see a consultant and is now awaiting surgery. He will be missing for a period of time.

    Blaney has made 17 appearances this season for the Steelmen, and we wish him a speedy recovery.

    Sam Nicholson

    Sam Nicholson has also picked up an injury that will require surgery. It is expected Nicholson will be missing for a number of months.

    Nicholson made his return from a knee injury at the start of December and has ten appearances since. We wish him well in his recovery.

  • Archive

    Dundee United 1-0 Motherwell

    Saturday 22 February 2025
    Dundee United 1-0 Motherwell

    It wasn’t to be the perfect start for Michael Wimmer’s Motherwell tenure, as Dundee United claimed all three points in a closely fought encounter at Tannadice on Saturday.

    Sam Dalby’s first-half header separated a tense opening to the game, with United narrowly edging ahead at the break despite little of note between the sides. Motherwell resurged with a spirited and attacking second-half display, but couldn’t find the desired equaliser.

    Wimmer made four changes to his first starting XI, with Johnny Koutroumbis handed his first Motherwell start alongside Ewan Wilson, Dan Casey and Tawanda Maswanhise, who returned to the team sheet.

    The Steelmen’s high-intensity press was evident from the opening phase of play. The visitors denied United space and time on the ball, forcing turnovers in opportunistic areas of the pitch, but the clinical edge necessary to break the deadlock continued to evade Wimmer’s side.

    Andy Halliday sent a hopeful shot curling well wide of the target from distance, as Luke Armstrong almost capitalised on Dan Casey’s inviting header across the face of goal but couldn’t find a clean connection on the ball.

    Former Steelman Allan Campbell impressed in the middle of the park, as the hosts began to build and carve out opportunities on the Motherwell goal.

    Their persistence was soon rewarded, as United claimed the opener shortly after the half-hour mark. Ryan Strain evaded the Motherwell backline before clipping a pinpoint delivery across the face of goal, and the Tannadice talisman, Sam Dalby, rose highest before netting a trademark header.

    Wimmer’s side sought a quickfire reaction and almost found an instant response from the ever-present Tawanda Maswanhise, who expertly dropped his shoulder before cutting inside the pitch, but his long-range strike fell agonisingly wide of the United goal.

    Ruari Paton almost doubled the lead moments later, but Balcombe was on hand to claim a comfortable save from the Dublin-born striker.

    Motherwell chased the game as the second half resumed, with the visitors slightly the more dominant side, but in similar circumstances to their first-half display, Motherwell couldn’t capitalise on their pressure towards the United goal.

    Chances from Callum Slattery and Maswanhise rattled through numerous Tangerine jerseys, with the Zimbabwean coming close with a curling right-footed effort, with Jack Walton scrambling in the United goal.

    Ellery Balcombe was then called into action, who produced arguably his most impressive save in a Motherwell shirt, tremendously clawing Dalby’s header away from the top-right corner. The Brentford loanee then replicated his talents, pushing away a low strike to the goalkeeper’s bottom-left corner.

    Motherwell’s attacking threat persisted, with Dan Casey’s curling right-footed strike cleared on the United goalline, as Motherwell inched closer to a deserved equaliser.

    Moses Ebiye came agonisingly close moments later, narrowly failing to connect with second-half substitute Luke Plange’s floated delivery across the face of goal. Motherwell threw everything they had at the United backline but were forced to concede their first defeat to Dundee United this season in a closely fought afternoon in the City of Discovery.

    Michael Wimmer’s side will swiftly return to action midweek when they face the other half of the city divide, taking on Tony Docherty’s Dundee at Fir Park.

    Motherwell: Balcombe, Koutroumbis, O’Donnell, Gordon, Casey, Wilson, Miller, Halliday, Sparrow, Maswanhise, Armstrong. 

    Motherwell Bench: Ward, Balmer, Zdravkovski, Slattery, Paton, Ebiye, Andrews, Thompson, Plange. 

  • Archive

    Michael Wimmer reacts to first match in charge

    Saturday 22 February 2025
    Michael Wimmer reacts to first match in charge

    Michasel Wimmer gives his thoughts on his first match in charge of Motherwell.

  • First team

    Kyrk Macmillan speaks following Wimmer appointment

    Friday 21 February 2025

    Chairman Kyrk Macmillan sits down to discuss the process of recruiting new manager Michael Wimmer, initiatives that are ongoing behind the scenes at Board level and what the future could look like at Motherwell.

  • First team

    Ellery Balcombe: The madness of football

    Friday 21 February 2025
    Ellery Balcombe: The madness of football
    The last few weeks have been nothing short of a whirlwind for Ellery Balcombe. He had been enjoying a successful loan spell with William Hill Premiership St Mirren, which saw him establish his credentials as the number one in Paisley, and even represented on the European stage in the Europa Conference League.
    But almost in the blink of an eye, his season was altered. To the surprise of many outside the St Mirren inner circle, when the announcement came out that Balcombe had been recalled by Brentford, there was one of surprise.
    But then Zach Hemming would return to the Paisley side, and maybe more sense would have been made of the situation. Regardless, the 25-year-old was still back in London unexpectedly. And as any good professional would do, he threw himself into training with the first-team and just got on with it. It’s football at the end of the day.
    However, north of the border in North Lanarkshire, what could only be described as a goalkeeping enigma was taking place at Motherwell. First-choice keeper Aston Oxborough was ruled out with a hand injury, and second-choice keeper Krisztián Hegyi was recalled to his parent club, leaving the Steelmen without a senior fit goalkeeper at the club 24 hours before the trip to Hibernian. Thankfully, Archie Mair was recruited just in time and took his spot between the sticks.
    But that wasn’t the end of the bad misfortune. Mair would also pick up a hand injury after just two games and was ruled out of action. Back to square one and frantically looking for a replacement, Balcombe was contacted and didn’t flinch once before making the journey to Scotland for the second time this season.
    “It’s been a bit crazy for me,” Ellery Balcombe said.
    “Obviously with the move but then also with the manager leaving. But this is football, and I’m just looking forward to the team getting settled and picking up some results beyond that.”
    Balcombe was in a rare position for a footballer, as he knew he was coming in to play from the start. But despite this luxury, he has an all-out mindset where he knows that playing is not guaranteed.
    “It’s good to be playing, but you need to bear in mind there’s always going to be competition for places,” he explained.
    “Ox is coming back in a couple of months, and Calum is now here too. There’s still competition, so I’ve got to perform and keep my spot. I want to be number one at Motherwell just now, and the only way I can achieve that is to keep performing.
    “This is a new team for me, and I need to get my confidence up within the system. The Celtic game wasn’t a good result for us, but for me, I was making some saves, which helps my confidence.”

    Football can often work in strange and unique ways. For Balcombe, his season had a really different look. But what he didn’t know was that his best mate, Dom Thompson, was also going through some heavy change.

    Thompson was released by Blackpool and signed on the dotted line with Motherwell later that day. The odd thing was, the pen he used to sign his new contract was also by Ellery Balcombe, on the same day!
    “We had no idea we were joining the same team,” Balcombe laughed.
    “Everything happened so quickly. Dom texted me in the morning saying that he might be going to Motherwell. I replied, saying how mad this was because they’d just made contact with me about playing at the weekend.
    “It all happened in one day for me; I found out in the morning, and I was up in Scotland that same night. It was a quick turnaround; I don’t know how it happened, but we’re both here, and it’s great.
    “We’ve known each other for five or six years now. He joined Brentford in 2019, and ever since then, we’ve been very close. We’re two positive people who have been through a lot in football. Some of it has been ups, some of it has been downs, but we try to stay positive together throughout it all.
    “It has helped us settle here quicker for sure. He can turn to me for advice, and I can turn to him. Having someone like that here means it will be better for both of us and will help us both out in the long run.”
    Balcombe has had a jam-packed career to date, with his current loan move to Fir Park marking the ninth loan move in his career.
    And the goalkeeper believes that each of those loan moves, combined with a youth career built in the academy at Brentford, has made the man he is today.
    “It was very important with the newly formed B team we had at Brentford,” Balcombe added.
    “That allowed me to get exposure in some big games around the world. All of the different loans I’ve been on have helped me become the keeper I am today. Playing in all of those games, you are going to make mistakes, however.
    “Mistakes are a big part of goalkeeping, so it’s more about the mindset of getting over those mistakes quickly that has been important for me. That’s the biggest thing I can take away from my games to date, just how vital the mindset of being positive is.”
    Balcombe has made it very clear he wants to hold onto his place between the sticks at Motherwell, but even at his parent club, which he has been with since the age of eight, he has unfinished business.
    “At the moment, they’ve [Brentford] got a great number one in Mark Flekken,” Balcombe commented.
    “For me personally, I feel like I need game. There’s no point in me just sitting around, just chilling effectively, when I can get out and play. It doesn’t matter to me the level I play at; I’ve played at most levels to this point. As long as I’m playing and getting that experience and learning, it’s most welcome.
    “It’s hard being a loan keeper and coming into a new club; there’s only one spot in the team. All I can do is focus on my performance and keep my spot.”
    It’s been a hugely successful few years at Brentford. Not only making their way up from League Two to the Premier League, but also establishing themselves as a top-flight team in England, something that couldn’t have been further from the imagination when Balcombe first joined the Bees.
    “It’s been crazy there,” he said.
    “When I was 16, they closed down the academy at Brentford. Then when I went back in January, they were reopening it. So, it’s been a full 360 on that, but when I was first there, they were in League Two. The development of the club has been crazy.
    “We used to get changed in portacabins at training. It was a shambles, but now it’s completely different. Hopefully they can keep progressing and finish higher each season in the Premier League.
    “A big thing I love about Brentford is the trust. Obviously, they’ve got a number one just now, but they see that I could be their number one one day. It’s about me believing in their plan for me and giving back to them for putting that faith in me.
    “The loan department is in constant communication with me. A couple of guys keep in touch, and there’s a goalkeeping coach who will watch all my games and go through everything with me. He’ll then report back to the manager and staff from there.”
    The trust in the plan is something that is apparent, and Balcombe has had a taste of what a successful plan could feel like.
    At the start of the 2023/24 season, Balcombe was given his opportunity by Thomas Frank in an EFL Cup second round match against Newport County. The match ended 1-1; however, Balcombe produced some heroics in the subsequent penalty shootout to get his team into the hat for the next round.
    And that was his first appearance for the club, which had been a while in the making.
    “I’m a Brentford fan, so that was a dream come true,” he stated.
    “It was a crazy night. I’ve been in and around the first team since I was 17 or 18, but to finally get that opportunity after all the years I’d waited was unreal. For example, I’d been recalled on loan from Burton Albion; I got the call from the chief executive to say I was coming back, and I was going to be playing against Manchester United the following day. The game got cancelled because of Covid-19.
    “There’s been all sorts of situations like that, so it was surreal to actually play but also to save two penalties in that game and get us through. That’s something I’ll always remember. I want to be a regular first-team player for Brentford. That’s the ambition.
    “What I’m doing now will hopefully show them what I’m all about; hopefully in the years to come, I’ll get more opportunities.”
  • First team

    Stephen O’Donnell looks ahead to Dundee United

    Wednesday 19 February 2025

    Stephen O’Donnell believes the expectations from new manager Michael Wimmer are reasonable and he is looking forward to trying to impress his new boss. 

    O’Donnell reiterates that they have only spent a short time together thus far however thinks an upturn in form can really put a different perspective on their league campaign.

  • First team

    Michael Wimmer’s first Motherwell Press Conference

    Wednesday 19 February 2025

    Michael Wimmer faced the media for the first time as Motherwell boss, as the 44-year-old laid out his plans and ambitions for this team. 

    Wimmer talks about how he sees the game and what he wants to achieve for the rest of the season.

  • First team

    Dundee United: The Wimmer era begins

    Tuesday 18 February 2025
    Dundee United: The Wimmer era begins

    Michael Wimmer will take charge of his first Motherwell game on Saturday 22 February. 

    Kick off is 3pm at Tannadice.

    How to follow the game

    Tickets are available on here.

    Away Stand
    Adults £26
    Concessions (65 and over, Under 21 / Student) £15
    Under 12 (only with a full paying adult) £5
    Ambulant (PA FOC) £15

    Any wheelchair Users requiring tickets please contact the Ticket Office directly on tickets@dundeeunitedfc.co.uk  or 01382 833 166.

    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

    There are currently no new injury concerns ahead of this match.

    Tony Watt is ineligible to play against his parent team.

    Motherwell’s Fortunes

    It’s a new era for Motherwell with Michael Wimmer becoming the new manager of the club earlier this week.

    There have been three meetings between these two sides this season, with Motherwell edging all three games by a one-goal margin. Two 2-1 wins, including one at Tannadice, and a frantic 4-3 win at Fir Park in December have shown this could be another tight game.

    Six points separate the sides, with Dundee United sitting fourth in the table and the Steelmen eighth.

    Opposition Report

    Dundee United have faced a tricky run of games and currently have one win in their last seven matches. In that run they have played Celtic twice and Rangers once.

    Sam Dalby has been an excellent addition to Jim Goodwin’s side. United were further boosted in January when they managed to hold onto their 11-goal man.

  • First team

    Michael Wimmer’s First Interview as Motherwell boss

    Monday 17 February 2025

    Michael Wimmer speaks for the first time as Motherwell manager.

    • Desire to develop youth players
    • Laying the groundwork
    • Passion from supporters

  • First team

    Stevie Frail says goodbye

    Monday 17 February 2025
    Stevie Frail says goodbye

    Stevie Frail has departed the club. 

    The club can confirm that Assistant Manager Stevie Frail, following the arrival of the new management team, has left Motherwell FC.

    “I want to thank Stevie for all of his extremely hard work and efforts over the last couple of years,” Brian Caldwell said.

    “Over the last three weeks, Stevie was able to stand in and take on all first-team duties. We owe him great thanks for doing so in what was a hectic period off the pitch. Knowing that he was taking care of training and match duties meant we could focus on our work to recruit a new Manager, which was a massive help.

    “He leaves with our best wishes for the future.”

    “I have loved my time here,” Stevie Frail added.

    “It’s been a brilliant two years. I wasn’t looking to get back into coaching until I got the call, but I’m so glad I came in.

    “It’s been an honour and a privilege to work with brilliant people at this club. It’s sad it came to the end it has, as I would have liked to have signed off with a win. It was on me to get a result for these players but it wasn’t to be.

    “I also want to thank and say goodbye to the fans, we have had some brilliant moments together that will live with me forever.

    “Finally, I wish Michael and his staff every success in the future, and I hope they can enhance and take forward the good work that has been done here in the last two years. I’m leaving behind good people who I now consider my friends, everyone is pulling the same direction and I hope everything works out well for the players and staff.”

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