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A message from Chairman Jim McMahon ahead of the voting period opening today.

A lot of the debate about the Barmack offer and the Well Society (WS) plan has been constructive and forward looking.

Some has been more negative and I cover a couple of those aspects below in the hope they can now be put to the side in the decision on how to vote.

Point one, I can somehow benefit personally if the deal goes ahead.

I don’t have shares in the club. I have never held shares. I have contributed to the WS since it was formed. I have one vote as a member.

Point two, why do this now?

We don’t need to. And here my words “We have enough money to see us through this season and a bit of next” have been quoted and it’s been suggested they should be “Shouted from the rooftops.”

They are completely accurate and I agree they should be shouted out. Everyone involved in getting us into that position should be proud of what has been achieved over the seven years of fan ownership. But my next sentence should be included for balance.

“You get the best deal when you don’t need the money – if you do need money the terms will be much less attractive.”

This is an attempt to move away from season-to-season budgeting to a more sustainable basis.

As has been pointed out, this is a vote on the Barmack proposal not the WS outline plan. But there is one key area where some read across is vital – new investment.

New investment will determine how the club’s finances look in the future. Both plans trail that. The Barmack deal outlines the investment amount, £1.95m, which has stringent safeguards built in and accepts that all the increased value from that investment stays inside the club.

The WS plan also looks to bring in new investors and highlights that the Society is talking to interested parties. It is unfair to expect that aspect to have been finalised and to ask for chapter and verse on how this would work at this point.

But it is fair to ask in general terms: 

1. How many interested parties are there at present?
2. If they all become investors how much investment would that mean in total?
3. Will all of this be new money?
4. Will this be put in as ordinary share capital and therefore become part of the permanent capital in the club?
5. Will this be at a value for the club which is greater than the Barmack offer? 
6. Will this come with the agreement of the investor that all the extra value created by their investment will stay in the club?

This basic information will allow members and shareholders to weigh the current offer against other alternatives.

Jim McMahon

Chairman

Motherwell continued their preparations for the 2024/25 season with a 2-1 over Livingston at Fir Park on Saturday afternoon. 

The Steelmen returned from their pre-season camp in The Netherlands six days ago and this match against the Lions was their second friendly match in Scotland.

Stuart Kettlewell named a strong starting 11, boasting the likes of Stephen O’Donnell, who had the captain’s armband. Lennon Miller and Andy Halliday started in the middle of the pitch with new face Liam Gordon deployed at the heart of the defence.

The match started brightly for the hosts, with academy graduate Ewan Wilson released down the left-hand side before firing a low ball into the box that found Dylan Wells, whose shot was well saved by keeper Shamal George.

After that bright start, the game started to settle down, with Motherwell having most of the possession. Keeper Aston Oxborough was called into action on 20 minutes, saving a free-kick comfortably.

On 28 minutes, we seen the breakthrough. A free-kick won on the left-hand side by Miller was taken by Halliday who found an unmarked Shane Blaney at the back post who converted with the composure of a striker.

It was almost 2-0 just minutes later when Halliday slipped the ball through for Moses Ebiye. The Nigerian couldn’t quite get the ball under control and eventually the danger was cleared by the Livingston defence.

Ebiye was involved in the next opportunity on 36 minutes. The striker swivelled on the byline, firing the ball into Wells who seen his effort saved once again.

60 seconds later, Miller found himself up the top end of the pitch. The 17-year-old took his man on before being brought down in the penalty area. The referee pointed straight to the spot. However, in a turn of events, the linesman seen the incident differently and the decision was changed to a free-kick.

It would matter nothing as Halliday’s free-kick was saved by George but the rebound fell to Ebiye who fired home to double the Steelmen’s lead.

At the break, there was only one change for Motherwell with new signing Krisztian Hegyi coming on for Oxborough.

Livingston started the brighter in the second period and got their goal just before the hour mark. Robbie Muirhead’s free-kick caused the Motherwell backline problems with defender Daniel Finlayson getting on the end of the cross before Tete Yengi tapped home from close range.

That goal sparked a number of substitutes from both sides which saw the game simmer down. A number of Motherwell academy graduates got minutes including Luca Ross, Brannan McDermott and Mark Ferrie. New signings Steve Seddon, Tom Sparrow, Kofi Balmer and Filip Stuparevic were also involved in the second-half.

Another 90 minutes in the bag for Stuart Kettlewell’s side who travel to Linlithgow Rose on Tuesday night to round off their pre-season programme before the Premier Sports Cup starts next Saturday against Edinburgh City.

Stuart Kettlewell gives his reaction after Motherwell’s 2-1 win over Livingston in pre-season.

His team returned to action on Scottish soil with Shane Blaney and Moses Ebiye scoring against the West Lothian side.

We can confirm that the voting papers are being distributed today to Club shareholders who should receive their packs in the coming few days.

Should any shareholder not receive theirs by the end of next week we would urge you to contact the Club by email to shares@motherwellfc.co.uk or by telephone 01698 333333. The Well Society will be in touch separately with their members.

Ahead of the voting commencing on Monday (8th July) the Executive Board felt it appropriate to summarise the investment proposal from Erik and Courtney Barmack, following further queries posed to the Club and also in light of recent releases from all parties.

Within the Barmacks’ and the Well Society’s (WS) business plans, there are lots of interesting ideas. We welcome both. Having studied both at length, it is our view that combining these ideas, locally and internationally, gives us the best chance of broadening our reach and appeal, and therefore generating additional revenues.

The Barmacks’ proposal would mean:

• Certainty of new funding of £1.95m in addition to our existing funding sources.
• Certainty of continuance of fan ownership – the WS will own 50.1% of the shares and the Barmacks have undertaken to work in partnership with them on every aspect of the club’s business.
• There is a buy back option for the WS which is built in as a safety measure. This has been questioned by some as being potentially detrimental to the WS because it could deplete its resources to the extent that it could endanger its future. However, if the buyout clause were to be triggered, there is likely to be money in the player transfer fee account which the WS can access, alongside further funds which the WS will raise meantime, to acquire the Barmacks’ shares, thereby allowing the WS to retain its strategic reserves.
• There would be no external debt to burden the Club’s future finances.
• All the club assets including Fir Park Stadium are ring fenced and therefore completely protected within the club.
• 100% of any extra revenues and growth generated, remains to be reinvested within the club. Any return on the Barmacks’ investment can only be from selling on their shares after a minimum of six years and does not involve the Barmacks gaining from the realisation of any club assets.
• The WS plan also envisages outside investment, partly by linking with strategic partners who will invest in return for a share of the extra income generated or cost savings. All of that value will therefore not stay in the club – unlike the Barmacks’ proposal.
• Experience suggests that finding investor(s) who are willing to commit to a total investment of £1.95m with the conditions agreed in the Barmacks’ proposal would be extremely difficult, especially when the investor cannot become the majority shareholder.

When we started seeking investment for Motherwell FC, it was to change from the current model of season-to-season budgeting, heavily reliant on player transfer income to break even and instead move onto a more certain funding basis which facilitates more strategic longer-term planning.

That is a very difficult task, and two key outcomes are required to achieve it.

• Regular and certain funding
• Significant new sources of income

We believe that the Barmarks’ offer, working in partnership with the WS, gives us the best chance of achieving those outcomes. In our opinion, it also fairly values the Club when factoring in all of the safeguards incorporated within the proposal.

Therefore, the MFC board is recommending that shareholders accept the proposal.

The Barmacks’ business can be found here. 

The Well Society’s business plan be found here. 

Mason Blyth-Clark is our second signing of the summer.

The forward joins the women of steel ahead of the forthcoming 2024/25 SWPL campaign on a season-long loan deal from Rangers.

The Scottish youth international makes the switch across the River Clyde after featuring for local rivals Hamilton over two consecutive loan spells. Blyth-Clark’s performances were rewarded after picking up the Accies players player of the season award.

“I’m delighted to have joined Motherwell,” Blyth-Clark said.

“I’m excited by the vision Paul and Leanne have for the club and I feel I can really develop myself as a player here.

“I can’t wait to get started.”

The pacey 17-year-old joins the women of steel having gained a wealth of professional experience, having featured 22-times for the Accies and twice for parent club Rangers.

‘This is another great addition to the squad,” head coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Mason adds a new dynamic to the squad in the final third and is a technically exciting young player who can really drive us forward this season.

“Despite her age, Mason already has a wealth of experience at this level and we believe Motherwell is the perfect next step in her footballing journey.”

We can now confirm the ticket details for all of our Premier Sports Cup tickets. 

For our matches at Fir Park, we can confirm that a Season Ticket discount has been made available for Motherwell, Edinburgh City and Partick Thistle fans.

If you have a Season Ticket, an adult ticket will cost £10, with all concessions costing £5.

If you don’t have a Season Ticket, adults will be £12 and concessions will be £6.

Motherwell season ticket holders will have until the 11^th July at 5pm  to secure their own seat for the Edinburgh City match, with the ticket being added to their season card and until 25^th July at 5pm for the Partick Thistle match.

Tickets for Motherwell fans are now available to buy online.

• Edinburgh City – click here
• Partick Thistle – click here

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

Montrose v Motherwell

We can also confirm pricing has been agreed with Montrose for our match on Tuesday 16 July.

Adult tickets will cost £12, with all concessions costing £6. There will be no discount for season ticket holders.

You can buy online now.

Please note that Montrose do not have separate ticket prices for the stand and that seating is allocated on a first come basis.

Disabled fans are asked to e-mail the club at office@montrosefc.co.uk with their details and they will be accommodated in the stand (Home Section). Carers receive free entry by reporting to the main reception. Disabled parking can also be reserved by dropping us an e-mail.

Any further queries please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Clyde v Motherwell

Clyde have now confirmed ticket details for our trip on Saturday 20 July.

Adult tickets will cost £12, with all concessions costing £6. There will be no discount for season ticket holders.

They can be bought online here.

Murron Cunningham has extended her stay at the club after agreeing a contract extension.

Experienced defender Murron Cunningham will remain with the women of steel for a fourth consecutive season after signing on a permanent basis from Hearts in 2021.

“We are delighted to have Murron back for next season,” Head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Murron came back from a major injury and really hit the ground running. She is a model professional to have within the squad and has demonstrated real leadership qualities.

“Getting Murron back into regular competitive action was a significant milestone. The season ahead is the next opportunity for Murron to build up those minutes on the pitch.”

Cunningham cemented her place at the core of the Motherwell backline, featuring on 25-occasions, with the defender playing a pivotal role in sustaining the women of steel’s exceptional 11-game unbeaten run.

“I am delighted to be staying at the club for the forthcoming season,” Cunningham said.

“Extending my contract for the season ahead is exciting for myself personally. I’m really looking forward to the season ahead and I can’t wait to get the games underway to see what we can achieve as a squad this year.”

Former captain and long-serving centre-back Georgie Rafferty will depart the women of steel after five years in claret and amber.

The former SWPL, SWPL Cup and SWF Scottish Cup champion, joined a newly-promoted Motherwell side in the summer of 2019 following a productive spell in Glasgow with Celtic, as the Lanarkshire side prepared for their first season of top-flight football.

Five seasons in claret and amber followed, with the defender facing the highs of the Scottish Cup Semi-Final and the lows of a serious injury which ruled the 27-year-old out of action for over two years.

“It’s been a really difficult decision to leave the club this summer,” Rafferty noted.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to represent the club for a few years now and it’s been extremely special, particularly getting to wear that armband on several occasions throughout the years.

“I’ve came to a bit of a crossroads between my personal and football career. I’m now a qualified paramedic, and it feels the right time to move on from the club and onto the next chapter in my footballing and personal career.”

Since making the switch to North Lanarkshire in the summer of 2019, Rafferty played a pivotal role in etching the women of steel into the history books; guiding the club to two Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearances. The latter proving to be an historic occasion for the side, becoming the first Scottish women’s team to contest a domestic cup Semi-Final at the national stadium, Hampden Park.

“I think I’ve really matured as a person and as a player throughout my time at the club,” Rafferty explained.

“The club has been a big part of my career and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent Motherwell on many occasions. Without a doubt, the most special moment was playing at Hampden in the Scottish cup semi-final. I think most of the girls involved in that day would say the same, not everyone can say they’ve played at the national stadium so it definitely was a special moment walking out onto that pitch.

“I think the clubs came on massively since I joined. Paul and Leanne work tirelessly to make the club a more professional environment on and off the field.”

The experienced defender had to face a tough injury setback throughout her time in claret and amber, with a major knee concern ruling Rafferty out of action in her debut season at the club.

“I’ve had a really difficult time with injuries, Rafferty detailed.

“Unfortunately in my first season at the club, I had a bad knee injury which had left me out for just over two years. I had a couple of operations and unfortunately at the time support had to be very limited as a result of covid. The club was going through a new management change at the time, so mentally it was really difficult for me as I wasn’t sure what the future held.

“I was told due to the severity of injury that I may not play again, so I’m very grateful for the club and staff to have given me the opportunity to get back onto the pitch and kicking a ball again.”

Despite the tough injury setback, Rafferty thanked the club staff for supporting her return to action and will continue to support the club whilst starting the next chapter of her footballing journey.

“I need to give massive praise to the club physio at the time, Aileen,” Rafferty said.

“I can’t thank her enough for all her support, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without her encouragement and assistance.

“I’d just like to say thanks to Paul and all the club staff for their support throughout the years at the club. I’ll still be supporting and cheering the girls on and I wish everyone involved at the club all the best going forward!”

The club would like to thank Georgie for her efforts and dedication throughout her time at Motherwell and wish her well for the future.

The Executive Board of Motherwell FC have now had the opportunity to digest and discuss the very detailed Well Society’s “Our Club, Our Future” plan that is available here.

We all want a positive future for Motherwell FC and welcome the comprehensive work that has been undertaken.

The Executive Board support a number of the visions identified by the Well Society which include some initiatives that we are already progressing as we continually strive to improve all aspects of Motherwell FC.

Motherwell will make the journey through to Prestonfield Stadium on Tuesday 9 July to face Linlithgow Rose. 

Kick off is 7:45pm.

This is a testimonial match for Rose player Gary Thom.

Admission costs will be £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Tickets can be bought online.

The Motherwell team will be made up of first-team and academy players.