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There was some transfer activity undertaken by Alex McLeish whilst in charge of Motherwell that makes fans of a certain vintage still shudder to this very day.

Without question, however, the capture of Simo Valakari was one of his best pieces of business as ‘Well boss.

The first half of the 1996’97 season had been very up and down for the Steelmen. Losing the likes of Coyne, Van der Gaag and Arnott for extended spells contributed to some erratic results and performances and McLeish looked to freshen his side up for the latter part of the campaign.

A swap deal that saw Jamie Dolan move to Tannadice to secure the services of Owen Coyle meant that ‘Well were in the market for a central midfielder and McLeish turned his attentions north.

With the perception that signings from Scandinavian leagues offered better value, the 1990’s saw an influx of players into Scottish football from Europe’s northern leagues. Motherwell were no different and Valakari’s countryman Johni Lehtonen was already at the club when McLeish made his move for Simo.

Making his debut in a 2-2 draw with Aberdeen on 8^th February 1997, Simo quickly became a favourite with the Motherwell support. Without perhaps possessing the tigerish tenacity of say a Colin O’Neill, the artistry of a Bobby Russell or the box-to-box pace of a Phil O’Donnell, the Finn still proved to be a perfect all-rounder in the centre of the Motherwell midfield.

Comfortable in possession with an intelligent range of passing, Valakari quickly became one of the first names on McLeish’s team-sheet and latterly a mainstay under both compatriot Harri Kampman and Billy Davies thereafter.

It was no coincidence that after Valakari’s signing the Steelmen became a more resolute outfit losing only three of the last eleven games of the season culminating in avoiding relegation on the final day of the season after a late equaliser against Dunfermline.

Valakari developed his game considerably during his time at Fir Park becoming established in the Finnish national side.  For a time, until he was surpassed by Stephen Craigan, he held the honour of being club’s most capped player.

In the summer of 2000, after four seasons in Lanarkshire and 104 league appearances, Simo took up an opportunity with Derby County in the English top flight.

If there was one element of Simo’s game that was lacking throughout his Motherwell career it was that inability to find the net. No matter how hard he tried and how desperate the ‘Well support were to see him break his duck it sadly never happened.

There would be wry smiles aplenty however when less than a month into his Derby career Valakari tucked home with aplomb from the edge of the box against Charlton Athletic.

Moving into coaching, Simo has been successful in his native Finland prompting links with a return to Fir Park on more than one occasion.

Highlights from Forthbank as a goal in each half gives Motherwell a 0-2 pre-season win over League 2 Stirling Albion.

Apologies that. due to a technical/cabeling fault,  there is no audio on this afternoon’s highlights.

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson was content with the run-out his side got against Stirling Albion this afternoon.

A goal in each half was enough to give Motherwell a fairly comfortable win over the League 2 side, albeit there were some scares in the opening half hour.

However, Robinson was happy to focus on players getting game time, particularly when a large slice of his squad haven’t had much in the way of games in 2017.

Speaking to MFC TV, the Northern Irishman said: “We looked a bit short and a bit jaded in the opening exchanges as we had a very hard week with double and treble sessions.

[pullquote]”There were both positives and things we need to work on, particularly with fitness and players still getting their sharpness. The main thing was getting as many of them 45-mintues as possible.[/pullquote]

“Bear in mind, a lot of the lads who played today haven’t played football in a long time; Stephen McManus, Richard Tait, Charles Dunne and Andy Rose have barely kicked a ball in six months so it will take a bit of time for them.

“It’s a winning start though and we now look forward to Tuesday’s game at Livingston, which will be another step up from today.”

Motherwell got their pre-season schedule underway with a win against Stirling Albion at Forthbank this afternoon.

A goal in each half, from trialist Shaun Tuton and Ryan Bowman, was enough to edge the fixture against a plucky Stirling side.

Stephen Robinson named four of his summer recruits – Russell Griffiths, Charles Dunne, Andy Rose and Craig Tanner in his starting eleven.
There was also a spot for trialists Cedric Kipré and Shaun Tuton. Long-term absentees from last season Richard Tait and Stephen McManus also returned to the line up.

It was a fairly low-key start to the game with the first chance not coming until the 13th minute when Richard Tait managed to dig out a cross from the right for Elliott Frear who could only send his looping header wide of target.

Stirling were getting the majority of their success on the counter and they should’ve scored just after the midway point of the first half when a mix up in the visitors defence allowed former ‘Well man Darren Smith to tee up veteran striker Peter McDonald, but he could only balloon it over the bar from fifteen yards.

A long-range effort at either end, MacLean for ‘Well and Dickson for Stirling, came before the Binos really ought to have opened the scoring. Again it was Smith for McDonald, this time getting a fairly fortuitous ricochet on route, but the former St Johnstone striker dragged a shot wide despite having the freedom of the eighteen yard box.

It would be a missed chance the hosts would most certain rue as with the next attack, Motherwell took the lead. Ross MacLean got the assist, sliding a firm pass into the feet of Tuton who managed to use the pace on the ball to wriggle clear of his marker before unleashing a rocket into the top right hand corner.

Stirling had another half decent chance to level when Smith found himself in some space on the edge of the area, but his shot was straight at Griffiths who comfortably saved.

However, it was the Claret and Amber men who finished the half stronger, with Rose firing just over from distance, MacLean sending a curling shot straight at Binnie then, on the stroke of half-time, the Stirling keeper produced a neat stop to deny Stephen McManus who had let fly from 25-yards.

The Steelmen replaced every outfield player at the break with recognisable names such as Carl McHugh, Stephen Hammell, Chris Cadden, Ben Heneghan, Ryan Bowman and Craig Clay all getting a run. In addition, trialist Bira Dembélé took his place at the heart of the Steelmen’s defence.

Motherwell dominated much of the second half as the hosts began to tire. Heneghan almost doubled the lead ten minutes in, getting on the end of a Thomas corner, only for his header to be deflected wide. The next corner found Dembélé, and his effort was bundled off the line before being cleared as the Binos held on.

However, it looked like a matter of time before ‘Well would make their possession count and the second goal eventually came just before the hour mark.

Shay Gordon burst clear from midfield and timed his pass perfectly for the supporting Cadden on the right flank. The Scotland U21 International picked out Ryan Bowman with an inch perfect cross, allowing the former Gateshead man the space to tuck home at the far post.

Bowman almost doubled his tally for the day just minutes later when he got on the end of a majestic Heneghan pass over the top, controlled it brilliantly on the chest before fluffing his lines when it came to the finish, screwing it high and wide of target with just the keeper to beat.

Dom Thomas almost got lucky with a cross that caught the wind and almost dropped in at the far post before sending over another teasing corner for Dembélé who found space, only to header narrowly wide of target.

It was one-way traffic by this point and Cadden spurned a great change to get amongst the goals too after a cross from the left wasn’t properly cleared, but his first-time shot flew over the bar and into the terracing behind the goal.

Clay had a free kick sail wide, Gordon had a cut-inside-shot that fizzed wide and Cadden had a low effort that was well held by Binnie as Motherwell looked to extend their advantage.

However, there would be no more scoring as the game soon finished, with Robinson happy with a victory to kick off, but just as important, no injuries during a run of four games in fourteen days.

First Half: Griffiths, Tait, McManus, Frear, Rose, Dunne, Kipré (t), Campbell, Tuton (t), MacLean, Tanner

Second Half: Griffiths, Hammell, Heneghan, Cadden, McHugh, Bowman, Dembélé (t), Clay, Thomas, McMillan, Gordon

Motherwell FC will continue to support the campaign to tackle suicide by displaying the North Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention logo on the back of the first team shirts.

In partnership with North Lanarkshire Council, the ‘Steelmen’ will also be displaying messages and helpline information around Fir Park stadium during matches in the forthcoming season.

Almost one person every week dies by suicide in North Lanarkshire and Motherwell FC has pledged its support to the Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire campaign to help raise awareness of this issue.

Cllr Frank McNally, Convener of Education, said: “We work with Motherwell FC on a number of local initiatives and this partnership is vital in helping raise awareness around this sensitive area.

[pullquote]We are delighted to extend the partnership with Suicide Prevention and have their logo displayed on the back of the team shirts. It will be seen by not just Motherwell fans but supporters across the country.[/pullquote]

“We want to engage with our local community so people are comfortable and confident in talking about what can be a difficult subject to discuss. By working together we can have a greater impact in preventing suicide.”

This is the second consecutive year the local authority has entered into the partnership with the football club on this issue.

Bobby Miller Head of Adult Social Works Services with the council added: “Football gives the ideal platform to reach out to people about suicide prevention. By raising awareness of the signs that someone may be considering suicide, any of us might be able to offer support and help save lives.”

Motherwell FC Head of Commercial & Marketing Suzanne Reid says: “We are delighted to extend the partnership with Suicide Prevention and have their logo displayed on the back of the team shirts. It will be seen by not just Motherwell fans but supporters across the country. The partnership will raise awareness and is a positive step towards improving the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland.”

For more information go to www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/safer or call Well-informed on 0800 073 0918.

Motherwell FC is pleased to confirm defender Charles Dunne is the seventh new arrival of the summer.

24-year old Dunne, who operates at left back or left-sided centre back, came through the youth ranks at Wycombe.

He made his senior debut for the Chairboys in 2012, playing 42 times in his rookie season, picking up the club’s ‘Most Improved Young Player’ award at the end of the campaign.

His impressive performances at Adams Park caught the eye of then Championship club Blackpool, and manager Paul Ince paid an undisclosed fee to take the 6ft 2 Republic of Ireland U21 International to Bloomfield Road, although to continue his development he was immediately loaned back to Wanderers.

However, a leg break suffered against Preston North End in the FA Cup curtailed his season.

He would play fairly regularly for the Seasiders in their 2014-15 Championship campaign before eventually leaving the club at the end of the following season, signing for Oldham Athletic in League One by current ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson.

[pullquote]“I’m delighted to have signed my deal with Motherwell and I am really looking forward to working with the manager once again.[/pullquote]

The pacey Dunne made a positive start for the Latics in a team that weren’t winning many games, but were extremely organized defensively; keeping four ‘clean sheets’ in his opening six League One matches.

However, a pelvic injury played havoc with the second half of the season before he was released in the summer.

After passing a medical and having trained with the club for two weeks, Dunne has signed a one-year deal with the opportunity for a second year.

Dunne, who will wear the number 18 shirt this season, told MFC TV on signing his deal: “I’m delighted to have signed my deal with Motherwell and I am really looking forward to working with the manager once again.

“I’ve been with the squad for two weeks now and it’s been fantastic. I’m just looking forward to getting playing again with Motherwell.”

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson added: “Charles is a player who I have worked with before. He’s a big, strong athelte who can play in a number of different defensive positions.

“He adds real pace to the back four and he’ll provide real compeition for places back there. We’ve had him up to assess him over the last few weeks and he’s been outstanding, both on and off the park. We look forward to work with him.”

Motherwell FC can today announce admission prices for the forthcoming Group F fixtures this July.

‘Well, along with counterparts from Greenock Morton, Queens Park, Edinburgh City and Berwick Rangers have agreed a structure for all matches that take place within the group.

All ten fixtures will be pay-at-the-gate priced at:

Adults: £12
Concessions: £6
– Concessions at Fir Park are listed as Under 18s, Over 60s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.

Chief Operating Officer Alan Burrows said: “We’ve worked with our colleagues at the other four clubs to come up with a standardized pricing structure which is hopefully attractive for competitive Cup football in July.

“In addition, the MFC Community Trust will announce their own offer for both home matches against Morton and Berwick that will reward the many who engage with them.”

Assistant manager Keith Lasley catches up with MFC TV after a busy first week in his new role.

Stephen Robinson’s number two discusses the transition in to coaching and the positive pre-season preparations at Carton House, Co. Kildare.

For more exclusive content, subscribe to MFC TV’s official YouTube channel – CLICK HERE

New skipper Carl McHugh sat down to chat with MFC TV’s Lewis Irons at ‘Well’s pre-season base at the Carton House Hotel.

The Irishman speaks of his pride to be given the armband, his aspirations for the coming season and one of the best singers he’s met in football – Gaël Bigirimana!

For more exclusive content, subscribe to MFC TV’s official YouTube channel – CLICK HERE

Motherwell’s fixture with Hearts, scheduled to take place at Tynecastle on Saturday 26th August, will now be played at Fir Park.

As a result, the proposed second fixture, scheduled for Saturday 9th December at Fir Park, will now take place at Tynecastle.

The club agreed this after a request by Heart of Midlothian was made due to stadium redevelopment work currently ongoing at Tynecastle.