Sponsorless shirts as Paddy Power become main sponsor
First team
Danny Johnson leaves for Dundee
Friday 26 July 2019
Danny Johnson has left Motherwell to join Dundee.
The forward, who joined on at Fir Park in the summer of 2018 from Gateshead, moves to the Ladbrokes Championship side on a permanent basis.
“Danny has an opportunity to go and play regular football, and we didn’t want to stand in his way,” manager Stephen Robinson said.
“He has conducted himself very professionally throughout and I am certain he will go on to do well for Dundee.
“He was a little unfortunate not to get more game time for various reasons. But he scored some important goals for us and we wish him well in his move. He’s always welcome here.”
Everyone at Motherwell thanks Danny for his efforts at the club, and wish him well in the future.
First team
‘Well add French forward Christy Manzinga
Thursday 25 July 2019
Christy Manzinga is Motherwell’s tenth new recruit of the summer window.
The 24-year-old frontman has been with the club for several weeks and has already demonstrated his ability, having scored a spectacular bicycle kick against Gretna in pre-season.
He also featured in a closed-door bounce game against Partick Thistle. That, combined with his performances in training, has convinced ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson to add him to the squad on a one-year deal, with the option for a second year.
“We are excited by what we’ve seen from Christy and are pleased to add him to the squad,” the Fir Park gaffer said.
“Even after the first day in training, we thought there was something there.
“We would’ve added him sooner, but we spotted a small issue during his medical that is being sorted by our head physiotherapist, David Henderson.
“He is four to six weeks away from getting to fitness. When he does, we feel he will be a big addition to our forward line.
“He has played a lot as a number nine, but he can also play on either flank. He’ll bolster our options and add even more pace and power to our forward line.”
Christy came through the youth ranks at PSG, signing as a 13-year-old and playing in the same youth team as Cedric Kipré, as well as alongside Adrian Rabiot, Presnel Kimpembe, Ferland Mendy and Kingsley Coman.
Spells at French sides Lorient and Angers followed in his late teens, before moving to Belgium with Royal Châtelet. He has also represented DR Congo at Under 21 level.
He will wear squad number 12 during the 2019/20 campaign.
First team
Next up: Annan Athletic
Thursday 25 July 2019
Annan Athletic are the visitors on Saturday, as Motherwell wrap up their Betfred Cup group stage campaign.
With three wins from three, the Steelmen still need a fourth victory to ensure progression in the competition, and the chance to be seeds in the last 16.
Ticket prices for all matches are set at £12 for adults and £6 for concessions. Supporters can pay at the gate.
Motherwell still need a point to guarantee progression as group winners, while a win should guarantee we’re seeded for Sunday evening’s draw for the last 16.
Annan Athletic cannot progress, having picked up one point from their three games so far in a draw with Queen of the South.
Come have something to eat before the game
Both the Centenary Suite and Cooper Bar will be open from 12pm for all fans to come in and enjoy food and drink before the match.
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First team
Highlights as Motherwell win at Dumbarton
Wednesday 24 July 2019
Christian Ilić and Peter Hartley were on target for Motherwell in a 2-0 win at Dumbarton on Tuesday.
The goals ensured Stephen Robinson’s men made it three wins from three in their Betfred Cup group, heading into the final match with Annan Athletic on Saturday.
First team
Robinson: We solved the problems
Tuesday 23 July 2019
“We dominated from start to finish. We solved the problems and eventually wore them down.”
Stephen Robinson speaks after the win at Dumbarton.
First team
Motherwell win at Dumbarton
Tuesday 23 July 2019
Motherwell made it three wins from three in their Betfred Cup group with a comfortable 2-0 win at Dumbarton.
Christian Ilić and Peter Hartley scored in either half to ensure victory, having controlled large parts of the game.
Ilić was one of four changes for Motherwell, with Maguire, Hartley and Grimshaw also coming in. Jake Carroll, Charles Dunne, Liam Donnelly and Sherwin Seedorf dropped out.
On a long pitch at Dumbarton, the visitors had to adapt their normal fast-paced wing play, but did so well.
After knocking at the door for long spells, hitting both the post and the crossbar, the deadlock was broken before the interval in mildly controversial circumstances.
With the ball on the left of the box in Motherwell possession, the linesman’s flag on the near side went up quickly, then immediately back down again, as Hylton and Tait stepped over the ball.
With play then eventually being worked back to Ilić just behind the penalty spot, the Croatian swept home the ball into the bottom left corner to open the scoring.
The home team protested that the linesman had flagged, but the referee waved them away, saying no decision had been made and that play rightly continued.
Motherwell continued to surge forward in the second half, with Hylton in particular causing major trouble down the left side.
The second would come from a set play with 15 minutes to go. Polworth’s corner kick delivery from the right was met by the man who rose highest, with Hartley nodding down into the bottom right corner of the net.
Motherwell’s progression to the knockout stage still isn’t secure, however, with a win required against Annan Athletic to make sure.
Subs not used: Carson, Sloth, Livingstone, Donnelly.
First team
Allan Campbell signs improved deal
Tuesday 23 July 2019
Allan Campbell has signed an improved contract with Motherwell Football Club.
The academy graduate has established himself as a key figure in the first team in recent seasons, making 85 appearances for the club.
The 21-year-old’s contract runs until the summer of 2021.
“We have now put Allan in line with other first team players,” manager Stephen Robinson said.
“We felt it was a deserved reward for his hard work and his consistent performances.
“He is continuing to improve with every game, and devotes his life to constantly trying to get better.
“He is a brilliant role model to every young player in our academy. He epitomises everything we strive for at this club with his work ethic and talent.
“When he signed his previous deal, he was at a different stage of his career. His development and growth has accelerated to such an extent that it was vital we matched that with terms to reflect that.”
Club
Alan Burrows reappointed to SPFL board
Monday 22 July 2019
Motherwell chief executive Alan Burrows has been reappointed to the board of the Scottish Professional Football League.
Alan is the only club representative who will remain on the board. Peter Lawwell (Celtic), John Nelms (Dundee), Warren Hawke (Morton), Martin Ritchie (Falkirk) and Iain Dougan (Stranraer) have been replaced by Stewart Robertson (Rangers), Les Gray (Hamilton), Ross McArthur (Dunfermline), Graham Peterkin (Ayr) and Ken Ferguson (Brechin).
“I’m honoured to be once again voted on by our fellow Premiership clubs to the SPFL board,” Burrows said.
“Last year was a real learning curve for me and I hope my experience over the last 12 months can help me better serve the clubs and the game in Scotland.
“I am passionate about Scottish football and even more so about improving it and look forward to working with my colleagues at other clubs, together with the SPFL executive, in doing that.”
First team
Keith Lasley looks ahead to Dumbarton
Monday 22 July 2019
Keith Lasley spoke on Motherwell’s strong start to the season, making changes for the trip to Dumbarton and signing a new deal when he addressed the press on Monday.
Here’s the best quotes from his press conference.
On the start to the season
“It’s been encouraging. Good start. A lot of new faces and a big turnaround in the squad.
“But the guys who have come in have worked hard and blended in with the group we had there already.
“It’s been an encouraging start. We know it’s early days.
“But certainly in terms of players taking on information and getting themselves ready physically for what we know is going to be a tough season ahead. I think it’s been encouraging.
“So, we keep going. Another tough game on Tuesday night at Dumbarton. We keep the process going of getting through this League Cup first and foremost. That’s the main target. Then obviously with a few to starting the league campaign.”
On making changes for the trip to Dumbarton
“We’ve got a competitive squad. A really competitive squad.
“The guys that have not started are really chapping at the door. We put a big emphasis on that here.
“It’s not about the 11. It’s about the guys behind there, driving the guys on lucky enough to get those shirts.
“There will be some changes in the next couple of games. But it won’t be for change’s sake. It will be guys that are deserving of a chance and really pushing to nail down a first team jersey.
“A good indication of that were the substitutes the other night. The subs that came on – Grimmy, Christian and Barry Maguire – came on and you wouldn’t have known there was any change there. If anything, they came on and enhanced the game.
“There’s guys that are ready,It’s testament to how they train, how the group trains as a whole. I think when we are at our best, that is the case at this club.Everybody is pulling together and ready to take their opportunity when they get it.
“So yeah, there will be changes. But it will be done for the right reasons. It’s guys that are really hungry to come in and make an impact.
On signing a new deal
“It’s not a word that you associate with football a lot is it? Stability?
“Delighted to be given the opportunity to be able to continue working alongside the manager. It’s a couple of years now.
“In that time, there’s been a lot of progress made. As always, there’s big squad turnarounds. Every year presents its own challenges. Certainly since I’ve came into the job.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. It has been challenging, but certainly the experience of working alongside the manager, who has done a fantastic job, has been great for me.
“I just want to continue learning and I am delighted I have been given the opportunity to do that.”
Club
Sponsorless shirts as Paddy Power become main sponsor
Monday 22 July 2019
Motherwell Football Club will wear sponsorless jerseys in the 2019/20 season, thanks to Paddy Power coming on board as our main sponsor.
We’re now part of the betting firm’s Save Our Shirt campaign, dedicated to removing sponsor logos from the front of jerseys.
Having launched the campaign with Huddersfield Town last week, our club is the next to benefit from the initiative. The front of both our home and away jerseys will be sponsor-free for the duration of the season.
The deal with Paddy Power is the largest in Motherwell FC’s history, and it is a massive boost to the club to be linking up with such a prominent and innovative brand.
“We’re delighted to be associated with Paddy Power’s Save Our Shirt campaign,” Motherwell chairman Jim McMahon said.
“This partnership represents our biggest shirt sponsorship in history, and the chance to team up with a renowned brand. It’s a fantastic achievement by our commercial team to get them on board.
“Paddy Power are forward thinking and innovative, and it is a mark of how our fan-owned club is perceived in the world that we were able to attract such a high-calibre partner.
“We thank them for their support and look forward to working with them over the course of the season.”
Paddy Power will also be our official gaming partner for the 2019/20 season.
Spokesman Paddy Power said: “Motherwell are the second club to join the Save Our Shirt campaign, which sees us give something back to the fans – namely, their shirt.
“We’re delighted that The Well are joining in the fun for the upcoming campaign and we’ve been impressed with their ability to keep their involvement top secret, despite all the noise of the past week.
“We’ve been planning this with them for months, and it feels great to finally unveil their involvement and their beautiful home and away kits for next season.”
“We know our place, and it’s not on your shirt.”
For more information on the Save Our Shirt campaign, go to saveourshirt.co.uk.