fbpx
News

Latest News

  • Club

    We’re now on WhatsApp

  • Club

    EPIC Gambling Harm Awareness Session

  • Club

    Partnership with DX Home Improvements

  • Club

    Jim McMahon steps down as Chairman

  • Women

    Volvo are our new shirt sponsor

  • Club

    How our fans are making a difference to children’s lives

  • Club

    Adding to the collection // Our 2024/25 away kit

  • Club

    Wild sheep sports withdraw investment proposal

  • Club

    A message from Jim McMahon ahead of voting

  • Club

    Voting papers for investment proposal

  • Club

    We’re now on WhatsApp

    We’re now on WhatsApp

    Receiving news about the club has never been easier!

    You can now get the latest news and content by following our official WhatsApp Channel.

    If you follow, you will receive text message, photos, video content and polls right to your phone!

    You can’t respond to messages so all information posted by the club will be easy and accessible.

    Join here and the Motherwell FC channel will show up in the ‘Updates’ tab your WhatsApp.

  • Club

    EPIC Gambling Harm Awareness Session

    EPIC Gambling Harm Awareness Session

    EPIC Global solutions will be at Fir Park on Tuesday 6 August to deliver a gambling harm awareness course. 

    There is a well-established link between gambling and suicide and gambling can be a dominant factor. People experiencing gambling-related harms are a risk group for the experience of suicidal thoughts, attempts and death by suicide.

    According to ‘The Conversation’ website earlier this year, research from different countries has shown that among people receiving treatment for problem gambling, between 22% and 81% have thought about suicide, and 7% to 30% have made an attempt.

    This programme is delivered to all first-team players, but also to supporters. The session will cover:

    • Personal lived experience from an ex-sports professional
    • Stats and headlines around the issue
    • The Gambling Spectrum
    • Signs to look out for in family or friends
    • Signposting and Q&A

    The event will take place David Cooper Stand and will last no longer than 45 minutes. This programme is only possible because of the excellent work in the community done by the Motherwell Football Club Community Trust and all their staff.

    More information on the effects gambling can have on your mental health can be found online.

  • Club

    Partnership with DX Home Improvements

    Partnership with DX Home Improvements

    Motherwell FC is delighted to unveil a new partnership with DX Home Improvements who become the men’s sleeve partner for a minimum of two years.

    The DX Home Improvements logo will proudly feature on the sleeve of both the home and away shirts.

    The company is a leading name in the construction industry, known for delivering high-quality home improvement services and putting customers at the forefront of everything they do. Established with a strong commitment to excellence, they serve the community with dedication and passion.

    Locally, DX Home Improvements has a solid presence in Motherwell, contributing to the community by providing top-notch construction services and creating numerous job opportunities. Their team consists of highly skilled professionals, from builders to architects, who work tirelessly to deliver best results.

    “We are incredibly excited to partner with Motherwell Football Club,” David Stephen and Shaun Brown, managing directors of DX Home Improvements, said.

    “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our values of community, excellence, and growth. We are proud of our history and experience, which we will use to support the team’s future success and pave the way for further development.

    “At DX Home Improvements, we are committed to fostering a strong, supportive community and building a better future for all. Partnering with the men’s team is a significant step in this direction, and we look forward to achieving great success together.

    “We wish the team a fantastic season ahead.”

    “The club is delighted to welcome DX Home Improvements to our partnership portfolio, and I thank David and Shaun for their support and commitment to the club,” Suzanne Reid commercial director at Motherwell FC added.

    “It is fantastic to be working with another local business who are truly invested in the club’s success and share our community values. I look forward to growing the partnership and an exciting season ahead.”

  • Club

    Jim McMahon steps down as Chairman

    Jim McMahon steps down as Chairman

    Jim McMahon has formally resigned from his role as Chairman of Motherwell Football Club at the board meeting held last night (Wednesday 31 July).

    Jim has been on the Club Board for over 23 years, serving as Chairman for the last eight of those years, making him the second longest continuous serving Chairman in the Club’s history.

    During this time, Jim initiated the discussions with John Boyle about how to move to fan ownership and led the work involved in framing the legal and financial structure of the Society. He was also the first 1886 member.

    Being aware of Jim’s impending departure, the Club received many heartfelt messages from current and former players, staff and board members over the period of Jim’s tenure. One common theme from all the messages was the invaluable professional and personal support he gave to so many individuals. He was also commended for never having sought the limelight and the countless hours he dedicated over so many years to help everyone involved with his boyhood Club.

    We would like to thank Jim sincerely for his long service and commitment to the Club and know he will enjoy more time with his family, especially the grandchildren.

    Jim said:

    “Having attended my first Motherwell match in the 1950’s and supported the Club ever since, I am immensely proud to have served as the Club Chair for the last eight years. But as I announced at our AGM it is time for me to stand down from that role.

    I have been Chair since the Club moved into fan ownership and have a number of people to thank for their unstinting efforts on behalf of MFC during that period.

    My fellow Board members who have operated as a unified group over that time.

    Three excellent Chief Executives – Alan, Derek and now Brian who has brought enormous experience and enthusiasm to the role.

    I was also fortunate to have marvellous Heads of Department in three key areas – David, Suzanne and Bob are best in class.

    And finally, Graham Keys who has been an outstanding Company Secretary.

    Thank you all.

    Their work has meant that:

    • The Club has, in real terms, broken even during fan ownership, which has allowed the Well Society to build up its reserves to over £800k.
    • We have made very significant improvements to our pitch, stadium and importantly our training facilities.
    • We have retained our Scottish Premiership status, extending that run to 40 years. There was huge pressure to change our manager and back-room staff last season. However, we believed in Stuart and backed that judgement. Lennon Miller extended his contract, and we have just sold Theo Bair for a very significant transfer fee. These have and will bring enormous benefits to the Club, and neither would have happened without Stuart.
    • The overall effect of this operational and managerial professionalism has left the Club in a very stable financial position. The combination of income from future player sales and the additional growth and investment promised in the Well Society’s business plan, means the Club has never been in a better place.

     I wish the new Club Chair and Board every success in what will be an exciting next chapter for the Club.

    My thanks again to all the people I have been proud to work with and who have contributed so much during my time on the Board.”

    Jim McMahon

  • Women

    Volvo are our new shirt sponsor

    Volvo are our new shirt sponsor

    Volvo Construction Equipment are our new official front of shirt sponsor for our women’s team until the end of season 25/26.

    The club is delighted to announce a new partnership with Volvo Construction Equipment as front of shirt sponsor for the women’s first team. The globally recognised Volvo logo will feature on the front of the home and away shirts for a minimum of two years.

    Volvo Construction Equipment is a global leader in delivering premium construction products and services. The business dates to 1832 and is present in more than 140 countries around the world.

    Locally, Volvo Construction Equipment has a manufacturing facility in Motherwell which has been manufacturing construction machinery for over 70 years. The local site employs a highly skilled workforce from welders to engineers who design and manufacture Volvo Rigid Haulers and Rokbak Articulated Haulers.

    “We are delighted to be partnering with the club,” Global marketing director, Jacqueline Reid stated.

    “As longstanding organisations, we share many similar values and are very proud of our history and experience, which we use to pave the way for future generations and success. At Volvo we are committed to supporting our local community and in building a better world for all.”

    “As a company, we are very committed to reaching 35% female employees by 2030. Therefore, the partnership with the women’s team is important for us as we work towards this goal and recognised as an employer of choice for all. I am sure we will share enormous success together and wish the team a fantastic season ahead.”

    “We are delighted to be partnering with global brand Volvo Construction Equipment,” Suzanne Reid, commercial director at Motherwell FC added.

    “The partnership will play a vital role in supporting the club’s continued growth and development of the women’s team. It is fantastic news to have another positive, high value and high caliber partnership for the future. We thank Volvo and Jacqueline for their support of Motherwell Football Club.”

  • Club

    How our fans are making a difference to children’s lives

    From the players, to the fans, we’re showing what the power of this club can achieve.

    During the summer, we ran a number of auctions for players’ shirts from the 2023/24 season. Including household names, a grand total of £3000 was raised.

    Also, as over 3000 ‘Well fans went to buy their season tickets for the new season, they had the option to donate £2 or £5 to the Motherwell FC Community Trust. As a result, over £4000 has been raised for the Trust which Dawn Middleton, CEO of the MFCCT, explains has went towards helping children participating in this year’s summer football camps getting food and drink.

    Not only are children being fed, but they’re getting to meet their heroes. As Middleton explains, a healthy relationship with the football department has seen a rota being produced that sees all the of the first-team squad visit the children taking part and spending time answering their questions and signing their autograph books that have been provided by the Well Society.

  • Club

    Adding to the collection // Our 2024/25 away kit

    Adding to the collection // Our 2024/25 away kit

    It’s time to add to our collection. 

    You can now pre-order our new 2024/25 away kit. The kit will be available in store at the end of July.

    We have a new look for our journeys on the road this season, with an overall dark steel grey look to the kit.

    Our kit has our own, unique, tartan colours placed throughout the top and shorts. There’s truly a Motherwell feel to our changed colours this year.

    Similar to our home kit, this was born from the ideas and opinions discussed at focus groups that were held at Fir Park last year.

     

     

  • Club

    Wild sheep sports withdraw investment proposal

    Wild sheep sports withdraw investment proposal

    Erik Barmack (Wild Sheep Sports) has had further discussions with the club Board over the past few days. As a result, Erik has decided to withdraw his offer of investment into Motherwell FC.

    Consequently, the club shareholder ballot will cease with immediate effect and with no counting of the votes cast to date.

    Erik’s intention from the outset has been to play a part in moving the club forward. That can only be achieved with a unified fanbase.

    However, it has become increasingly clear that the discussions around his proposal are creating significant divisions within the fanbase.  Such divisions cannot be in the best interests of the club.

    The club Board have informed the Well Society Board of Erik’s decision, and both parties are fully committed to working together for a positive future for Motherwell FC.

  • Club

    A message from Jim McMahon ahead of voting

    A message from Jim McMahon ahead of voting

    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

  • Club

    Voting papers for investment proposal

    Voting papers for investment proposal

    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