Latest News

We are offering partial refunds to 2019/20 season ticket holders who missed out on games through the curtailment of the campaign.

Four Ladbrokes Premiership home matches – two before and two after the split – were not played.

Supporters, if they wish, will now be able to claim back the outstanding value of their season ticket. This also applies to Flexi Ticket purchases.

A message from our chairman, Jim McMahon

“We have a duty to all of our supporters and season ticket holders. There will be no judgment on anyone asking for a refund. If individuals or families need this money, then they should apply and get it back.

“But we must be open about the financial impact offering refunds may have on the club.

“Should every season ticket holder claim a refund, the cost to the club will be north of £130,000.

“For that reason, we ask you please to consider leaving your money with us.

“As a fan-owned club, we are all aware of the realities that face us even in normal times. We do not have a rich benefactor. We are reliant on being well run and, ultimately, on ourselves as custodians of Motherwell FC to maintain its good health.

“We have introduced as many ways as we could think of in recent weeks to offer value for our 2020/21 season ticket. It is important to us that we do everything possible for you, the supporter, to thank you for your commitment.

“Having frozen our prices from the previous year, anyone who buys will be guaranteed the value of 19 home league matches, whether these are possible in the coming season or the one following. This will be applied as a credit to a 2021/22 season ticket, or given as match tickets for games in that campaign.

“Everyone who buys a season ticket will also get free live streaming of our home league games until Fir Park is fully open again. And we’re also giving every 2020/21 season ticket holder a free ticket to our first home UEFA Europa League match, should fans be permitted to enter.

“We have asked you only to buy a season ticket if you feel you can at this time. And we repeat that message with our refund offer.

“If you feel the incentives we have offered are good compensation, and can leave your money with the club, it will really help us plan for and cope with the difficult times ahead.”

Leaving your remaining value as a donation

Should you choose to leave your remaining value with the club, we have been made aware that we may be able to recover the VAT of any refunds not claimed, providing us with further necessary funds.

If you do not claim a refund before Wednesday 17 June, we will deem that you have given us your permission to attempt to claim the VAT back on your unclaimed amount, which may allow us to claim back around £22,000 to assist the club.

Claiming a refund

If you would like a refund, please email the following details to tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk and clearly mark in the subject line that you are requesting a refund.

The details required to verify your identity, in order for us to refund you, are as follows:

Name, customer number, address, seat details (stand, section, row and seat number).

Alternatively, please write to us with the same details and post your letter to Season Ticket Refund, Fir Park Stadium, Firpark Street, Motherwell, ML1 2QN.

We will then contact you as soon as possible after 17 June to verify your request and make payment.

The amount refunded will be 4/19ths of the total price you paid for your season ticket – or the proportional amount of Flexi Ticket games – and will be refunded to the card or bank you paid from.

Cash refunds will be administered in person where required when the ticket office is able to reopen in line with government guidelines.

Season ticket holders will be able to watch all Motherwell home league games online at no extra cost, should the 2020/21 campaign start behind closed doors.

Following an agreement between the SPFL and Sky Sports, matches will be available to be broadcast by the club in the UK and Ireland for the first time.

Our Early bird discount offer runs out at 11.59pm on Sunday, 7 June. To buy a season ticket, please use our online purchasing service at tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk if you can.

If you’re having difficulty, please email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk with your name and details of your issue, and we will reply to you. Don’t worry – if we don’t reply before the deadline, you will still get the Early Bird price if you send your email before the end of Sunday.

Full details on how to watch the streams of the games will be made available soon.

“We’re delighted that Sky have agreed to allow us to show our games to fans in Scotland, and across the UK and Ireland,” chief executive Alan Burrows said.

“Not for the first time, Sky have shown their commitment to Scottish football in helping the clubs with this vitally-important initiative during difficult times.

“This is an important development in ensuring our supporters can watch matches for as long as social distancing measures are in effect.

“We are working through the details of how it will work in practice and will update supporters shortly, but we already have our existing online streaming platform which operates well for our fans based abroad and we hope to make that available for those at home.

“I hope this clarity will provide further incentive to supporters to now buy their season ticket if they can.”

To buy a season ticket, please use our online purchasing service at tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk if you can. You can also call us between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday, on 01698 333333, or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Our early bird period of discounted pricing will now run until Sunday, 7 June.

We’re pledging that everyone who buys a season ticket for 2020/21 will also get the full value of their purchase on physically attending games.

We guarantee everyone who purchases, or has already purchased, a season ticket for 2020/21 will get the chance to attend 19 home league matches, whenever that is possible.

If that is not possible in 2020/21, we will offer you the chance to claim the credit value of the missing games back. This can either be used against the value of your season ticket for 2021/22, or if you don’t renew next year, you can claim the equivalent number of match tickets for games in 2021/22.

If matches are initially played behind closed doors, we pledge that you will not be adversely impacted.

For example, if five matches are played behind closed doors in 2020/21, you can choose to either have the value of those matches deducted from your season ticket cost for 2021/22, or we will give you the equivalent amount of match tickets for games in that season.

Everyone who buys a new season ticket will also be given free entry to our first UEFA Europa League match.

Prices

* Concession pricing applies if you’re aged 16-18, aged 60 or over, or you’re a full-time student.

All the information you need

• Spread the cost or pay now
• Buy your season ticket now
• Activating your online account
• How to buy for more than one person

Read our brochure

Spread the cost or pay now

There are many ways to pay for your season ticket.

If you can, you can pay in full now by visiting tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk. If you’ve never logged in to the website before, follow this guide if you are an existing season ticket holder. If you’re buying new, please create a new account.

Alternatively, you can buy over the phone by calling 01698 333333. Please be patient, as we have limited telephone sales capacity at this time.

You can also email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk and ask us to call you back.

Pay by standing order

You can pay for your season ticket in four instalments from May to August by using our standing order facility. Forms are available here, or you can call 01698 333333 and we will get you set up. If you’re filling out a form, you can scan it and email it to tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk or post it to the club.

Please note that standing orders are only available on our full season ticket prices, and can not be used for our early bird rate.

Finance

Finance is available to spread your cost over 12 months at an interest rate of 19.5%.

To apply, please call us on 01698 333333.

Activating your online account

It’s easy to buy or renew your ticket online. First, just head to tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk.

I am renewing

To renew, you’ll need your client number. If you don’t know it, don’t worry, it is written on your season card.

If you’ve never used our online platform before, head to tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk. Click sign in in the top right corner, and then enter your client number and then choose the option ‘activate my account’. You’ll then be able to set a password for yourself and update your details, before going on to either renew your existing seat or choose a new one from our stadium map.

If you’re more familiar with our online ticketing site, login to your account now. Your current seat is reserved and you will see a notification, and you can renew it in a matter of clicks. Or you choose a new seat.

I didn’t have a 2019/20 season ticket & I want to buy one

Again, it’s easy to do this. Head to tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk and then press ‘season tickets’ from the top menu.

You’ll then be given the option to choose where in the stadium you would like to sit. From there, you can create yourself an account, and then buy your season ticket for the 2020/21 campaign.

Need help?

If you want help setting up your online profile, or would prefer to buy by phone instead, just call 01698 333333. You can also email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Buying for more than one person

If you have season tickets for your kids, or want to manage all your family’s tickets through one account, it’s easy to link them together. First, head to tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk.

If you’ve never set up an online account for the specific ticket holder you want to buy for, log out of your account and press sign in again. Then:

• Click on the ‘activate my account’ link. Input the customer number on the season card, and then the surname, and click the ‘find my account’ button.
• On the following page, check and update your details and create a password for use on the website. Please note that the address listed here is where your season card(s) will be sent to.
• If you are doing this on behalf of a junior member of your family, please enter a unique email account. This is due to some functionality – like forgotten password – which will look at the email address, and may cause a conflict.
• Once this form is complete, click on the ‘save details’ button at the bottom of the page. You will then be directed back to the home page where your registered name and number will appear in place of the ‘my account’ drop down at the top right hand corner – you are now ready to renew the season ticket.
• Then, sign out and go back to your account you want to control all tickets from. For example, the account of the adult season ticket holder who wants to have control over buying kids tickets. Follow the initial steps, and then you’ll be all linked up.

Next – or if an online account exists for the ticket holder in question, follow these steps:

• Press sign in. Once you are logged in to your master account, simply click on ‘my account’ and choose network.
• From here, you can search for someone by using their customer number and surname.
• Once you’ve found them, just press ‘add member’ and you’re done.

Then, to complete the purchase of the season ticket for another person:

• Select the individual in the “your network” menu.
• Select the “edit” button next to the person you wish to buy for.
• On the next page, make sure you select the “manage” option and then press “send request”.
• Log off of the site.
• This will send an email to the other person’s email address. They need to open the email and select the link – which will force then to log into the site – to complete the action.
• Then, you can sign out and then sign back into your main account, and you’re good to go.

If you have family members who haven’t received their code to renew, don’t worry. Just get in touch by emailing tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk, sending us a direct message on Facebook or Twitter, or calling us on 01698 333333. We will be able to give you the rest of the codes you need straight away. And if you’re having trouble linking your accounts, just get in touch as well.

Claret and amber colours true. But we started out in blue.

Our away kit for the 2020/21 season is now available to pre-order. You can secure yours now.

Manufactured by Macron, we’re paying homage to our original colours when we played our first game in 1886.

Our club was formed through the merger of two local clubs, Glencairn and Alpha, on 17 May 1886. Our first match as Motherwell FC came six days later against Hamilton Academical, resulting in a 3-2 victory.

The blue kit was worn that day and the colours would be used predominantly from then until 1913, with some variants along the way, before we adopted our claret and amber.

Our modern take on that kit brings a mainly blue kit, with an added claret, amber and white band across the chest. The shorts are blue with a white trim, with white socks with a blue trim.

The kit will be available from late July. Pre-order now to guarantee yours.

A sponsor for the 2020/21 season is still to be confirmed but will be added to the shirts prior to launch.

We’re extending our ‘Early Bird’ season ticket pricing until Sunday 7 June.

Over 2,000 of you have already got your tickets for the campaign, far surpassing sales figures at this stage in normal years.

Many of you have been snapping up tickets this week in anticipation of the original deadline. Due to demand, we’re extending it by seven more days to allow time for us to get through sales and give you more time to make your purchase.

To buy, please use our online purchasing service at tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk if you can. You can also call us between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday, on 01698 333333.

We’re pledging that everyone who buys a season ticket for 2020/21 will get the full value of their purchase.

We understand that there is still no clarity over when football will resume for us, nor any prediction over when supporters will be able to attend matches again.

With that in mind, we will guarantee everyone who purchases, or has already purchased, a season ticket for 2020/21 will get the chance to attend 19 home league matches, whenever that is possible.

If that is not possible in 2020/21, we will offer you the chance to claim the credit value of the missing games back. This can either be used against the value of your season ticket for 2021/22, or if you don’t renew next year, you can claim the equivalent number of match tickets for games in 2021/22.

If matches are initially played behind closed doors, we pledge that you will not be adversely impacted.

For example, if five matches are played behind closed doors in 2020/21, you can choose to either have the value of those matches deducted from your season ticket cost for 2021/22, or we will give you the equivalent amount of match tickets for games in that season.

Everyone who buys a new season ticket will also be given free entry to our first UEFA Europa League match.

Prices

* Concession pricing applies if you’re aged 16-18, aged 60 or over, or you’re a full-time student.

All the information you need

• Spread the cost or pay now
• Buy your season ticket now
• Activating your online account
• How to buy for more than one person

Read our brochure

Spread the cost or pay now

There are many ways to pay for your season ticket.

If you can, you can pay in full now by visiting tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk. If you’ve never logged in to the website before, follow this guide if you are an existing season ticket holder. If you’re buying new, please create a new account.

Alternatively, you can buy over the phone by calling 01698 333333. Please be patient, as we have limited telephone sales capacity at this time.

You can also email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk and ask us to call you back.

Pay by standing order

You can pay for your season ticket in four instalments from May to August by using our standing order facility. Forms are available here, or you can call 01698 333333 and we will get you set up. If you’re filling out a form, you can scan it and email it to tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk or post it to the club.

Please note that standing orders are only available on our full season ticket prices, and can not be used for our early bird rate.

Finance

Finance is available to spread your cost over 12 months at an interest rate of 19.5%.

To apply, please call us on 01698 333333.

Activating your online account

It’s easy to buy or renew your ticket online. First, just head to tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk.

I am renewing

To renew, you’ll need your client number. If you don’t know it, don’t worry, it is written on your season card.

If you’ve never used our online platform before, head to tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk. Click sign in in the top right corner, and then enter your client number and then choose the option ‘activate my account’. You’ll then be able to set a password for yourself and update your details, before going on to either renew your existing seat or choose a new one from our stadium map.

If you’re more familiar with our online ticketing site, login to your account now. Your current seat is reserved and you will see a notification, and you can renew it in a matter of clicks. Or you choose a new seat.

I didn’t have a 2019/20 season ticket & I want to buy one

Again, it’s easy to do this. Head to tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk and then press ‘season tickets’ from the top menu.

You’ll then be given the option to choose where in the stadium you would like to sit. From there, you can create yourself an account, and then buy your season ticket for the 2020/21 campaign.

Need help?

If you want help setting up your online profile, or would prefer to buy by phone instead, just call 01698 333333. You can also email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Buying for more than one person

If you have season tickets for your kids, or want to manage all your family’s tickets through one account, it’s easy to link them together. First, head to tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk.

If you’ve never set up an online account for the specific ticket holder you want to buy for, log out of your account and press sign in again. Then:

• Click on the ‘activate my account’ link. Input the customer number on the season card, and then the surname, and click the ‘find my account’ button.
• On the following page, check and update your details and create a password for use on the website. Please note that the address listed here is where your season card(s) will be sent to.
• If you are doing this on behalf of a junior member of your family, please enter a unique email account. This is due to some functionality – like forgotten password – which will look at the email address, and may cause a conflict.
• Once this form is complete, click on the ‘save details’ button at the bottom of the page. You will then be directed back to the home page where your registered name and number will appear in place of the ‘my account’ drop down at the top right hand corner – you are now ready to renew the season ticket.
• Then, sign out and go back to your account you want to control all tickets from. For example, the account of the adult season ticket holder who wants to have control over buying kids tickets. Follow the initial steps, and then you’ll be all linked up.

Next – or if an online account exists for the ticket holder in question, follow these steps:

• Press sign in. Once you are logged in to your master account, simply click on ‘my account’ and choose network.
• From here, you can search for someone by using their customer number and surname.
• Once you’ve found them, just press ‘add member’ and you’re done.

Then, to complete the purchase of the season ticket for another person:

• Select the individual in the “your network” menu.
• Select the “edit” button next to the person you wish to buy for.
• On the next page, make sure you select the “manage” option and then press “send request”.
• Log off of the site.
• This will send an email to the other person’s email address. They need to open the email and select the link – which will force then to log into the site – to complete the action.
• Then, you can sign out and then sign back into your main account, and you’re good to go.

If you have family members who haven’t received their code to renew, don’t worry. Just get in touch by emailing tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk, sending us a direct message on Facebook or Twitter, or calling us on 01698 333333. We will be able to give you the rest of the codes you need straight away. And if you’re having trouble linking your accounts, just get in touch as well.

Motherwell players and staff, past and present, have paid tribute to Christian Mbulu.

The 23-year-old, who made six appearances with the club in the 2018/19 season, passed away on Tuesday.

As a club, we are deeply shocked and saddened by the news. Christian was an incredibly positive, hard working and humble young man who will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family.

Stephen Robinson

“Christian was a gentleman. He always had a smile on his face playing the game he loved.

“This is a tragic loss for his family, his friends and all of the football community, and to us at Motherwell FC who had the opportunity to work with him.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time.”

Keith Lasley

“So shocked to hear this news. Had such a positive outlook and enthusiasm for both football and life in general. My thoughts go to his friends and family.”

Peter Hartley

“I can’t believe this. RIP brother. Nicest guy in the world. Gone way too soon.”

Charles Dunne

“Took Mbulu under my wing when he came up to Scotland. It’s not easy moving up alone. Became my brother! Always smiling always positive. Just took anything that came his way in his stride. R.I.P My Broo.”

Gboly Ariyibi

“Still can’t believe this, praying I had a bad dream. Honestly a great man and so genuine, nothing but good memories with you bro. Sending all my condolences to his family. RIP Chris.”

Elliott Frear

“Can’t believe this. One of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Absolutely gutted. Thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace buddy.”

Absolutely shocked, RIP Mbulu heart of gold❤️ https://t.co/170Tmbs5mH

— David Turnbull (@10DavidTurnbull) May 26, 2020

RIP Christian. Thoughts with his family. ❤️

— Mark Gillespie (@markjgillespie) May 26, 2020

Such sad news. RIP Mbulu ❤️ https://t.co/HLZEiVusB4

— Liam Donnelly (@Liam_Donnelly5) May 26, 2020

We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Christian Mbulu, a former player at the club.

Christian was with us in the 2018/19 season, making six first team appearances and a further three for our Under 20s in the Challenge Cup.

Twenty-three years old, he left Fir Park in May 2019 and went on to play in England with Crewe Alexandra and then Morecambe.

“We are shocked to hear of the news of Christian’s death,” Motherwell chairman Jim McMahon said.

“He was such a friendly, pleasant and dedicated young man who we loved having around Fir Park.

“Our thoughts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. We hope their privacy is respected by everyone as they try to come to terms with their loss.”

We’re pledging that everyone who buys a season ticket for 2020/21 will get the full value of their purchase.

Almost 1,800 of you have already got your tickets for the campaign, far surpassing sales figures at this stage in normal years.

We understand that there is still no clarity over when football will resume for us, nor any prediction over when supporters will be able to attend matches again.

With that in mind, we will guarantee everyone who purchases, or has already purchased, a season ticket for 2020/21 will get the chance to attend 19 home league matches, whenever that is possible.

If that is not possible in 2020/21, we will offer you the chance to claim the credit value of the missing games back. This can either be used against the value of your season ticket for 2021/22, or if you don’t renew next year, you can claim the equivalent number of match tickets for games in 2021/22.

If matches are initially played behind closed doors, we pledge that you will not be adversely impacted.

For example, if five matches are played behind closed doors in 2020/21, you can choose to either have the value of those matches deducted from your season ticket cost for 2021/22, or we will give you the equivalent amount of match tickets for games in that season.

Everyone who buys a new season ticket will also be given free entry to our first UEFA Europa League match.

Our Early Bird discount period on 2020/21 season tickets is available until 7 June. Don’t miss out.

To buy, please use our online purchasing service at tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk if you can. You can also call us between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday, on 01698 333333.

“Fans have responded brilliantly to buy season tickets so far, despite there being uncertainty over when Fir Park will be open again to watch football,” chief executive Alan Burrows said.

“Although that situation hasn’t changed, we hope that this guarantee will encourage other supporters to now commit to buying for 2020/21, and help the club prepare for what lies ahead.

“If you can afford to do so, please buy your season ticket now.”

Prices

* Concession pricing applies if you’re aged 16-18, aged 60 or over, or you’re a full-time student.

All the information you need

• Spread the cost or pay now
• Buy your season ticket now
• Activating your online account
• How to buy for more than one person

Read our brochure

Spread the cost or pay now

There are many ways to pay for your season ticket.

If you can, you can pay in full now by visiting tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk. If you’ve never logged in to the website before, follow this guide if you are an existing season ticket holder. If you’re buying new, please create a new account.

Alternatively, you can buy over the phone by calling 01698 333333. Please be patient, as we have limited telephone sales capacity at this time.

You can also email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk and ask us to call you back.

Pay by standing order

You can pay for your season ticket in four instalments from May to August by using our standing order facility. Forms are available here, or you can call 01698 333333 and we will get you set up. If you’re filling out a form, you can scan it and email it to tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk or post it to the club.

Please note that standing orders are only available on our full season ticket prices, and can not be used for our early bird rate.

Finance

Finance is available to spread your cost over 12 months at an interest rate of 19.5%.

To apply, please call us on 01698 333333.

Activating your online account

It’s easy to buy or renew your ticket online. First, just head to tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk.

I am renewing

To renew, you’ll need your client number. If you don’t know it, don’t worry, it is written on your season card.

If you’ve never used our online platform before, head to tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk. Click sign in in the top right corner, and then enter your client number and then choose the option ‘activate my account’. You’ll then be able to set a password for yourself and update your details, before going on to either renew your existing seat or choose a new one from our stadium map.

If you’re more familiar with our online ticketing site, login to your account now. Your current seat is reserved and you will see a notification, and you can renew it in a matter of clicks. Or you choose a new seat.

I didn’t have a 2019/20 season ticket & I want to buy one

Again, it’s easy to do this. Head to tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk and then press ‘season tickets’ from the top menu.

You’ll then be given the option to choose where in the stadium you would like to sit. From there, you can create yourself an account, and then buy your season ticket for the 2020/21 campaign.

Need help?

If you want help setting up your online profile, or would prefer to buy by phone instead, just call 01698 333333. You can also email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Buying for more than one person

If you have season tickets for your kids, or want to manage all your family’s tickets through one account, it’s easy to link them together. First, head to tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk.

If you’ve never set up an online account for the specific ticket holder you want to buy for, log out of your account and press sign in again. Then:

• Click on the ‘activate my account’ link. Input the customer number on the season card, and then the surname, and click the ‘find my account’ button.
• On the following page, check and update your details and create a password for use on the website. Please note that the address listed here is where your season card(s) will be sent to.
• If you are doing this on behalf of a junior member of your family, please enter a unique email account. This is due to some functionality – like forgotten password – which will look at the email address, and may cause a conflict.
• Once this form is complete, click on the ‘save details’ button at the bottom of the page. You will then be directed back to the home page where your registered name and number will appear in place of the ‘my account’ drop down at the top right hand corner – you are now ready to renew the season ticket.
• Then, sign out and go back to your account you want to control all tickets from. For example, the account of the adult season ticket holder who wants to have control over buying kids tickets. Follow the initial steps, and then you’ll be all linked up.

Next – or if an online account exists for the ticket holder in question, follow these steps:

• Press sign in. Once you are logged in to your master account, simply click on ‘my account’ and choose network.
• From here, you can search for someone by using their customer number and surname.
• Once you’ve found them, just press ‘add member’ and you’re done.

Then, to complete the purchase of the season ticket for another person:

• Select the individual in the “your network” menu.
• Select the “edit” button next to the person you wish to buy for.
• On the next page, make sure you select the “manage” option and then press “send request”.
• Log off of the site.
• This will send an email to the other person’s email address. They need to open the email and select the link – which will force then to log into the site – to complete the action.
• Then, you can sign out and then sign back into your main account, and you’re good to go.

If you have family members who haven’t received their code to renew, don’t worry. Just get in touch by emailing tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk, sending us a direct message on Facebook or Twitter, or calling us on 01698 333333. We will be able to give you the rest of the codes you need straight away. And if you’re having trouble linking your accounts, just get in touch as well.

Only one foreign team in the world has a Copa del Rey – the main domestic cup of Spain – in its trophy cabinet.

The story of how it came to be Motherwell who still give the prize pride of place today is a lesser-told tale in the club’s history.

Runners up in the Scottish top flight in 1926/27, John Hunter’s team headed to mainland Europe as the invited guests of the RFEF to take part in a post-season special edition of the competition. Swansea City were also in tow on the trip, heading to Madrid to take part.

Real Union were the winners of the 1927 Copa del Rey, but the Steelmen would eventually be pitted against the might of Real Madrid at their home Estadio Chamartín, albeit with some players from other Spanish sides thrown in as special guests to bolster the hosts’ chances.

An all-British showdown first

With a special version of the trophy donated by King Alfonso XIII of Spain for the purposes of the competition, Motherwell and Swansea would face each other first for the right to be the foreign guests in the final.

It would also mark the first time two sides from the United Kingdom would face each other on Spanish soil, with the Scots running out 4-3 winners in what was described by the King in publications as being a “brilliant display of scientific football”.

Lying in wait were Real Madrid, and some friends. Los Blancos were yet to register the first of their 33 La Liga titles by that time, with the national league not being formed until two years later, but had won five Copa del Rey trophies in what was still their early years.

The (unofficial) 1927 Copa del Rey final

Yes, the match between Motherwell and Real Madrid was for an unofficial version of the Copa del Rey, but it presented the unique opportunity to claim the trophy on foreign soil.

Two days after the win over Swansea City, 17 May 1927 saw the Steelmen face Los Merengues on their own turf and run out 3-1 winners. In doing so, they joined Dundee and Dundee United in being a Scottish club to win in Madrid in the 1920s. But only one returned with such prestigious silverware.

It wouldn’t be the only trophy Motherwell would take home too. A trip to Barcelona followed a few days later and, after a 2-2 draw with the Catalan side, a 1-0 win over Swansea – again – also saw the club presented the Barcelona Cup.

Following the publication of an SPFL EGM vote on a resolution calling for an independent investigation, I set out below how Motherwell FC voted and why we came to that decision.

Firstly, and contrary to various reports in the press, the board did not reach a conclusion until the weekend. This came after we had spent the appropriate time reviewing all the documentation which was supplied to clubs.

As I have said before, the situation we are in has no precedent. So it is no surprise that we are all, from Government down to individuals, struggling to make sense of where we find ourselves and how best we get through. Good answers are not easy to find.

It is against that backdrop that we reviewed the evidence. The key decision the SPFL board took was to propose a resolution to “call” the leagues other than the Premiership, and giving itself the power to do the latter in due course. Their rationale was twofold.

1) It was extremely unlikely this season could be finished.

2) In those circumstances the most important aspect was to protect, as far as possible, next season.

As a club we felt that was the correct decision at the time and it has been confirmed over the past weeks. There are now no credible voices still arguing that the 2019/20 season can be completed.

Did the evidence produced meet the high threshold required to merit an independent review of that decision and indeed an open-ended and unlimited enquiry into the whole corporate governance of the SPFL? In our view it did not.

We also took into account two other factors in our decision not to support the resolution.

Is this the appropriate time to divert resource into an investigation? In our view, it is not and we are surprised by the amount of effort and energy devoted to this topic at a time when Scottish football faces an existential crisis.

Secondly, it is very likely that a large number of clubs will need significant help to get to the other side of this, which might in turn entail accessing money from external sources. The chance of getting that sort of funding is much reduced if we continue to fight in public. For that reason, can we not all come together as a group to try and get the best possible outcome?

If in due course, when we are through this crisis, clubs feel that there should be a review of how the structure and operation of the SPFL could be improved, then we would support that and would be happy to be involved.

Jim McMahon
Chairman

Our event to raise funds for local causes on Saturday 9 May runs from 12pm to just past midnight.

We’re streaming classic Motherwell moments throughout the day to raise money for Chris’s House, the Motherwell FC Community Trust and The Well Society.

You can still donate to help us reach our target. Our virtual kiosk will be open all throughout the day, you can enter our signed shirt draw and also keep making donations if you can.

Please donate here.

To watch along, head to our Facebook page from 12pm on Saturday.

To encourage as much donations as possible, we will live stream to all who wish to watch.

We’ve been lucky enough to find rarely-seen footage from throughout our history, going back as far as 1921 Scottish Cup matches against Ayr United and Partick Thistle.

There are some real treats for Motherwell fans to enjoy throughout the day.  You can follow our schedule to see what you want to see, or rewind and playback at any point.

Schedule

Why we are doing this

We live in unprecedented times, with the spread of Covid-19 costing people their lives, causing many others to fall ill, putting strain on key workers and also creating difficult life conditions for the general population through uncertainty over employment, money and health, and also having a psychological impact due to the current social isolation guidelines.

We want to use our platform, our supporter base and our reach to the wider world to raise money to help those affected as a consequence of what is happening.

This fundraising initiative is operated on behalf of the Motherwell FC Community Trust. All donations will also be subject to Gift Aid, which will see us being able to reclaim tax to add a further 25p to our total for every £1 spent. It will not cost you any extra.

“The current situation is having a real and immediate impact on people’s lives,” Motherwell FC chief executive Alan Burrows said.

“We want to use our platform to raise money to try and offer support in the areas we’ve identified – namely Chris’s House, who work tirelessly to help with the mental health issues which may come from current circumstances, and also our Community Trust, who amongst other things are continuing to ensure food is available for local children who may go without some meals while schools are off.

“We have set an initial target which we hope people will see as a challenge we can all get involved in to hit. All donations will go towards making a huge impact in the local community as we try and get through this together.”

Our causes

Chris’s House

Primarily, this is why we have partnered with Chris’s House. Chris’s House stands for ‘Centre of Help, Response and Intervention Surrounding Suicide’ and has been set up to offer a safe environment where people in crisis may have a respite from their current unwellness, by finding refuge in Chris’s House and involvement in an individually tailored programme to offer support and respite through their journey.

Their aims are to reduce the number of people dying as a result of mental health, to support those affected by suicide and raise awareness of it, to work in partnership with other agencies in Scotland that could help with their aims, and to reduce stigma and ‘taboo’ around suicide and mental health.

The current situation will be having an untold and profound impact on people’s mental health, during a time where the majority of our time has to be spent indoors. We want to support Chris’s House to help people who need their support and expertise.

Chris’s House was founded by Anne Rowan, a Wishaw mum with a passionate vision for a crisis centre established in memory of her son Chris, whom she lost to suicide in 2011 at the age of 36. In the years following Chris’s death, Anne experienced an overwhelming sense of guilt. Her hair fell out, she lost her balance and couldn’t go out unaided.

She turned her attention to taking action – through the creation of Chris’s House, a ‘Centre for Help, Response and Intervention Surrounding Suicide’. It is the first 24 hour, non-medical crisis centre in Scotland offering integrated support. The cosy rooms have each been carefully designed to offer guests an environment they can feel comfortable in. The generosity of families that have been touched by the work Chris’s House have accomplished have raised the funds or made donations to allow for the space offer calm and wellbeing.

Motherwell FC Community Trust

Our own Community Trust are also working hard to support local people during these difficult times. Primarily, through funding, they are helping to provide a range of food packages throughout the area, addressing holiday hunger for local school children.​

There are 6,500 children near Fir Park who are entitled to free school meals.

Some don’t get a meal when schools are closed for holidays.

For those times, we provide hot food and physical activity free of charge.https://t.co/iFrXW40bKt pic.twitter.com/sAshBT433V

— Motherwell FC (@MotherwellFC) December 18, 2019

As well as being a vital point of call for resources and support for the local population, they are also continuing to deliver coaching programmes to hundreds of children who normally train at Fir Park on a daily basis, with classes now being delivered online by our first team players.

The Well Society

Then, finally, The Well Society is the fan-ownership group which owns Motherwell Football Club. Any supporter can join to become a part-owner of their club, and we are raising money to help support them and, in turn, the club as it continues to plan for the future during the present uncertainty, as well as to offer assistance in the club’s continued outreach in the area during these times.

Buy your “tickets” now and donate to our Motherwell v Covid-19 fundraising.