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Motherwell goalscoring machine Willie MacFadyen is the second inductee in the 2022 Hall of Fame.

MacFadyen will be a familiar name to most Motherwell fans given his goalscoring exploits during the 1920s and 1930s.

A local lad from Overton, a seventeen-year-old Willie signed for the Steelmen in 1921 from Wishaw YMCA. However, despite his obvious talent and eye for goal, he didn’t make his debut for another two years, albeit enjoyed a couple of loans at Bo’ness and Clyde.

It was an unenviable task for any young striker who wore the claret and amber in the 1920s as the team boasted a forward line which included another Scottish football goalscoring icon in Hughie Ferguson, as well as Willie Tennant, John Cameron and George Banks all vying for a position in John Hunter’s ever-improving side.

MacFadyen found himself in various areas of the park, including right-half for a spell, before returning him to the front line for 1929/30.

However, it would be the following season which would set off the truck load of goals which would flow throughout the years as the Fir Parkers went on to dominate most of Scottish football.

Willie was a strong and pacy forward, ideal for a central striking berth in the 1930s. With the mercurial talents of fellow Hall of Famers Bobby Ferrier and George Stevenson, together with Johnny Murdoch and John McMenemy beside him, Motherwell and their “famous five” would on many occasions hammer teams by five, six, seven, or even sometimes more goals.

In that unforgettable 1931/32 championship winning season, Willie managed to score an amazing 52 goals in 34 games, including a double against Clyde on the last day of the campaign that edged him just ahead of the previous all-time league scoring record for a season set by Celtic’s Jimmy McGrory.

Over 90 years have passed since that achievement and the record for league goals in one season still has not been beaten.

Incredibly, despite scoring 235 goals in 378 league games for Motherwell, supporters, teammates, and anyone who was fortunate enough to see him play often mused that Willie would somehow miss more chances than he scored!  Hard to believe given he is comfortably in the top ten all-time leading Scottish marksmen.

As the season’s progressed, and that league winning team was slowly broken up, Willie became more of a bit part and midway through the 1936/37 campaign, he was allowed to leave, but at least by then he had rattled in thirteen goals for the ‘Well as a departing gift.

Willie joined English outfit Huddersfield Town; he was exchanged for the recently departed Duncan Ogilvie. MacFadyen returned to Fir Park with Huddersfield to play in a Ben Ellis benefit match in Motherwell, the final score was 2-2 and of course, Willie got the Huddersfield goals.

He managed to help them get to the FA Cup final but sadly, his side were defeated 1-0 in extra time by Preston North End in 1938. He’d also go on to feature for Clapton Orient (now Leyton Orient) who’s luck in Cup competition was no better than his former clubs, this was his last playing venue before the outbreak of World War II.

Willie was in the RAF as a PT Instructor and played for the RAF alongside the legendary Stanley Matthews. On his return to Scotland, he became manager of then Second Division Dundee United.

Willie sadly died aged 68 in Birmingham in 1972. Although fifty years have elapsed since his passing, and over 85 since he last pulled on the claret and amber, he is still fondly remembered by everyone at Motherwell FC.

His contribution to our club is unquestionably amongst the most significant in our 136-year history. He rightfully joins other legends, and some of his former teammates, already inducted in the Motherwell FC’s Hall of Fame.

Words inspired by the brilliant MotherwellNet.

Our highly-anticipated Hall of Fame dinner will welcome its fourth batch of inductees this November.

The event, launched in 2019, has already paid special tribute to the legendary names of the club’s long and distinguished history.

For the first time, the dinner will take place at Dalziel Park Hotel on Friday 18 November, with host Tam Cowan inducted five new names, with Willie MacFadyen joining the already-announced Keith Lasley.

The event is priced at £64 for adults and £30 for children aged under 12.

You can buy tickets for the dinner online here now or contact the commercial department on 01698 338 011.

The final three legends of the 2022 class of inductees will be revealed shortly, joining:

* Please note that some of the colourful language on the night may not be appropriate for young children or those easily offended.

The first inductee of the 2022 Hall of Fame is Keith Lasley.

Lasley is one of the highest appearance holders in Fir Park history, playing almost five hundred games in claret and amber and was rewarded for his impeccable service with a testimonial match against Bolton Wanderers in 2015.

By that point, the legendary midfielder skippered the club to consecutive runners-up league finishes and wore the armband in Champions League qualifying matches in a playing career spanning 18 years.

The 42-year-old joined joined the Steelmen in the late 1990s. He had just finished an electrical apprenticeship at the time and two goals in a trial match convinced then boss Billy Davies to offer him a professional contract.

He made his debut against Rangers at Ibrox in December of 2000 and went on to spend more than two decades at Fir Park as a player, captain, coach and, most recently, assistant manager.

Along with 2020 Hall of Fame inductee Joe Wark, Keith is the only man to have won the club’s Player of the Year on three occasions – in 2011, 2012 and in 2014 and is second only to current boss Steven Hammell in european appearances for Motherwell FC.

Keith hung up his boots in 2017 to become Stephen Robinson’s assistant where he played his part in the team reaching both the League Cup and Scottish Cup Final in the same season, as well as a third-place finish and a return to Europe in 2019-20.

He left the club in June to start a new non-football role with St Mirren, but will forever remain a legend of Motherwell FC.

Our highly-anticipated Hall of Fame dinner will welcome its fourth batch of inductees this November.

The event, launched in 2019, has already paid special tribute to the legendary names of the club’s 136-year history.

For the first time, the dinner will take place at Dalziel Park Hotel on Friday 18 November, with host Tam Cowan inducted five new names, including Keith.

The event is priced at £64 for adults and £30 for children aged under 12.

You can buy tickets for the dinner online here now or contact the commercial department on 01698 338 011.

The first of the 2022 class of inductees will be revealed shortly, joining:

* Please note that some of the colourful language on the night may not be appropriate for young children or those easily offended.

With the arrival of several new faces late on in the summer transfer window, there are still a handful of players left available for sponsorship.

Home shirts are available to sponsor for £350, whilst our white away kit costs £340.

For that, you will you get:

• Acknowledgement in every match programme throughout the season.
• Your name/company name (and web link) next to your chosen player on their website player profile.
• And new for 2022/23, an invitation to meet and take pictures with your sponsored player at the end of the season when they present your signed shirt.

Players who are still available to sponsor are:

If you are interested in sponsoring a player for the 2022/23 season, email mhairi.daly@motherwellfc.co.uk or call 01698 338 011.

We have extended our commitment to tackling the stigma around suicide by signing a further one-year partnership with Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire.

The Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire branding will again be on the first team players’ sleeves throughout the 2022/23 season in a bid to encourage players, supporters and the wider community to talk about suicide, positive mental health and to signpost people to the range of support available.

Suicide can affect anyone but tapping into the strength of community spirit among football supporters could help save lives. Just talking about the issue or asking someone if they’re ok could be the first step to getting the right support.

Councillor Paul Kelly, said, “Having suicidal thoughts or feeling of low mood transcends all backgrounds and ages and can happen to anyone at any time. The long-term impact of suicide on families, friends and communities can be devastating but we must do all we can to encourage people to talk openly about it.

“That’s why the message is ‘Let’s Talk’. All it needs is to start a conversation and the difference can turn someone’s life around. People genuinely care and we can see that already with the way that supporters at this club unite when times are low or rally round when needed. This is an example of how this type of partnership working can truly impact on people who really need that support in our communities. We need to use the connection through football to really have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing in our communities and this partnership will help to do just that.”

Suzanne Reid, head of commercial & marketing at Motherwell FC, added, “All too often we hear of people dying through suicide in our communities and through this partnership we want to highlight that support is available and that it’s ok to talk about how you feel. We are a community club and it’s important that we play a role in linking with our supporters and the wider community on issues that really matter. Because believe it or not, you do matter. People really care.”

For more information go to northlanarkshire.gov.uk/safer

Our highly-anticipated Hall of Fame dinner will welcome its fourth batch of inductees this November.

The event, launched in 2019, has already paid special tribute to the legendary names of the club’s 136-year history.

For the first time, the dinner will take place at Dalziel Park Hotel on Friday 18 November, with host Tam Cowan inducted five new names.

The event is priced at £64 for adults and £30 for children aged under 12*

You can buy tickets for the dinner online here now or contact the commercial department on 01698 338 011.

The first of the 2022 class of inductees will be revealed shortly, joining:

* Please note than some of the colourful language on the night may not be appropriate for young children or those easily offended.

Our ever-popular Ladies Day event returns for 2022 when Motherwell host Dundee United on Saturday 3rd September.

Hosted by Gavin Wallace, there’s a full day of fun and laughter planned, as well as cash prizes for the best dressed in attendance.

Priced at £44 for season ticket holders, and £52 for non-season ticket holders, our Centenary Suite Ladies Day package starts at 12pm and includes:

·        Complimentary cocktail on arrival
·        A two-course meal
·        Match ticket in the main stand
·        Best dressed competition with cash prizes
·        Games and music until 7pm

It’s a day not to be missed, thanks to our sponsors Cadzow Nursery.

To get your tickets, just buy online now at tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk, email us at hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk or give us a call on 01698 338003.

Despite the disappointment of the first-leg result against Sligo Rovers, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to our supporters who turned out in great numbers for the match.

The atmosphere, noise, and passion, particularly at the teams emerged from the tunnel, was amongst the best experienced in recent years.

We know supporters went to great lengths to collectively raise money to add to the colour of the occasion, and backed the club fantastically by buying nearly 7,000 tickets – one of our highest attended European games in recent times.

It is very much appreciated and all our focus is now on trying to win the second leg and progress to the third qualifying round.

We acknowledge and accept there were several issues relating to ticketing/seating in different parts of the ground, but particularly in the Phil O’Donnell stand. An internal review is now underway to try and identify why this has happened and what lessons can be learned, both in terms of ticketing and stewarding, at future matches.

We have already identified a number of areas where we must and will improve. We accept our responsibility for what happened and sincerely apologise to anyone who was inconvenienced or caught up in any difficulty trying to locate the seats they were sold.

It’s not good enough, but we will do better.

We were also very disappointed at an incident which took place late in the game where a plastic bottle was thrown towards the assistant referee from the north end of the John Hunter Stand.

Over the last few seasons there have been a couple of occasions where objects have been thrown onto the field of play at Fir Park. Our policy has always been to deal with individuals quietly and efficiently, and we have handed out indefinite bans to those who we have been able to identify.

To put it into some context, we are talking about a very small number of flash points over a few seasons, and the overwhelming majority of ‘Well fans who follow the team are passionate, noisy and colourful, but do not overstep the mark by endangering players, officials or staff.

The incident last night is now being investigated by UEFA and the likelihood is the club will be punished. We ourselves will work hard to identify the person responsible and will take firm action. It goes without saying, but throwing any objects onto the pitch is unacceptable at Fir Park or any other football stadium.

We’ve entered a new, exciting partnership with popular high street brand Footasylum.

The Footasylum brand will feature on the back of first team home and away kits for a minimum of two years.

With over 65 stores across the UK, Footasylum are always one step ahead when it comes to streetwear.

From high-profile trainer releases to the latest clothing, you’ll find the freshest drops from sportswear giants Nike, adidas Originals and Jordan, and premium pieces from Alessandro Zavetti, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein.

Guy Walker, head of football commercial partnerships commented: “Footasylum is delighted to be associated with Motherwell Football Club. A very exciting season for the club awaits as they embark upon a football journey into the UEFA Europa Conference League.

“We wish the club well and look forward to seeing the Footasylum brand feature on the back of the players shirts.

Suzanne Reid, head of commercial and marketing at Motherwell FC, added: “We are delighted to welcome Footasylum to our partnership portfolio and I very much look forward to working with Guy and his team to grow the partnership.”

World leading consumer electronics brand TCL has been renewed as the Official Mobile Partner, Official Club Partner and Official Club Shorts Sponsor of Motherwell Football Club and the Scottish Premier League club.

TCL are excited to announce that the renewed partnership also welcomes the extension of the Motherwell Women’s team meaning the TCL logo will be included on the men’s and now women’s shorts for the 2022/23 season.

This will be the second consecutive year of the partnership with the extension reaffirming the importance of the collaboration between two community driven companies.

The Motherwell FC partnership has already seen product donations make a positive impact where it’s needed most and TCL are looking forward to continuing to help connect and inspire the local community.

“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Motherwell FC again and importantly to extend the partnership to include the Motherwell Women’s Team,” UK and Ireland Country Director William Paterson said.

“TCL and Motherwell share the same values of community first.

“TCL has a deep-rooted belief in providing great consumer electronics products at a price that is affordable to as many people as possible. We want everyone to be able to enjoy our products and Motherwell has the same ethos in putting Wells fans first, too.”

“We are delighted to continue and extend the partnership with TCL,” Suzanne Reid, head of commercial & marketing at Motherwell FC said.

“This is a fantastic commercial deal for the club and represents further great news for the club and our supporters ensuring another positive, high value and high calibre partnership for both first teams. We thank TCL for their continued support.”

We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former captain Andy Goram.

Affectionally known as ‘The Goalie’, Goram joined Motherwell in January 1999 after a distinguished and trophy-laden seven years at Rangers, where he collected ten winners medals and won both the PFA and Football Writers Player of the Year awards.

Andy would regain his top form again at Fir Park, prompting boss Billy Davies to make him captain. He would play 69 times in claret and amber, before leaving the club in March 2001 to answer an SOS call from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Goram retired at the end of the 2003-04 campaign, bringing to an end a career that totalled over 700 games for 11 different clubs, 43 caps for Scotland and entry to the Scottish Football Hall of Fame. After hanging up his gloves, he had numerous coaching roles at several different clubs before being diagnosed with terminal cancer in May of this year.

He passes aged 58 away having made an indelible mark on the Scottish game and will be widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers this country has ever seen.

“Everyone at Motherwell, and the broad Scottish football family, will mourn the loss of a true great of our game,” Chairman Jim McMahon said.

“He was a larger-than-life character both on and off the field, but his ability as a goalkeeper was second to none. His contribution at Motherwell will obviously be overshadowed by his time at other clubs, but he was a big presence Fir Park for the two years he was here.

“The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Motherwell FC are with Andy’s family and close friends at this very sad time.”