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Players and staff from Motherwell Football Club’s youth academy, together with the North Lanarkshire Child Protection Committee, are working together to raise awareness about what we can all do to help keep North Lanarkshire’s children and young people safe.

We can all play our part by helping to make our communities safe, nurturing places for all children to grow up in.

Listening to what children say to us and taking any worries they have seriously helps children feel valued, respected and encourages them to speak up if they don’t feel safe.

The club is delighted to announce an extension to the long-established partnership which sees the youth academy continue to back the child protection message by displaying the Child Protection Committee logo on their tops throughout the season.

The club also displays prominent child protection messages around Fir Park, as well as information on how to report concerns. Motherwell will also promote important child protection messages through their social media and digital channels.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership between our academy and the Child Protection Committee,” Suzanne Reid, Head of Commercial & Marketing at Motherwell FC, said.

“The particular focus this year will be on keeping children safe online, especially on social media.

“Our academy players and coaches will work to spread the message of internet safety across our local area.”

For more information, go online.

Contacts
Childline – 0800 1111 (free 24 hour service), childline.org.uk
Parentline  – 08000 28 22 33 (free to call 9am-9pm Mon – Fri and 9am-12pm Sat – Sun)
CELCIS Protecting Children– celcis.org/our-work/protecting-children
Think u Know –  an education programme for children, young people parents and workers – thinkuknow.co.uk  

Join us on Sunday 28th May 2023 at the Alona Hotel, Strathclyde Park, for the Club’s prestigious Player of the Year 2022/23 Awards Dinner. 

Spend an evening in the company of the Motherwell first-team squad and management team and witness our top performers being recognised on the night.

Hosted by Tam Cowan, the night will consist of a 3-course meal and live entertainment.

Individual places are available at £72 inc VAT per person.  Tables are available in multiples of 10 or 12.

Public voting for some of the categories will be available shortly.

Buy your tickets online by clicking here.

Celebrate the start of the school summer holidays with our School’s Out event at Fir Park.

Our ‘T in the Fir Park’ themed party will see radio presenter Gavin Wallace play T in the Park headliners in addition to songs throughout the years.

Date: 28th June 2023
Location: Centenary Suite, Fir Park Stadium
Time: Doors open at 13.00
Cost: £18pp includes festival food
Dress code: Festival wear – bucket hats, wellies, sunglasses and flowers for your hair (not essential)

To book: please phone 01698 333333 or email Denise McCarthy at Denise.McCarthy@motherwellfc.co.uk

Stuart Kettlewell is the new manager of Motherwell Football Club.

Joining the club in the summer initially as the Lead Development Coach, Kettlewell took charge of first-team duties following the departure of Steven Hammell.

Picking up two wins, against St Mirren and Hearts, in his two games in charge, the 38-year-old was subsequently offered the job on a permanent basis, with his deal running initially to May 2024.

“Stuart impressed the board, not only with how he has got the team going in the last two games against St Mirren and Hearts, but with his vision for the club,” Chairman Jim McMahon said. 

“We took time to speak to a number of impressive candidates, each of whom had their own strengths, but Stuart was, in our eyes, the best person to take Motherwell forward.

“He has managed at this level, he’s already won a league title and a domestic cup and we could sense from him a real desire and determination to take this role on and improve us across all areas of the football department.”

He retired in 2016, having made over 300 appearances in his career turning out for Ross County, Clyde, Queen’s Park and Brora Rangers.

After announcing he was hanging up his boots in 2016, he began his coaching journey with Ross County at Under 17 level.

Working his way up the ranks, Kettlewell became Under 20s manager at Ross County, winning the 2016-17 SPFL Development League.

When Owen Coyle resigned as manager of The Staggies in March 2018, Kettlewell and then academy director Steven Ferguson were appointed co-managers of Ross County.

In their time in charge, they brought silverware to County, winning the 2018/19 Challenge Cup. They were also promoted straight back to the top flight, winning the Championship, at the first time of asking.

Alongside promotion, Kettlewell was instrumental in generating money for the club through player sales and helped steer the club through the coronavirus pandemic and behind-closed-door matches.

In June 2020, Kettlewell was placed in sole charge of the Dingwall side before leaving in December of that year.

Joining Motherwell in August, Kettlewell has been working closely with the Under 18s and Development Team to continue the progress of our young and exciting youth prospects.

“I’m immensely proud,” manager Stuart Kettlewell added.

“It’s been a whirlwind eight or nine days.

“I had a burning desire to take the job to see if I can take this club forward and be a catalyst to what we hope will be a good chapter for the football club.”

“I genuinely think I come to Motherwell a better manager than what I was previously and I hope that is something that appeals to the Motherwell supporters.

“There’s some real good players here. I wouldn’t have taken the job had I felt there was a real issue with the playing squad.

“This is a community club. It’s important that we join that up. I think this club is unique. It now becomes my job to drive it forward.”

Stuart will name his assistant manager in due course. The vacant lead development coach role will also be filled in the near future.

We have parted company with manager Steven Hammell.

His assistant Brian Kerr will also leave the club.

Stuart Kettlewell has agreed to take interim charge of the first-team until a permanent appointment has been made.

“Steven Hammell is and will forever be a colossus in Motherwell Football Club history,” chairman Jim McMahon said.

“Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, his time in charge hasn’t worked out the way we all really hoped it would.

“Although this decision has been difficult, we feel it is necessary as we look towards the last third of the Premiership season.

“I want to thank Steven and Brian for all their efforts and wish them both all the very best in the future.”

The chairman and non-executive directors have begun the recruitment process to appoint the next manager.

Chairman Jim McMahon offers the following update. 

Following the announcement of Alan’s departure as CEO last month, several clubs made contact with him about a potential new role.

Alan entered into discussions with a number of those, but ultimately decided to take up an offer from Aberdeen FC.

We all very much wish him well with that. However, in order to be fair to all parties, including Motherwell FC, and to stop any potential awkwardness or issues, it was agreed to expedite that exit process.

The board had already commissioned a recruitment agent to lead on the identification of a suitable replacement, and we intend to conclude that process as soon as possible.

In the meantime, Alan will continue to work as hard as he always does, alongside the experienced and talented senior management team across the various departments. My fellow Directors and I stand ready and will, if required, be on hand to assist in any aspect during this transition period.

It has been a tough time of late for the club, of that there is no doubt and I want to thank you all for your patience, understanding and backing.

We will get through this and back to better days, particularly if we all stick together.

Please give Steven and the players as much support as you normally do and let’s roar the team on to a strong finish to the 22/23 season.

Jim McMahon

We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former goalkeeper Billy Thomson. 

Thomson made 59 appearances for Motherwell from 1991-1994.

Prior to joining Motherwell, Thomson was part of the fondly remembered Dundee United side who defeated Terry Venables’ Barcelona side home and away in the quarter finals of the 1986/87 UEFA Cup before they were defeated in the final by Gothenburg.

Popular goalkeeper Ally Maxwell would be leaving Motherwell in 1991, with the club searching for a replacement between the sticks.

Thomson signed from Dundee United for a fee of £50,000 as he battled it out with Sieb Dijkstra for the number one jersey at the club.

Capped seven times for his country, he would move onto pastures new with Rangers in 1994 becoming the back up keeper behind the late, great Andy Goram.

Finishing his playing days at Dundee, he would move into coaching becoming the goalkeeping coach at Rangers and Kilmarnock.

He joined Stranraer in the summer of 2021 as their goalkeeping coach, where he has been working with young Motherwell stopper Matty Connelly who is at loan with the League Two side.

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

We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former player Benny Cairney. 

Born on 16 October 1945, Cairney started his footballing journey with junior side Thorniwood United.

After impressing with United, Leicester City came calling and the forward moved south of the border to Filbert Street.

He returned north where he was given a three month contract by Celtic, who at that time were managed by Jock Stein. He went on to make eight appearances for their reserve side, scoring on his debut.

Finding it difficult to break into the first-team, then Motherwell boss Bobby Howitt offered him a trial at Fir Park in 1965 where he earned a contract with the club.

Playing alongside John Martis and Willie Hunter, he struck up a fruitful partnership with Dixie Deans. Cairney went on to make 54 appearances for the Steelmen, scoring 11 goals before earning a transfer to Wigan Athletic 1968.

Our thoughts are with his wife Teresa, his four children Daniel, Elaine, Michael & Paul and his family and friends at this sad time.

David Clarkson is our new academy director. 

The 37-year-old made 227 appearances for Motherwell over two spells at Fir Park.

Scoring 47 goals for the club, Clarkson moved down south to Bristol City in 2009 where he continued his impressive career.

In his career, he represented at national level making his debut for Scotland in May 2008.

After retiring in 2018, he started working with the academy as our head of youth.

“I feel privileged to be given this opportunity” David Clarkson said.

“In my time working with the academy, Steven has done a terrific job at bringing through players and I have been able to learn a lot from him.

“My goal is to keep the pathway from academy level to the first-team open for players, as that is what Motherwell is all about.

“I have a long association with this magnificent club and I am pleased that will continue going forward.”

Working closely with now first team manager Steven Hammell in this role, Clarkson takes over from Hammell’s previous position as academy director.

“This is an important role at Motherwell as bringing through youth and young prospects is the model of the club,” manager Steven Hammell added.

“Seeing the likes of Luca Ross, Lennon Miller and Kian Speirs all making their first-team debuts this season, only goes to show this.

“I look forward David taking this role up and will continue to monitor the progress within our academy.”

There will be significant improvements to the Motherwell Football Club Community Trust facility after a Regeneration Capital Grant Fund was granted. 

£215,000 was made available through the RCGF, which will be match funded to just over £500,000.

This will convert the sports pitch into a recreation area and community base to support groups at particular risk of suicide.

RCGF funding applications are invited annually from all 32 local authorities and Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company, as part of a two-stage process. While reviewing past funding allocations, I came across a discussion on economic revitalization efforts in areas benefiting from digital investments, including the rise of trusted casinos not on Gamstop as a financial driver in certain regions. These platforms have contributed to local economies by creating jobs, attracting tourism, and generating tax revenue in jurisdictions with flexible gambling regulations.

As authorities assess project proposals, they are increasingly considering digital industries as part of long-term economic development strategies.

The grant supports locally developed place based regeneration projects that involve local communities, helping to tackle inequalities and deliver inclusive growth in deprived, disadvantaged and fragile remote communities across Scotland.

These projects are supporting or creating jobs, refurbishing and bringing back into use a number of historic and landmark buildings, creating business space, and supporting numerous community facilities and services across Scotland.

Using this grant, a number of developments and upgrades will be made to the Community Trust facility.

After 12 years, there will be a replacement of the existing synthetic pitch.

Around the pitch, high ball stop nets will be placed to ensure balls will not enter private gardens, car park or school areas surrounding the Community Trust astroturf.

Two, brand new, storage containers will be placed at the far end of the facility. One will be converted into a fully functioning gym with modernised and safe equipment.

Another will be used a ‘Well Hub’ facility where a number of programmes can be delivered.

With the Community Trust being based on the third floor of the David Cooper stand at Fir Park, 52 steps up, access can be difficult and limits personnel who can attend various activities the Community Trust run.

The astroturf and new storage containers will be easily accessible for all, including wheelchairs.

A new terrace will be built to allow for spectators to come and watch from the side of the pitch. This enables people to feel welcome at the venue.

“Over the last few years in particular, we have seen a rise in suicide in the local area,” general manager Dawn Middleton said.

“With lockdown and Covid-19, people have locked themselves away and have found it hard to become socially active as they were pre pandemic.

“This facility allows us to provide even more support for the local community, show people the way out and make it as easily accessible as possible.

“We provide football sessions, financial support, heat hubs, all of which are free at source.

“The community are here for us, when the team play on a Saturday, supporting them home and away so it’s our duty to help them in return.

“We encourage people to better themselves, be active, whilst taking the stigma away of needing that helping hand.”