Latest News

Motherwell’s post split fixtures for season 2022/23 have been announced by the SPFL.

The Steelmen will kick off with a home game against Rangers on Sunday 24 April, live on Sky Sports (12 noon kick off).

Graham Alexander’s men then travel to Tannadice for a third time this season the following Saturday, 30 April.

‘Well remain on the road with a trip north to face Ross County on Saturday 07 May before the last home game of the campaign sees third-place Hearts visit Fir Park the following Wednesday (11 May).

The final game of the season will be in Glasgow as Motherwell sign off against Celtic at Celtic Park on Saturday 14 May, live on Sky Sports, with a 12.15pm kick off.

• Sunday 24th April (12pm KO): vs Rangers (H)
• Saturday 30th April (3pm KO) vs Dundee Utd (A)
• Saturday 7th May (3pm KO) vs Ross County (A)
• Wednesday 11th May (7.45pm KO) vs Heart of Midlothian (H)
• Saturday 14th May (12.15pm KO) vs Celtic (A)

Motherwell, using the money raised from the ‘Well In Scheme’ will be launching bags which contain items that will help young people with Autism enjoy the matchday experience and environment further.

Each bag contains a lanyard, fidget spinner, ear defenders, stadium map and a sensory fan.

The lanyard will allow stewards, other supporters and kiosk workers to be more patient and understanding.

Using the fidget spinner will allow the young person to combat the feeling of stress in an uncomfortable situation.

In the noisy environment of a football match, ear defenders will drown out some of the loud noises which can arise within the stadium during the game.

The sensory fan will allow the young person to communicate with whom they are attending the game with about how they are feeling.

The fan has visual aids which the young person can point to, which then relates to how they are feeling in that moment. The fan contains emotions such as “It’s too; hot, bright, crowded, loud.”

The stadium map will enable the young person to know where they are within Fir Park.

“Over the past couple of years, the Community Trust has worked with a number of local organisations to deliver football sessions for young people with autism,” general manager of the Motherwell Community Trust Dawn Middleton said.

“Sometimes they join our core programmes but often the autism sessions are the most supportive environment for them to enjoy the game.

“We have worked closely with Alan Burrows to identify how we can support young people to come to Fir Park on matchdays and feel safe and supported.

“These bags are just the first step towards delivering a more inclusive and supportive matchday experience for all our fans.

“We could not have achieved this without the support of the Motherwell supporters in the ‘Well In’ scheme.”

The Autism bags will be launching for the first post-split fixture at Fir Park and there will be a collection point at the Davie Cooper stand, one hour prior to kick off. The bags are aimed for Under 16s.

Exploring the links between wellbeing and sport – a Q&A with Motherwell sponsors Paycare

The link between team sports and personal wellbeing is becoming ever more apparent – and if there’s one person who truly recognises that connection, it’s Paycare’s Sally Bromley.

Sally is the Health Cash Plan provider’s Partnerships Engagement Officer, meaning she’s regularly in touch with all of those sponsored by Paycare, including Motherwell FC.

We caught up with her to find out a little more about her role, and the importance of sport for health and happiness.

Q: Firstly, what’s your background and what does your role at Paycare involve?

A: Before joining Paycare, I worked in management – both in the graphic print and property lettings sectors. I’ve always been a self-confessed sportaholic, starting my own netball club 12 years ago and spending much of my free time coaching and encouraging participation in sports.

That’s what attracted me to the role at Paycare, because of the wonderful work they do with so many sports clubs locally, nationally and internationally.

As Partnerships Engagement Officer, I’m responsible for sourcing potential new groups, clubs and partners to work alongside, as well as building and developing existing partnerships, and being the first point of contact for those we sponsor.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the partnership between Motherwell and Paycare?

A: Our CEO Kevin Rogers was the driving force behind the sponsorship, he’s a huge fan and is often seen at games alongside other Paycare staff. For us, it’s important that the partnership goes deeper than simply having our logo on the players’ shirts.

Motherwell is a particularly family-orientated club whose values mirror our own – and we love the level of engagement the club has within the community, too.

Q: Why do you think it’s important for prominent sports stars such as the Motherwell team to promote health and wellbeing?

 A: Footballers and other well-known sports stars are role models and as such can have great influence over others. Their reach enables them to spread the message of how important health and wellbeing is to lots of people – including many boys and men who are statistically more likely to neglect their physical and mental health. This is especially important post-pandemic when many more people are struggling with their wellbeing.

Q: In the past, footballers and others in the public eye may have been reluctant to talk about their wellbeing. Do you think this is changing now?

A: Definitely – national campaigns have really heightened awareness and there have been a number of high-profile sports stars who’ve talked openly about their health issues, paving the way for the generation following them.

It’s not only key for individuals to realise the positive influence talking about their wellbeing can have, but also for sporting organisations to do the same. WHO and FIFA signed a four-year deal in 2019 to promote healthy lifestyles through football and we’ve also had the #BeActive campaign during Covid and the #ReachOut campaign to encourage taking action to achieve better mental health.

FIFPRO research shows 23% of active players and 28% of retired players experience sleep disturbance; depression impacts 9% of active and 13% of retired footballers; and 7% and 11% respectively report having anxiety.

Q: Most of us know taking part in sport or exercise is beneficial, but could you share with us some of the key ways in which it can help your wellbeing?

A: There are so many benefits to sports participation and regular exercise, in addition to the physical health improvements you’ll see. Sport can reduce stress, anxiety and depression; increase self-esteem and confidence; improve sleep; and increase energy levels.

It really is a case of ‘the earlier, the better’ as we see children who start playing sports early on in life learning emotional control, communication skills, how to cope with failure, and lots of essential social skills which can all boost their wellbeing.

Q: How do you find being active personally supports your wellbeing?

When I was younger, being active was important simply because I enjoyed it, but as I’ve got older I’ve realised the impact on my physical and mental wellbeing. As a working mom, playing sport became my release from the stress of a busy schedule – it was a form of escapism and often gave me the motivation to get through the week.

Now my children are older and no longer live at home, it’s even more important for me to stay active as it provides important social connections, helps combat many issues associated with ageing, and helps keep my mind clear and focused.

Q: All exercise is beneficial, but are there any extra benefits to taking part in a team sport such as football?

A: A sense of belonging and being part of a community are both integral aspects of team sport – and we really saw the importance of that during the Coronavirus lockdowns. Collaborating and working together towards a common goal are also key, and doing so can really boost your self-confidence. Individuals are also less likely to give up exercising if it’s part of a team commitment, meaning they reap the benefits of long-term physical activity.

Paycare has almost 150 years of experience boosting the UK’s health and happiness, providing a range of solutions to ease the cost of everyday healthcare. This includes the low-cost high-value Bundle, which enables employers to support the physical, emotional and financial health of their teams – for just £2 per employee per month.

Bundle comprises three valuable aspects: a 24/7 GP appointment service, access to a telephone line for confidential chats and counselling, and Paycare Perks – discounts on everything from utilities and household items to fashion and holidays.

Visit www.paycare.org/wellbeing-bundle to find out more!

Treat your mum to a bottle of Motherwell FC branded gin.

In association with the Loch Lomond Group, the special bottles are available to buy now for just £30.

Get yours online now and then collect at Fir Park. If you are not local, you can order direct and have it delivered directly from Loch Lomond Group.

The Motherwell FC limited edition gin is a London Dry Gin style with a berry sweetness from blackcurrants and rowanberries used from the Trossachs.

Blended beautifully this gin is vibrant and crisp, offers a smooth, fresh flavour which finishes with a delicate berry sweetness.

Whatever your financial goals, don’t miss this year’s use-by date for your tax allowances.

· It’s important to understand your financial targets and how to achieve them. Making the best use of your tax allowances, exemptions and reliefs before their use-by date (the end of this tax year on 5 April) could help get you there sooner.

· Tax-efficient pensions and Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are important options when it comes to creating a more secure financial future.

· If you’re thinking about how to pass your wealth to loved ones, look at ways to reduce the Inheritance Tax on your estate, such as gifting money to children or grandchildren.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic making the future feel uncertain, you may feel torn between wanting to save for your long-term financial goals and shorter-term measures. Recently, the rising interest in Japanese online casinos has introduced new financial dynamics for many, as some individuals explore these platforms not only for entertainment but also as an unconventional means to grow their savings. Whether you’re planning for a long-awaited holiday or building a savings buffer after a challenging period, understanding these evolving financial options can help inform how you approach your post-pandemic financial strategy.

But where do you start?

Depending on your situation, it will differ. But the best thing to look for is a balance between short-, mid- and long-term goals. An expert in financial planning can help you navigate the options and create a plan that meets your goals.

Acting now, and making the most of your tax allowances could go a long way toward helping you reach your goals sooner.

· If you’re starting to build a financial foundation…

…you can consider taking on more risk with your investments. The longer your money is invested, the greater the potential rewards.

· If you’re securing the financial future for you and your family…

…don’t panic if you haven’t done much about this yet – you’re not alone. People often put off investing for the future as they manage today’s cash-flow needs, particularly during these difficult times. But it’s never too late to begin.

· If you’re thinking about a comfortable retirement…

…you should make the best, and most appropriate, use of all available tax-efficient savings options, particularly your pension and ISAs.

When it comes to pensions, there is a lot to consider, and financial advice is critical to ensure you maximise the opportunities.

· If you’re considering how to pass on your wealth…

…look at the tax-efficient options available to support other people in your family, now and in the future.

Whatever your goals, the time is ripe to ensure you’re making the most of this year’s tax-saving allowances and reliefs. Contact us before 5 April for expert guidance and let us help you plan your financial future. https://srbwm.co.uk/contact

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief is generally dependent on individual circumstances.

Channel Finance Group are a growing Commercial finance brokerage based in the central belt of Scotland. We feel extremely proud to be part of the Motherwell FC community and have been making the most of it!

Since beginning our sponsorship of Motherwell Women in August, we have attended multiple games with clients, met with some of the players and given away lots of tickets to lucky followers.

Our sister company, Channel Mortgages, will be using this opportunity to support the players at the club with any mortgage and protection needs they may require and extend this to any staff or fans of the club too. In addition to this, Channel Finance Group will be working closely with Leanne Crichton and Paul Brownlie to support the future of the women’s team and academy. This partnership is based on shared values and we are very much looking forward to continuing it in the future.

At Channel Finance Group we offer various financial solutions which are tailored towards businesses of all types and sizes! As a directly authorised firm we have access to a panel of lenders which has solutions for all. Our aim is to make finance simple and accessible which is why we tailor each service to your individual needs.

Channel Mortgages recently partnered with award winning network Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB). This has expanded our network and as a thank you to the Motherwell FC community for welcoming us as the Motherwell Women shirt sponsor, we would like to offer a Free Mortgage and Protection review for all Motherwell Fans.

If you are interested in this, please email us at hello@channelmortgages.co.uk or call us on 0141 212 0740 and we can get your review underway for free!

New College Lanarkshire has launched a partnership with Motherwell Football Club that will help nurture the sports coaches of the future.

The HNC Sports Coaching programme, which will be based at NCL’s Motherwell Campus and Ravenscraig Sports Centre, will give students the knowledge and skills they need to work as professionals within football or the wider discipline of sports development and coaching. The programme will also pave the way for further study at HND or Degree level.

Once the course begins in August, successful applicants will benefit from work placements at the Motherwell Football Club Community Trust.

In addition to live coaching sessions, learners will study sports development, sport science aspects such as anatomy and sports nutrition, and athlete wellbeing. The course may also offer additional opportunities for students to participate in and support the wider activity of the club.

The HNC also includes an embedded, stand alone, industry-recognised Professional Development Award in Sports Coaching at SCQF Level 7. This is jointly certificated by SportScotland and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

“We are really excited to launch this partnership with one of our local clubs, Motherwell FC, and we expect the course to be really popular,” Todd Lumsden, Curriculum and Quality Leader for Sport and Fitness and New College Lanarkshire said.

“It will give students the opportunity to put what they’re learning at NCL into practice with a top-flight football club.

“It’s a fantastic chance to boost your employment prospects either within football or sports coaching, or to take the first step towards an HND or Degree.”

“Motherwell Football Club is delighted to be working in partnership with New College Lanarkshire to offer this opportunity to aspiring coaches,” Dawn Middleton, Motherwell FC Community Trust General Manager, said,

“The Community Trust will offer placements to every student across our broad range of projects, allowing them to work with a range of abilities, age groups and outcomes, putting their academic theory into practice.

“Students will also have the opportunity to move into paid sessional work with the Trust, enhancing their future employment profile.”

More information on the course, which starts in August 2022, can be found here.

Motherwell FC is something a little different from the football norm, and we need a new Head of Digital, Brand and Communications to help us tell the world about it.

We need an individual who will shape, direct and deliver the club’s external communications strategies. You will lead the club’s award-winning digital team, marketing team, our new data/CRM team and our various publications, as well as continue to evolve our brand.

But we don’t just want anyone who may have the requisite qualifications and experience or someone who loves football. We want a person who truly believes in this sport the way we do and wants to inspire others to feel the same and be a part of our journey.

Motherwell FC is a Scottish Premiership football club that has won every major domestic honour in Scotland at some point in our history. We were the first top-flight fully fan-owned football club in Great Britain with a fantastic supporter base that’s loyal, generous, colourful, boisterous and passionate.

We want to be a club that wins football matches and puts on an entertaining show for those fans every game. However, as equally important to us is what our football club stands for, who we represent and the values and principles that define us and why we exist.

We are both a football club and a cause, and that cause is to improve the lives of the people we engage with, whether that’s our supporters, our neighbours, community, or anyone who needs it. We shine a torch on issues that may be taboo, be it on mental health, suicide, poverty, unemployment or social inclusion.

We believe passionately in using our highly engaged public platform to help people and make a positive difference each day. We don’t just say it because it looks and feels good. We do so because we genuinely believe it, and it means a lot to our supporters and us. Therefore, it’s vitally important that the people charged with shaping and telling our story publicly fully believe in why we do what we do too.

We have forged a culture at the club that pairs the need and desire for a highly professional sporting environment that encourages excellent performance and player development with a real visible social conscience. It’s what we think makes us stand out from the others, and it is football how we believe it should be.

If you share that mindset and agree with our beliefs, and think you can help us tell that story and inspire people, this could be the job for you.

But, the hours can be long and challenging. When the initial glamour and excitement dissipates, it can be mentally tough, particularly with big shoes to fill. The pressures and expectations can be challenging to cope with, and any mistakes are made in the public eye. You may even have to drop everything you’re doing and immediately jump into work mode, as the world of football rarely sleeps. You will also need to get your hands dirty. This role is a much a doing one as it is a leadership one. It’s a bit cliché, but no day or challenge will ever be the same.

If you see all those things as challenges to overcome rather than barriers, and you thrive in that type of fast-paced environment, you will not only love it, but more importantly, you can help us shape something unique and tell a wonderful story that will showcase the best elements of the beautiful game, and we want you to be on our team.

What exactly is “essential” for the job?

The most important thing is you can do the job well and have a passion for what we stand for, whether that’s because you’ve been through a higher education programme or because you’ve worked somewhere to build up that knowledge. Or both. We’re open-minded.

We want someone with a solid work ethic and obsessed with improving what we do. We are looking for someone to continue our work, but who can also make their stamp on the role, the department and the club, but you’ll also be pushed hard and challenged.

We are looking for someone who is goal orientated and will ensure whatever task is appropriately planned, executed, and completed. And we are also looking for someone who can bring the best out in staff, empowering them to work autonomously while also supporting, guiding and helping them develop.

The day-to-day also includes managing internal relationships, video editing and approval, writing copy, social media posting, analysing trends and data using Blinkfire Analytics, and paid social and email marketing, so we are looking for candidates with relevant experience or an aptitude for those tasks as well.

What does success look like and how will we measure it?

A big part of our strategy to retain our supporters, keep them interested and captivated as well as gain new fans is by creating engaging and captivating digital content that people not only enjoy but relate to and, importantly, ties in with the values and principles of the club.

We have grown our digital footprint beyond all recognition in the last four years. We are currently the fifth most followed professional football team in Scotland across the five major platforms. We are closing in on being the biggest online outside of Celtic and Rangers. We want to continue that upward trend and will work with you to set ambitious targets on how we continue to produce the sort of content that is not only enjoyable for our most loyal supporters but to those who might take a growing interest in the club.

Our productions in video, graphics and photography are taken care of by our exceptionally talented staff. We would look to you to have experience in managing the three, particularly video, with an ability to shape projects, participate where necessary, and also ensure the final products are of the required standard.

We have also recently partnered with CRM providers Sports Alliance to ensure we give our fans the most appropriate content and information tailored to individual fans’ needs and wants. For that, we will need to resource the new department properly. One of your first jobs will be to ensure we have talented provision within marketing and data analysis to help us achieve our growth targets in both season ticket numbers and matchday attendances.

We are also at the stage of needing to develop a new website which is fit for purpose for engaging our current support, providing services to our fans and also attracting new ones. You’ll also be at the heart of the project to develop that with external agencies.

We want to maintain and continue to grow a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with the Scottish media. Motherwell FC views the media as partners and colleagues. We want to be recognised as a welcoming, helpful, and respectful club to deal with whilst maximising our exposure to deliver our message and core purpose and drive real value for our sponsors and partners. A big part of your role will be to maintain a healthy line of communication between the club and the Scottish press. You will be our figurehead, spokesperson and point of contact.

What is some of our best digital content?

To give you a flavour of what we’re about, here are some of the various pieces of digital content that we’ve created over the last few years, showcasing the stories that we tell and the access we have.

https://twitter.com/i/events/1387019766301351938

What is the salary?

Motherwell FC places a huge emphasis on this area of the business. As such, we think the package, including performance-related bonuses, on offer will be highly competitive, and we would be happy to speak in confidence to any potential applicant about the parameters.

How do I apply?

Send a CV and a cover letter to alan.burrows@motherwellfc.co.uk. We want to know what experience you can bring, what you know about us and what you think is necessary to drive us on to the next level.