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Stephen O’Donnell has extended his stay at the club after agreeing a contract extension.

The defender, who has been a mainstay at Fir Park since signing as a free agent in 2020, has put pen to paper on another two-year extension after previously agreeing to a two-year deal in 2021 after an impressive maiden season at the club.

Representing the club at the EURO 2020 and making 147 appearances since his arrival in ML1, the local boy has committed to another two years at the club. This extension is a one-year deal with the option of another.

“Stephen is an excellent professional,” manager Stuart Kettlewell.

“From availability to a high standards shown in training, he is a role model for young players.

“In my time here, he has been tremendous. Last season, he was asked to play in a number of positions but applied himself impeccably.

“It’s another player signed up early which is something I’ve been wanting to do.”

O’Donnell made his 500th professional appearances at the end of last season and the 32-year-old is excited to be back at Fir Park.

“This club means a lot to me,” Stephen O’Donnell said.

“I live locally and I’m very proud to represent a club that is a pillar in the community.

“Extending my contract is a delight. I’ve loved my time here and frankly didn’t want it to end.

“I will continue to give my all for the badge and give it my everything.”

Sam Nicholson has re-joined the club on a permanent basis.

The midfielder, who has been on loan at Fir Park since January, has put pen to paper on a two-year deal after an impressive maiden season at the club.

The 29-year-old made 16-appearances throughout his time in Lanarkshire; netting twice, including an exceptional goal of the season contender from distance against Livingston.

“It feels to good to be back here permanently,” Sam Nicholson said.

“I had to be patient when I first arrived but just tried to take my chances when they came.

“The fans and club as a whole have been welcoming and a joy to represent. That’s why I was keen to return permanently.

“The excitement is already building for next season.”

“Sam has shown his quality,” manager Stuart Kettlewell added.

“His match fitness wasn’t quite there when he first came in but when he got a run in the team, I think everyone was impressed with his energy and pace.

“He works hard for the team and will offer lots to us next season. With a full pre-season under his belt, he will have all the ingredients for a successful campaign.”

Jon Obika has announced his retirement from playing and will join our coaching staff for the 2024/25 season.

The forward missed large spells of the 23/24 season with a recurring hamstring injury and following discussions with Stuart Kettlewell, has opted to hang up his boots and focus on his coaching career.

On his new role, Obika said, “I just feel this is where I’m supposed to be.”

“When reflecting back, I just knew that this opportunity doesn’t come often under people you value and respect. I feel honoured.”

After discussing his motivations behind the decision to progress as a coach, Obika expressed the experience and dedication of Stuart kettlewell as a motivating factor.

“The gaffer was a big part [of my decision],” Obika explained.

“When he first came in, just watching how he took over and across the 18-months seeing him work, he is someone you want to deliver for. I feel in this role, I can deliver for him.

Having developed a closely-bonded relationship with players, coaches and supporters over his two and a half year spell in North Lanarkshire, Obika described how vital the close connection will be during the first steps on his coaching journey.

“The fans have been fantastic since I’ve come here,” Obika said.

“Before I joined St. Mirren, there was a chance of coming to Motherwell, but things didn’t work out, so it’s always been a club I’ve looked out for.

“You can see how committed [the fans] are to the cause. As players, we feel it and now even more as a coach, I feel I can deliver.”

Stuart Kettlewell said, “This has been something we’ve had in the pipeline.”

“I‘ve often said how nice a person Jon is. His season has been tricky from a playing perspective due to injury and extending his contract beyond this season wasn’t something we were going to do.

“However, I feel Jon’s experience in the game, playing at various levels, mixed with his personality, is a perfect combination for a first-team coach.

“Obviously, it’s been a big decision from Jon to hang up the boots, and one we wanted him to take his time over.

“Thankfully, he has agreed to our proposal and now we can look forward to him bringing fresh ideas to the back room staff next season.

“It’s an exciting time at the club as we continue to build for the future.”

We have been drawn in Group G of the 2024/25 Premier Sports Cup group stage.

Partick Thistle, Montrose, Edinburgh City and Clyde will be the opponents.

Fixtures will be announced shortly, with the first game being on the weekend of 13/14 July.

There isn’t long until the new season begins and we have all the key dates for your diary. 

First up, is the draw for the Premier Sports cup group stage. This will take place on Wednesday 29 May at 1pm and is available to watch on the Premier Sports YouTube channel, Premier Sports X/Twitter page as well as the SPFL YouTube channel.

We are seeded in the draw and will discover fixture information shortly after the draw has taken place. The draw is not regionalised.

Our first-team will return to Fir Park for pre-season on Tuesday 18 June, before setting off for Delden, Netherlands on Monday 24 June.

During their stay in Netherlands, they will face Eredivisie side FC Twente on Friday 28 June.

In their second match of the trip, Motherwell will take on DSVD Deuringen on Sunday 30 June. Both matches will take place at DSVD Deurningen’s stadium. Kerkweg 14, 7561 PT Deurningen, Netherlands.

Ticket prices for the match with FC Twente are:

• Adults £12.50
• Under 12 £5

Fixtures will be announced on Thursday 27 June for the new Premiership season.

The Premier Sports Cup group stage will kick off on weekend of July 13/14, with all group stage matches to be completed by July 23/24.

Premiership match day one is on the August 2/3 with the final round of fixtures taking place on 17/18 May 2025.

There will be no winter break due to the expansion of UEFA European competitions.

Away from first-team fixtures, there are some other important dates for your diary.

Season tickets for the 2024/25 season are now on sale. 

You are able to renew or purchase your season ticket for the upcoming campaign here.

Our Early Bird discount will end on 31st May 2024.

Season ticket holders have until the 30th of June to secure their seat.

The fixtures for the 2024/25 SWPL season will be published on Thursday 27 June at 3pm, with the first round of games taking place on Sunday 11 August.

There will be a winter break in the SWPL, starting on Monday 23 December and ending on Saturday 12 January.

Match day 32 will take place on Sunday 18 May, concluding the regular season.

The first round of the Sky Sports Cup will take place on Sunday 1 September.

Theo Bair has been called-up to the Canada National team for two friendlies in June.

The striker has been rewarded for a fine season, where he netted 15 times, with international recognition as the Canucks gear up for the Copa America tournament with friendlies against the Netherlands and France.

Bair was last called up in March and although he didn’t make an appearance, new manager Jesse Marsch will be keen to assess all his striking options ahead of a big summer for his team.

Netherlands v Canada
Thursday 6th June
7.45pm
De Kuip, Netherlands 

France v Canada
Sunday 9th June
8.15pm
Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, France 

Now that our 2023/24 cinch Premiership season has reached it’s conclusion, we can provide an update on our playing squad. 

Players under contract

• Dan Casey
• Shane Blaney
• Andy Halliday
• Harry Paton
• Ross Tierney
• Davor Zdravkovksi
• Lennon Miller
• Theo Bair
• Moses Ebiye

Loan player returning to parent club

• Georgie Gent
• Adam Devine
• Adam Montgomery
• Oli Shaw
• Jack Vale

Players departing

• Callan Elliot
• Calum Butcher
• Barry Maguire
• Blair Spittal
• Liam Kelly

Players offered new contract and negotiating

• Matty Connelly
• Stephen O’Donnell
• Bevis Mugabi
• Callum Slattery
• Sam Nicholson

Players who have agreed extensions

• Paul McGinn (contract until summer 2025, with option for another year)
• Aston Oxborough (contract until summer 2025)

An update also on our Under 18 squad.

Contract extension agreed

• Dylan Wells (contract until summer 2026)
• Olly Whyte (contract until summer 2025)
• Max Ross (contract until summer 2025)
• Ewan Wilson (contract until summer 2025)
• Mark Ferrie (contract until summer 2025)

Under Contract

• Brannan McDermott
• Luca Ross
• Ross Nelson
• Scott Williamson
• Zack Tomany
• Derin Marshall
• Zack Flatman
• Campbell Forrest
• Mikey Booth
• Devon Johnston

Players Departing

• Shay Nevans
• Robbie Garcia
• Arran Bone
• Kyle Aitken
• Josh Bogan
• Adam MacDonald

“It’s never nice to see players leave the club but I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all who are departing,” manager Stuart Kettlewell said.

“Barry Maguire is a product of the academy here and has wore the colours with pride. He has been a credit to work with and I wish him well.

“Blair Spittal has been a standout since I arrived at the club last year. This season has been one of his best in football and he given everything. He has given us some memorable moments this season and has been an integral part of the team. I hope his next move is a successful one and he continues to thrive.

“Calum Butcher has been a top professional and is a real leader here. Particularly last year, he was at the heart of our defence that was a key part of us turning around result. We offered Calum a contract however terms couldn’t be agreed and as a result, he will now move on.

“He is a top-professional, a pleasure to work with and a great guy. I send my best wishes to him for the future.

“Liam Kelly will also be departing this summer, after a tremendous three-and-a-half years at Motherwell. He has been an excellent player to work with, who on top of performing on the pitch, has been a leader behind the scenes.

“He has ensured every player has been welcomed and enjoyed being in the dressing room. He moves on with our best wishes.”

“I’m really happy to get Aston and Paul on board for next season.

“Paul has been one of our most consistent performers since I arrived, and even prior to that. He is a leader and an excellent professional who the young players can learn a lot from.

“Aston has been patient but has provided stiff competition. Neil Alexander and I think very highly of him and look forward to another season of progress.”

The club wishes to thank each player who is leaving for their service and wishes them the very best in their careers.

Davor Zdravkovski has retained his spot in the North Macedonia squad. 

In his first season in Scotland, Zdravkovski has caught the eye of his country’s scouts and coaches. He is yet to be capped by his country but will look to do so in the two upcoming friendly matches.

North Macedonia take on Croatia on Monday 3 June before facing Czech Republic on 10 June.

• Croatia v North Macedonia 
• Monday 3 June 
• 6pm Kick Off
• Stadion HNK Rijeka, Croatia 

• Czech Republic v North Macedonia 
• Monday 10 June 
• 5pm Kick Off 
• Malšovická Aréna, Czech Republic 

Georgie Gent is your G4 Claims May player of the month. 

In his final month at the club, the Blackburn loanee continued to impress.

From left wing-back, the attack minded youngster won a penalty against Livingston at the start of the month, which Theo Bair converted to get us off and running.

He then whipped in an excellent cross for Bair to header home to make sure of the points on the day.

Seven days later in Dingwall, Gent was at it again, this time assisting Paul McGinn from a free kick which got the Steelmen back in front.

Against St Johnstone, his whipped corner would come off the hand of Dan Phillips in the area to win another penalty. He rounded off his time in ML1 perfectly, by assisting Moses Ebiye with his last touch in a Motherwell shirt.

Lennon Miller has been named in the Scotland Under 21 squad for the first time. 

Having made the step up from Under 17s to Under 19s earlier this season, Miller’s career continues to be on an upward trajectory as he makes his way into the Under 21 squad.

The 17-year-old has had a wonderful breakthrough season in first-team football and picked up the Young Player of the Year award, as well as being nominated for the SFWA Scottish SPFL Young Player of the Year and the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Scotland are in friendly action in June. They face Turkey on 3 June before taking on Austria on Friday 7 June.

• Turkey v Scotland 
• Monday 3 June 
• 8pm Kick off 
• Kasımpaşa Stadium, Istanbul

• Austria v Scotland 
• Friday 7 June
• 7pm Kick Off
• Stadium Wiener Neustadt, Austria