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Left-back Pape Souaré has joined Motherwell on a six-month contract, subject to international clearance. 

Coming through the youth ranks at French side Lille OSC, Souaré broke through into the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France title winning side in 2010/11 before taking a season on loan to continue his development with Stade de Reims in 2012.

The Senegalese International went on to make his debut for his country that season in a goalless draw with South Africa.

Souaré has represented Senegal on 26 occasions across a six-year spell, including an incredible 2012 London Olympics campaign, which saw the then 22-year-old reach the Quarter-Finals stage against Mexico.

Souaré returned to his parent club the following season and quickly cemented his place as a mainstay in the squad, racking up 53 appearances across three-years at Les Dogues, including a Europa League group stage run against Everton, Wolfsburg & Krasnodar.

His stellar performances in France caught the eye of clubs around Europe, with Alan Pardew signing the full-back for Premier League side Crystal Palace in 2015.

Souaré went on to make 48 appearances in the Premier League across his four years at Selhurst Park, with the defender playing a vital role in Palace’s remarkable 2016 FA Cup run which saw the Eagles overcome Southampton, Stoke City, Spurs, Reading and Watford before suffering an extra-time defeat in the final against Manchester United.

“Pape has played at a really high level and with that, comes experience,” manager Stuart Kettlewell added.

“It’s no secret that we need cover in the wide areas, so when the opportunity arose to get Pape on board, we jumped at it.”

Injury problems cut short his final season in London, with Souaré moving to Ligue 2 side Troyes to regain his fitness in 2019. 17-appearances in the French second division followed before a return to English football, with spells at Charlton Athletic and Morecambe last year.

“It’s great to be here,” Pape Souaré said.

“I’m really excited to be a part of the group, who have been excellent with me so far.

“I want to impress from the off so I’m looking forward to getting my head down and getting started.”

Souaré will wear the 77 shirt.

With an opening day win against Elgin City in the Viaplay Cup, it’s a quick turnaround for Stuart Kettlewell and his side, as they head to Dumfries for a Tuesday night clash against Queen of the South. 

The manager is quizzed on his development of young players at the club, following on from giving to first-team debuts to Ewan Wilson and Mark Ferrie. Luca Ross was given his first start, with 16-year-old Lennon Miller grabbing his first professional goal.

Kettlewell answers questions on his trust in the youngsters at the club, as well as his transfer activities for the rest of the window.

We are back on the road again in the Viaplay Cup on Tuesday 18 July, when we travel to Palmerston Park to take on Queen of the South.

Kick-off is 7.45pm.

How to follow the game

Tickets can be purchased online.

Additional information

Disabled tickets are the concession price of £6 with carer going free. Please contact admin@qosfc.com directly to organise this.

Kit Watch

After it’s first outing in Elgin, we will be wearing our home kit for this fixture.

Team News

There are no new injury concerns following our first match of the season against Elgin City on Saturday.

Calum Butcher continues his recovery and will remain sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Ewan Wilson came off against Elgin City with a dead leg. The full-back remains a doubt for the match.

Motherwell’s fortunes

Thanks to Lennon Miller’s first half strike and Jon Obika’s first for the season, Motherwell started off their Viaplay Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Elgin.

With East Fife beating Queen’s Park on penalties, Motherwell are currently top of the table.

Opposition report

Appointed in January 2023, manager Marvin Bartley has been active in first summer window in charge of Queen’s.

With nine recruited already, 13 left for the exit door in a big summer turnaround for Queen of the South.

Bartley’s side have been involved in four pre-season matches, with Tuesday’s match against ourselves, being their first competitive match of the season.

They opened their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw against East Kilbride. Following a 2-0 defeat to Livingston and a 3-0 win against Gretna, their last match ended in a 2-1 defeat to Dundee United.

The Doonhamers will be looking to replace Ruari Paton, who scored 25 goals in all competitions for Queen’s last campaign. Paton moved to Queen’s Park in the summer.

The manager reflects on our 2-0 win over Elgin City

•  Importance of starting strong
•  Young prospects impressing
• Turnaround for Queen of the South game

Motherwell began their 2023/24 Viaplay Cup campaign in the best possible way, with a 0-2 win over Elgin City.

Sixteen-year-old Lennon Miller netted his first goal for the club in what turned out to be a comfortable win at Borough Briggs.

Stuart Kettlewell started with three academy graduates – Ewan Wilson made his debut and Luca Ross earned his first start.

Motherwell dominated the early exchanges and took the lead in the 25th minute when the ball fell to Lennon Miller 25 yards from goal. The youngster took a touch on his chest and half-volleyed a fine strike low into the net.

It was a deserved lead as Obika and Wilkinson both had good chances to make the scoreline more convincing.

There were plenty of chances to extend the lead early in the second half.

Wilkinson, Mugabi and Slattery all went close but Motherwell were almost punished for passing up those chances on the hour mark.

First Liam Kelly was called into action, palming away Harvey’s effort after some slack defending.

From the resulting corner, Ross Draper saw his header cleared off the line by Spittal.

Nerves were jangled but it wasn’t long before ‘Well extended their lead.

Obika had been going close all afternoon and found the back of the net in the 75th minute after he converted Mugabi’s knockdown from close range.

The Steelmen now turn their attention to facin Queen of the South on Tuesday night.

Elsewhere in Group G, East Fife and Queen’s Park drew, with the home side gaining the bonus point.

Defender Sam Campbell has joined Annan Athletic on six-month loan. 

Signing a fresh deal at Motherwell this summer, Campbell heads out to League One to get valuable minutes having missed a large portion of last season through injury.

Annan gained promotion to League One last season, beating Clyde in the playoffs.

Best of luck, Sam.

Dan Casey has re-joined Motherwell on a two-year deal.

The Irish defender initially joined the club in February and quickly established himself as, not only a starter, but a fan favourite in his 13 appearances for the club.

Striking a defensive partnership with Calum Butcher and Paul McGinn, Casey was part of an impressive turnaround towards the latter stages of the season.

He missed the last two games of the season before his short-term contract expired at the end of the season.

“It’s very obvious why we wanted to get Dan back again this season,” manager Stuart Kettlewell said.

“He was a big part in the success we seen on the pitch in my tenure last campaign.

“We want to see the same Dan Casey again this season.”

Dan Casey joins Harry Paton, Jon Obika and Conor Wilkinson, who have all signed deals this summer.

“I am so happy to be walking back through the doors of Fir Park again,” Dan Casey said.

“The feeling around the club and in the dressing room is great.

“We had a hugely impressive end to the season and I want to pick up where we left off.

“The fans were brilliant and I felt like they took me in quickly. That’s what makes you want to give your all when you put on the jersey.

“The season starts tomorrow and I can’t wait to get up and running.”

Casey will wear the number 15 shirt this season and is eligible for selection for our Viaplay Cup match against Elgin City.

Robbie Mahon has joined Edinburgh City on loan for the season. 

The wingers joins the League One outfit for the 2023/24 campaign having been on loan at Dunfermline last season.

Winning the League One championship with the Pars, Mahon made 13 appearances and looks to kick on again this season.

Best of luck, Robbie.

Shane Blaney has got his first Motherwell pre-season under his belt after he made the switch from Sligo Rovers last January.

The Irish centre half discusses the mood within the Motherwell camp and the demands that Stuart Kettlewell has put on all the players.

In his first press conference of the season, manager Stuart Kettlewell sits down to address the recent departure of Riku Danzaki, Kevin van Veen and Max Johnston.

He also discusses the importance of these Viaplay Cup group matches and how they are competitive matches.