Latest News

Kofi Balmer has agreed a switch to ML1 and is the first new face of the 2024/25 summer window. 

The Northern Irish centre-back has agreed a two-year deal, with the option of a further year, subject to international clearance.

Balmer’s big breakthrough came early on his career. At the age of 16, he made his debut for Ballymena United back in the 2016/17 season. Not only did he impress at that young, he scored on his debut against Coleraine.

He went on to make 90 appearances for Ballymena United during his five years there, winning Ulster Young Footballer of the Year and also made four appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Balmer has also made 17 appearances at international level for Northern Ireland Under-19s and Under-21s. In September 2022 he earned his first senior call-up to the national team.

He made the switch to Larne, which seen him become full-time. He played 35 league games during his one and only season, played in the UEFA Europa Conference League and helped Larne secure more European football.

In the summer of 2022, Crystal Palace brought Balmer across the water to England. He made the first-team bench of a number of occasions during the first half of that season.

He continued to impress for the Under 21 side and signed a contract extension with Palace at the end of the season.

During the summer of 2023, he joined Port Vale on loan where he featured on 16 occasions, before joining AFC Wimbledon for the second half of the season.

A successful spell with AFC Wimbledon seen his notch three assists, via his long throws, and also scored one goal.

With 20 appearances for the Northern Irish Under 21 side, and being named in the senior squad, Balmer adds international quality and experience despite being only 23-years-old.

“It’s great to get Kofi on board,” manager Stuart Kettlewell said.

“There was a lot of interest from other clubs who were looking to sign him so it tells you we’ve got a good player on our hands.

“He has played lots of football for a boy his age but we still think with our coaching, we can get more out of Kofi and make him even better.

“I look forward to working with him during pre-season and seeing how he gets on.”

“I’m so happy to be here,” Kofi Balmer added.

“I’ve heard some great things about the club and the fan base. I can’t wait to meet everyone and get stuck into work.

“I feel I can bring a lot to the team and want to make a real impact in my time here.”

Liam Kelly has been named in the final 26-man squad that will head to EURO 2024 this summer. 

Kelly is one of three keepers who have been named in the squad.

In the last edition of the EURO’s back in 2020, Motherwell were centre stage with both Stephen O’Donnell and Declan Gallagher included.

The former Motherwell skipper will not be returning to Fir Park next season however, a contract extension was agreed between player and club that will see the Kelly remain a Motherwell player for the duration of the tournament.

Scotland will open EURO 2024 against hosts Germany on Friday 14 June.

In match day two, they take on Switzerland on Wednesday 19 June before their final group match against Hungary on Sunday 23 June.

• Germany v Scotland
• Friday 14 June
• 8pm Kick off
• Allianz Arena, Germany

• Scotland v Switzerland 
• Wednesday 19 June 
• 8pm Kick Off 
• RheinEnergieStadion, Germany 

• Scotland v Hungary 
• Sunday 23 June 
• 8pm Kick off 
• MHPArena, Germany 

We can confirm that Bevis Mugabi will be departing the club. 

Our longest serving player last year, will leave Motherwell having joined in September 2019.

With 125 appearances for the club, he leaves with everyone’s best wishes for the future.

His service to the club is immensely appreciated by everyone.

All the best, Bevis.

Following the end of our Early Bird Season Ticket discount on Monday 3 June, we can confirm that not only have we exceeded 3000 season ticket sales, but we’re ahead of sales this time last year. 

The club would like to thank each and every person who has purchased a season ticket ahead of the new campaign.

Your support continues to be incredible and we look forward to seeing everyone back at Fir Park very soon. We truly are showing strength in numbers.

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

Alternatively, call us on 01698 333333 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

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

We are introducing a digital Season Ticket for the 24/25 campaign.

Existing Season Ticket holders can continue to use their physical Season Ticket card but if you would like to change to a digital Season Ticket, you will need to select this option when purchasing your Season Ticket(s) and your physical card will become void.

If you opt for the digital version, you will receive information by email on how to add your Season Ticket to your digital wallet after you have completed your purchase.

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