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When he spoke after the defeat to Hamilton Academical at the close of 2017, Richard Tait cut a despondent figure as the year ended on a low.

After the highs of a strong start to the season and a place in the Betfred Cup final, the team’s form took a dip as the season wound down to the winter break.

After a short time away, the playing squad are now in Tenerife for an intensive mid-season training camp.

And having spent time abroad with his team-mates, and seeing the arrivals of Curtis Main and Nadir Ciftci, the defender is in a much more positive frame in mind going into the second half of the season.

“The back end to the first half of the season was poor,” conceded Tait. “It wasn’t up to standard, was it? It’s form that is going to get you into trouble.

“Coming out here and using this week to come together as a team and put some more hard work in on the training ground will hopefully hold us in good stead when we go back.

“We started off the season well and that was probably due to going to Ireland and really grafting for the time we had there.

[pullquote]We are looking to start our first match back with a win and carry on from there like we did in the first half of the season.[/pullquote]

“To use this experience here in Tenerife, it is time to go back to work. We’ve had a little break. It was nice to get away but we are here to work. We aren’t here to have a jolly up.”

Joining the squad out in the Canary Islands are new signings Curtis Main and Nadir Ciftci.

Both have integrated with the squad quickly and Tait puts that down to the attitudes of both the new boys and the ethics already in place.

“We went down to the front earlier after training to have a coffee with most of the team and you don’t usually get to do that,” he said. “It’s nice to be together.

“For the new lads, to come down and be thrown straight into this environment is great from them to get to know the boys.

“Attitude is massive for us. I think a lot of the boys pride themselves on how their attitudes are. No-one will be frightened to tell anyone if they’re attitude isn’t right.

“They will get told straight away by not just the manager, but the lads won’t have it either. I think it’s a good thing. Everyone has a standard they know they’ve got to reach.”

Stephen Robinson is well aware of what a week away can do for his team.

During the summer, the ‘Well boss took his side to Ireland to prepare for the campaign ahead, allowing a whole host of new faces to settle in the process.

The results were evident. The Steelmen stormed to the Betfred Cup final and enjoyed one of their strongest starts to a league campaign in recent years.

However, injuries hit and results tailed off towards the end of the calendar year.

Now, there is a need for recuperation, as well as a further injection of energy and drive.

Armed with two new recruits, Robinson’s side are under-going warm-weather training in Tenerife, and the manager is encouraged by what he has seen so far.

“It’s been good,” the Northern Irishman said. “In comparison to what we would have had in Motherwell, it’s been very good.

[pullquote]”I think we needed it, we did the same before the start of the season when we went to Dublin and I’m getting the same feel good factor coming back again.[/pullquote]

“The boys are training at a high intensity, working really hard again and getting back to what we’re very good at.”

It’s not all fun and games for the Fir Parkers, as Robinson himself insisted.

“I think the perception is that sometimes you come to a warm weather climate and you take it easy, well we’ve done the opposite.

[pullquote]We’re having double sessions, we’re in the gym, we’ve got super facilities and you can do a lot of coaching out here.[/pullquote]

“We gave the boys a few days off after the Hamilton game and we’re back on it again. We’re having double sessions, we’re in the gym, we’ve got super facilities and you can do a lot of coaching out here.”

There is more to it than hard work too, as the trip offers the squad some all-important time for team building.

“Obviously you get to know each other and the boys are all together all the time,” the manager said, “they eat together, they train together and they mix together.”

Two players who will benefit in particular from the close-knit working environment is Nadir Çiftçi and Curtis Main.

And for Robinson, the two new recruits have settled in well.

“We lost Louis and it was paramount that we had to bring people in.

“I felt that we had to bring a couple of people in and the reality is that we’ve brought boys in with top ability.

[pullquote]We’ve brought both of those boys in, I’m confident they’ll do well and it’s up to me to get the best out of them.[/pullquote]

“Nadir has went for over a million pounds and we know that his last couple of seasons haven’t been what his ability should be.

“But Motherwell don’t sign players if they’re worth a million pounds and at the top of their game, what I need to do is get him back to his best.

“He’s a boy who’s bought in to what we’re trying to do, he’s got undoubted talent, and we just have to make sure we get him in and back fit and ready to go again.”

“With Curtis, if he’d played 30 games for Portsmouth and scored 20 goals, we don’t get anywhere near him.

“What we’ve brought in is the potential for him to go on and do that and I firmly believe that is the case – he’s a strong boy and holds the ball up well and I firmly believe he’ll get us goals.

“We’ve brought both of those boys in, I’m confident they’ll do well and it’s up to me to get the best out of them.”

Motherwell players and staff arrived in Tenerife late in the afternoon on Tuesday, and immediately got to work during their mid-season break.

The trip to Canary Islands will give the team a chance to train in consistent conditions, and in better weather, as they gear up the second half of the Ladbrokes Premiership season.

The coaching staff put the players through their paces with some light training on Tuesday night, before a planned double session on Wednesday.

| Day one in Tenerife and the team are already being put through their paces.

A post shared by Motherwell FC (@officialmotherwellfc) on Jan 9, 2018 at 12:31pm PST

Stephen Robinson’s side, who have now been joined on the trip by new loan signing Nadir Çiftçi, will train in Tenerife until Saturday.

You can follow more from the team throughout the week across Motherwell FC’s various digital media channels.

As well as updates and interviews here on the website, you can also get more behind-the-scenes access by following us on Instagram.

Nadir Çiftçi has set himself the target of being the man to take Motherwell on another memorable cup run.

The Turkish forward has signed on loan from Celtic for the remainder of the 2017/18 campaign, boosting a squad which has already reached the Betfred Cup final this term.

Having made it to the Scottish Cup final during his successful spell with Dundee United, Çiftçi wants the same from his time at Fir Park.

“I watched the final and hopefully I can get us to another final,” he said. “Outside of that, I want to achieve what we can as a team, try to play as many games as I can and bring as much as I can to the club and the fans.

[pullquote]My first impressions have been really good. It feels like home already. It gives me a good feeling already.[/pullquote]

“I obviously know the league and the teams. I’ve played a lot of times against Motherwell as well so it will be a good place to kick on. Hopefully I can get going again.”

Çiftçi was a prolific scorer during his two years with Dundee United, before moving to Celtic in the summer of 2015.

Loan spells in Turkey, Poland and latterly in England with Plymouth Argyle proved challenging experiences for the 25-year-old but he says it has made him stronger.

“It’s been difficult. A bit hard. But a great lesson at the same time as well.

“You can look at it in a bad way but you can’t just hang about and think everything that goes against you is bad. Just take it on your chest and take it as a lesson.

“I’ve learned a lot in those two years. I went back to Turkey for half a season and played and really enjoyed it. But then I started getting a bit lost. But I learned a lot in this period by trying to stay strong, staying focused and when the opportunity comes, take it again. Hopefully it will be here.”

Motherwell Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Nadir Çiftçi on loan from Celtic.

The forward, who spent the first half of the season down south with Plymouth Argyle, has moved to Fir Park until the end of the campaign.

The 25-year-old is well known for his two-year spell with Dundee United from 2013 until 2015, in which he scored 33 goals across 71 starts.

“My first impressions have been really good,” he said on his arrival at Motherwell. “It feels like home. It gives me a good feeling already.

[pullquote]I obviously know the league and the teams. I’ve played a lot of times against Motherwell as well so it will be a good place to kick on.[/pullquote]

The signing of Çiftçi, who will wear shirt number 23, is third time lucky for the Steelmen, having came close to securing his signature on two previous occasions.

“Last January it was in the last minutes of the transfer window and it just didn’t go through because of paperwork. Then in the summer, it was a bit different as well.

“Now it is the third time and when the chance came, I just grabbed it and now I am here thankfully.”

The Turkish-born forward started his career in England with Portsmouth, before spells in Turkey with Kayserispor and in the Netherlands with NAC Breda.

His move to Dundee United followed in July 2013 and he immediately hit the ground running, scoring 17 goals in his first season and 16 the following campaign.

His form attracted the attention of Celtic, who paid to take him to Glasgow in the summer of 2015.

Despite finding opportunities hard to come by, he still managed to net four times in 12 league appearances before a succession of loan spells with Eskisehirspor, Polish side Pogon Szczecin and Plymouth.

The arrival of Çiftçi is Motherwell’s second of the January transfer window, following the permanent signing of striker Curtis Main from Portsmouth.

“I’m delighted to have got Nadir here until the end of season,” manager Stephen Robinson said of the capture of Çiftçi. “He will provide us something different up front and he is a player of real pedigree.

“He is a player with a proven track record of scoring goals in the Scottish top flight and we’re pleased to have got him here.”

Steven Hammell is to retire from professional football to become Motherwell Football Club’s new Academy Director.

The 35-year-old will take on the important role as the club embarks upon its involvement in the Scottish FA’s new Project Brave youth development programme.

Having played 582 games in claret and amber, Hammell is Motherwell’s record post-war appearance holder.

The club legend will see out January as a player before officially taking up his new post at the start of February.

“It’s been almost 20 years to the day that I joined here straight out of school,” he said. “Between then and now, there have been a lot of good memories made that I will take with me for the rest of my life.

[pullquote]It’s been a real highlight playing so many times for this club, the club I love.[/pullquote]

Hammell started his professional career at Fir Park in January 1998, he made his debut in 2000, starting in a Scottish Premier League match against Aberdeen.

He won full international recognition back in 2004, when the late Tommy Burns capped him in a friendly match against Sweden at Easter Road.

In 2006, he departed for a short spell in England with Southend United, spending 18 months south of the border before returning to Motherwell in January 2008.

Hammell was rewarded for his service with a testimonial against Everton in 2012.

“Steven Hammell has been a great servant and model professional for the club over the years,” Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson said of his decision.

“We are glad he is staying on at the club in his new role. The job of bringing young players through here is crucial for our ongoing success.”

Motherwell were recently named among the eight clubs chosen by the Scottish FA to head up the Elite level of its new Project Brave initiative.

Chief Operating Officer Alan Burrows added: “When the board sat to discuss who the new Academy Director would be, one name shone above all the others.

“Not only has Steven been a terrific player for this club, more importantly, we feel he is exactly what we require for the post. He is an extremely popular and respected figure at the academy, where he has worked for several years.

“He is not only qualified to do the role, but his experience working with younger players and coaches can be an inspiration for any youth player at Motherwell, given he himself came through our ranks to break records.

“We are delighted to be working with him and look forward to see some of his exciting and positive plans bearing fruit over the next few years.”

Motherwell players, staff and former players have paid tribute to Steven Hammell, who is to retire from professional football to become Motherwell’s new Academy Director.

The legendary defender will be available for selection until the end of January, before taking up his new post.

Congratulations on a brilliant career @stevenhammell it’s been a absolute pleasure playing with you, perfect guy for your new role at the club you will smash it!! Buzzing for you Hamster https://t.co/92Tj1sdVFZ

— chrissy cadden (@chrissycadds) January 5, 2018

Richard Tait: “Congratulations Hammy on a terrific career and service to Motherwell FC. Just want to wish you all the best in the new role. In my opinion no better man for the job. Delighted for you. Great times ahead for the next generation of footballers at Motherwell under your guidance.”

Trevor Carson: “It’s been a pleasure. A class act on the pitch and a gentleman off it. Good luck in your new role, you will smash it mate.”

Ryan Bowman: “All the best Stevie. It’s been a pleasure working with you on and off the pitch. Some career you’ve had, what a guy!”

Been an absolute pleasure hamster, what a player, great servant to the club and two touch king, Good luck in your new role @stevenhammell https://t.co/YW11dCPqyX

— Craig Tanner (@CraigTanner27) January 5, 2018

Congratulations @stevenhammell, unbelievable career and a top professional. Been a pleasure playing with you mate, good luck #leftside ⚽️ https://t.co/5fjad7p2rH

— Elliott Frear (@ElliottFrear) January 5, 2018

Been a pleasure to play alongside @stevenhammell Huge congrats on a remarkable career and best of luck in your new role https://t.co/CbsDiNqFlK

— Alex Fisher (@AlexFisher37) January 5, 2018

Allan Campbell: “Been a pleasure Stevie Hammell. What a player and role model for young players! Wish you all the best in your new role at the club.”

Keith Lasley: “Teammate, friend, legend.”

Legend all the best mate !!

— Louis Moult (@louismoult) January 5, 2018

All the best to the legend @stevenhammell never forget that 30 yard shank on my debut… think it was the last time you hit the target one of the good guys & a great role model #hamster

— Adam Cummins (@AdamCummo4) January 5, 2018

Well done on a great career @stevenhammell lucky enough to have chased a few passes ‘down the channel’ also magnificent for the academy having someone with the playing experience to pass on to young players and drive to make things better https://t.co/zuGtDJdR1Y

— David Clarkson (@DavidClarkson85) January 5, 2018

What a legend! Great appointment for the next generation. One of the good guys in the game. All the best Hammy mate & cheers for everything over the years https://t.co/WtZOX6BmJ1

 — Dominic Thomas (@DomThomas23) January 5, 2018

Congratulations @stevenhammell on a great career. Was a pleasure learning my trade next to you and I’m sure you will have plenty wisdom to pass on to the next generation in your new role! https://t.co/7UPj1taeFt

— Mark Reynolds (@reyn01ds) January 5, 2018

As ‘Well legend Stevie Hammell prepares to hang up his boots, the defender is looking ahead to the next chapter in his football career.

Nearly 20 years in claret and amber have seen Hammell become the club’s post-war record appearance holder, pulling on the shirt 582 times.

And it’s a career that the 35-year-old looks back on with undoubted pride.

“It’s been almost 20 years to the day that I joined here,” he said. “I came straight out of school and between then and now there’s been a lot of good memories made that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life.

“Playing so many times for this club, a club that I love, and playing in so many European games as well as for the national team are some real highlights. I’ve made so many lifelong friends in staff members and team-mates.”

Whilst there is a element of pride and excitement for the next chapter of the experienced defender’s career, there is also a slight air of sadness to draw the curtain on such his remarkable playing days.

“I think as a young boy and when you start getting older and hit 30, then that magic 35 number comes your way, you want to be remembered. When you stop playing and hang the boots up, you want to be remembered fondly.

“It would be nice to be remembered as a player who gave his all whenever given his chance. The fans have been magnificent to me, there’s no denying that, I just hope I’ve repaid them by giving my all when I had the strip on.”

The transition may have come slightly earlier than he had planned, but Hammell admits he has been preparing for life after playing, and that this opportunity is one he will relish.

He said: “This is something I’ve prepared for for a number of years – it’s not just something that has fallen on my lap. I’m hugely honoured to have been sought out to do the job, but it’s something I’ve also prepared for.

“Over the last ten years I’ve done nearly every coaching badge or course – I’ve been to everything. It may have come a little earlier than I expected but it’s something I’ve got real confidence I can do well at.”

Curtis Main has set himself the target of being the man to fire Motherwell back up the Scottish Premiership table.

The striker signed on at Fir Park on Wednesday after leaving Portsmouth, teaming up with long-term admirer Stephen Robinson to become the first signing of the 2018 January window.

“I would like to come in and hit the ground running,” the Englishman said on his arrival. “Get stuck in and help get the team back up the league.

“There were a few options but I felt this challenge, coming up here and testing myself in a new environment, is something that really appealed to me.

[pullquote]Hopefully I can help the team get back to the form they were showing earlier in the season and try and climb as high as possible in the league.[/pullquote]

Asked what fans can expect from him, Main added: “Hopefully lots of goals. I’m energetic, pace and power. Very direct. I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Manager Robinson wasted no time in snapping up Main when his availability became known and the 25-year-old says that enthusiasm helped sell him on the switch to Scotland.

“As a player, it is all you want to hear,” he said. “That the manager backs you and believes in what you can do and your abilities.

“He’s obviously demonstrated that by bringing me to the club. Hopefully I can repay his belief in me.”

Main will be available to make his debut in the Scottish Cup tie with Hamilton Academical on Saturday, January 20. Buy your ticket today to welcome him to our club.

Motherwell Football Club are delighted to announce Portsmouth striker Curtis Main as the first signing of the January window.

The 25-year-old Englishman arrives on an initial 18-month deal, after securing his exit from Pompey on Wednesday.

“I’m pleased to be here and I’m looking forward to this new challenge,” Main said on his arrival at Fir Park.

“A few weeks ago I heard about the interest and it’s been back and forth with the club and myself but finally we’re here and I can’t wait to get started.

“There were a few options but I felt this challenge, coming up here and testing myself in a new environment, is something that really appealed to me.”

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson, a long-term admirer of the striker, is pleased to have landed a player he’s admired for some time.

“I’ve tried to sign him a number of times before and I am excited to finally be working with him,” he said.

“I’ve brought him here to bolster our attacking options and get amongst the goals. He’s a strong, sharp, tenacious player with an eye for goal. If you look back on his career, he’s scored all different types.

“I am still looking to add more forward players to create real competition in that area of the field.”

Main came through the youth ranks at Sunderland, but it was at Darlington where he made his senior bow aged just 15 back in 2008.

His performances for the Quakers alerted a number of Premier League clubs, with Fulham and Newcastle both linked with the player. However, it was Tony Mowbray’s Middlesbrough where he ended up, signing for Boro in the summer of 2011.

He would spend three years at the Riverside, making his Championship debut at just 19, but struggled to nail down a regular starting berth scoring six times in 13 Championship starts.

After leaving Boro, he would move to League One Doncaster Rovers where he netted 11 times in 34 starts at the Keepmoat Stadium. During that time, he also had a successful loan spell with Oldham, scoring on several occasions to help the Latics maintain their League One status towards the end of the 2015/16 campaign.

Although he still had one year left on his deal at Donny, Portsmouth paid an undisclosed fee to take the striker to Fratton Park, where he played a part in their league-winning season, although injury restricted his first campaign on the south coast, scoring five in eight starts before his season ended prematurely.

With Kenny Jackett’s side currently amongst the fight for promotion to the Championship, Main has been unable to dislodge goalscorers Brett Pitman and Ollie Hawkins and has been allowed to leave to find first-team football.