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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.

Ticket prices have been agreed for our William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round tie with Hamilton Academical.

The Steelmen host the Accies on Saturday, January 20 and, following agreement with our visitors, adult prices will be capped at £15.

Admission prices are as follows:

Concessions are for ages 16 to 18, over 60s and full-time students who can provide a valid matriculation card. Juveniles are classed as children 15 and under.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from the ticket office at Fir Park or supporters can pay at the gate on the day. Kick off is at 3pm.

Hospitality

Upgrade to a special cup hospitality deal for just £45 for season ticket holders or £50 for non-season ticket holders.

Our package consists of:

• Match Day Ticket
• Two-course meal served within the Centenary Suite
• Half time refreshments
• Pay bar

To book, call our events team on 01698 333333.

Highlights from Fir Park as Hamilton Accies come from behind to beat Motherwell 1-3.

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson reflected on a disappointing conclusion to 2017 following a 3-1 loss to Hamilton. 

The Northern Irishman, who admitted his side did well in the opening 45, felt that missed opportunities and Accies cutting edge led to yet another loss.

Speaking to MFC TV at full time, Robinson looked ahead to a crucial January break.

He said: “It was an extremely disappointing result. In the first half we dominated with so many chances and if you don’t take them that’s what happens.

“Tanner scores and then we put a lot of balls in to the box from free kicks and we got in to good areas – but sometimes our deliveries were poor if I’m honest.”

He added: “We didn’t take the chances when we were totally on top of the game and we got punished. Make no mistake, our second half performance was really poor.”

Motherwell threw away a one-goal lead as they lost the Lanarkshire derby 3-1 to Hamilton Academical.

Here’s what the players had to say after the match at Fir Park.

Richard Tait: “We didn’t play anywhere near our standard in the second half and it has cost us.

“I think we need to go away and have a look at ourselves. Tell ourselves a few home truths then come back with a fresh mind, fresh body and kick on again.”

Andy Rose: “I thought we started really brightly with the goal and created other really good chances. Then we came in at half time feeling very confident.

“We need to reflect on what made us so successful through the first few months of the season. Make sure we get that belief back in the side.”

Steven Hammell: “We came out in the second half ready but we concede a sloppy goal. Any chance we did create we didn’t look like taking.”

Phil McGhee at Fir Park

Motherwell failed to halt a poor run as Hamilton earned a derby win for the first time in eight games. And although second half goals from Rakish Bingham and Greg Docherty were enough to take all three points back across the Clyde, it took a debatable penalty, converted by Dougie Imrie five minutes from half time, to bring Accies into the game.

Until then, the Fir Parkers had looked comfortable and likely to add to Craig Tanner’s early strike. However, despite making the ideal start and being fired up for the challenge, the Steelmen never looked like over turning Accies’ two goal lead.

It was perhaps fitting that on the 10th anniversary of Phil O’Donnell’s tragic death, that Hamilton, his home town team, provided the opposition. Poignantly everyone inside Fir Park celebrated a minutes applause before the kick-off.

Prior to that Louis Moult, sidelined with a hamstring injury for the last six games, took a farewell bow before his departure to Preston.

In addition to Moult’s absence, ‘Well were still understrength for the final match of 2017 with injury and suspension depriving them of Charles Dunne and Carl McHugh, with Stevie Hammell and Alan Campbell being recalled to the starting line-up. There was also a start for George Newell alongside Ryan Bowman.

However, after forcing a double save from Accies ‘keeper Gary Woods within the opening two minutes, Bowman turned goal provider. Although his low across goal eluded Newell, Tanner was racing in behind to smash the ball high past Woods for his sixth goal of the season and give ‘Well a perfect start.

Ten minutes later, it was almost a carbon copy when Bowman again crossed from the left wing only for Tanner to fire the ball into the side netting.

Although the Steelmen held the upper hand and had series of tempting balls into the Accies box, there were no clear-cut chances to add a second goal.

After 35 minutes a challenge from Xavier Tomas caught Campbell. Tanner’s free kick was cleared to Gael Bigirimana and his drive for goal was deflected off the arm of an Accies defender. But despite strong appeals for a penalty, referee Andrew Dallas pointed to the corner flag.

Five minutes later, and from a similar situation, the referee had other thoughts when in attempting to block Ali Crawford’s shot from the edge of the box, Peter Hartley was adjudged to have used his arm.

Amidst the Motherwell protests, Dougie Imrie kept his cool to slide the spot kick into the corner of the net and bring Accies back into the game.

Just before the interval Campbell limped off to be replaced by Liam Grimshaw.

Worse was to follow for the home side nine minutes into the second half when Accies took the lead. Hartley’s attempted clearance fell kindly for Rakish Bingham and, despite having Tait in pursuit, the Hamilton striker dragged the ball into the box before firing across Carson and into the far corner of the goal.

‘Well brought on another forward, Alex Fisher replacing Andy Rose, as they increased the pressure on the Accies goal.

Bigirimana swung in a cross to put Woods under pressure, but the ‘keeper bravely punched clear with Hartley challenging. From the resultant corner, Hartley’s attempt to reach Tanner’s ball was impeded by Tomas but, despite appeals for a penalty, play continued.

With 18 minutes remaining Ross McLean took over from the hard running Newell, but before his introduction could have any impact Accies grabbed a third to claim all three points.

Unmarked at the corner of the box, Greg Docherty cut inside before firing the ball low and hard beyond Carson to give Accies a much needed win and leave Motherwell facing the New Year on the end of a long run of disappointment.

Motherwell were even denied the consolation of an injury time goal and a first for Fisher when his effort from a few yards was brilliantly stopped by Woods.