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Motherwell manager Steven Hammell expects cinch Premiership newcomers Kilmarnock to put up a tough test for his side to overcome.

The Motherwell boss insists his side are taking it one game at a time and are by no means getting ahead of themselves.

Left back Matt Penney has joined Motherwell on a six-month loan from Ipswich Town. 

The 24-year-old came through the youth ranks at Sheffield Wednesday, playing nearly 30 times for the Owls in the Championship.

He had a number of short-term loans at the likes of Bradford and Mansfield before joining 2. Bundesliga club St Pauli for the Covid-interrupted 2019-20 season.

He joined Ipswich Town last summer and has 26 appearances thus far for the Tractor Boys.

“We had a number of options available to us but we wanted to wait for Matt and are absolutely delighted to have him with us,” manager Steven Hammell said.

“When Jake Carroll broke down in training and it was confirmed he was going to miss a significant portion of the season, and with Nathan McGinley still recovering from his operation, we knew we were going to have to bring someone in.

“Stephen O’Donnell has performed well out of position, so we now have real competition and cover on the side of the pitch.”

The loan is subject to registration formalities and international clearance.

After defeat to Sligo Rovers in the Europa Conference League, Motherwell and Graham Alexander parted ways by mutual consent.

In the immediate aftermath, club legend and hall of famer Steven Hammell stepped up to take charge of his beloved Motherwell for the start of their 2022/23 cinch Premiership campaign.

After a win and a narrow defeat during his interim reign, Hammell among 75 other candidates, applied for the vacant manager’s role to where he was shortlisted and interviewed.

With the board agreeing together that Steven Hammell was the right man for the job, Hammell takes his first steps into management and looks to turn Motherwell’s fortunes around.

Kilmarnock v Motherwell

We take on Kilmarnock on Saturday at The BBSP Stadium Rugby Park.

Kick off is 3pm, Saturday 27 August.

Tickets will be available to purchase online now by clicking here.  There will be no cash gates on matchday but fans can buy online until kick-off.

Ticket prices:

Important Information

To purchase ambulant & carer tickets please contact the ticketing team – email: tickets@kilmarnockfc.co.uk Tel: 01563 545311

• For wheelchair disabled and carer tickets, please contact our disabled supporters representatives to book; Peter Orr – Chairman of KFCDSA – 01563 406390, Mae Orr – Committee Member of KFCDSA – 07909713098.
• Away End tickets will be available in the Chadwick Stand only, if an away supporter purchases a home end ticket they will be denied entry.
• Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and T&C’s apply.

How to Follow the Game Online

PPV and virtual season tickets options are not available for cinch Premiership matches this season. This is the case for all cinch Premiership clubs.

There will be live commentary for those in the UK, available at live.motherwellfc.co.uk

The story of the match

Steven Hammell’s men go into this game on the back of two wins, and a 100% record away from home.

It’s been a positive start to Hammell’s career as manager and he will be looking for that to continue in what is usually a tight game.

On the other hand, newly promoted Kilmarnock are still searching for their first league win, albeit with a tricky run of fixtures to start life back in the Premiership.

Derek McInnes will have two former ‘Well players to call upon, with Liam Polworth and Liam Donnelly in the Killie ranks.

Match officials

A tough test lay ahead and if we were to win, it would have to be in a different way to our previous cinch Premiership victory.

Motherwell manager Steven Hammell made it clear what Livingston would offer and how we would overcome them.

With a hearty 5100 Motherwell fans cheering the team on at Fir Park, it would take a Kevin van Veen penalty to secure the new Motherwell boss’ first home victory in charge.

Motherwell cruised to their first league victory of the 2022/23 campaign with a magnificent performance over Hibs at Meadowbank Stadium on Sunday.

Jo Addie fired Motherwell ahead early into the first half, before Lucy Parry brought the hosts level minutes later. Lori Gardner restored Motherwell’s advantage midway though the second half, before Amy Anderson added a third from the penalty spot.

Krystyna Freda’s late consolation failed to overcome what was a dominant and emphatic display from the women of steel.

Following last weekend’s late heartbreak against Glasgow City, Paul Brownlie made one change from the previous outing, with Kaela McDonald-Nguah returning to the starting 11 whilst London Pollard dropped to the bench.

Motherwell were certainly the likelier of the two sides to find the opener after the early exchanges.

Lauran Doran-Barr’s long throw was perfectly controlled by McDonald-Nguah in the box, who shifted the ball onto her right foot before firing across the face of goal, but the chance came to nothing.

Minutes later, Katie Rice’s floated cross sailed invitingly into the path of Ronald at the back post, who’s direct header forced Benne Haaland into an exceptional stop to deny the midfielder her first Motherwell goal.

Motherwell’s pressure was soon rewarded. The proceeding corner kick accurately picked out Chelsie Watson at the back post, who calmly diverted her header towards the feet of Jo Addie who scrambled home the rebound from close range.

However, Motherwell’s advantage was soon nullified as Hibs quickly found an equaliser. Nor Mustafa’s precise delivery from the right-hand side arrowed across the face of goal before being coolly converted by Parry at the back post.

As the second half resumed, the hosts almost found themselves ahead in the opening few minutes. Crystal Thomas skilfully worked her way into the box before drilling a low pass to substitute Eilidh Adams in the box, but the striker failed to anticipate the delivery and the chance slowly petered away.

Nevertheless, the women of steel’s resilience shone through as they regained the lead on the hour mark. A skilful move from Gardner left her free from her marker to divert McDonald-Nguah’s low cross into the bottom left corner.

Minutes later, Motherwell added a third in quick succession. London Pollard was hauled down as she raced through on goal, leaving the referee with no alternative but to point to the spot. A. Anderson stepped and calmly placed her effort past the keeper.

In the dying stages of the game, Hibs pulled one back. Doran-Barr was caught wrong side of her opponent who tumbled to the ground, and the referee quickly awarded the spot kick. Freda stepped up and slotted her strike into the bottom left corner.

Paul Brownlie’s side held on in the final few minutes to record a huge result on what was a momentous day for the team.

“It was a different win from last week but I thought we deserved it.”

A second half Kevin van Veen penalty was enough to give Motherwell a deserved three points against ten-man Livingston at Fir Park.

The home side dominated most of the ball and the chances at a sub-soaked Fir Park, but it took a spot kick to separate the sides.

The visitors’ attempts to get back into things were made more difficult when substitute Dylan Bahamboula was ordered off for two quick-fire bookings near the end of the match.

‘Well boss Steven Hammell made just one change from the team that beat Aberdeen at Pittodrie seven days previous, with Ricki Lamie restored the starting eleven following a two-game ban in place of Bevis Mugabi. New loan signing Stuart McKinstry was named amongst the subs.

It was a largely quiet and uneventful first 45 in the Fir Park sunshine.

The first chance came on 20 minutes when Lamie got on the end of a Sean Goss free-kick from the right, but his diving header finished the wrong side of the post.

Shortly after, Spittal, who opened his Motherwell account the previous weekend, took on a shot from distance after some neat interplay between him and Kevin van Veen, but he dragged the effort wide of target.

Livi were happy to concede territory and let their hosts see much more of the ball in the opening exchanges had their solitary effort of the half on 37 minutes. Sean Kelly shaped up a free-kick, looking to get the better of his brother Liam in the Motherwell goal, but although his effort got up and over the wall, it landed a few yards wide of the right hand post.

Motherwell started the second half of the front foot and but for a last-ditch Fitzwater block, van Veen would’ve put his side in front after the Dutchman got on the end of a long Lamie pass into the channel.

‘Well continued to probe and O’Donnell had a curling effort from distance sail over before substitute Joe Efford had a snap-shot from just inside the area blocked and out for a corner.

It was from the resulting kick from the quadrant the Steelmen would grab the winning goal. Slattery’s back post effort was met by Goss, and his header down was handled by Christian Montano. Referee Nick Walsh took his time before pointing to the spot. Van Veen stepped up and drilled it high into the net.

It was Hammell’s men who continued to ask the questions and a well-worked throw-in between O’Donnell and sub Josh Morris presented an opening for Spittal, but the midfielder’s half volley spun wide of target. Seconds later, the claret and amber men were on the attack again and Efford had a run and shot that lacked any power to trouble Shamal George.

Livingston’s day went from bad to worse when substitute was sent off for two bookings in quick succession. The first a tactical foul on Spittal, before catching Goss with a late lunge just a few minutes later.

David Martindale’s side would rarely threaten Kelly’s goal. As the game neared its conclusion, sub Esmaël Gonçalves fired high over the bar from a half volley and Ayo Obileye sent a 35-yard free kick sailing over the crossbar.

Motherwell could’ve added a second in the dying seconds with a breakaway, but neither Efford, van Veen or Goss could convert from close range, but it remained 1-0, a result that puts Hammell’s men into third.

Motherwell: Kelly, McGinn, Lamie, Johansen, O’Donnell, Spittal (Maguire – 83), Goss, Slattery, Cornelius (Morris – 54), van Veen, Shields (Efford – 54)

Subs Not Used: Oxbrough, Mugabi, Johnson, Tierney, McKinstry, Mahon

Yellow Cards: Morris

Goals: Van Veen (68 – pen)

The McGinns have become a household name in Scottish football but that hasn’t put a stop to things going at 100-miles-per hour.

First there’s John, who has been named captain of Aston Villa by legendary Premier League midfielder Steven Gerrard. Not bad for someone also in the engine room.

Then there’s Stephen, who is continuing to motor on with his playing career even as it approaches its twilight, looking to help Falkirk out of their League 1 doldrum.

Finally we get to Paul, who probably lays claim to being the busiest sibling this summer. He’s had two new managers, a move to a fresh employer and a wedding to contend with. It’s been a hectic time but one he’s tried to take in.

It has been difficult at times. The highs of signing for a different club matched with the boss heading for pastures new within eight weeks was tough, but in former opponent Steven Hammell, McGinn reckons he’s got a good chance of settling down.

That is what he feels can benefit him after a tumultuous year at Hibs saw him injured for a sustained spell and watch Jack Ross, Shaun Maloney and David Gray take charge of the club in various spells.

“In the last year I have had Jack Ross, Shaun Maloney, Graham Alexander, and I didn’t really deal with Lee Johnson at Hibs,” stated the right-back on his recent permanent gaffers.

“In the last season I have worked with four permanent managers so I am hoping that will begin to settle down now. I had signed my extension at Hibs a while back so it wasn’t another surprise to me when it came out in the papers, it was under Shaun Maloney I had signed that.

“It is just the way it is. That’s modern football. It looks as if it is going that way. From what I gather it is Callum Davidson at St Johnstone who is now the longest serving manager in the Premiership (appointed as boss in 2020). It just shows you.”

Hammell’s interim reign kicked off with a 1-0 win at St Mirren and while a defeat to St Johnstone last time out at Fir Park was tough to swallow, last week’s 3-2 victory at Aberdeen got the Steelmen back on track.

“I am really happy with how things have panned out with the manager,” the 31-year-old said.

“He knows the club inside-out, doesn’t he? He has seen the good here and he has seen the bad. He knows what is needed to bring the good times back here. I think it is a no-brainer from the club.

“I am pretty sure I have played against him earlier in my career. He was always one of the players that people spoke about at Motherwell as a great player.

“He is a Motherwell legend. Of course he needs time. Give him a few weeks to get some players in.

“The club has not messed about with the appointment which is probably beneficial. They got the interviews done quickly and got it sorted.”

His marriage was slotted in somewhere along that timeline of football change and he’s taken a leaf out the Ricki Lamie book of wedding descriptions when talking about his big bash.

Lamie was the last player under the MFC programme interview microscope, and described his wedding as “We had around 100 bodies there so it was more than enough.” It was subsequently picked up on the well-known ‘Football Cliches’ podcast for his Harry Redknapp- like description of a guestlist and his defensive partner has had a go at similar.

“It’s been a busy summer for the McGinns, I got married as well,” he started. “It is always busy with the three of us. I don’t know how I can describe my wedding like that.

“I will have to try and think of a football cliché to go along with it. Everybody gave it their all and played until the last minute!

“We took advantage of that free bar anyway. John had nothing to do with it sadly but he does help out otherwise. The nephews and nieces get the benefit of John.”

Overall, the capped Scotland defender is enjoying his early introductions in ML1, despite the upheaval. Defeat to Sligo Rovers in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds was tough, but there’s only one way you can go when you hit the bottom according to McGinn.

Counterpart Stephen O’Donnell has spoken of the need for fresh faces and his defensive team- mate hopes he and others can bring that freshness.

Motherwell has established itself as one of Scotland’s best-run community clubs in recent years and it’s that community feel which helped attract one third of the McGinn brotherhood to ML1.

Now under a new manager in Hammell, there is fresh optimism that a positive season can be had under the club stalwart.

“Stephen probably looks at things as part of a bigger picture,” said McGinn. “He probably sees things a bit different to me as I was one of the ones hopefully coming in here to bring in something new to the team.

“It is just the same as anything. With the start we had, you do probably need somebody to come in and provide an injection around the place.

“It was all fine until Sligo, I would say. Even the Sligo game was frustrating because we lost the goal off a mistake and then you are chasing the tie.

“They then score an unbelievable goal early in the second leg and then you are left chasing your tail two games into the season when our match sharpness and fitness probably wasn’t there.

“I would have fancied us to win the tie if we had taken the lead but it is all well saying that. There is no point looking back now, we just need to move on.

“You just need to look at Celtic and Rangers, sometimes having bad nights and then having good seasons. There is no reason why we can’t do the same.

“I have settled in really well. It is a really well run club and everybody in the country seems to know that about Motherwell just now. It is good to be at a place that is stable so now we just need to improve the performances on the pitch to go along with that off the park.”

On a personal note, McGinn wants to bounce back from a first full year back in front of fans post pandemic. An injury marred his involvement to some extent with Hibs last year, who struggled to get any rhythm going as they changed managers twice over the campaign.

Jake Carroll’s unfortunate injury which may end his season very early means that a move to the left could beckon for the club’s right-back recruit while a hunt for fresh blood goes on.

Optimism is in play but for the former Hibs man, there’s plenty more to come from Motherwell this season which has not yet come to the fore in full. That will come in time and the immediate reaction to adversity has been strong.

Now he hopes to stay on the park and contribute to similar success that saw last season book a stop in European football. There was a settled life in Edinburgh, which may be transferred to Lanarkshire.

“I don’t think you are seeing the full potential of us as a club just now but that is just the way it goes if you start like that and you lose the manager,” McGinn added.

“Hopefully now that we have that settled manager we can start to kick on. I had a bad injury last year that ruled me out for a while but touch wood over the course of my career I haven’t had too many bad injuries.

“It was just the way it worked out. I was pretty settled at Hibs and playing so hopefully I can have the same here. It is two years I have signed up for.

“There’s a lot of competition at right-back now but me and Stephen might need to do a shift at left-back with the news Jake
is now injured. After Sligo we were probably as low as you can get so to show that reaction in recent games is a boost.

“It was good to get that early but right now it is early doors. Motherwell seems like a good place to be.”

Motherwell manager Steven Hammell says Livingston will present a different kind of challenge to the one they faced in their previous cinch Premiership match against Aberdeen.

The new boss reckons his side are slowly gaining confidence and is delighted with the players have bought into what the staff are trying to do.