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Stuart McCall insists he will bring an exciting brand of football to Motherwell after taking over the reins at Fir Park.

McCall, who enjoyed a glittering playing career with the likes of Rangers and Everton, as well as a spell as Bradford manager, joins the club on a two-and-a-half year deal and has made no secret of his managerial philosophy.

“I would rather win a match 5-4 than 1-0,” the 46-year old smiled. “I’m well aware that there are many different ways to win a football match – and it can be horses-for-courses to an extent sometimes – but I can guarantee that I will always send the team out to win.

“My philosophy, like any other manager, is to try and win football matches, and I try to do that in an entertaining way.

“In all honesty I came to the interview for the experience, having never been to an interview in my life – although obviously I wanted the job. After speaking to the club I was very excited about the opportunity, and I’ve nothing but praise for the way the club has handled the situation.”

McCall’s first job will be to stop the rot of five SPL matches without a win for the Steelmen as Motherwell travel across Lanarkshire to face Billy Reid’s struggling Hamilton side.

The new gaffer analysed: “The last few games have all been tough, and against teams high up in the table.”

“Against Rangers, they were at their best and Motherwell were not; against Hearts I thought Motherwell deserved a point and were unlucky not to get one; and against Celtic I thought the lads had a little bit of a hangover from the Boxing Day defeat but improved massively in the second half.

“There’s nothing we can do about previous results, but we will hopefully get back to winning ways against Hamilton.”

Another important aspect of the former Scotland midfielder’s new role with Motherwell will be overseeing the squad as contracts and loan deals approach expiry dates.

Alan Gow and Nick Blackman have deals which expire in January, while the likes of John Sutton, Stephen Craigan and Mark Reynolds have contracts which expire in the summer. McCall has conceded that he will be looking to weigh up the respective scenarios as quickly as possible.

“I have a meeting with a few out-of-contract players over the next few days, and we’ll try and address Nick Blackman’s loan quite quickly,” McCall said. 

“Obviously if we are to lose any players then there will be room move to move and bring in other players on like-for-like wages.

“But I’m well aware of the parameters that I’m working with, which is great. I know the situation so there are no excuses. I’ll quickly assess the underbelly of the squad: the lads who haven’t been playing and the young lads, and hopefully we’ll find a gem.

“But the squad, as a whole, has done very well in recent times and we will now look to kick on with the players we have.”

Motherwell Football Club today (Thursday) confirmed the appointment of Stuart McCall as manager.

McCall becomes the clubs’ 22nd manager, replacing Craig Brown who departed for Aberdeen three weeks ago.

Commenting Motherwell FC Chairman Mr John Boyle said: “The Board are truly delighted to welcome Stuart McCall to the club and begin a new era for the Motherwell family. We are enormously grateful to everyone who applied for and advised on this crucial appointment for our club.

“In Stuart we have secured the services of a proven winner with huge experience in the game and all of the attributes on our target list. He is a natural leader and has impressed us enormously with his thoughtful assessment of how he will go about the job.

“Stuart will fit in well at Motherwell and will play an important role in all we want to achieve in building a modern club with family and community appeal. All Motherwell fans will wish Stuart every success and a long and happy tenure at the club.”

New Motherwell manager Mr Stuart McCall added: “I am excited by the job and will give it my all. I know Motherwell very well as a club and have long respected what they are about. They have produced some special talent over the years and done so in an entertaining way. It’s a family club at the heart of the Scottish game and they are doing all the right things to be successful and sustainable.

“I have inherited a good squad with a proven system for identifying new and young talent. I want to build on that starting today to ensure we compete for success in league, cup and Europe.”

Motherwell stalwart Stevie Hammell is excited about what the future holds for Motherwell after a few words from Stuart McCall.

The former Scotland midfielder, who is expected to be confirmed as manager on Thursday afternoon subject to finalising a contract, introduced himself to the squad in the dressing room at Celtic Park after the 1-0 defeat and it seems he is keen to hit the ground running.

“Stuart came in and introduced himself after the game,” ‘Well’s left-back confirmed. “We spoke about the game and had a chat about things that we can be doing better – especially after the first half.

“I’m looking forward to impressing the new manager, and that is what we all need to do, starting on Saturday with a win against Hamilton.”

Celtic claimed all three points thanks to a solitary Paddy McCourt goal in the first half. The home side could have extended their advantage in the first period, as Gordon Young’s men struggled to deal with the home side’s fluid attacking play.

However, the Steelmen were much improved in the second half and succeeded in restricting the hosts’ chances as the game descended into a turgid battle. There was even a late chance for an equaliser after a scramble in the penalty area, but the Celtic defence smuggled it clear.

“The way we played in the first half I didn’t think we would have a chance of getting a point,” Hammell asserted honestly. “But we were much better in the second half and moved the ball much better.

“We had a chance at the end which also could have went in for us, but that’s just one of those things. We have to build on the good things about today and get back to winning ways.”

The match finished 1-0, with very few talking points, but Hammell found himself involved in some drama after being scythed down by Celtic captain Scott Brown, prompting referee Stephen Finnie to produce a second yellow card for the fiery midfielder.

“It’s not as if I’m trying to get the boy sent off,” the 28-year old insisted. “I’ve cleared the ball up the field and he’s obviously followed through, but I don’t really remember much about the incident.

“I don’t know whether it was a booking or a straight red; I haven’t seen it again, but the referee’s decision is final. The tackle certainly didn’t hurt, it was the fall that was painful.”

Gordon Young watched Motherwell lose 1-0 to Celtic tonight and then admitted he is ready to hand over his role as manager.

Young’s temporary charges succumbed to a single goal defeat at Parkhead thanks to a solitary Paddy McCourt strike in the first half.

However, there was much intrigue off the pitch as well as on it, with former Rangers midfielder Stuart McCall watching from the stands.

“I’m now happy to hand over to Stuart if things are confirmed tomorrow,” said Young, who will now return to his role as Head of Youth Development.

“It was always going to be the case that I would come in and stabalise the club in the interim period and keep the players organised and disciplined.

“Stuart came in after the game and told us that we were nervy in the first half but excellent in the second, and he made it clear that he was delighted to get the chance to work with this group of players.”

Motherwell struggled to cope with a lively Celtic side in the first period and, in truth, the half-time score could have been much more damaging than merely 1-0, but ‘Well improved immensely in the second half and could have nicked a surprise point late on.

A rash Scott Brown challenge on Steven Hammell, which saw the midfielder sent off, epitomised the panic among the Celtic players as Motherwell came into the ascendancy as the second half wore on.

“The longer the game went, the more we grew in stature,” Young insisted. “We didn’t start the game very well and we were nervous but after half-time I firmly believe that we were the better team. We were composed and tenacious.

“You’re not going to win every game, and I think the last couple of defeats have just been a blip. The second half performance makes me think that we have emerged from the doldrums and are back to where we were.

“I expect, with a new manager, the team to kick on.”

Pictures from the 1-0 defeat to Celtic in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Celtic Park. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

Despite a spirited second half showing, Motherwell crashed to a narrow 1-0 defeat to 10-man Celtic this evening.

A tepid fixture was settled by a rare moment of quality midway through the first half when Paddy McCourt managed to avert three challenges before curling a superb effort past the sprawling Darren Randolph from just inside the area.

‘Well pushed for an equaliser in the second period, but chances were at a premium. In fact, any noteworthy moments were at a premium until Scott Brown received his marching orders for a late foul on Steven Hammell.

Gordon Young responded to the weekend’s defeat to Rangers by bringing in Marc Fitzpatrick in the place of Nick Blackman, adding a little bit of apt steel to the Steelmen midfield.

Conversely, there was no hint of defensive compromise from Neil Lennon’s ultra-attacking starting eleven, with the attacking riches of Stokes, McCourt, Kapo, Forrest and Joe Ledley all lining up against ‘Well as Celtic aimed to hit the top of the table ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm clash at Ibrox.

It didn’t take long for Lennon’s troops to register their attacking intent. Welsh midfielder Joe Ledley latched onto a clearance to drive a shot from the edge of the box which was heading for the bottom-corner. It was well saved by Randolph, but the rebound fell perfectly for Emilio Izaguirre, who blasted high and wide from six yards.

Ten minutes later Celtic thought they had taken the lead when Scott Brown fired in a low shot from 25 yards, which was deflected into the net by Olivier Kapo. As Celtic Park erupted the assistant referee held his flag aloft to disallow the strike. That was immediately followed by Patrick McCourt heading just wide at the far post after some lovely build-up work from James Forrest.

Motherwell managed to ride out the green and white storm until just before the half-hour mark, and then they were undone by a swift corner routine. James Forrest came short to receive the pass and the home side worked the ball to McCourt on the edge of the area. The Northern Irishman breezed past a couple of challenges before curling the ball into the corner of the net from just inside the area.

It should have been two for Celtic ten minutes before the break. A lovely passing triangle between Kapo, Stokes and Joe Ledley set the midfielder through on goal but, with the goal gaping and Reynolds struggling to make up the ground, he could only drag his shot wide.

Both clubs celebrated the life of Phil O’Donnell at halt-time on the third anniversary of the death of the Motherwell and Celtic legend. His wife Eileen and children Olivia, Luke, Megan and Christopher came on the pitch along with Simon Donnelly and Jackie McNamara – all of whom, along with many others, completed a walk from Motherwell to Glasgow for a heart disease awareness charity in Phil’s honour.

A montage of Phil’s greatest moments was paraded on the big screen at Parkhead, providing a fitting sense of perspective midway through a football match whose importance pales into insignificance in comparison to the loss of O’Donnell – a loss still felt by everyone at Motherwell Football Club.

The second half started in scrappy fashion with neither side really getting a hold of the ball. This break in fluency actually worked to ‘Well’s advantage, with the visitors gradually coming into the game after a disappointing first half effort. Indeed, Motherwell almost created a chance for an equaliser when Steven Saunders burst down the right flank before fizzing in a teasing cross – but Rogne managed to clear with Gow waiting to pounce.

As the half progressed the contest descended into a turgid affair, with both side struggling to pass the ball, and with the game being littered by petulant fouls, odd refereeing decisions and yellow cards. A McCourt run and shot with 20 minutes left temporarily livened up a drab encounter, but Randolph gathered comfortably.

Motherwell introduced Nick Blackman to the fray late on as they chased an unlikely point, but they couldn’t force any discernable chances and Celtic managed to hang on for a 1-0 win, however there was another moment of note as Scott Brown was sent off for a second bookable offence following a foul on Stevie Hammell.

[tab:As it happened]

90mins – 1-0 win for Celtic. Well missed a late chance after a scramble, and Brown was sent off.

76mins –  Murph off for Nick Blackman as we look to nick a goal and grab a point.

72mins – McCourt drives through on goal but his lashed drive is gathered by Randolph.

56mins – Motherwell look the more likely here. Getting into the game while Celtic seem asleep after their good 1st half.

54mins – Interesting note, Sub Murphy has been subbed for Kayal. Off to a less than positive reception. He doesn’t seem the most popular.

53mins – As you can see, we are back in the second half. Motherwell actually look more lively this half.

44mins – Ref decks it!!! The most entertaining thing from a well perspective to happen all half. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

43mins – Bring on the half-time whistle. Celtic could be 2 or 3-up. But we are still in this.

27mins – Goal Celtic: McCourt curls home from 18 yards. 1-0 

21mins – Motherwell succeeding in keeping Celtic out at the moment, but struggling to create much up the other end.

12mins – Under cosh again! Kapo has goal rightly disallowed before McCourt heads inches wide after good work from Forrest. 

10mins – Thankfully things have calmed down a little here. That was a shaky 1st 5 mins!!

4mins – ‘Well already hanging on! McCourt dances to the bi-line and teases a ball to the back post which thankfully evades everyone!

2mins – Celtic could have been ahead immediately! Decent drive from 18 yards parried by Randolph – Izaguirre blasts rebound over from 6ydrs!

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Motherwell interim manager Gordon Young:

“Close but no cigar. I’m so proud of the players, I thought they were excellent in the second half.

“In the first half we looked as if we needed a bit more belief and at half-time I charged them with proving that they were good players and I thought they answered that call.

“I made a statement in the dressing room before the game saying that we’ve gone through a blip and they’ve got to put a marker down now and say that the Motherwell of old are back and I think they’ve answered that, Motherwell are back.

“He (Stuart McCall) was pleased with what he saw in the second half, it gives him great confidence. He reiterated my points about us just having a bit more belief and retention of the ball so I think we’ll be singing off the same hymn sheet.”

Celtic manager Neil Lennon:

“I know Rangers have got two games in hand, but I’m delighted that we’re psychologically top of the league for however long it is.

“It’ll give the players a lift going into Sunday.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Motherwell and Celtic will both pay tribute to Phil O’Donnell on the third anniversary of his tragic death this evening.

Both clubs meet in a vital league encounter but rivalries will be put to one side to remember our late Captain, who tragically passed away three years ago today.

Players on both sides will wear black armbands in tribute to O’Donnell, who enjoyed significant success at both clubs.

The day also sees the now annual Walk 10 for 10 fundraiser leave from Fir Park as the O’Donnell family continue their excellent work in raising money for the British Heart Foundation.

For more information on Walk 10 for 10, visit their website by Clicking Here

We’ve revamped the official club website to improve our service to you, the fans.

As well as changing the appearance of the site, we’ve made it much more user friendly. There is a new navigation system, search facility and key links to help you find what you want, faster.

Social bookmarking functions also allow you to share content with friends and colleagues on sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

There are a whole host of new interactive features including blogs, calendars, polls, photo galleries, virtual tours and stunning player profiles.

We’ve also introduced an e-membership facility with exclusive website content and material for registered users. It doesn’t cost anything to register, all you have to do is fill in our online form to gain access.

And this is just the start. Further developments will take place in 2011 including the launch of the club’s own mobile and online TV service.

Take a look around

If you’re a regular visitor, then things will look a bit different. You might want to take some time to explore the site and get used to the new look and feel.

First time here? Then set motherwellfc.co.uk as your homepage to keep up to date with the latest news from Fir Park.

Tell us what you think

Of course, we won’t get everything right straight away. The website is a continuous work in progress, and there are a number of other improvements on the way.

But if you’re having problems viewing the site, have any questions or suggestions of what you’d like to see, let us know by emailing mfc@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Gordon Young admitted that his Motherwell side were outclassed after watching the Steelmen succumb to a heavy 4-1 defeat against Rangers.

Rangers looked sharp from the outset and took the lead through a Kenny Miller strike after a neat Madjid Bougherra cutback, and they doubled their advantage when a Weiss cross deflected into the corner of Darren Randolph’s net via the unlucky Saunders.

A John Sutton reply early in the second half gave the home side hope, but goals from Vladimir Weiss and Kenny Miller ensured Walter Smith’s men left Fir Park with all three points.

The interim ‘Well boss couldn’t hide his disappointment after a damaging defeat, one which sees Motherwell remain in sixth spot in the SPL.

“I definitely think the best team won today,” the lifelong ‘Well fan honestly conceded. “We could have passed the ball better and we could have retained possession much better – but, as I say, I take responsibility for the set-up of the team and what happened today. It was a bad day for the players, the fans and everyone else at the club.

“Unfortunately it was apparent that Rangers had far more firepower than us.”

Things went wrong for the home side before the match even started, with a bug going round the camp and affecting a few players – most violently Tom Hateley, who had to be withdrawn in the first half after being sick pre-match.

Hateley’s illness was simply one facet of a day where nothing went right for Motherwell.

“The game plan just didn’t come off,” Young said. “We wanted Tom Hateley to play a specific role and he was violently ill before the game and I decided to have a go with him, but it became clear early on that he would not be able to function at full capability.

“We had a contingency plan, but Tom was key to what we wanted to do. I take full responsibility for the changes today.”

Young will continue his duty as manager as the club looks to accelerate its search for a new boss. You could forgive his for beginning to regret taking on the role – but he insists nothing could be further from the truth, and he is still up for the fight.

“The club has been very good to me during this period,” the interim boss praised. “It’s the players that I feel sorry for with this situation. They have done particularly well all through the season, and there’s no reason why they cannot bounce back from this result. When we do get a new man in I’m sure they will respond in the manner they have played for the rest of the season.

“I have enjoyed the experience, although I would like to be winning matches. As I’ve said before, I take responsibility for Motherwell at the moment, and it is an enjoyable responsibility.”

[tab:Match report]

A Vladimir Weiss-inspired Rangers side proved too much for Motherwell as the champions ran out 4-1 winners on a disappointing afternoon at Fir Park.

It took the visitors until midway through the first half to open the scoring as Kenny Miller caressed home a Bougherra cross, and it didn’t take long for Rangers to double their lead as a Weiss delivery kicked off the turf and into the net via the forehead of the unlucky Steven Saunders.

Hope was temporarily restored as John Sutton poked home early in the second half, but goals from Vladimir Weiss and a second strike from Kenny Miller soon put pay to any hopes of a comeback.

Interim Motherwell boss Gordon Young made one enforced change from the last outing against Hearts, with Steven Saunders coming in for the suspended Steve Jennings, meaning a move into midfield for the versatile Tom Hateley.

Meanwhile, Rangers named an unchanged side from the one which drew 1-1 in Inverness on December 11th, which meant a start for former ‘Well star Lee McCulloch on his return to Fir Park.

And it didn’t take long for the Bellshill-born midfielder to mark his return to Lanarkshire with a shot on goal, as he lashed wide of Darren Randolph’s right-hand post after just three minutes following some nice build-up play by Vladimir Weiss.

That was quickly followed by a great chance for visitors to take the lead as Walter Smith’s men displayed an early fluency which belied their enforced 15 day hiatus. Kenny Miller was freed by a chipped Steven Davis through-ball and, with the angle narrowing, fired against the on-rushing Randolph – only for the ball to loop into the path of Steven Naismith, whose goal-bound header was cleared over the bar by Mark Reynolds, via the woodwork.

The visitors were dominating proceedings in the early stages, and Darren Randolph was forced into action as Steven Davis fired a smart shot from 25 yards which was nestling in the corner until the Englishman parried wide. From the resulting corner ‘Well were forced to clear off the goal-line for the second time, with Keith Lasley hooking a Steven Naismith effort away from goal.

Some momentary respite was offered for the home side in the form of a rasping from the edge of the box by Jamie Murphy which flashed just wide, but it was to prove a false dawn, with Rangers taking the lead five minutes later.

Madjid Bougherra was released on a typically lung-bursting run down the right-flank and showed excellent composure to cut an inch-perfect cross back to the penalty spot for Kenny Miller, who side-footed the league leaders in front.

Nick Blackman flashed a shot just over the bar as Gordon Young’s men tried to carve out a response, but it was to be Rangers who extended their lead ten minutes before the break

Vladimir Weiss, who was thriving in a free-role behind Kenny Miller, delivered a wicked free-kick into the Motherwell area which, after skipping off the turf onto the head of young Steven Saunders, found its way into the corner of Darren Randolph’s net.

Rangers could have gone in three-up at the break, but Weiss’ back-post cross was sclaffed across the face of goal by John Fleck, with the net gaping. Steven Saunders cleared off the line to ensure the Steelmen had some hope for the second period.

That hope was exacerbated early in the second half when Madjid Bougherra made a meal of a long hopeful through-ball, allowing substitute John Sutton to burst through and prod the ball beyond Allan McGregor to half the deficit.

Motherwell followed that strike up with a period of pressure, but hope was extinguished as the prodigious Weiss capped a splendid performance with a wonderful solo goal. Steven Davis fed the Slovakian international on the edge of the area and the 21-year old proceeded to dance around three challenges before firing low past Randolph.

It was to get worse for Young’s charges as Rangers threatened to run riot. Once again Weiss was involved as he fired in a cross at the near post. There didn’t look to be much danger but somehow Kenny Miller managed to sneak in and scramble the ball over the line, with a little help from the post.

Despite an arduous afternoon Motherwell kept plugging away and had to decent efforts on goal. Firstly, Ex-Rangers forward Alan Gow fired a powerful effort in at the near post which had to be parried away by Allan McGregor. This was followed by an excellent Jamie Murphy drive which just flashed wide.

However the score was to remain 4-1, and Motherwell must now bounce back for a tough midweek trip to Parkhead.

[tab:As it happened]

90+3 – Thankfully, fulltime. Motherwell (Sutton) 1 – 4 Rangers (Miller [2], Saunders OG, Weiss)

80mins – A real lull in the encounter. Rangers are very happy with 4-1 and sadly I think ‘Well would take that at this stage. Disappointing

61mins – GOAL Rangers. 4-1 (Miller 61) Weiss cross is somehow scrambled in at the near post by the Scotland international.

58mins – Weiss has enjoyed too much space all day. ‘Well trying to push but Rangers dangerous on break.

51mins – GOAL Rangers – 3-1 to the visitors as Vladimir Weiss fires home after a mazy run on 50 mins.

49mins – Whittaker looks to restore the 2 goal advantage but his shot is deflected, taking the sting out and Randolph saves. 

48mins – Not sure if Blackman got the last touch. Need TV for that one!

47mins – GOOOOALLLLLL Motherwell! John Sutton! Mistake inside the area allows the big sub in. His shot trickles past McGregor.

46mins – Motherwell get the second half underway! C’Mon the ‘Well!

40mins – Sutton on for Hateley! Gow is dropping back into CM to allow Sutty to go up top.

40mins – Fleck on for Naismith (Rangers)

40mins – Stop in play! Naismith looks as if he’s pulled up! Tom Hateley is struggling too…

34mins – GOAL Rangers! Not too sure what happend there – free-kick from the right. I think Saunders put past his own keeper?

32mins – Keith Lasley booked – not sure what for. Dissent I think?!

28mins – Weiss cut back finds Davis on the edge but his shot is comfortable for Randolph as Rangers go for number 2.

26mins – To be fair, it has been coming. Motherwell haven’t started this game at all but it was a poor goal to lose none the less.

26mins – GOAL for Rangers! Kenny Miller. Bougherra in space on the right, his cut back found Miller and he tucked home from ten yards.

20mins – Motherwell register their first effort. Low shot from Murphy bounced just wide. That would’ve been against the run of play!

19mins – Well survive the corner as Lasley hooks off the line from a Naismith effort. The Fir Parkers are holiding on, just!

18mins – Rangers are dominant – Motherwell can’t get out their own half. Low shot by Davis is turned round by Randolph for a corner.

10mins – Rangers almost take the lead. Miller through, shot blocked by Randolph before Reynolds heads the rebound over via the bar. Phew!

9mins – David Weir heads about two yards wide after a Weiss free-kick. Randolph watched it wide fairly comfortable.

8mins – Rangers almost take the lead with an excellent counter but ‘Well hold firm!

7mins – Fairly even stuff so far with neither side taking control. Lots of passes going astray!

3mins – Corner comes to nothing but Rangers seeing more of the ball in the early stages.

1mins – Early low shot from Lee McCulloch is deflected wide for a corner.

1mins – Rangers kick-off!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell interim manager Gordon Young:

“The game plan revolved around Tom Hateley and unfortunately he was violently sick during the game and then at half-time. That had a slight bearing on how we were going to play.”

“I don’t think it’s ever great to laud a defeat,” said Young. What we’ve always got to look at is what we can do better.

“We set a game plan out, had a contingency game plan and if you’re better than the opposition on the day you’ll win the match.

“I didn’t think we played as well as we could today, I take full responsibility. I thought we could’ve performed a wee bit better.

“We spoke at half-time. We agreed that nobody’s going to dominate the game for 90 minutes. We felt a great opportunity to go out in the second half to have a go and we scored the goal.

“We then had to be tight for the next 10 minutes, the next goal was very, very important. We had a chance at 2-1 and then Rangers go up and make it 3-1, that was always going to make it more difficult for us.”

Rangers manager Walter Smith:

“The little bit of a break we had has been good for us. We now need to collect ourselves, we’ve got an awful lot of games still to catch up and play.

“I’ve felt in a lot of games this season we haven’t started well after midweek games and such.

“We had to put a little bit of pressure on everyone to make sure we started.

“I felt in the first half we were excellent and then of course at the start of the second half giving away a goal, an unnecessary one at that, was something that we didn’t want to do but we came back immediately from that and I thought played very well.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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