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Murron Cunningham has extended her stay at the club after agreeing a contract extension.

Experienced defender Murron Cunningham will remain with the women of steel for a fourth consecutive season after signing on a permanent basis from Hearts in 2021.

“We are delighted to have Murron back for next season,” Head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Murron came back from a major injury and really hit the ground running. She is a model professional to have within the squad and has demonstrated real leadership qualities.

“Getting Murron back into regular competitive action was a significant milestone. The season ahead is the next opportunity for Murron to build up those minutes on the pitch.”

Cunningham cemented her place at the core of the Motherwell backline, featuring on 25-occasions, with the defender playing a pivotal role in sustaining the women of steel’s exceptional 11-game unbeaten run.

“I am delighted to be staying at the club for the forthcoming season,” Cunningham said.

“Extending my contract for the season ahead is exciting for myself personally. I’m really looking forward to the season ahead and I can’t wait to get the games underway to see what we can achieve as a squad this year.”

Former captain and long-serving centre-back Georgie Rafferty will depart the women of steel after five years in claret and amber.

The former SWPL, SWPL Cup and SWF Scottish Cup champion, joined a newly-promoted Motherwell side in the summer of 2019 following a productive spell in Glasgow with Celtic, as the Lanarkshire side prepared for their first season of top-flight football.

Five seasons in claret and amber followed, with the defender facing the highs of the Scottish Cup Semi-Final and the lows of a serious injury which ruled the 27-year-old out of action for over two years.

“It’s been a really difficult decision to leave the club this summer,” Rafferty noted.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to represent the club for a few years now and it’s been extremely special, particularly getting to wear that armband on several occasions throughout the years.

“I’ve came to a bit of a crossroads between my personal and football career. I’m now a qualified paramedic, and it feels the right time to move on from the club and onto the next chapter in my footballing and personal career.”

Since making the switch to North Lanarkshire in the summer of 2019, Rafferty played a pivotal role in etching the women of steel into the history books; guiding the club to two Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearances. The latter proving to be an historic occasion for the side, becoming the first Scottish women’s team to contest a domestic cup Semi-Final at the national stadium, Hampden Park.

“I think I’ve really matured as a person and as a player throughout my time at the club,” Rafferty explained.

“The club has been a big part of my career and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent Motherwell on many occasions. Without a doubt, the most special moment was playing at Hampden in the Scottish cup semi-final. I think most of the girls involved in that day would say the same, not everyone can say they’ve played at the national stadium so it definitely was a special moment walking out onto that pitch.

“I think the clubs came on massively since I joined. Paul and Leanne work tirelessly to make the club a more professional environment on and off the field.”

The experienced defender had to face a tough injury setback throughout her time in claret and amber, with a major knee concern ruling Rafferty out of action in her debut season at the club.

“I’ve had a really difficult time with injuries, Rafferty detailed.

“Unfortunately in my first season at the club, I had a bad knee injury which had left me out for just over two years. I had a couple of operations and unfortunately at the time support had to be very limited as a result of covid. The club was going through a new management change at the time, so mentally it was really difficult for me as I wasn’t sure what the future held.

“I was told due to the severity of injury that I may not play again, so I’m very grateful for the club and staff to have given me the opportunity to get back onto the pitch and kicking a ball again.”

Despite the tough injury setback, Rafferty thanked the club staff for supporting her return to action and will continue to support the club whilst starting the next chapter of her footballing journey.

“I need to give massive praise to the club physio at the time, Aileen,” Rafferty said.

“I can’t thank her enough for all her support, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without her encouragement and assistance.

“I’d just like to say thanks to Paul and all the club staff for their support throughout the years at the club. I’ll still be supporting and cheering the girls on and I wish everyone involved at the club all the best going forward!”

The club would like to thank Georgie for her efforts and dedication throughout her time at Motherwell and wish her well for the future.

The Executive Board of Motherwell FC have now had the opportunity to digest and discuss the very detailed Well Society’s “Our Club, Our Future” plan that is available here.

We all want a positive future for Motherwell FC and welcome the comprehensive work that has been undertaken.

The Executive Board support a number of the visions identified by the Well Society which include some initiatives that we are already progressing as we continually strive to improve all aspects of Motherwell FC.

Motherwell will make the journey through to Prestonfield Stadium on Tuesday 9 July to face Linlithgow Rose. 

Kick off is 7:45pm.

This is a testimonial match for Rose player Gary Thom.

Admission costs will be £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Tickets can be bought online.

The Motherwell team will be made up of first-team and academy players.

Left-back Steve Seddon is the latest player to sign for Motherwell ahead of the 2024/25 season. 

The 26-year-old has joined the club on a one-year deal, with an option of a further year.

“This was an area of the pitch we knew we needed to strengthen,” manager Stuart Kettlewell said.

“We have been trying to recruit someone who is not only the right type of player, but the right type of person too.

“Steve has played a lot of football down in England, and with that comes vast experience. He likes to get forward which is something that is important in our system.

“I hope he hits the ground running. I’ve spoken with him since his arrival at Fir Park and you can tell he’s raring to get going.”

Seddon was an academy player for Reading, before he moved to Birmingham City in 2014, where he signed his first professional contract in April 2016.

During the 2017/18 season, he began to train with the first-team and was named on the bench for the first time in January for a trip to Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup.

By the end of the season, Seddon was tipped for a promising future and signed a new one-year deal.

Having secured his contract, he joined Stevenage on loan until the January 2019. He made 18 appearances during his stay, scoring three goals and assisting four.

That impressive stint seen him join AFC Wimbledon on loan when his previous loan deal expired, moving up to League One. He became a key component of the side and helped maintain their League One status.

Seddon started 18 games in that spell, scoring three and assisting on one occasion.

Upon his return to his parent club Birmingham City in the summer of 2019, Seddon made his first competitive appearance for the club. He started the opening day trip to Brentford in the Championship, assisting the winning goal in the process.

He made four appearances before he picked up a hip injury that kept him out of action until January. Once fit, he joined Portsmouth on loan until the end of the season. He played 18 games for Pompey, scoring once and provided five assists.

The start of the 2020/21 season seen Seddon an unused substitute for Birmingham, so the left-back opted to join AFC Wimbledon for the second time on loan until the end of the season. After making 19 appearances in all competitions, his parent club exercised their option to recall Seddon in the January.

Then Birmingham manager Aitor Karanka said he wanted to access Seddon and see if he was ready for first-team action. A change of manager seen Lee Bowyer at the helm shortly afterwards and the new boss began to play Seddon in his side. He started six matches from April until the end of the season where Birmingham avoided the drop to League One and Seddon earned a new contract at the club.

Despite that new deal, Oxford United brought Seddon to the club for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal. He made 40 appearances for the League One side where, once again, he was involved in the goals, assisting five and scoring three in all competitions.

In his second season at Oxford, game time became more sporadic for Seddon so he joined Cambridge United on loan until the end of the season in January 2023. His start to life with the U’s wasn’t a good one as he was stretchered off in his first game after colliding with his keeper. Despite the setback, he recovered and made 10 appearances.

Last season, he joined Burton Albion on loan for the full campaign. A strong season with the Brewers seen Seddon make 42 appearances across the board, scoring three and assisting three. Playing at left-back for the majority of his time there, on occasion, Seddon would be deployed further forward at left-midfield.

Oxford United released Seddon in May 2024 and he becomes our ninth new face during the summer window.

“This is the first time I’ve came across the border to play,” Steve Seddon added.

“It’s an exciting opportunity and something really different for me. The manager spoke to me at length about the vision for the club and that’s what grabbed me.

“It’s not just about the present, he’s planning for the future and looking to build. Hopefully, I can play my part in that.”

New Well Society Board sets out growth strategy for both the Society and Motherwell FC

• Well Society Board pledges a ‘fresh start for fan-ownership’ in growth strategy for both the fan-ownership group and football club.
• Well Society Board launches ‘Our Club, Our Future: Our plan for growth for Motherwell Football Club and The Well Society’.
• Plan has been endorsed by former Motherwell chairman Brian McCafferty, amongst others.

The Well Society, the majority shareholder of Scotland’s first top-flight fan-owned football club, has today (2 July 2024), pledged “a fresh start for fan-ownership” as it unveils its plan for growth, strategic investment, and a new fan-engagement model at Motherwell FC.

The plans, developed by a refreshed Well Society Board following elections in October 2023, are contained in ‘Our Club, Our Future: Our plan for growth for Motherwell Football Club and The Well Society’. The detailed prospectus, sent today to Well Society members and available online, sets out an ambitious future, a renewed take on seeking investment, and a new approach to fan engagement.

Following a period of significant calls for increased transparency and fan voice at the football club, a refreshed Well Society Board was elected in October 2023. The Society Board moved with purpose, hosting a series of fan engagement workshops on topics including governance, membership, events and communications. Building on fan priorities, the Society Board established operating priorities and a series of workstreams, supported by ‘Well supporting professionals working in finance, business, governance, engagement and communications.

A FRESH START FOR FAN-OWNERSHIP

With a fresh focus on growth, strategic investment, and commercial partnerships, the refreshed Well Society Board conducted a review of best practice from fan-ownership models including Exeter City Football Club, where the club has successfully engaged local investors through community share schemes, as well as AFC Wimbledon, Portsmouth FC, and FC United of Manchester.

Developing its fan-focused approach to sustainable investment, the Well Society Board has been backed by a series of business leaders, including fintech strategist David Cullinan, multi-business CEO Kyrk McMillan, former Paycare Chief Executive Kevin Rodgers, and US-based football business consultant Gus McNab, amongst others.

The plans, in development since the beginning of the year, take four strands:

• A new vision for Motherwell Football Club
• A new approach to investment, focused on local partnerships and strategic investment
• A new strategy for growth of the Well Society
• The identification of further opportunities around season tickets, the women’s team, and off-pitch revenue growth

The Well Society has already invested more than £2m as a direct result of the fan-ownership model and now believes the time is right to further develop that model. It is understood that the strategy’s development was expedited to ensure that Society members were given sight of it before a forthcoming ballot on Wild Sheep Sports investment proposals. The ballot commences on 8 July for a fortnight, with the Well Society having already set out its reasoning behind its recommendation to reject the proposal.

As part of the strategy, the Well Society Board has outlined plans for new Strategic Investment Partnerships. The plans would see links with new potential partners who share a vision of enhancing Motherwell Football Club through sustained financial backing and valuable expertise. Strategic Investment Partnerships would seek broader objectives, and be focused on funding strategic projects such as developing new facilities at Fir Park or upgrading the training ground. These improvements would not only enhance operational capabilities, but would support additional revenue streams.

New purpose driven commercial partnerships are also a feature of the Well Society Board’s plans for growth. The Society, noting the opportunity to strengthen the Football Club’s commercial operations, in line with the arrival of new Chief Executive Brian Caldwell, revealed ongoing discussions with a series of new commercial partners.

The Society has also undertaken detailed fanbase modelling, including the significant opportunities to grow Well Society membership and contributions. Doing so could deliver a net increase of 2,700 contributors per month. Additional modelling highlights significant potential to drive club season ticket revenue, beyond the 2% of residents in Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke, and beyond the less than 1% in neighbouring 25 towns and villages.

Finally, in addition to a new, more open and transparent governance framework, the ‘Our Club, Our Future’ strategy outlines a fresh approach to fan voice, engagement and communication, while maintaining the Society’s baseline position as a financial safety net for the football club.

It’s time for you to return to Fir Park this Saturday, as Motherwell face off against Livingston in friendly action.

Kick off is 3pm.

Ticket Information

Ticket details for our friendly match against Livingston at Fir Park have now been confirmed.

You can buy your tickets online now.

All home fans will be housed in the John Hunter Stand, with adult tickets costing £5 and all concessions costing £2.

Fans can buy online right up to kick off and between 1pm-3pm on Saturday at the Ticket Office for the John Hunter Stand.

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our new “Never Been Seen Before” Home Kit.

The Lowdown

Motherwell returned from their pre-season trip to The Netherlands on Monday, having faced off against FC Twente and D.S.V.D.

A 2-2 draw with Twente was followed by a comprehensive 8-0 win over D.S.V.D.

With nine new faces in the door, it has been a busy summer period for the Steelmen.

Motherwell signed-off  their pre-season trip to the Netherlands with a convincing 8-0 win over DSVD Deurningen.

Goals from Moses Ebiye, Zach Robinson, Filip Stuparevic and Sam Nicholson mean ‘Well head home undefeated and scoring ten goals.

The Steelmen settled early and took the lead through Moses Ebiye.

Stephen O’Donnell’s deep ball was cushioned across goal by Ewan Wilson and poked home by the Nigerian.

Ebiye added a second ten minutes later when he latched onto Liam Gordon’s header and fired into the net – his third goal of the trip.

With a two goal cushion at the break, Stuart Kettlewell made a host of substitutes and it didn’t take long for them to add to their lead.

Zack Robinson, only on the pitch for five minutes, netted an impressive 11 minute hat-trick to give ‘Well a handsome lead.

His first, on the 50th minute, came as Luca Ross threaded in Tom Sparrow and his cut-back was cooly finished on his left foot.

Lennon Miller was the creator for his second. He turned two men inside-out in the middle of the park, spread a ball wide to Dylan Wells whose cross was headed home.

More fine from Miller found Robinson who combined excellently with Sam Nicholson – his perfect touch split the defence wide open and allowed the Englishman to claim his hat-trick with a great finish into the bottom corner.

Goal six was created by academy graduate Dylan Wells. His driving run forward followed by a one-two with Stuparevic, earned the Steelmen a penalty when the was taken down in the box.

Serbian new boy Stuparevic then stepped and applied the finish from 12 yards.

The win was then rounded off by a fine double from Sam Nicholson. The tricky midfielder showing great skill on both occassions, in similar styles, turning defenders in and out before finding the net.

What the manager said

“It was a different type of game from the other night against FC Twente.

“We managed to get more minutes into the legs, with only one recovery day in between.

“It’s pleasing at both ends of the pitch. A clean sheet and the goals boost the players’ confidence too. Again, we managed to get eight academy graduates game time which is a large part of what this club is all about.

“Overall, it’s been a tremendously productive week. It’s a great facility and the main objective is to come away with as many match fit players as we can. We have one or two niggles but I’m delighted with the work we’ve put into the week.”