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The club are delighted to confirm that Scotland U21 star Jamie Murphy has put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract extension.

Murphy, a product of the youth system, will now remain at Fir Park until the summer of 2013.

The 20-year-old played in 44 games last season, starting 28, and netted on ten separate occasions. Included in that tally is Motherwell’s one and only European hat-trick when he hit three against Albanian’s Flamurtari in the second qualifying round of the Europa League.

Despite his youth, the Glasgow born striker has already played 97 times for the club and is likely to play a big part in first team next term.

Speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk, Murphy said: “I am delighted to extend my stay here; Motherwell has become a really big part of my life.

“These next three years are probably going to be the most important in my footballing career as I continue to learn my trade. There’s no better place to do that, in my opinion, than here at Fir Park.

“I’ve been at the club for nearly ten years so agreeing to another three wasn’t hard. Particularly because Craig and Archie are going to be here too; they are excellent coaches who you really want to work with.

“My aim now is to hold down a regular first-team spot and score as many goals as I can for the team.”

Motherwell FC are pleased to announce that midfielder Steve Jennings has signed a one-year extension to his deal at Fir Park.

Jennings, who arrived from Tranmere as Jim Gannon’s first signing of the summer, enjoyed a fantastic first year in Scotland, particularly towards the end of the season.

The midfielder put pen-to-paper last week but contract formalities have taken until today before the good news could be officially confirmed.

Jennings, speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk, said, “I am delighted that everything has finally been sorted out.

“Motherwell is a club where everyone wants to base themselves for next season and this is a club going forward.

“I like this part of the world – it’s certainly a hell of a lot different from Merseyside, but it’s not just the area, it’s the club. If you’ve got a good set of lads in the dressing room and good staff at the club then you can settle anywhere I think. Given Craig and Archie will be here next year then you’ve got everything you need here.”

Manager Craig Brown was equally thrilled to tie up the midfielder, who has been the centre point of his team since arriving in late December last year.

“It’s a massive boost for everyone that we’ve finally got Steve’s deal sorted out,” said the Motherwell boss.

“He agreed some time ago but it has taken a bit of time to get everything fully tied up. But he’s an excellent midfield player who has been at the heart of everything we did in the second half of the season.

“With a good pre-season behind him, I think we could see an even better Steve Jennings next term.”

Motherwell Football Club apprentices have shown they are as sharp off the pitch as they are on it after gaining certificates in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance.

In a unique partnership with Motherwell College and the Club, the players were released from training for one day a week for two seasons.  Netting the Modern Apprentices certificates ensures that they have a recognised qualification to rely on in the future.

The partnership was established in 2000 and since then many young Motherwell FC footballers – including Mark Reynolds and Stephen Hammell – have been through the course which involves learning about performance, health and safety as well as sports skills.  The qualification gives players an alternative within a sports-specific career.

Hugh Logan Principal and Chief Executive of Motherwell College said:  “Congratulations to the apprentices for achieving their certificates. This gives them a sound base on which to build a career. Motherwell Football Club should also be congratulated for continuing to support their young players through the Modern Apprenticeship scheme.”

Gordon Young, Head of Youth Development at Motherwell Football Club, said: “I would like to congratulate the boys on completing the Modern Apprenticeship qualification. It requires a great deal of dedication, discipline and hard work to combine playing full time football with further education.

“The high caliber of staff at Motherwell College make it possible for the boys to cross pollinate between football and education with continual emphasis on life if football were not an income provider. Their flexibility to our schedule combined with the boy’s appreciation of the system allows us to work in partnership.”

The two year course is funded by Skills Development Scotland and supported by SkillsActive.

Motherwell duo Steven Saunders and Robert McHugh have been included in the Scotland squad for the European Under-19 Championship Elite Round Group 1 matches in Croatia this month.

The duo will meet with the rest of Ross Mathie’s squad this coming Friday before flying to Zagreb next Monday for the trio of matches against Montenegro, Belgium and Croatia.

Saunders has been excellent this term, playing 30 matches, and scoring his first goal for the club a few weeks ago at Tynecastle. McHugh, who made his debut two years ago, also made a big impact this term having being involved in 13 games, scoring against Inverness CT in the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

Saunders, who recently signed a contract extension till 2013, told motherwellfc.co.uk, “I have been delighted with how things have gone this season and to be included in the Scotland squad for the trip to Croatia has topped it off.

“Hopefully I can go out there and represent Motherwell in the best possible way. We’ve got a big challenge ahead of us; all three teams will provide very difficult opposition.

“But this, along with playing in the SPL, will help my development.”

In other news, Brannock High School Pupil, and current ‘Well Under 15’s defender, Morgyn Neill has been included in the Scotland U15’s squad to face Belgium at the end of the month.

Work to improve the stability of the Fir Park pitch is going extremely well and is expected to be fully completed by this Friday.

Contractors have been working since last Saturday and are well on their way to completing the programme within the week.

Head Groundsman Ian Wilson updated motherwellfc.co.uk on what has been going on, “We’ve added 400 tonnes of fibre reinforcement to the pitch that we hope holds together with greater stability next season.

“The process of power harrowing has begun, which, in Laymen’s terms, is like big fingers that rotivates the fibre with the top four inches of rootzone. Almost like a whisk if you can imagine?

“When that’s finished, we’ll firm it up with the rollers, grade it so it’s perfectly flat before adding a pre-seeder fertilizer. When that is complete, we’re hoping to seed the pitch and cover it with the germination covers this Friday which means the whole process will be complete within a week and ahead of schedule.”

Wilson also spoke, in-depth; about the effect the fibresand will have on the drainage system and explained how the leaders in sports turf research have overseen the whole project.

“This (adding fibresand) won’t cause the same problems we suffered a few years ago with drainage because we have got such a good rootzone.

“Previously, our pitch was based almost purely on clay which, combined with the heat from the Under Soil Heating pipes, caused an almost impenetrable layer that the water couldn’t drain through.

“We also now have a partnership with STRI, who are the independent market leader in consultancy & research for sports surfaces. They are in twice a day to ensure that all the processes that are being carried out are being done correctly.

“We have been dealing with Andy Cole and Richard Windows on this project. Andy is the stadium expert for the likes of FIFA and will be going to the World Cup in that capacity. He also works closely with the Premier League in England the English FA so we really have the guys who are leaders in their field in to help us.

“They have conducted, on our behalf, a feeding and aeration programme. On their recommendation, we have also purchased machines like moisture meters, clegg hammers for firmness and twisting meters so we can continually monitor the pitch throughout the year. As well as that, we will be installing a weather station here at Fir Park to give us the best possible chance of monitoring weather trends so we can react appropriately.

“STRI will continue to work with us throughout the year, popping in to ensure everything is working well to give us the best possible chance.”

On-loan Motherwell midfielder Michael McGlinchey has been named in Ricki Herbert’s 23-man New Zealand World Cup squad.

Former Celtic youngster McGlinchey, on-loan to ‘Well from Aussie A-League side Central Coast Mariners, made his first start in the final game of the season at Ibrox on Sunday.

Speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk, McGlinchey said, “I am absolutely delighted to be included in the squad; going to the World Cup is a dream come true.

“I’ve been over at Motherwell to keep my fitness topped up and I have a lot to thank Craig Brown and Archie Knox for. Obviously, I would like to have played more but my arrival coincided with the boys going on a fantastic run so all credit to them for that.

“But I’ve got the summer to look forward to and the prospect of lining up against the World Champions (Italy) in South Africa.”

The 23-year-old is the only “Scottish” based player in the squad although former Hibernian and Celtic striker Chris Killen, now at Middlesbrough, has also been included.

Also included is the veteran former Fulham midfielder Simon Elliott, who spent a fortnight at Fir Park on trial in January of 2009 trying to win a contract with the then ‘Well boss Mark McGhee. Elliott, who left Fir Park to return to American to sign for San Jose Earthquakes, will provide experience in the All Whites camp.

Full New Zealand Squad: James Bannatyne (Team Wellington), Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory) Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix); Andy Boyens (New York Red Bulls), Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn), Winston Reid (FC Midtjylland), Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix), Tommy Smith (Ipswich Town), Ivan Vicelich (Auckland City); Andy Barron (Team Wellington), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Jeremy Brockie (Newcastle Jets), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Jeremy Christie (Tampa Bay Rowdies), Aaron Clapham (Canterbury United), Simon Elliott (unattached), Michael McGlinchey (Motherwell), David Mulligan (unattached); Rory Fallon (Plymouth), Chris Killen (Middlesbrough), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast), Chris Wood (West Brom).

Motherwell winger Darren Smith today paid tribute to the ‘Well fans as his eight years at Fir Park came to an end.

Local boy Smith, 22, made his debut for the Steelmen as a fresh-faced sixteen-year-old back in the autumn of 2004 as an 88th minute substitute for Scott McDonald against Inverness CT at Pittodrie.

Since then, the winger has gone on to appear 71 times in Claret and Amber and scored some vital goals along the way. However, as a former East Stand Season Ticket holder, Smith wanted to thank the fans before he left the club for the last time.

Speaking to motherwellfc.co.uk, Smith said, “It’s quite sad and emotional for me as my time at Motherwell has come to an end.

“I’ve had a great time here and I have nothing but fond memories. Not many people get the opportunity to come and play for the team they supported when they were younger. I used to sit in the East Stand with my friends when I was at school and a couple of years later I was out on the pitch playing which was a great honour and privilege for me.

“It’s really been great and I am really thankful to everybody, particularly the fans who have always been fantastic with me. I’ve always been treated so well; people in the street or outside the club, after games, have always chatted away, gave me a lot of respect and supported me and for that I am extremely grateful and appreciative.”

After his contract expiring at Fir Park, Smith’s main focus is to find a new club and put the last twelve-months behind him.

And, with 8 goals from 19 starts including appearances in the UEFA Cup, it’s little wonder there’s already a great deal of interest in the former Scotland U21 star.

“I look back with some pride at what I managed to achieve,” he said.

“I scored some important goals, I seemed to pop up at the right time; thinking back to the last-minute goal to get a draw against Celtic and the goal against Aberdeen in the game we secured third spot under Mark McGhee.

“But I’ve had a bad season with injuries which has been particularly disappointing. It is all about getting my career back on track, playing regular first-team football, scoring goals and enjoying it again.

“It’s been a frustrating time lately but I am still very thankful to do the job that I do. Sometimes though, in this sport, you need to take one step back to go two forward. If that has to be the case now then so be it. I just want to get back playing; I know I can do it. I know I have the ability, I have scored goals here and played at the highest level (SPL and UEFA Cup) so I just need someone to take a chance on me.

“In the meantime, I’ll keep myself fit over the summer so if I do get a shot, I will give myself the best possible chance.”

Hot prospect Peter Innes has crowned an excellent season by being named the first ever Under 19’s Player of the Year.

The youth Captain picked up the inaugural Gordon Russell Trophy, named in honour of a late fan who appreciated the Steelmen’s record of producing young Scottish talent, at last Wednesday’s amazing 6-6 draw with Hibs at Fir Park.

And Gordon Young, Motherwell’s Head of Youth Development, explained how the award came about and how the winner was chosen.

“Firstly, I want to say how pleased I am that we now have a trophy to present to the Under 19’s team,” he said.

“We only have two senior teams at the club and we rightly recognise the cream of our first-team players. I think it is also right we acknowledge the best of our youth team players.

“Peter has won it for the first time and I think few would argue with the result. The process of choosing the winner was pretty in-depth.

“Every week the Under 19’s play, the opposition coach and I nominate our best player and their best player.  I decided I would contact the SPL and get a list of all the coaches’ picks. I then gave every player and every member of staff, who watch the games on a regular basis, a vote.

“Peter was, by far and away, the winner and came out on top on all polls that were taken.”

Young also reflected on the role of Innes who has turned his career and his life around in the last twelve months to become the influential figure in the youth side.

He said: “It must be very pleasing for Peter to be recognised as he is often asked to do the less glamorous side of the game that is so vital but often unnoticed. Having said that, his game has came on so much that we’ve asked him not to be just a sitting midfield player at the age of eighteen – he can be that when he’s thirty.

“We encourage him to get forward; I’d still like him to score more goals. We don’t want to stereotype him but he is a genuine linchpin; he’s got a real talent for passing the ball. But what we’ve really worked on with him is his ability to get over the ground quicker.

“His attitude, which I must say, in the space of two years, has improved a 100%. I am not afraid to say that he was losing his way a wee bit; I genuinely think he’s turned his life around. His attitude to training, his commitment in games and the fact that he has taken the captain’s armband following Steven Meechan’s promotion to the first team have been exemplary. He’s led by example and I think he’s been a credit to himself and his family.

“He must now kick-on. He must continue to show the improvement and his own personal development will be the key to whether he makes it to the top.”

Innes himself was magnanimous with the gong and praised his team-mates who have played alongside the East Kilbride-born youngster in a successful campaign.

“I am honoured to pick up the award, particularly as it will be the first, but it could’ve been any number of the boys in the Under 19’s squad.

“We’ve had a good season, finishing second to Celtic who have spent massive amounts on their team, and scoring a barrel load of goals.

“It shows that nine of the regular eleven players for the Under 19’s have been given contracts to stay beyond this summer and its credit to all the guys. Gordon Young has also been brilliant and the big challenge for me and all the other lads is how far can we progress at Motherwell?”

The diggers moved into Fir Park this morning as work began on shoring up the Fir Park pitch.

The contractors will remove an inch and install an area of fibresand that will be worked into the pitch, making it much more durable.

It is expected the work will take approximately five days with the reseeding process due to begin on Thursday of next week.

Head Groundsman Ian Wilson said, “It’s a relief to get the season finished and the work started on the upgrades.

“The fibre sand that is being installed will shore up the pitch, making it hold together much better. It will slow down the peculation rates but that will help us keep the moisture in the soil for longer.

“We also have a fantastic drainage system, the best rootzone and everything is sand banded so we are hopefully this fibresand layer will give us what we need next season.”

Lukas Jutkiewicz hailed his dramatic late equaliser against Hibs as his best goal ever – and then admitted he almost wasn’t on the pitch to score it.

The talented young striker chased down a John Sutton punt forward deep into injury time and held off the challenge of Paul Hanlon before lashing home a devastating half-volley, belying the niggling knee injury he has suffered with recently…an injury that almost saw him subbed before his moment of glory.

“It felt like I hit it pretty sweet, so I knew it had a chance – it was one of my better ones!” The Everton loan star smiled.

“At that stage in the game I didn’t think I had the legs to run the defender, and there was no-one near me, so I thought ‘why not’ and luckily for me it found the corner.

“The gaffer was thinking about bringing me off, they were talking about it on the bench. So I think I was pretty close to being hooked to save my knee for Sunday. I was hurting but I felt like there was still something in the game for me, as mad as it sounds I didn’t think the game was dead because it was so open.”

The Steelmen had to come back from being 4-1 down ten minutes into the second period, and 6-2 down with just 25 minutes left on the clock. What followed was a comeback nobody in attendance at Fir Park will ever forget, and the hero of the encounter was full of praise for the character of the ‘Well squad.

A beaming Jutkiewicz said: “We gave ourselves an awful lot to do, but that makes it all the sweeter when we finally did come back.”

“Tonight was a really special night. We felt like we could score every time we went forward, but it was unbelievable that we could come back from 6-2 down with 25 minutes left. With the way we came back, and the character we showed to score such a late and dramatic goal it was probably the most exciting game of my career.”

Motherwell now head to Ibrox knowing the must at least match John Hughes’ side’s result at Tannadice. ‘Well will be looking for a more positive result than last time they visited the home of the Champions, when coincidentally they also conceded six goals.

When asked the difference between the Motherwell team that shifted six at Ibrox earlier in the season and the Motherwell team that will take the field on Sunday Lukas joked: “After tonight? No difference!”

Regardless of the match earlier in the season Jutkiewicz is feeling confident ahead of the trip to Govan, and believes Europa Cup football will be enough of an incentive to get ‘Well across the line.

“Rangers will be really up for the game. They are getting the trophy and there will be a big crowd, so we know that it will be a really difficult match,” Lukas acknowledged. “But the last time we played Rangers we were terrific and really unlucky not to win, so we will go there with the confidence that we can get a result.”

“We’ve got experienced heads now, and players who know what it’s like to play in matches like this. So hopefully they will help us through and get the result.

“European football is something every player strives for and it’s something we are desperate to achieve and if we can achieve fourth place then that would be job done.”