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The Motherwell Official Matchday Programme is on sale on Saturday morning as Kilmarnock visit Fir Park for the Sky Live clash.

With a new editorial team and a new producer in Curtis Sport, the 64-page magazine has been a hit with fans in our seven home games so far this campaign and this edition is definitely one to collect.

What’s inside? Well, manager Stuart McCall gives his thoughts on the first round of fixtures, thanks the fans for their support and urges caution in the games ahead.

Skipper Stephen Craigan returns with his view from the dressing room and there is a superb feature interview from Alan Temple with former Killie defender Tim Clancy. The Irishman talks candidly about having to leave the Rugby Park outfit, the international inspirations of his team-mates and how he plans a trip to Euro 2012.

There is a special 12-page section dedicated to our visitors, Kilmarnock. Not only is there a rundown of the current squad and a review of the season so far, we get the views of Killie fan Michael Higgins, there is an excellent Q&A with veteran midfielder James Fowler and Peter Elder remembers a 3-2 win against the Ayrshire side from 1994.

And that’s not all. As well as match reports from both the Dundee Utd and Hibernian (makes for pleasant reading), regular features such as From the Press Box with Gavin McCafferty, The Travelling Fan with Keith Foster – a late sub for Yir Elder, On This Day with Graham Barnstaple and we also Show Racism the Red card.

Wait, there’s more! James and Clare Quinn are the latest to take part in our ‘FANATICS’ series. We have the latest from the Under 19s, The Ticket Office, the Commercial Department and the latest stats, facts and figures for the 2011/2012 campaign.

The programme is available for £3 and is currently on sale from the Club Shop and Jack Daniels as well as the usual sellers located in and around the ground pre-match.

Nicky Law is aiming to justify the praise as Motherwell host Kilmarnock on Saturday afternoon.

The Fir Parkers have won a host of admirers for a fluid, offensive start to the campaign, which has seen the ‘Well ascend to second spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Indeed, the Steelmen have been the surprise package of the season thus far, losing only three of their first eleven SPL encounters.

It has brought effusive praise from many quarters, including – Killie boss Kenny Shiels, who lavished praise upon Stuart McCall’s charges, particularly the midfield and full-backs.

“I know he was complimentary about a few of the lads here; calling Tom and Stevie the best full-backs in the league – nobodies buying that,” Law joked.

“No, but Tom and Stevie probably are as good full-backs as there is in this division. They have been absolutely brilliant for us; the whole team has.

“We’ve changed the formation a little bit in the last few weeks, playing with a three in the middle and with three up front, effectively.

“Because this team passes the ball so well it doesn’t matter where I’m playing really. At the minute it’s working well, with Jenno sitting and me playing beside Las. It seems to have suited us so far, so it’s good people are recognizing that.

“It’s hard to single anyone out as standing out because the group has worked so well together.

“As a club we’ve had so much praise from everyone and it’s good to hear. As a group our feet are still on the ground, and the praise is great – but I’m sure, come February, if we lose a few we’ll get plenty of stick.

“We just need to keep working hard and winning as many games as we can.”

[pullquote]As a club we’ve had so much praise from everyone and it’s good to hear. As a group our feet are still on the ground, and the praise is great – but I’m sure, come February, if we lose a few we’ll get plenty of stick[/pullquote]

The Steelmen are currently on a four-match unbeaten run, which has included three victories – dominant wins at Tannadice and Easter Road proving particular highlights on the road.

It has been one of the most impressive openings to a top-flight season that Motherwell have ever recorded.

Some fans have even, optimistically, suggested that someone at the club looks into getting a hold of the UEFA Champions League theme.

Such suggestions are a bit of fun, and indicative of a marvelous start to the season in North Lanarkshire – but Law knows what the real targets are ahead of the visit of Kilmarnock.

“We’re not getting carried away,” he continued. “We know we’ve only played eleven games. It’s about collecting as many points as we can, as early as we can, and the aim is still to get in the top six.

“We had a good start, winning four out of the first five matches. But that’s all it was: a good start. I don’t think we really believed we would carry on so well. Winning seven out of eleven is more than anyone could have expected.

“It’ something we’ve spoke about; the need to get as many points we can early. At the moment all the pitches are nice and we can play our football.

“There’s a nine point gap to seventh place at the moment, and the aim is a top six spot, so it’s good to have that early breathing space.”

Stuart McCall is hoping to buck a recent trend and defeat Kilmarnock at Fir Park tomorrow.

The Steelmen boss is fully aware of the challenge which lies ahead, especially given that ‘Well have failed to register a win over Killie in the last four encounters between the sides.

However, the ‘Well have every right to approach the fixture with confidence, nestled, as they are, in second place in the SPL, just seven points behind leaders Rangers.

“We’re under no illusions,” McCall admitted. “Since I’ve been here we’ve played Killie four times and not beaten them.

“They probably deserve more points than they have got this season. I saw them in their last away outing against Rangers and Kilmarnock were impressive.

And last week to score three against Celtic, although they have been pegged back, they probably should have got the winner.

“They were excellent. They have a strong squad as well so I’ll be surprised if they are not up there in the top six at the end of the season with the quality they have got and the way they are playing.

“Although they have lost players like Eremenko and Taouil, they have replaced them well. And this season, although it was 0-0, it was a good entertaining game and Cammy Bell pulled off two outstanding saves.

“I thought we could have nicked it. They have all been really even apart from the second half there last season when they got on top of us.”

Kenny Shiels has been particularly fulsome in his praise for Motherwell this week, suggesting that, in terms of quality of football, ‘Well could justify a spot at the very summit of the table.

[pullquote]They have a strong squad as well so I’ll be surprised if they are not up there in the top six at the end of the season with the quality they have got and the way they are playing.[/pullquote]

McCall is certainly appreciative of his opposite number’s kind words – but he is continuing to keep his charges’ feet on the ground throughout this excellent run.

“It’s very nice of Kenny to praise us, and we appreciate that, but he may have a psychology A-level degree or something.” The former Bradford boss smiled.

“But if that’s how he feels it’s nice to hear. But I go through their side and his boy [Dean Shiels] is playing terrifically well, Heffernan is always a threat, a good Championship player. Pascali and Buijs are doing well, and they have good young Scottish players as well.”

A win in North Lanarkshire would extend the Steelmen’s winning streak to four SPL matches.

And, while the club’s target remains solely on a top six finish, McCall is looking to keep ‘Well’s remarkable early season form going.

The boss continued: “We just have to work as hard as we have been doing.

“It’s the work ethic that has got us where we are. Obviously we have got talented players but first and foremost defend well as a unit which we have done in the last three games. That gives us the solid base to go forward and get our attack-minded players on the ball.

“We have deserved in this first third before the split, a really healthy amount of points – but all probably deserved.

“They are a tight-knit group. They have just got to keep to the basics, work hard for each other and hopefully if we can keep the ball moving we can create and take the chances that we make.”

Motherwell’s Under 19s will make the long journey north tomorrow to take on Aberdeen knowing a win could be enough to leapfrog their opponents.

Gordon Young’s side are sitting fifth, three points behind the Dons after eight games. An excellent unbeaten run lasting two months was brought to an abrupt hault last Friday when Dunfermline ran out 1-0 winners at the Excelsior Stadium.

The young Steelmen stars will be eager to return to winning ways but will come up against a difficult Aberdeen outfit.

The Pittodrie side were in action at Murray Park the same day and Declan McManus opener for the Dons was cancelled out by Tom Skogsrud; the match eventually ending all square.

The match will take place at Balgownie; kick-off is 1pm.

A match report will appear on the Official site late on Friday with highlights and reaction on MFC TV shortly after.

Meanwhile, Motherwell have a tasty looking Lanarkshire derby to look forward to with the draw for the Youth Cup 3rd Round handing ‘Well a home clash with near neighbours Hamilton Accies. The match is due to take place on Sunday 13th November 2011.

Motherwell youngster Steven Lawless has rejoined Second Division Albion Rovers on a one-month loan deal.

Lawless, who spent time at Cliftonhill last season and helped Rovers gain promotion from the Third Division, will initially spend 28 days at the Coatbridge club.

He made his second ‘debut’ on Tuesday night against Dumbarton, scoring in a 2-1 defeat. Ironically, the Sons opened the scoring thanks to fellow ‘Well player Ross McKinnon.

The 19-year old told motherwellfc.co.uk, “The aim is to go and play and get a couple of games under my belt as there hasn’t been a great deal of opportunities here what with the team doing so well.

“It’s actually good for me that it’s Albion Rovers; as soon as I heard they were looking to take me back I jumped at the chance as it’s a good club. They are struggling at the minute but it’s a decent team who should be doing better than the current league position would suggest.

“It was obviously good for me to score on my first appearance but at the same time, disappointing to lose as I felt we deserved something. We had a couple of decent chances when it went we pulled it back to 2-1 but it wasn’t to be.

“My contract here expires at the end of the current season so the aim is to go and get myself sharp and come back to Motherwell, make an impact and hopefully get another deal.”

The club can also confirm that defender Ross McKinnon has extended his loan deal with Dumbarton for a further two months although Steven Howarth has returned from Alloa Athletic.

The 125th Anniversary strips, worn by the first-team against Leeds Utd, have all been added to our eBay store for you to bid on.

The club’s official eBay store is full of claret and amber goodies you won’t find anywhere else!

From signed merchandise to hospitality packages and money can’t buy experiences, fans have the chance to get their hands on some exclusive Motherwell memorabilia?

Previous auctions have included match-worn shirts, signed footballs, programmes, tickets, and even sponsor rights.

Right now, we have every single 125th anniversary shirt, socks and shorts worn at the Leeds United Pre-Season friendly match. If you can’t remember what they look like, take a look at the match pictures by CLICK HERE.

Or, to browse everything at our official eBay store CLICK HERE.

The club also run charity auctions from time to time where all proceeds go towards one of the many local charities we support.

If you wish to donate an item please contact us on 01698 333333 or email bid@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Standard eBay terms and conditions apply to any purchases.

The Show Racism the Red Card Fortnight of Action continues this weekend when Motherwell take on Kilmarnock at Fir Park.

The 2011 Fortnight of Action will, for the first time ever, make a stand against both racism and sectarianism.

We believe that it is vital to highlight the anti-sectarian message as well as the anti-racism message at this time, especially when recent incidents have once again highlighted the problem of sectarianism within our communities.

As we are launching the first joint Show Racism and Bigotry the Red Card Fortnight of Action, all professional clubs will take a stand against both racism and sectarianism at a home game during the fortnight. We have developed the ways in which the clubs are able to take action to make it the biggest and most high profile fortnight so far.

At every Clydesdale Bank Premier League fixture this weekend SPL clubs will be united in calling for an end to racism and sectarianism in football and in society. Players in over 40 European countries are involved in similar events as part of the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network against racism and discrimination

Show Racism the Red Card has received excellent support from football clubs, football authorities and football fans the length and breadth of Scotland and we would like to thank you for this.

It has not been without its challenges though and we urge fans to continue to support the anti-racist and anti-sectarian messages. We have heard of many instances where real supporters have turned on racist / sectarian fans making it clear that they are not welcome at their club.

Neil Doncaster, Chief Executive of the SPL, said: “Football is a powerful medium to break down barriers and promote tolerance. Our clubs have supported Show Racism the Red Card since season 2003/04 and once again, this united action in support of the campaign sends out the positive message that football is a game to be enjoyed by all.”

The campaign will continue to speak to all football clubs, the football authorities and the police to eradicate all forms of racist and sectarian behaviour.

The SPL and its clubs deplore all forms of racism and sectarianism and any racist or sectarian behaviour will not be tolerated at Clydesdale Bank Premier League fixtures.

This year the campaign has developed partnerships with local authorities to deliver educational workshops combined with football coaching sessions in a number of regions. The workshops are delivered by a dedicated team of ex-professional footballers and they are a very positive method of educating our young people about the negative impact racism and sectarianism have on Scottish society.

Here’s a brief outline of what’s taking place during the Fortnight of Action this year:

• Anti-racist / anti-sectarian football festivals and projects in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glenrothes, Falkirk, Inverness, South Ayrshire.
• Show Racism the Red Card actions at Clydesdale Bank Premier League, SFL, SWPL, SWFL, and Scottish Cup matches.
• ‘Unite Against Racism’ actions at UEFA Champions League fixtures.
• Educational workshops in schools and community groups across Scotland.

Football is a sport that is followed by people across the world, and football matches should be an enjoyable experience for all, whatever their racial or religious background. We all have a part to play in stamping out racism and sectarianism in football and society.

If you see or hear racism or sectarianism at any level of football, please report it to stewards or police. Our website also includes updates on Fortnight of Action events and more information on the “Show Racism the Red Card” campaign in Scotland.

www.theredcardscotland.org

Show your support for tackling racism and sectarianism:

Follow us on twitter: @SRtRCScotland

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/theRedCardScotland

Motherwell Football Club are delighted to announce the arrival of the new official web TV channel – MFC TV.

This exciting new service will offer the fans a unique insight into the club and offer increased coverage of not only Stuart McCall and the first-team squad, but other aspects of the club including our Under 19s, Youth Development, Community and Commercial departments.

What can you expect?

There will be several recurring features that you can expect on a week-to-week basis:

• The Fir Park Podcast.
• Memory Match – Highlights from a classic game from the past.
• U19s pre-match build-up and post-match reaction.
• Full U19s highlights.
• Pre-match press conference and interviews with Stuart McCall and the first-team squad.
• LIVE audio commentary from every single match both home and away.
• First-team match highlights.

But that’s far from it. You’ll get behind the scenes access to everything that goes on in and around Fir Park. We’ll be the first to break exclusives – if a player signs, you’ll hear it (and from the player) first on MFC TV. If there’s photocall, player appearance or just a general carry on, we’ll be there to capture it all.

And that’s not all… Our Community Trust is vital to us and you can expect updates from courses as Stevie Kirk and the rest of the Community team work hard to ensure MFC are indeed Scotland’s Community Club.

You’ll also here regularly from the Commercial Department with the latest offerings and events that the club run.

Everything you need to know about Motherwell FC all in one place!

How much will it cost?

It will be a monthly cost of £4.99 and there are a variety of payments options. We’ve made it simple to pay either with your credit card, your debit card or even via direct debit.

What will I need?

A computer or laptop is about it. MFC TV has been tested in all major browsers and uses a flash player to view videos.

When is it available?

We’ll go live this coming Friday (21st October) and Kilmarnock at Fir Park will be our first ever live game. We plan to grow the service and offer additional elements such as live steaming outside the UK and Ireland and compatibility partnership with your Smartphone.

How would you like to win the Clydesdale Bank Premier League trophy for a day?

Clydesdale Bank are always looking for new ways to bring their sponsorship of the Scottish Premier League closer to local communities and they are offering you a unique opportunity to win the Clydesdale Bank Premier League trophy for a day.

Clydesdale Bank want to support activity in your community so tell them why having the Clydesdale Bank Premier League trophy along will add something special to your day.

Whether you are a local school, a workplace, charity, youth group or simply holding an event in your community, tell them why the trophy can benefit your event and the trophy may pay you a visit throughout the course of the season!   

Last season the Clydesdale Bank Premier League trophy visited various schools, workplaces and events throughout the country and now it’s your chance to win.

For further information and details on how to win the trophy for the day visit www.cbfootball.co.uk.

Craig Thomson is the man in charge for Saturday’s Sky live Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Kilmarnock at Fir Park.

39-year old Thomson, considered to be one of the best officials on the FIFA list, will be handling his second Motherwell game of the current season. His last was also live on television as Rangers ran out 3-0 winners back in mid-August.

Craig will be a familiar face to Fir Park fans having been a top-flight official for almost a decade and taking charge of three league matches last season.

Thomson was the man in the middle for the SPL opener against Hibs when goals from John Sutton and Jamie Murphy wasn’t enough for the victory as Hibs ran out 3-2 winners thanks to goals from Antony Stokes, Paul Hanlon and Liam Miller.

His next appointment was the 1-0 home defeat by Hamilton Accies in the Lanarkshire derby. Then Accies striker Nigel Hasselbaink separated the sides with a 15th minute curler from the edge of the box.

Most recently, he took charge of the 0-0 draw with Hearts last April when an unfamiliar ‘Well side did well to take a point at Tynecastle.

His record in charge of the Steelmen is mixed with nine wins, fifteen defeats and seven draws from 31 matches

Not included in that list was the 2007/08 Scottish Cup fourth round replay win against Hearts at Fir Park, when he replaced the injured Stuart Dougal midway through the second-half.

In those games, Motherwell have scored 39 and conceded 43. 110 players have gone into the book, 52 were wearing claret and amber, while four players, including Stephen Craigan, have been dismissed. The skipper saw red in the 2-0 Scottish Cup defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park six years ago.

Thomson will be ably assisted by Alasdair Ross and Andrew McWilliam with George Salmond on fourth official duties. Referee Observer will be Bryan Robertson with Gerry Collins as SPL delegate.