Latest News

[tab:Match report]

 Andy Ross at Fir Park

Motherwell booked their place in the last eight of the William Hill Scottish Cup with an emphatic 6-0 win over Morton at Fir Park.

The home stunned their Scottish First Division opponents as they raced into a 5-0 half-time advantage.

Tom Hateley netted directly from a corner before Jamie Murphy, Shaun Hutchinson, Henrik Ojamaa and Nicky Law all netted for the hosts as the tie was all but decided before the interval.

Murphy then blasted home his second midway through the second half to add to Morton’s woes and complete a one-sided scoreline.

Michael Higdon came back in to the Motherwell side after serving his SFA imposed suspension, with Omar Daley dropping to the bench.

Morton manager Alan Moore made one change to his side, with peter McDonald resuming his place up front for the visitors. Having played one another in the Quarter Finals of the 1991 competition, the nostalgists amongst the Motherwell fans were hoping for a less arduous task 22 years later and we relooking to avoid replays and penalties if they were to progress.

‘Well had a glorious opportunity to take the lead after four minutes when Morton goalkeeper Colin Stewart failed to deal with a back-pass, the ball broke to Jamie Murphy but he could only find the side netting.

Stewart redeemed himself for his earlier three minutes later when he brilliantly denied Nicky Law after a neat through ball by Murphy.

The home side weren’t to be denied though and they took the lead after eight minutes. Tom Hateley’s corner somehow evaded all inside the penalty area and bounced into the corner of Stewart’s goal.

Morton were struggling to contain the home sides’ attacking threat and Henrik Ojamaa almost doubled their lead on ten minutes when he fired the ball against the post after being released by Michael Higdon.

The Steelmen grabbed the second goal their play deserved after 28 minutes. Stewart produced a fantastic point-blank save from Higdon but Murphy was on hand to bundle home the rebound.

Murphy was proving to be a constant threat to the visitors’ defence and he tested Williams before Motherwell moved 3-0 ahead.

Shaun Hutchinson rose to bullet Hateley’s corner beyond Williams and leave the visitors with a mountain to climb. The task facing Morton was made even greater on 34 minutes when the hosts stretched their lead to four.

Ojamaa twisted and turned inside the box and unleashed a low effort into the bottom right corner of the Morton goal.

Estonian striker, Ojamaa turned provider for Motherwell’s fifth goal, sliding a cute slide-rule pass to Nicky Law who coolly dispatched the ball beyond Williams.

Morton finally managed their first attempt on goal after 56 minutes, when Peter MacDonald did well to get his shot away, however Darren Randolph in the Motherwell goal gathered easily.

Michael Tidser was next to test Randolph as the visitors enjoyed their best spell of the match.

Stuart McCall introduced Stuart Carswell and Chris Humphrey in place of Law and Keith Lasley as the home side looked to rest some tired legs and the introduction of Humphrey paid off quickly.

The wingers lightening fast run ended with a cut-back to Ojamaa who fed Murphy to lash home the sixth goal.

With six minutes remaining Higdon passed up a good opportunity to net his first goal of the afternoon when he glanced a close-range header over the bar with six minutes remaining.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alistair Reilly at Fir Park

FULL TIME: Motherwell 6 – 0 Morton

87mins – So nearly 7 as captain Hammell’s ball in finds Higdon. His header loops over the bar from close range.

85mins – 5 minutes to go of what has been a thoroughly entertaining game of football.

82mins – MORTON SUB: O’Brien off for Di Giacomo

67mins – Cool finish from Murphy 8 yards out after excellent wing play from Humphrey.

67mins – GOAL! 6-0 Murphy

64mins – Derek Young unlucky with a left footed drive from just inside the box. Whistles past the post. Goal coming perhaps?

63min – on the clock (it works now) and still 5 – 0. Morton have came out strong. Too late for a fightback?

60mins – ‘WELL SUBS: Lasley off for Carswell. Law off for Humphrey.

56mins – Bit of a let off there. Randolph picks up Hateley’s back pass but the referee judges it to be inadvertent and waves play on,

54mins – Unlucky there. A good run from Law down the left. his cut back found Higgy on the volley but was blocked by Evan’s face.

46mins – Derek young booked for diving in the box. That’s harsh..

45mins – And Las and Ojamaa kick-off

HT – ‘WELL SUB: Page on for Clancy.

HALF TIME – Motherwell 5 – 0 Morton. More of the same second half please? Any thoughts on the action?

43mins – Almost half time and I’m losing count…..of the Morton fans leaving the stadium. Can’t help but feel sorry for them. ‘Well are rampant.

41mins – GOAL! It’s 5. Law chips in after Ojamaa’s through ball.

37mins – Incredible stuff, really, I’ve even forgotten how cold my hands are as the goals just flood in, Brilliant!

35mins – It’s 4! Quickly becoming a hero here. He picks the ball up outside the box, drives in, slips, trips, then somehow slips it past Stewart.

35mins – GOAL! Ojammmmmaaaa time!

33mins – GOAL! It’s 3!! Hutchy rising in the box to power home a header.

29mins – It was a Hateley corner which found Higgy. His header was well saved by Stewart but Murph was on hand to nod it in. Boy loves a header.

29mins – GOOOAALLL! 2-0 motherwell! Murphy header from close range.

25mins – Darren Randolph dancing around in his box trying to keep warm. The Steelmen are absolutely dominating this.

18mins – This is brilliant so far. The early goal will have settled any nerves. Playing some lovely possession football through Las and Jenno

10mins – Ojamaa strikes the post! Great through ball from Higdon and the wee man is unlucky on the angle!

9mins – GOAL! Hateley curls in a corner straight into the net

6mins – Bad sign….Lasley limping after a lovely slide challenge. He’s struggling.

3mins – Chance for Motherwell as the ball breaks to Murphy 6 yards out on the angle,. his shot only finds the side netting. ‘Well on top!

1min – And we’re on. No interesting facts other than Jamie Murphy sporting a fetching pair of luminous yellow and orange boots….

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“It was a professional job, we asked at the beginning of the game for a high tempo as we couldn’t afford to go out and take liberties or we would be in for a rude awakening,” said McCall.

“We started well and got the goal directly from a corner which was quite unusual.

“I asked the lads not to take their foot off the gas and psychologically that sometimes happens. Credit to Morton, they stuck to the task.”

Morton manager Allan Moore:

“In the first half we didn’t do our job correctly. The guys weren’t picking up and they lost four goals from dead-ball situations,” said Moore.

“At half-time I was worried and worried for the players, but in the second half we knocked the ball about a bit better and had a few shots on target.

“It’s a sore one to take, the fans have spent money in coming to watch us. At half-time I was pleased that some of them had stayed as it was a painful day for everyone.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”88″]

Following hot on the heels of Henrik Ojamaa penning a long-term deal yesterday, the club are delighted to confirm another young star, Stuart Carswell, has himself agreed a new contract.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall is a huge admirer of the Bellshill-born youngster and has rewarded him with a deal that will keep him at Fir Park until the summer of 2014.

The midfielder has made thirteen appearances in Claret and Amber so far, three of them amongst the starting eleven.

And he hopes now, with some stability, he’ll go on and make a bigger impact in the first-team.

He said: “I am pleased things have been sorted out and I can concentrate on developing as a player here at Motherwell.

“Obviously there is a lot of talent in midfield at the moment but I will keep my head down, keep working hard and if the opportunity presents itself, then I will be ready to take it.”

[pullquote]Obviously there is a lot of talent in midfield at the moment but I will keep my head down, keep working hard and if the opportunity presents itself, then I will be ready to take it.[/pullquote]

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster added, “Everyone at the club has been delighted with the progress Stuart has made and we are extremely confident he will go on and make a big impact in the first-team.

“This is part of our on-going strategy to make sure we secure our young talent on longer term deals, protecting our assets whilst giving players the security to develop both personally and professionally.”

Jamie Murphy has spoke of his desire to complete what could be a successful season at ‘Well after knocking back Blackpool during the week.

The former Scotland U21 starlet could have joined the Championship side on Tuesday but instead opted to stay at Fir Park.

His decision has been met with surprise in some quarters given the amount of players who have crossed the border in recent years.

He said: “First and foremost, I enjoy being here. There were also other factors I spoke about with my parents and my family so we all decided the best thing for me was to stay here until at least the end of the season.

“I don’t think I’m the kind of guy who runs away at the first opportunity. I enjoy playing here at Motherwell and playing in the SPL but I’m sure there will be a time where, hopefully, I move down to England but at the moment it’s not imperative that I do that.

“I’m just looking forward to the rest of the season now and hopefully proving a few people wrong that said I’m wrong to stay.

“I’m looking forward to the games we’ve got coming up. I love playing in the cup and obviously it’s a tough tie we’ve got tomorrow but I’m looking forward to it and also we’re doing so well in the league. That was a big factor and definitely one of the reasons for me staying.

“I already know I’m not going to regret it and it’s all about proving the doubters wrong. It wasn’t the right move for me at the right time so hopefully I can repay Motherwell for still being here.”

-WATCH THE INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

‘Well boss Stuart McCall laughed off suggestions by ‘Ton boss Allan Moore that his side will come to Fir Park tomorrow to ‘Park the bus’.

The Steelmen face the Cappielow club in the Scottish Cup tomorrow with the winner taking their place in Monday’s Quarter Final draw at Hampden.

And McCall expects a tough encounter against a talented Morton side laden with SPL experience.

“Whatever any opposing manager thinks is best for their side to get through is completely up to them, I have no problems with that,” he said.

“I am a believer in horses for courses. If they go anywhere with a game plan and get a result then all the best to them. Whether that will be the case tomorrow, I am not so sure. They have talented players, particularly in attack, but we’ll wait and see tomorrow.

“But, as I always say, week in and week out, it’s all about us and how we perform. The lads have taken great heart from recent performances and it would be nice to go out tomorrow and put in a strong performance.”

-WATCH THE INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

In order to ensure this weekend’s Cup match definitely goes ahead, the club are asking fans to volunteer their services on Saturday morning should the predicted snow fall come to pass.

Safety and Facilities Manager Alan Marshall explained, “Forecasters are predicting significant snow fall either late Friday night or Saturday morning which could give us issues.

“The pitch will be absolutely fine, as will inside the stadium, but as in previous occasions, the surrounding areas – car parks, walkways etc – could cause us some problems.

“The snow might miss us, hopefully it will, but we have got to get a contingency plan in place.

[pullquote]The snow might miss us, hopefully it will, but we have got to get a contingency plan in place.[/pullquote]

“We are looking for as many volunteers as possible to work alongside our ground and maintenance staff to clear any snow, should it fall.

“As a thank you, anyone who assists on the day will be given a complimentary ticket for the match. As we have no idea how many will offer to help, if you plan to come along, bringing your own shovel, if you have one, would be very helpful too.”

Fans would be required to be at the ground at approximately 8am. If you feel you can help, then please email your contact details (mobile phone number) to amarshall@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Motherwell Football Club are tonight delighted to confirm Estonian striker Henrik Ojamaa has signed a two-and-a-half year contract at Fir Park.

The former Derby County youngster has been in incredible form since breaking into the first-team, scoring and setting up four goals in just five appearances.

Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, the 20-year old said: “I am delighted to get thing tied up; it was a goal of mine when I first came here to win a longer deal and it’s great it has happened so quickly.

“I would like to think it has been a reward for me not only for how things have gone, but how well the team have played as well. Working with great players at a great manager, in front of great fans, can only improve me as a player.”

‘Well boss Stuart McCall added, “We are pleased to have it finally tied up. I must pay tribute to the Chief Executive, Leeann Dempster, for the amount of hard work she has put in both with Henrik and his representatives.

“The lad has put himself in the shop window a bit and there was a sniff of interest already from elsewhere but we were always hopeful he would sign with the club.

“He has said how much he enjoys it at the club and like having him around. He can continue to develop here, become a better player and hopefully he’ll play a big part from now until the end of the season and beyond.”

-WATCH THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

Motherwell and Scotland legend James McFadden has encouraged supporters to join the ‘Well Society and help the Steelmen become the best fans’ run club in Scotland.

The Everton star was back at his spiritual home today and was desperate to assist in the new scheme that will allow ‘Well fans to eventually take over the running of the club.

He said: “It was good to see everyone at the club today. I’ve been back a few times recently but it is still good to see the people who are still around from when I was here.

“There are a few things that have changed but not too much. When you come back through the door it feels like home; as if you are part of the set-up; a wee trip down memory lane.

[pullquote]When you come back through the door it feels like home; as if you are part of the set-up.[/pullquote]

“I have also been getting involved with the Well Society too. Obviously the club played a big part in my life and my career. You can help secure the future of the club by joining up now. It’s you opportunity to have a say in how our club is run.

“I hope it takes off and the fans, who were so good to me when I was here, can have a stable future both on and off the pitch for years to come.”

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster added, “The Society has until March to demonstrate that it can go forward as a viable vehicle in which to run the club going forward.

“Fans should be aware though that the full yearly membership does not have to be paid in full by then – payments can be spread out if it makes things easier for people.

“We have been delighted with the feedback we have had – the majority of which has been extremely positive. The task for us now is to encourage people to sign up and be a part of our own mini revolution.”

-CLICK HERE TO JOIN US NOW-

Stuart McCall admits he is glad to see the back of the January Transfer Window with his squad still fully intact.

The Steelmen accepted an offer from Championship side Blackpool for striker Jamie Murphy but the former Scotland U21 hitman opted to stay at Fir Park.

And with the ‘Well gaffer revealing he hopes to have Estonian Henrik Ojamaa on an extended deal within the next 48-hours, it has been a positive few days at Fir Park.

“It’s positive from a playing perspective (keeping Jamie Murphy at the club),” he said.

“The bid that came in, as late as it did, doesn’t reflect the value I have of him. However, you see clubs up and down the country who need money at certain times of the season – we are the same – and I was more than aware of that when I joined. John Boyle actually told me the aim is to get into the top six and sell a player every season so it is nothing unexpected.

“I was keen to keep everyone at the club towards the end of the last window as we had started so well but I was sure we would lose someone in January. That’s not happened and from a manager’s point of view, I am delighted Jamie will still be a part of our squad.”

-WATCH THE INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

Motherwell FC are encouraging Scots to take a break from their worries today (Wednesday 1st February) – the annual awareness raising day of mental health helpline Breathing Space.

The ‘Well Wednesday’ campaign is supported by Public Health Minister Michael Matheson and BBC presenter Kaye Adams and visited Fir Park as one of their touring van stops to promote the importance of good mental wellbeing.

Motherwell Manager Stuart McCall said “We have formed a strong partnership with Breathing Space and this an excellent opportunity for us as a Club to raise awareness about looking after your mental as well as your physical wellbeing. We try hard to help get health messages across to our fans as we are very much a community club. Hopefully we as ‘the Well’ can help to raise awareness on Well Wednesday”

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator said “We are delighted that Motherwell Football Club are supporting Well Wednesday, it’s great to see the manager Stuart McCall getting involved. Young men in Scotland often find it difficult to talk about their worries, which can sometimes mean problems build up. We hope Well Wednesday will encourage people to talk to friends and family or else phone Breathing Space if they are feeling low or anxious.”

Breathing Space is a free and confidential phone and web based service for any individual who is experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to. The service receives more than 6,000 calls each month, relating to a wide range of issues including relationship difficulties, stress at work, bereavement, isolation, loneliness and suicide.

More information on different aspects of mental health and wellbeing can be accessed through the new Mental Health and Wellbeing zone on the NHS inform website http://www.nhsinform.co.uk/mentalhealth.

Striker Steven Howarth has left the club after coming to an agreement to terminate his contract four months before it was due to expire.

Former Clyde striker Howarth signed a one-year deal during the summer after an impressive stint with Gordon Young’s Under 19s.

However, he has found first-team football almost impossible to come by with Michael Higdon, Jamie Murphy, Omar Daley, Bob McHugh, Henrik Ojamaa and Gary Smith all ahead of him in the battle for a start.

He did spend a short spell on loan at Alloa Athletic earlier in the campaign but failed to make an impact whilst with the Wasps.

Motherwell Football Club would like to thank Steven for his efforts whilst at Fir Park and wish him every success in his future career.