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The pitch at Fir Park looked splendid this afternoon after the Groundsman and his team finished the first week of cutting.

The surface was cut for the first time on Tuesday – ten days after the grass first started to shoot through – and again this afternoon and it almost looks fit for a game already.

However, with the first European game scheduled for just under six weeks, the work continues apace both on the pitch and in and around the ground.

“Things have been going really well and after the first cuts this week, the grass is really starting to thicken out,” said Ian Wilson, Motherwell’s Head Groundsman.

“We cut it for the first time this week and we’ll step that up next week, giving it a cut each and every day. The following week we’ll give it another feed and that should really start it on its way to being ready for mid-July.

“We’ve also had another visit from STRI this week and they too are delighted with the progress that has been made. We are very much on schedule!”

Scotland U19 star Robert McHugh is the latest young talent to commit his long term future to the club by signing a contract extension till the summer of 2013.

McHugh broke into the Motherwell first-team two years ago, making his debut as a fresh-faced 16-year-old as a 76th minute substitute in the final game of the season against Hibs at Easter Road.

Now 18, McHugh has played a further 17 times, netting his debut goal against Flamurtari in the Europa League second qualifying round last July before grabbing his first domestic strike against Inverness in the League Cup two months later.

McHugh is the latest in a long line of talented youngsters who have committed their future to Fir Park; Jamie Murphy, Ross Forbes, Shaun Hutchinson, Jonathan Page, Steven Saunders, Peter Innes, Gary Smith, Jordan Halsman, Dario Quinn and Steven Lawless all having signing contract extensions in the last nine months.

Speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk, McHugh said, “I’m delighted to have signed the contract which gives me that little bit more security.

“Last season was reasonable for me – it was great to get my first goal and my first start and I want to try and build on that. There’s a lot of talent at Motherwell and it’s difficult to hold down a place but that’s my aim in the coming season.

“We’ve got a whole load of younger players who have committed their future to the club. This is a club with the philosophy that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. For a younger player like me, there’s no better place to be.”

Motherwell will get the best possible preparation for the Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round clash with a warm-up game with Ayr United on Saturday 10th July.

The game will form part of the Honest Men’s Centenary Celebrations and will give Craig Brown’s men some much need game time ahead of what is sure to be a testing European tie.

The match will take place at Ayr’s Somerset Park; kick-off 3pm with admission prices for fans wishing to make the trip to be released shortly.

‘Well boss Craig Brown said, “Playing Ayr United will provide ideal preparation for our European game as they are a decent outfit.

“They had a difficult time of it last year but we expect a tough encounter, particularly as it’s so soon after returning to training.”

Friendly matches with Brechin at Glebe Park (Tuesday 6th July) and Forfar Athletic at Station Park (Thursday 8th July) have been agreed but have yet to be confirmed with the SFA.

After confirming the game against Ayr on July 10th, the club can today confirm further matches against both Brechin City and Forfar Athletic.

The Steelmen will face Jim Weir’s men at Glebe Park on Tuesday 6th July – kick off 7.45pm. Two days later, Forfar Athletic will be the opponents at Station Park – kick off 7.30pm.

The Fir Parkers will then finish the round of games against Ayr United on Saturday 10th July – kick-off 3pm.

Ticket/Admission Information for all three games will be published as soon as it is confirmed.

Summary:
Brechin City v Motherwell
Tues 6th July 2010
Glebe Park, Brechin
Kick-off 7.45pm

Forfar Athletic v Motherwell
Thursday 8th July 2010
Station Park, Forfar
Kick-off 7.30pm

Ayr Utd v Motherwell
Sat 10th July 2010
Somerset Park, Ayr
Kick-off 3pm

Stephen Craigan’s Northern Ireland concluded their summer tour with this narrow defeat to World Cup bound Chile in the Estadio Nelson Oyarzún, Chillan.

As with Wednesday’s meeting with Turkey, Nigel Worthington fielded an inexperienced XI and, like that game in Connecticut, the players produced a performance and result that defied the worst fears of those that predicted a rout.

Chile started brightly, forcing Alan Blayney into action early on when Marco Estrada fired a shot straight at him while the Linfield ‘keeper had to race off his line a short time later to deny Gonzalo Fierro.

But the Chileans had to wait until the 31st minute to grab what proved to be the only goal of the game after Matias Fernandez floated over a corner for Esteban Paredes to rise above Ryan McGivern to squeeze a header between Michael Bryan and the back post.

However, Northern Ireland might have gone in at the break on level terms when Rory Patterson played Johnny Gorman through only for the 17-year-old to fire over the bar with just ‘keeper Miguel Pinto to beat.

Blayney was replaced by Michael McGovern at the break – one of a number of substitutions – and the Ross County man was soon involved when he turned a Mark Gonzalez effort around an upright before keeping out an Estrada shot from distance while Arturo Vidal was also foiled.

Skipper Craigan had another solid outing and is now only two appearances away from reaching the milestone of fifty appearances.

Northern Ireland: Blayney (McGovern 56), Little, McGivern (Coates 56), McAuley, Craigan, C. Evans, Garrett (McArdle 46), Patterson, Mulgrew, Gorman (Magennis 73), Bryan (Braniff 46)

Motherwell FC can today confirm that midfielder Marc Fitzpatrick has signed a short-term extension to his contract.

The 24-year-old had a torrid time with injuries last season, missing the bulk of the campaign with a hip injury, quickly followed by a hamstring tear.

As a result, ‘Well boss Craig Brown wasn’t given an opportunity to have a proper look at the player and has rewarded him with a deal till Christmas.

That will allow Fitzpatrick, who scored the famous winning goal in the CIS Cup Semi Final against Hearts back in 2005, the opportunity to not only get fit but stake a claim for a first-team place.

Speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk, Fitzpatrick said, “Obviously I am delighted to have signed the contract to stay at Motherwell – I’ve been here a long, long time and built up a real feeling for the club.

“Ideally it would have been for a little longer but, in saying that, I understand the situation. I was out of contract at the end of this month so I am thankful I have something sorted.

“I will now work through the whole summer with the aim of getting as fit as I can be when we return for pre-season training. If I can do that, hopefully, I’ll do enough to have the contract extended beyond Christmas.”

Brown was pleased to have another experienced player in the squad for next season and plans to have a look at the Lanark-born midfielder in the upcoming months.

“Marc had a horrible time with injuries last season; he was really unlucky,” said manager Craig Brown.

“He’s a former Scotland U21 International who has played 136 games for Motherwell, including European football so we know he is capable. But with him suffering so badly last year, Archie and I never had an opportunity to get a proper look at him which we will do now.”

Jonathan Page has committed his future to the club by signing a one-year extension to his current contract, keeping him at Fir Park until 2012.

The young defender arrived from Portsmouth in the summer of 2008 and after an excellent first-year in the U19s, was rewarded with a two-year professional deal.

Last year, under Jim Gannon, it didn’t quite work out for the centre half although he did make his first-team debut in the Europa League first qualifying round tie against Llanelli in July. However, with Craig Brown’s arrival, Page was allowed to go on-loan to Second Division side Stirling Albion.

There the defender played 16 times for the Binos, netting twice, and securing a league winners medal as Allan Moore’s side lifted the Championship trophy.

He has impressed both Brown and Knox, who have watched him on several occasions at Forthbank, and is expected to push for a first-team place next campaign.

Page, speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk, said “It’s brilliant to have signed an extension; it gives me a little more peace of mind.

“My main aim now is to try and claim a place in the first-team squad. My spell with Stirling was very beneficial indeed as you can’t replicate the benefits of competitive first-team football.

“Going on loan had a really positive effect on Ross Forbes who returned from Dumbarton a much better player and made a big impact on the first-team last year. Hopefully I can do something similar myself.”

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.