Motherwell FC News

January 2000

31.01.2000

Ged Brannan will miss tomorrow night's game at Arbroath through suspension after he was booked in Saturday's abandoned match, yet John Spencer, who was suspended for Saturday, is still ruled out for the re-arranged fixture. Work that one out!

30.01.2000

Yesterday's cup-tie at Arbroath was abandoned at half time due to high winds, with Motherwell leading 1-0 at the time thanks to a Derek Townsley goal. Referee Mike McCurry made his decison because he feared for the safety of the players, yet the conditions at half time were no worse than they had been prior to kick-off. Although the Arbroath stewards eventually started distributing vouchers for the re-arranged game, the referee's decision sparked trouble in the street outside the ground as rival fans clashed. The game will now go ahead at 7.45pm on Tuesday night, and reports suggest that Motherwell will lay on free buses for supporters.

If Motherwell overcome Arbroath on Wednesday night, we will be at home to Dundee or Ayr Utd in the 4th round. The tie is scheduled for Saturday, February 19.

Aberdeen are reported to be set to sign Simo Valakari if the Finnish midfielder fails to agree terms with Motherwell. Simo, who is out-of-contract in the summer, has already knocked back an offer from the club.

Ricky's report of the Aberdeen game is now available.

27.01.2000

Kevin Twaddle suffered a hamstring injury during last night's 1-1 draw at Pittodrie, and must be a major doubt for the trip to Arbroath on Saturday.

26.01.2000

Aberdeen's injury time equaliser at Pittodrie tonight prevented us from going third in the league. From listening to the game on the radio, it sounded like another poor performance from the team and a point was probably all we deserved.

25.01.2000

Michael Doesburg will miss tomorrow night's game at Pittodrie after suffering nose damage and neck whiplash when he was struck by the ball at Perth on Saturday. He should be available for the Arbroath cup-tie at the weekend.

The club yesterday informed Shaun Teale that his contract, which still has five months to run, is being terminated. Teale is determined to fight his sacking, and has contacted the Players' Union in a bid to launch an appeal.

24.01.2000

Not surprisingly, the Daily Record has today hit back at John Boyle after the Motherwell chairman denied reports of a marger with Airdrie. The Record article, which basically accuses Boyle of lying, is available here. However, Airdrie's sole director yesterday stated he had never spoken to anyone at Motherwell about a merger, contrary to what appears in the Record. Read the Record's article and then make up your own mind.

Another newspaper report suggests that both Simo Valakari and Michael Doesburg will sign new contracts. The pair are out-of-contract in the summer and would be able to leave for free under the Bosman ruling.

Ricky's report of the St Johnstone game is now available.

23.01.2000

John Boyle and Pat Nevin yesterday repeatedly denied the claims that Motherwell were considering merging with Airdrie. Boyle publicly rubbished the story on both TV and radio, and even came across to talk to the Motherwell fans during the half-time interval at Perth yesterday.

Michael Doesburg was stretchered off yesterday suffering from concussion after being hit in the face with the ball. He must be a major doubt for Wednesday night's trip to Aberdeen.

Today is my birthday!

21.01.2000

Motherwell have completed the £30,000 signing of full-back Martyn Corrigan from Falkirk. The 22-year-old goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's trip to Perth.

20.01.2000

Motherwell have continued to distance themselves from reports of a possible merger with Lanarkshire rivals Airdrie. An official statement from the club read:
"Motherwell wish to make it clear they have not instigated or requested any formal discussions with Airdrie. Motherwell have an excellent working relationship with their neighbour and wish them the very best in any transitional difficulties they may be experiencing. Motherwell will always have thoughts on the long-term future of Scottish football, but would stress that any joining together of Airdrie and Motherwell would only be achieved with the consensus of the shareholders and the fans."

The club could face legal action from Shaun Teale after the axed former captain consulted his lawyers regarding comments made by John Boyle.

Ged Brannan and Lee McCulloch are suspended for Saturday's match against St Johnstone, while John Spencer is banned for the Scottish Cup tie against Arbroath.

According to most of the tabloids, we were expected to sign 22-year-old former Falkirk full-back Martyn Corrigan today for a nominal fee.

19.01.2000

Pat Nevin has played down reports that Motherwell have launched a bid to buy-out local rivals Airdrie and form a new club, Lanarkshire United. The story appeared on the back page of most of this morning's papers, with John Boyle quoted as saying:
"It's well known that we at Motherwell would like a broader Lanarkshire appeal for the club. It should be stressed this could never be achieved through an aggresive approach and could only be done through consensus and agreement. But I would urge everyone involved to look to the future and recognise the benefits of stronger groupings."

Airdrie, who have debts estimated at £1.2 million, reacted angrily to the suggestion of a take-over, and insisted no deal would be done without consultation with shareholders and supporters.

Rob Matthaei has become the second Motherwell player to be suspended within a matter of days. The 33-year-old has been banned from the ground for two weeks and may also be fined two week's wages. The action comes after Matthaei was critical of Billy Davies in the Dutch press, saying he would have punched him if he had been younger. Chief executive Pat Nevin said:
"Rob was told that we would be investigating the comments attributed to him and if they were found to be accurate, he would be disciplined. We got a copy of the article in question and had it translated. We also spoke to the people who published the article and it became clear that there had been a breach of club discipline. Rob did not come with us on our winter break but on our return he was asked to attend a meeting with Billy Davies and me and he was informed he would be suspended for two weeks. He was also told by Billy that as far as he was concerned, when Rob's suspension was over he would be in the same position as any other player at the club. If he shows the proper attitude, he will be considered for selection. The situation is completely different from that involving Shaun Teale."

Former club captain Shaun Teale, sacked by the club following comments he made in the press, yesterday released a statement through his agent, saying:
"It does appear that through my frustration to try to secure my short-term future that I have upset both the chairman John Boyle and the manager Billy Davies. With due respect to both of them, it was never my intention to cause any sort of fracas with them. In my defence, I was urged by the club to move to the area and the club know only too well that I have now made that move and bought a house within the last few months. I was informed during the current winter break that my contract would not be renewed at this stage and would only be reviewed at the end of this season. Given that my form has been very consistent, my fitness is good, I have only missed seven games in the last two seasons and my commitment in terms of relocation, all these things came out in my frustration. Whilst I reiterate I don't wish to upset the club, I find it hard to take in return the comments of the chairman. The club say that they have suspended me and fined me, but it is clear the procedures they have taken are not those officially recognised through the SFA. It is also clear the chairman has crossed the line in making comments on playing matters which not only compromise the manager - but also might make him look rather foolish given my playing record for the club. I will be the first to know when I am not able to perform to the standard I have set for myself. If Motherwell cannot commit to me any further then I will take it on the chin and endeavour to prove to them that I have still got something to offer at a decent playing standard."

The club are once again being linked with Falkirk defender Martyn Corrigan.

18.01.2000

Shaun Teale has been told he will never play for the club again following his outburst yesterday. The 35-year-old defender will be suspended without pay and handed a free transfer after John Boyle reacted angrily to the scathing criticism by the club's former captain. Boyle said:
"I won't have anyone connected with Motherwell Football Club being brought into disrepute or have ridicule heaped upon them. It saddens me to take this stance because he has been a terrific servant to Motherwell but I will not tolerate anyone trying to undermine this club or threaten us under any circumstances. Shaun has indicated that there are clubs willing to offer him contracts, so let's see if they come forward. His agent has been notified of the situation and he will be given a free transfer. Shaun Teale is one of the most vocal members of our squad and in my experience will make sure he gets everything that is owed to him. Is he seriously suggesting that two years after signing a contract, he believes the club owe him £10,000 yet has not mentioned it in the 50 or so conversations I have had with him? The facts are that Shaun has lost half-a-yard of pace and has been finding it difficult this season. He has given away a couple of penalties and has also been sent off and it is the view of the manager that he will not be able to play at this level for much longer. Never, at any stage, did we tell Shaun that he was going to get a new contract. We said we would review the situation, which is what we have done. After 20 years in the game, it would have been far better to have celebrated his achievements rather than making these outrageous statements. He has played his last game for the club. My first executive decision when I arrived at the club last year was to extend his contract but the fact of the matter is the statement made by Shaun Teale is utterly untrue and I'm very distressed."

The club's actions against Teale could land them in bother with the player's union. Scottish PFA secretary Tony Higgins said:
"The club must honour his contract, of course, and disciplinary action has to be either suspension or fining, not both."

Saturday's cup tie at Arbroath is NOT all-ticket. Limited tickets are available for the stand (£11 and £6), but the terracing is pay at the gate (£10 and £5).

17.01.2000

Shaun Teale has hit out at Billy Davies and John Boyle after confirming he is leaving Fir Park. The former club captain reacted angrily after being told he is not going to be offered a new contract, saying:
"Davies and Boyle gave me the impression I would get a new deal and we have just bought a house up here on the strength of that. Now I find they are not prepared to offer me a deal and I feel very let down by them. They've led me up the garden path and I've had enough. I have to think about my family and we'll have to put our house up for sale now. They have said there might be something in the summer, but at my age that's simply not on, I've been fobbed off for too long. I told Billy Davies my feelings in Portugal and told him I was disappointed at how my contract had been handled. I have proved my worth to this club and I know I have a few years left in me at this level, but if the manager and the chairman don't want me there is nothing I can do. The manager said he wasn't happy about me travelling up for games so we moved up here and now this happens. I'm looking for a new club, Motherwell have given me a clear signal on their thoughts and I have to look after myself. This is not the first time this has happened to me, but I expected more from Motherwell and I am very annoyed. But I want the 'Well fans to know if I'm picked I will continue to give my all."

15.01.2000

We're off to Arbroath in the 3rd round of they Cup. The Gayfield Park side beat Fraserburgh 3-1 in the 2nd round this afternoon.

Ged Brannan is the latest 'Well player to be featured in the Daily Record. The full article is available here.

13.01.2000

Motherwell's postponed game against Kilmarnock has been re-arranged for Tuesday, February 22, while the Hearts game, postponed from December 27, has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, March 1.

In today's Motherwell Times, Billy Davies reveals he has already targeted replacements for Simo Valakari, Michael Doesburg and Shaun Teale, if any of them decide to leave Fir Park in the summer under the Bosman ruling. Davies said:
"I have made contact with the players and it's now time to speak to their agents to find out what their demands are. We'll find out whether or not they want to be here. I have a budget to work on and will look at what they want. We've already done our homework to look at possible replacements if players decide to move on."

The Motherwell players return from their week's training in the Algarve tomorrow.

The Official SPL Website reports that the game against Rangers on the last day of the season has been moved to Sunday, May 21.

A Daily Record article on Kevin Twaddle is available here.

12.01.2000

Most of this morning's papers carry a feature on Andy Goram which, not surprisingly, concentrates mainly on The Goalie's time with Rangers. Andy reveals he was bitter when he left Ibrox and would love nothing better than for Motherwell to beat Rangers. The full article is available from the Daily Record web site.

11.01.2000

This morning's newspapers are once again reporting on the nature of Billy Davies' contract with the club. Davies is apparently unhappy with the rolling one-year deal he has at present and would like more security. He is currently involved in talks with John Boyle regarding the situation. The full article is available from the Daily Record Web site.

The above Daily Record article also mentions that Pat Nevin's playing contract expires at the end of the season, and Billy Davies now has to decide if the player/chief executive should be offered a new deal. However, it appears Shaun Teale will be allowed to leave if he receives a better offer elsewhere.

09.01.2000

The draw for the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup was made this afternoon, and Motherwell will travel to face either Arbroath or Fraserburgh. The tie is scheduled for Saturday, January 29.

07.01.2000

Pat Nevin insists the club offered new contracts to Michael Doesburg and Simo Valakari, but both had knocked them back. Responding to Doesburg's comments yesterday, Nevin said:
We offered Michael and Simo contracts six months ago but they decided not to accept because they wanted to keep their options open, as they were entiled to do. Now they are keen to find out our final offer and I am sure that we will be talking again shortly. Shaun Teale is another who is out-of-contract in the summer and he will be speaking to our manager Billy Davies about his situation."

06.01.2000

Michael Doesburg has revealed he fears a number of top players could leave Motherwell. Doesburg, Shaun Teale, Simo Valakari and Rob Matthaei are all out-of-contract this summer and are now free to negotiate deals with other clubs. Doesburg, Teale and Valakari want to stay at Fir Park, but are unhappy at the delay over re-signing talks. Doesburg said:
"I respect Motherwell's decision to wait before discussing new contracts but they must understand we are now free to talk to other clubs and we have families to think about. If I'm made a concrete offer by someone else, then I'd have to consider it. It's the uncertainty which is the hard part. I know Simo and Shaun are in the same situation I would just like to know where I stand. If the club don't want me, then that is fair enough. Although I want to stay, there will be no hard feelings. Motherwell have told me that we may be able to talk at the end of January but I would like to do it sooner. Hopefully, we can have discussions during our week away in Portugal."

03.01.2000

A newspaper report claims that Motherwell are interested in Nottingham Forest striker Dougie Freedman. The former under-21 internationalist is available for around £600,000, and the deal could be funded by the sale of £1 million rated Lee McCulloch. Freedman has also had spells at QPR, Barnet, Crystal Palace and Wolves.

02.01.2000

The draw for the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup will take place next Sunday.

Today's Sunday Mail carries an article on SPL players who will be out-of-contract at the end of the season and therefore free to leave their current clubs under the Bosman ruling. The Motherwell players affected are Simo Valakari, Shaun Teale and Rob Matthaei. Both Simo and Shaun have expressed a desire to stay at Fir Park.

01.01.2000

Shaun Teale has revealed he is ready to to quit Fir Park. The 35-year-old is out of contract in June, and has yet to be offered a new deal by John Boyle. Billy Davies is reported to be anxious to keep hold of Teale, who is free to speak to other clubs as of today. Teale said:
"I was promised a new deal before a ball was kicked this term but there's been nothing on the table. The only thing I've been told is that the chairman will speak to me on January 20. But why should I put everything on hold until then when I can look at other options now? Motherwell could have had it all wrapped up because I've been very happy there. Now, though, things could be coming to an end for me. I've got to look after myself and my family."

The Motherwell Times has revealed the troublesome goalmouth at the South Stand end of the Fir Park pitch was the reason behind the postponment of the Hearts game. The waterlogged pitch has caused three games to be called off already this season. Last Monday's postponment means that Motherwell are without a game until the trip to McDairmid Park on January 22nd, for which both Lee McCulloch and Ged Brannan are suspended.

Happy New Year everyone!

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