1.45pm

Speaking in today's local press, Stuart Elliott has confirmed he wants to stay with Motherwell, despite the rumours linking him with a move to Kilmarnock:
"I’ve always enjoyed it here and the fans have really taken me to their hearts. I can honestly say I’m really pleased to be playing at Motherwell.  As far as I’m concerned I want to be at Motherwell next season because I believe we can do well.  I’m still under contract here and I’m not aware of any bids from Kilmarnock or any other clubs for me.  It’s all just paper talk just now and until the manager or someone else speaks to me about the possibility of moving on then I just have to keep doing what I’m doing on the pitch for Motherwell.  All I’m looking forward to at the moment is going home to Belfast for three weeks holiday, before coming back for pre-season."

Stuart was signed two years ago from Northern Irish side Glentoran, and had to adapt quickly to the Scottish game:
"Coming from part-time football to playing full-time it took me a month or two to settle in, although I was still scoring goals.  Once I got to grips with my fitness I felt I began to play better and improve which meant I got into contention for the first-team.  Billy Davies brought me to Motherwell and I was really sad to see him leave the club.  However, these things happen and it was just unfortunate the way things worked out for Billy as he was a good coach and I’m sure he’ll land a top job with another club soon.  Eric Black was very similar to Billy in his coaching and he took time out to talk to each of the players individually. Everyone was treated the same under Eric and I would just like to wish him all the best down at Coventry City next season."

"I’m actually really confident we can do well next season and I think we’ll shock a few people in the process.  The young players who came in towards the end of last season were magnificent and the backing we got from the fans at the Dundee game was excellent.  If the supporters can keep on turning out in force then I’m sure the players will respond to this and give one hundred per cent in each and every game."

Former 'Well boss Billy Davies has been appointed as Craig's Brown's No 2 at Preston.  Craig Brown and Billy Davies - does that sound like a management dream team to you?

It has been revealed that around £30,000 of damage has been done to Fir Park since the start of May.  The South Stand has been broken into on two occasions and the Man Stand once, with thieves stealing ground maintenance equipment, food and alcohol.  Then last Thursday night the team's £10,000 mini-bus was set alight.  A spokesman for the club is quoted as saying:
"This is just mindless vandalism and all this comes at a time when the whole community has been tremendous in rallying round the club.  Motherwell can’t afford to be spending money at this time and it’s just disgusting that with so many people trying to help the club, a minority are trying to undermine all this good work."

The police have denied rumours that an ex-employee or player was behind the recent spate of vandalism!

Don't forget about this upcoming event at Fir Park (apologies for the poor quality of the image)...

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