27.05.98
Motherwell are reported to be interested in Hibernian midfielder Chris Jackson, who has been handed a free transfer by the Easter Road club.
Hearts, Ipswich and Southend are interested in ex-Motherwell striker Alex Burns, who returns from Holland this summer.
23.05.98
The Daily Record reports that travel tycoon John Boyle will become the new owner of Motherwell before the start of next season. Boyle, one of Scotland’s richest men with a personal wealth of £25million, is set to plough £2m into buying a controlling stake in the club. The lifelong Motherwell fan owns Glasgow-based Direct Holidays and has already snapped up a 25% share in the club. Now he has opened talks with current ‘Well owner John Chapman and a deal to buy his 51% share is expected in the next few deals.
Eddie May and Mickey Weir have become the latest players to leave Fir Park. Weir has been released despite still having a year left on his contract, while May has turned down a new deal. Meanwhile, Billy Davies has signed a new two year deal and will combine playing with coaching the club’s Under-18 side.
Reports suggest that Harri Kampman is interested in Falkirk defender Jamie McGowan and Partick Thistle left-back Gerard Stirling.
Newspaper reports suggest that Eric Garcin is set to sign for Dundee.
Pre-season training starts on Monday June 29, and friendlies have been arranged in Finland where Motherwell will play Rips on Monday July 6, Finnpa on the Wednesday and then Lahti on the Friday. The club also hope to play in Norway the following week, which will be followed by games up north against Nairn County on Saturday July 18 and Forres Mechanics on the Monday. Then Saturday July 25 will see John Philliben – appointed Stirling Albion player/coach this week – return for his testimonial match against West Ham at Fir Park.
Season ticket prices for 1998/1999 have been announced. Tickets go on sale on Monday June 15, with a 10% discount on those purchased before Saturday July 4. Prices (before discount) are as follows:
| Adults | Juv/OAPs | |
|---|---|---|
| East Stand | £192 | £93 |
| Davie Cooper Stand | £208 | £104 |
| Main Stand (members) | £224 | £112 |
General admission prices for the new season are as follows:
| Adults | Juv/OAPs | |
|---|---|---|
| East Stand | £12 | £6 |
| Davie Cooper Stand | £13 | £6.50 |
| Main Stand | £14 | £7 |
| South Stand (away fans only) | £13 | £7 |
18.05.98
SEVENTEEN players have been axed as part of the summer clear-out, and more could follow. Brian Martin, Willie Falconer, Shaun McSkimming, John Hendry, John Philliben, Eric Garcin, Stefan Lindqvist and Mats Lundgren have all been freed, along with youngsters David Bell, Gary Gow, David McCallum, Kevin Storrie, David Turnbull, Stewart Little and Austin Pollok. Veteran striker Dougie Arnott is retiring and Scott Thompson, who has been on loan from Hull City, will return to the English side. Simo Valakari, Steve Craigan, Ian Ross, Steve McMillan and Greig Denham have all signed new two-year deals, while new contracts have also been offered to Tommy Coyne, Billy Davies and Eddie May. Of the released players, Morton are interested in Brian Martin and Willie Falconer is reportedly set to sign for Hibs. Harri Kampman said:
“This club has been scrambling around near the bottom of the division for too long. Changes had to be made to make Motherwell a better club and a better team, but they were the toughest decisions of my career.”
Brian Martin launched a bitter attack on Motherwell after being released. He claimed:
“I’ve had seven good years with Motherwell, but I’ve been treated disrespectfully – not just by the manager, but also by the board. I’ve given my all for this club and could have accepted the decision if someone at Fir park had shaken my hand, thanked me for my efforts and wished me well. But Kampman could not have been more to the point, while Alan Dick and Bill Dickie walked past me … I’m certain Kampman is not the man for Motherwell.”
A newspaper report suggests Motherwell are interested in Rangers’ Ian Durrant and Ally McCoist, who both look to be on their way out at Ibrox, while another report suggests that John Philliben is set to become the new player/manager of his former club, Stirling Albion.
The new Premiership season will kick-off on Saturday August 1. Changes will include a shutdown in January and an Under-21 League to replace the Premier Reserve League with teams allowed to play three overage outfield players and an overage goalkeeper. The new Premiership will also see five substitutes on the bench, one of whom must be a goalkeeper.
12.05.98
According to yesterday’s Sun, the summer clear-out has started with Shaun McSkimming, Willie Falconer, Eric Garcin, Stefan Lindqvist and Mats Lundgren all set to be released. The article reports that Kampman plans a huge overhaul and will go home to Finland for a couple of international stars to replace the men he is showing the door.
Vote in the End of Season Poll!
06.05.98
Inter Motherwell team members please note – a training session has been arranged for 12 noon on Sunday.
05.05.98
Newspaper reports suggest that Hearts are interested in Eddie May.
Motherwell have at least 15 players out-of-contract this summer, and it appears likely that Harri Kampman will look to bring in some fresh faces from Scandinavia rather than re-signing most of his current stars. One of the out-of-contract players, Brian Martin, will have talks with Kampman this week in an attempt to sort out his future, with Morton keeping tabs on his situation. Martin says:
“I’ll be happy to re-sign but if the boss doesn’t want me I’ll have to pursue other options.”
Hibs’ 2-1 defeat on Saturday means we are finally safe from relegation, despite going down 3-2 to St Johnstone.