31.05.99
Motherwell have signed Queen of the South midfielder Derek Townsley. The 26-year-old has agreed a two-year deal, and Billy Davies said:
“I’ve been watching Derek for a while and I’m delighted to add him to the squad as a few clubs were after him. He’s now got time to get a good pre-season under him and he will be an asset to the team. I’m still looking to add a few more faces.”
Meanwhile, Motherwell appear to have lost out in their bid to sign Glynn Hurst from Ayr. The striker is reported to have signed for Hearts.
Reports suggest that Spurs will not allow Mark Gower to sign for Motherwell on a permanent basis.
30.05.99
In today’s Sunday Herald, John Boyle denies speculation that he has opened merger negotiations with second division neighbours Hamilton Academical. Boyle, however, makes no secret of his desire to strengthen Motherwell’s powerbase in Lanarkshire and argues that there are too many clubs in Scottish Football. The specualtion comes just a week after Motherwell were linked to a merger deal with Airdrie, which Boyle also denied.
More news on recent signing Kevin Twaddle: The 27-year-old winger had recently been playing in Norway, hoping to generate interest in a full-time move to Scandinavia. Before joining Morton, Twaddle had spells with St Johnstone and Raith Rovers.
The End of Season Poll is now up and running!
27.05.99
Motherwell have signed Kevin Twaddle from Morton for £120,000. The 27-year-old can play either in midfield or attack.
The draw for the 2nd Round of the League Cup has been made, and Motherwell will travel to meet the winners of the Stranraer v Raith Rovers 1st Round tie. Second round games are scheduled for August 3rd and 4th.
A newspaper report claims that Barnsley midfielder Martin Bullock could be Billy Davies’ first summer signing. Bullock, who is a free agent under the Bosman ruling, knocked back a move to Aberdeen earlier in the season.
Reports suggest that Tosh McKinlay may snub a move to Motherwell and remain at Celtic Park.
25.05.99
Motherwell chairman John Boyle has denied newspaper reports that he is attempting to takeover Lanarkshire neighbours Airdrie. This morning’s Herald claimed that Boyle had been involved in exploratory talks about assuming control of Airdrie in an apparent attempt to establish a new power base in the region. But Boyle, currently away in Portugal, responded through a short statement which stressed Motherwell already view themselves as being the major force in Lanarkshire and have no ambitions to merge:
“Motherwell Football Club are not in ‘exploratory talks’ with Airdrie Football Club regarding a merger or takeover Indeed, the last time I met with the chairman (Campbell Craig) was almost three months ago. Whilst Airdrie is a well-managed and well-run club with excellent stadium facilities, we at Motherwell understandably regard ourselves as Lanarkshire’s premier club. We hope to attract fans from all over Lanarkshire, including Airdrie, Coatbridge, East Kilbride and Hamilton, who wish to see top-flight football in a good family atmosphere.”
First Division Airdrie, who only opened their new Shyberry Excelsior Stadium at the start of the season, have also stressed that no talks between the clubs have taken place.
Ricky’s report of the Dunfermline game is now available.
24.05.99
The Motherwell squad today left for an end-of-season break in Portugal.
23.05.99
The full list of players released by Motherwell is as follows: Jered Stirling, Greg Miller, Herve Bacque, David White, Daniel Kemp, Sandy Hodge, Phil Bannister, Scott Crawford, David Dunn and Steven Reilly. As reported earlier, Eddie May has also left Fir Park and is currently training with Hearts.
Today’s 2-1 win at East End Park means Motherwell finish the season in seventh position in the league table, 13 points clear of relegated Dunfermline.
Ged Brannan missed today’s game after undergoing an ankle operation during the week.
Following the summer break, the players will return for pre-season training on July 5th and will leave a week later for a seven day training camp in Sweden.
Ricky’s report of the Rangers game is now available.
16.05.99
A Sunday newspaper reports that Eddie May has been freed by Motherwell and has had the remaining year of his contract paid off by the club. May is now training at Tynecastle and hopes to clinch a permanent deal.
Other reports suggest that 10 players in total have been freed, including Mickey Weir, Herve Baqcue, David Kemp, Jered Stirling and Greig Miller.
Former ‘Well captain Chris McCart has been freed by Falkirk.
Work on re-turfing the Fir Park pitch started immediately after yesterday’s game against Rangers. The club are giving fans the chance to purchase a piece of the old turf tomorrow afternoon.
This site will not be updated again until the weekend as I’m working in Madrid this week! I should still be able to pick up my emails though.
15.05.99
Lee McCulloch has been called up to the Scotland Under-21 squad for their games against Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in Inverness. The striker, who turned 21 last weekend, is the most capped player in the squad with 13 caps.
Douglas Ramsay, Steven Nicholas and David Docherty have been added to the Motherwell squad for this afternoon’s game against Rangers and could feature at some stage.
Read John Boyle and Pat Nevin’s letter to Motherwell supporters which appeared in this afternoon’s match programme by clicking on the following links…
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13.05.99
Team news for Saturday’s game against Rangers: Rob Matthei is suspended and both Sean Teale and Michel Doesburg are still injured.
According to the Motherwell Times, Andy Goram has finally signed a new two-year contract.
12.05.99
Motherwell are reported to be interested in teenage defender David Milne, who has been freed by St Mirren.
11.05.99
Ricky’s report of the St Johnstone game is now available.
06.05.99
Billy Davies has rubbished reports that Don Goodman is unsettled at Fir Park and wants to return to England.
04.05.99
Ricky’s report of the Kilmarnock game is now available.
02.05.99
Michael Doesburg was injured in the warm-up prior to yesterday’s game at Rugby Park, forcing Billy Davies to field Ged Brannan as right-back. Andy Goram captained the side in the absence of injury victim Shaun Teale.
Michael Doesburg has hit back at talk of backstabbers at Motherwell, because he reckons it’s the friendliest club he’s ever known. Kevin Christie and Owen Coyle recently claimed they were forced out of Fir Park, but Michael responded by saying:
“There is nothing wrong with the spirit here. It is an amazing place to work and has made me fall in love with Scottish life. There are no splits or egos. No-one feels they above the rest and everyone is treated on the same level. We have respect for each other and make time to talk to each other. That goes for everyone.”