Motherwell

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Motherwell chairman Kyrk Macmillan says the club have three options as they explore whether to remain at "ageing" Fir Park.

In a club interview, Macmillan said: "In September of last year, we partnered with an architectural and civil engineering firm to assess Fir Park, the kind of longevity of it.

"Obviously, it's an ageing stadium, ageing facilities. That feasibility study came back to us last week and it's quite a significant bit of work.

"Effectively, what that looks at is three options for the future of the football club.

"One of those is redevelopment of the Phil O'Donnell Stand in terms of building a new stand here that has new conferencing events facilities that allows us to effectively make sure that this is a stand that's in use seven days a week and allows us to generate income from that, and from there carrying out other remediation works in and around the stadium.

"The second option is a wider redevelopment of Fir Park. So that is, how do we look at the other stands? The idea actually is to fill in the corners in the stadium, make sure we've got a bit more of an enclosed space, so it's a bigger development.

"And obviously upgrading facilities in the other stands in and around the stadium.

"And the last option is looking at a new facility custom-built for the football club and for moving things forward."

Macmillan stressed any such developments are for the longer term and "nothing is on the imminent agenda".

He added: "There's a lot of legacy here, there's a lot of memories in and around (Fir Park) for myself and thousands of other people as well, so we won't take that decision without consulting people."

Fourth-place Motherwell are in contention for the club's first title since 1932 and Macmillan praised manager Jens Berthel Askou and the team for an incredible campaign.

"Performances have probably been the best in my lifetime this season," he said.

"Probably the thing I'm personally happiest about that we've managed to achieve is bringing those crowds and that excitement back to the club.

"Hopefully for the football club in general, this is the start of something."

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

It's a strange situation where we are doing so well but there is an anxiety looming over us.

I have always said no one is truly irreplaceable at the club, but Jens Berthel Askou is making me think otherwise. With every week that passes I grow more concerned about who will be at the wheel next season.

The noise around the manager's future - specifically a move to Celtic - continues to get louder. However, I think it would be a dangerous gamble for him to jump ship too soon.

The pressure and expectation at Motherwell and Celtic are entirely different. A good season for us includes reaching the quarter-finals of both cups and finishing top six in the league, whereas at Celtic even a draw is seen as a disaster.

With European football looking likely, I hope that will keep help Askou in Lanarkshire, although the prospect of joining Celtic would be a head-turner for most managers.

The Askou effect at Motherwell is shown by the rise in attendances and we remain in the title conversation after beating Dundee United last weekend while the Old Firm dropped points in a derby draw.

While it is great to be in the title mix, realistically it is a push to finish third now for us.

Motherwell put out the call for fans to return home and with a crowd of over 7,000 it's safe to say we listened.

I can only think of a handful of games at Fir Park where that many home fans were in attendance and almost all of them have been this season.

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Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt has every faith he can play at a "higher standard in terms of European and international football", while revealing the important role in his career played by a former Team GB nutritionist. (Scottish Sun), external

Watch former Motherwell coach Richard Foster analyse why the Fir Park side are so hard to score against.

Following their comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Dundee United, they have lost just once in their past 20 league matches.

They have kept 14 clean sheets in that run, all while playing the most expansive football in the country.

Motherwell have already set a new club milestone for clean sheets in a single season and are on track to smash their record for goals conceded in a 38-game top-flight campaign.

Read more: How one of Europe's best defences has Motherwell in title mix

A trio of Motherwell stars, duos from Hearts and Falkirk, and one each from Rangers, Celtic, Hibs and Dundee.

Jonathan Sutherland has picked his team of the week, so let's take a look and see who impressed...

Calum Ward - Motherwell

A key part of the Motherwell success story at the back. Yet another clean sheet.

Harry Milne - Hearts

Mr Versatile and Mr Reliable all rolled into one. Another team of the week appearance for Milne. Taking the liberty of forcing this auxiliary dynamo into right-back here.

Luke Graham - Dundee

A goal and an assist from the highly promising Dundee defender. His finish for the Dark Blues was like that of a striker.

Kieran Tierney - Celtic

Huge goal at a huge time in the Old Firm Derby. The Scotland international has quietly been a big player for Celtic over the past few weeks and will no doubt be a big leader for this side in the finale of this incredible season.

Nicky Cadden - Hibernian

There is almost laser precision to his deliveries from the left-hand side. His assist for Owen Elding's header was a perfect example, knowing exactly where to put the ball to elude the defence and allow the striker the best chance to finish.

Elliott Watt - Motherwell

The Motherwell orchestrator has been a key part of the Fir Park ensemble, which continues to hit all the right notes.

The ominous thing for Hearts, Rangers and Celtic is there appears to be no reason why Motherwell cannot keep on winning.

Watt is a central cog in that winning machine. An assist for Tawanda Maswanhise's second.

Dylan Tait - Falkirk

Two goals and so much to enjoy from the Falkirk midfielder. Part of a group completely in sync with each other, and loving life under John McGlynn in the top flight.

Claudio Braga - Hearts

Has led from the front in the absence of Lawrence Shankland and always seems to be in the right place at the right time.

The personification of Hearts this season, plucked by analytics from the relative obscurity of the Norwegian second division to spearheading a title charge threatening to destroy 40 years of Old Firm dominance.

Barney Stewart - Falkirk

Another barnstorming weekend for young Barney Stewart. The Grangemouth Harry Kane was on fire against Kilmarnock and was unlucky not to claim another hat-trick.

The story of the university lad now playing Premiership football has been well told, but it's now moved on to just how quickly he has developed into one of the most exciting strikers in the league.

The only thing missing from the McGlynn Falkirk success story was a goal-getting number nine. They have certainly found him.

Youssef Chermiti - Rangers

Talk about a big game player.

Looks decidedly pedestrian at times in more run-of-the-mill fixtures, but when it slams to the big matches against the big teams the 21-year-old has been the man to deliver. And in spectacular style.

His first goal was Scott McTominay-esque, an iconic Old Firm moment. His second was pure gallus opportunism full of ingenuity and initiative.

Tawanda Maswanhise - Motherwell

Another two goals for the jewel in the crown of the Motherwell story. The top scorer in the Premiership, if Maswanhise can stay fit and keep this form going the Steelmen really do have a shot at glory.

Their combination of goals and clean sheets is quite incredible. What an extra dimension Motherwell and Maswanhise have brought to this quite sensational season.

Watch all the action as Tawanda Maswanhise scores twice in Motherwell's Scottish Premiership win over Dundee United.

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 2-0 win against Dundee United.

Here's what some of you said:

James: Another great result, but not the best performance. A deserved win and a great three points.

Bruce: The mighty 'Well juggernaut rolls on at Fir Park! In dreamland this season.

William: Not at our best but good teams find a way to win, going to be a brilliant end to the season, hopefully keep this form going.

Stuart: Another controlled performance from the team. Never really allowed United to have many clear opportunities. This Motherwell team are a delight to watch and great seeing the crowds at Fir Park.

Mark: Comfortable and confident. Ibrahim Said has gone under the radar, while Tawanda Maswanhise, Elijah Just and Elliot Watt get all the attention, he goes about his business, consistently performing to the highest level. Onto Dundee part two next week!

Fraser: Well were in control for the entirety. Dundee United were chasing shadows for the majority of the game. The fans are coming back and there is a real buzz and enthusiasm amongst fans and the team. A strong starting line-up and strength off the bench. This is a surreal season and one where we, as Well fans, can only keep dreaming. In Jens Berthel Askou we trust.

Andy: It's not how you start but how you finish. Old Firm are nowhere near us and Hearts are stumbling towards the finish line. Going to be a bloodbath after the split and Falkirk will have a big say in where the title ends up. A lot of big games to come.

Motherwell moved a point behind third-placed Celtic in the Scottish Premiership with a comfortable win at home to Dundee United.

Read the match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou: "A very hectic and lively game. It was difficult to play around them because of their man-marking.

"It was a lot about changing positions and counter-movements to open up space. When we got the ball down we played some really good football. In terms of work rate and willingness to run for each other I think it was absolutely outstanding.

"The defensive discipline gave us full control of the game that was, at times, quite lively. Big credit to the boys for going out and being extremely disciplined for one another.

"I think it was a good example of us playing against a team that created a lively game and still being able to control it.

"Today we really deserved that clean sheet because we gave absolutely nothing away. We were on top of them, controlling the space in behind. It's great to see the players are just as hungry to keep a clean sheet and defend as they are going forward.

"We know that Tawanda Maswanhise is very, very hard to stop in open play. Eventually he'll break through and find a chance. He might have been a little bit lucky with that one today but he had other opportunities. A top player and a fantastic young man who works very hard. We're enjoying having him here and happy the transfer window doesn't open tomorrow.

"What we are in the mix for is for you to discuss. We had a game today, we had to attack, we did that well and got a clean sheet and three points. It was a good game for us in terms of playing against man for man pressure and it didn't stop us today."

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Motherwell have Lukas Fadinger back from suspension. Johnny Koutroumbis (calf) and Callum Hendry (groin) face further time on the sidelines and long-term absentee Zach Robinson (Achilles) remains out.

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has some bumps and bruises to contend with after Tuesday's draw with Aberdeen, while Craig Sibbald (hamstring) and Isaac Pappoe (knee) remain out.

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Calum Ward takes "a lot of pride" in Motherwell boasting one of the meanest defences in Europe this season.

The 25-year-old faced calls to be dropped amid his "shaky start" to the campaign - but is now the Premiership's shutout king, playing a huge part in Motherwell equalling a club-record 20 clean sheets already.

Ward has only conceded three goals in his past 15 games and, with 18 shipped in 27 league outings overall, Motherwell have a better defensive record than the likes of Arsenal, Paris St Germain and Real Madrid.

"It's really good for myself and for Matty (Connelly)," Ward said.

"We take a lot of pride in it. It's a whole team effort to be fair and it's a really big positive for the season.

"A lot of games this season in the league, I've not had a lot of saves to make and that's down to the defence. Some of the clean sheets have come without me doing anything and I'll take that all day long.

"You can't be fully focused on it. For example, the Rangers game at home a few weeks ago, we conceded early on and you've just got to get the clean sheet stuff out of your head because you've got a whole 90 minutes again to get a result back."

On his early-season struggles, Ward said: "I had a shaky start at times. I played well but then just moments in games that kind of ruined results for us.

"It wasn't something I focused on. The manager had full faith and pushed on from there and it's been going well so far. Confidence is massive."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jim Goodwin has challenged his Dundee United "underdogs" to upset a Motherwell side who are the "best footballing team" in Scotland.

Seventh-place United face a formidable test at Fir Park against Jens Berthel Askou's men, who are fourth in the table and in the title mix while boasting the best defensive record in the league.

Manager Goodwin said: "We will probably be underdogs in a lot of people's eyes given the current form of Motherwell, but we are on a half-decent run ourselves in terms of four games unbeaten and coming into this game off the back of a really good clean sheet against a strong attacking force of Aberdeen.

"We are going to face one of the best teams in the country. They have had lots and lots of plaudits over the course of the season and deservedly so.

"I think you could argue that they are probably the best footballing team consistently since the beginning of the season.

"A quite remarkable season Motherwell have had, their coach deserves a huge amount of credit for what he has been able to achieve in such a short period of time."

United go into the game nine points behind sixth-place Falkirk, with the slimmest of hopes of catching the Bairns.

Their cause hasn't been helped by the fact they have drawn 12 of their 27 league games and kept just four clean sheets, the latest coming in the midweek goalless draw with Aberdeen.

Goodwin said: "I thought the back three in particular against Aberdeen were excellent, defended the box so well.

"And tomorrow afternoon it is going to be no different against a very good attacking team, against a player in [Tawanda] Maswanhise who is having the season of his career so far, high in confidence, very positive and direct, always looking to try and get shots off, so concentration levels are going to be key.

"Our success last season was built around that solid foundation of being really difficult to beat and hard to score against and unfortunately this year we just haven't got the balance right between being solid defensively and being a good attacking team.

"But we know the areas we have to improve, we have been working tirelessly on it in training and hopefully the lads can take a lot of confidence from the performance on Tuesday and take that into the games coming up this week."

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• Motherwell's Elijah Just has been directly involved in six goals in seven Scottish Premiership games in 2026 (three goals, three assists), as many as he was in 17 appearances in the competition prior to the start of this calendar year (also three goals, three assists).

• Exactly 50 per cent of Dundee United's points in the Scottish Premiership this season have come away from home (15/30) – the highest ratio of any side.

• Motherwell have won their past three home league games against Dundee United, just one fewer than their previous 13 prior (W4 D2 L7).

• Dundee United have only won one of their past six league games against Motherwell (D1 L4), a 1-0 victory in February 2025.

• Motherwell have won their past two league games, and are looking to win three in a row for the first time since September 2023. This is the 13th time since then that they have won back-to-back league matches.

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou says speculation linking him with Celtic is "something that we cannot stop". (Sun), external

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin believes it would be rude to dismiss Saturday's opponents Motherwell's Scottish Premiership title hopes. (Courier - subscription required), external

Friday's Scottish gossip

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou wants his players to act with "integrity" and not indulge in theatrics after Callum Slattery's controversial role in St Mirren defender Richard King's overturned red card.

Midfielder Slattery went down holding his face after King swung a hand in his direction as the pair tangled off the ball during Motherwell's 5-0 win in Paisley last Saturday.

There appeared to be minimal contact and St Mirren won their appeal after King was sent off for violent conduct.

"It happens now and then that players overplay situations and have exaggerated reactions," Askou said.

"I don't think it excuses the action from King because it's never okay to swing an arm at an opponent. Then it's always up to the referee to decide whether the force is enough for a red card or not.

"But we try to build a culture here that our reactions have to be in proportion with the action itself. No matter if he just caught him lightly or not, it's not okay and it's something that we have discussed internally.

"It's a leftover from an old culture in football where everyone tries to, sometimes, when they're desperate, to cheat and steal a little bit to get things tipping your way.

"We don't want to be that team going forward. So it's something we have addressed and it's something we need to learn from.

"As I said, it doesn't excuse the action from King but we want to try and really leave that behind us.

"I have urged everyone to do better in terms of how to react in situations like that going forward because we want to be a team with integrity and respect for the game."

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash against Dundee United.

Here are the main points from his press conference:

• On suggestions Motherwell are now title contenders, Askou insists "we try not to be really fussed about how people talk about us" but admits there is "lots of positivity and optimism around us and we share that".

• On whether he thinks Motherwell can win the league, the boss stresses "it's a question that will attract a lot of headlines" but says "for me it's an irrelevant question".

• He adds "there are so many things we need to improve in order for us to answer that question with a yes" and admits "we want to be in a title race".

• Askou is "relaxed" about praise he's receiving personally for Motherwell's transformation this season, admitting "it's nicer than talk that I should pack my bags and get out of here".

• "The support has been massive" for Motherwell this term and Askou insists "we're going to need that throughout the rest of the season".

• Motherwell's robust defensive record is "one of the keys" to their success this term Askou says: "To be a possession-based team, who plays with a lot of risk, you have to be top at recovering the ball."

• The Danish boss says Motherwell and Hearts' success this season is "attracting a lot of attention" and feels "the big clubs will benefit" from the competition because it forces them to "raise the bar".

• Despite winning 5-0 last weekend, the game "could have been different" because St Mirren had "some moments" and Askou says "these are the things we need to improve".

• On potential Scotland call-ups for the likes of Stephen O'Donnell, Paul McGinn and Stephen Welsh, Askou says his Scottish players are "doing their best to attract attention" but adds: "I don't think it's for me to tell another coach how to run his team."

• On St Mirren defender Richard King's red card, which has since been rescinded, for an incident with Callum Slattery, Askou admits players occasionally "overplay situations and have exaggerated reactions" but stresses: "I don't think it excuses the action from King because it's never okay to swing an arm at an opponent." He reveals Slattery's reaction "has been discussed internally".

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Should Celtic be seriously looking at appointing Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou in the summer?

The Dane has transformed the Steelmen in his debut season at Fir Park, with fourth-place Motherwell only four points behind Celtic and 10 off Hearts with a game in hand on the league leaders.

Askou's side have only lost three games this season - fewer than both Celtic and Hearts - and have been impressing with their style of football.

"He's outcoached basically the full division at times this year," former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"It's a remarkable job he's done there. When you have the foundations and then you add the X factor, which is the style of play, the control and the goals, they are not an easy game for anybody in the league."

Celtic will look to fill their managerial vacancy at the end of the season when Martin O'Neill steps away from his second caretaker spell.

"Part of the problem is that everything about the club is interim," Herald football writer Stephen McGowan said.

"The chairman [Brian Wilson] is interim, the manager is interim, the recruitment team are interim, half the team are interim as well.

"They need permanent solutions and that requires leadership."

And McGowan suggested Celtic should be making a beeline for Motherwell boss Aksou.

"They're back on 18 June for pre-season training and there's no time to waste," he added.

"You can't be waiting for the end of the World Cup to see if Roberto Martinez will take the job. I think Celtic need to move fairly quickly and the obvious and easy way to do that is to go to Motherwell first and say we would like permission to speak to your manager.

"Get him in and get on with the business of rebuilding the squad with a manager who has proven himself in the Scottish Premiership."

If Celtic were to appoint Askou it would be the first time in over 30 years they've taken a boss from another Scottish club.

Back in 1994 former player Tommy Burns was named Celtic manager following a two-year spell with fellow top-flight side Kilmarnock.

"They've taken managers from Japan, from Norway, from MLS, I think it's probably time to look in their own doorstep," McGowan added.

"There's a guy there who's banging on the door and, despite the reservations of some supporters, I think there's a really strong case for Askou to be the next Celtic manager."

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Motherwell have commissioned a feasibility study to explore the redevelopment of Fir Park and "potential other options".

Chairman Kyrk Macmillan, speaking at the club's annual general meeting on Wednesday night, said the board will review the lengthy report.

A shareholder raised a question over the condition of the Phil O'Donnell Stand, which was built 65 years ago.

"Very, very recently we've undertaken a feasibility study in regards to redevelopment of Fir Park or potential other options," Macmillan said.

"Those results were only shared with the board on Tuesday so we're not in a position right now where we can share the outcome because it's 200 pages long.

"So everything's on the table right now. For us it's really important we make the right decision which is why we've undertaken a significant feasibility study.

"It's a really, really significant investment so it's really important we take the right decision and take our time over it."

It was announced Motherwell posted a loss of £263,000 in their 2024-2025 annual accounts.

However, the club noted: "This was after depreciation costs of about £550,000 and the £105,000 finance cost for the 'interest free economic benefit' arising from the Scottish Government's Covid recovery loan.

"Excluding the impact of the two accounting practices, the club made a profit of £400,000, up more than £70,000 on the previous season."

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Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton says Motherwell play the best football of any team he has seen in England or Scotland this season.

The Steelmen are fourth in the Scottish Premiership, 10 points behind leaders Hearts having played a game fewer, and have received plaudits for their eye-catching attacking style under Jens Berthel Askou.

They have been superb defensively as well, conceding just 18 goals in 27 league matches.

Summer signings Elijah Just, Ibrahim Said, Elliot Watt and Lukas Fadinger have all been superb additions, while Tawanda Maswanhise has scored 19 goals in all competitions.

Askou's side swept St Mirren aside 5-0 on Saturday in the most recent display of their abilities and Sutton was full of praise.

"Motherwell have been the best football team I've seen this season north or south of the border," Sutton said on The Monday Night Club.

"They play an incredible brand of football. Maybe they will have too much to do.

"As a club, their budget, the way they are coached. It's all about using the extra man and picking the right pass. They are so good and so aware. The confidence they have - they have torn Celtic apart this season.

"It's a brilliant story and a real testament to their manager that he's got them playing this style. Some of the football against St Mirren was scintillating."