Motherwell FC

[DavidMc]

McCormack completes Cardiff switch

Cardiff have signed Scotland striker Ross McCormack from Motherwell and defender Darren Dennehy from Everton.

McCormack, 21, was a target for Wigan and Middlesbrough in January but has opted to join the Bluebirds after reaching the end of his contract.

Dennehy, 19, was offered new terms by Everton but chose to move on.

Cardiff full-back Kevin McNaughton, who played when McCormack made his Scotland debut against Czech Republic on 30 May, has agreed a new three-year deal.

"This is further evidence that we are putting together a squad that can compete to gain promotion to the Premier League," said Cardiff chairman Peter Risdale.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Dennehy graduated from the Goodison Park academy and can play at centre-back and in midfield.

McCormack started his senior career with Rangers and hit the headlines when he scored in a 1-1 Champions League draw away to Porto.

But he was loaned out to Doncaster later that season and left Ibrox in 2006 after making just 14 appearances for the Ibrox club.

McCormack's first season with Motherwell was plagued by injury and he scored just three times in 15 appearances.

However, he enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, finding the net 11 times.

McNaughton arrived at Ninian Park from Aberdeen two years ago and was one of Cardiff's most consistent performers last season.

[DavidMc]

Motherwell expect to secure Kennedy

Motherwell hope to tie up a loan deal for Celtic defender John Kennedy early this week despite reported interest from other clubs.

The 24-year-old joined Well at their training camp in Austria last week and is set to stay with Celtic's Scottish Premier League rivals until January.

Well boss Mark McGhee said: "I don't see any barriers to us signing John.

"We just need to sort out the financial side and I'd hoped it would have been done by now."

Kennedy has recently returned to full fitness after damaging his knee against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League in November.

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan is thought to be keen for Kennedy to get more games and feels the player will benefit from a short-term move. Pidgeley will get another chance and the same goes for Jim O'Brien

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee

Meanwhile, Spanish midfielder Angel Robles and German defender Mark Le Rande will not be offered deals following their trial spell with Motherwell.

But Celtic winger Jim O'Brien and Millwall goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley will keep training with the Steelmen.

"Pidgeley will get another chance and the same goes for Jim," McGhee added.

O'Brien, 21, had joined Kennedy in Austria, with the Lanarkshire club aiming to sign him on a permanent deal.

McGhee said he would assess the player and decide what kind of fee the club should offer Celtic for his services.

Scotland Under-21 winger O'Brien has found it difficult to break into the first team at Celtic Park and is eager for a move to Fir Park following loan spells at Dunfermline and Dundee United.

[DavidMc]

Heart of Midlothian v Motherwell
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 9th August 08
Tynecastle Stadium

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo is without suspended pair midfielder Ruben Palazuelos and striker Gary Glen for Motherwell's visit as the SPL starts.

Summer signing David Obua joins Christian Nade, Bruno Aguiar and Mirsad Beslija on the sidelines at Tynecastle through injury.

Motherwell could field Jim O'Brien, signed from Celtic, and on-loan Blackburn goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen.

Defender Brian McLean is the only absentee through injury.



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Hearts (from) : Banks, Thomson, Berra, Zaliukas, Wallace, Kingston, Stewart, Jonsson, Driver, Ksanavicius, Mole, Makela, Karipidis, Ivaskevicius, Mikoliunas, Cesnauskis, MacDonald, Rapnik.

Motherwell (from): G Smith, Quinn, Hammell, Craigan, Reynolds, Malcolm, Hughes, Lasley, McGarry, Clarkson, Porter, D Smith, Fitzpatrick, Murphy, Archdeacon, Connolly, O'Brien, Neilsen.

[DavidMc]

Motherwell v Aberdeen
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 16th August 08
Fir Park Stadium

Motherwell are still without defender Brian McLean, who is recovering from a serious knee injury.

Darren Smith is pushing for a start following last Saturday's 3-2 defeat by Hearts at Tynecastle.

Derek Young and Zander Diamond came through a reserve game unscathed, so Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood has a fully-fit squad.

Recent signing Tommy Wright could make his debut up front after playing against Inverness's second string.



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Motherwell (from): G Smith, Quinn, Hammell, Craigan, Reynolds, Malcolm, Hughes, Lasley, McGarry, Clarkson, Porter, D Smith, O`Brien, Murphy, Fitzpatrick, Archdeacon, Slane, Nielsen.

Aberdeen (from): Langfield, Foster, Severin, Considine, Mulgrew, De Visscher, McDonald, Kerr, Jamie Smith, Miller, Maguire, Bossu, Diamond, Duff, Mair, Mackie, Young, Wright.

[DavidMc]

Motherwell v Aberdeen
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 16th August 08
Fir Park Stadium

Motherwell are still without defender Brian McLean, who is recovering from a serious knee injury.

Darren Smith is pushing for a start following last Saturday's 3-2 defeat by Hearts at Tynecastle.

Derek Young and Zander Diamond came through a reserve game unscathed, so Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood has a fully-fit squad.

Recent signing Tommy Wright could make his debut up front after playing against Inverness's second string.



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Motherwell (from): G Smith, Quinn, Hammell, Craigan, Reynolds, Malcolm, Hughes, Lasley, McGarry, Clarkson, Porter, D Smith, O`Brien, Murphy, Fitzpatrick, Archdeacon, Slane, Nielsen.

Aberdeen (from): Langfield, Foster, Severin, Considine, Mulgrew, De Visscher, McDonald, Kerr, Jamie Smith, Miller, Maguire, Bossu, Diamond, Duff, Mair, Mackie, Young, Wright.

[DavidMc]

Motherwell v Dundee United
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 23rd August 08
Fir Park Stadium

Midweek signing John Sutton could make his Motherwell debut as Dundee United visit in the Scottish Premier League.

Stephen Hughes is extremely doubtful and Brian McLean still out, but Mark Reynolds aims to shake off an injury.

Defender Garry Kenneth has recovered from an ankle injury after missing Scotland's Under-21 game in Lithuania.

Danny Swanson is back following suspension, while fellow midfielder Craig Conway is also in contention after a foot injury.



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Motherwell (from): G Smith, Quinn, Hammell, Reynolds, Craigan, Malcolm, Fitzpatrick, Lasley, McGarry, Clarkson, Porter, Sutton, Murphy, Nielsen, Archdeacon, Connolly, O'Brien, Slane.

Dundee United (from): Zaluska, Dixon, Grainger, Dods, Wilkie, Kenneth, Kovacevic, Dillon, Flood, Swanson, Gomis, Buaben, S Robertson, Shala, Feeney, Sandaza, O'Donovan, D Robertson, McGovern.

[DavidMc]

Motherwell v Celtic
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 13th September 08
Fir Park

Motherwell have no fresh injury worries ahead of the visit of Scottish champions Celtic to Fir Park.

New loan signing Maros Klimpl is still struggling with an ankle injury and defender Brian McLean is a long-term absentee with a knee problem.

Celtic striker Scott McDonald has recovered from a groin injury and could return against his former club.

But fellow forward Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is suspended after his red card in the Old Firm derby defeat.



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Motherwell: (from) G Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Hammell, Lasley, McGarry, Hughes, Malcolm, Fitzpatrick, Porter, Clarkson, Sutton, Nielsen, D Smith, Murphy, O'Brien, Connolly.

Celtic: (from) Boruc, Hinkel, Wilson, McManus, Caldwell, Hartley, Nakamura, McGeady, Robson, S Brown, McDonald, Samaras, Maloney, M Brown, O'Dea, Naylor, Loovens, Crosas.

[DavidMc]

Nancy v Motherwell
UEFA Cup Round 1, 1st Leg
Stade Marcel-Picot Stadium
Thursday, 18 September 08

Motherwell's Stephen Hughes came through a light training session and could face Nancy in the Uefa Cup after picking up a knock against Celtic.

He could be joined in midfield by Bob Malcolm, who might have a holding role.

Nancy are without the influential Youssouf Hadji, the Morocco winger having missed the club's last two matches with adductor problems.

Gaston Curbelo is doubtful with an Achilles injury, while fellow midfielder Benjamin Gavanon is dropped.



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Nancy: (from) Bracigliano, Gregorini, Chrétien, Calvé, Helder, Ouaddou, Macaluso, André Luiz, Biancalani, Sami, Berenguer, N'Guemo, Brison, Dia, Malonga, Zerka, Féret, Fortune

Motherwell: (from) G Smith, Quinn, Hammell, Craigan, Reynolds, Hughes, Lasley, Malcolm, McGarry, Fitzpatrick, Porter, Clarkson, Sutton, D Smith, O'Brien, Murphy, Connolly, Nielsen.

[DavidMc]

Nancy 1-0 Motherwell

Motherwell have Graeme Smith to thank as their Uefa Cup hopes remain alive despite a narrow defeat away to Nancy in France.

The goalkeeper stopped a second half Issiar Dia penalty, which would have given the hosts a 2-0 lead.

Pascal Berengeur got the only goal of the game five minutes before half-time with a well-directed header.

And although not threatening the Nancy net, the scoreline means 'Well have all to play for at Fir Park in two weeks.

In excess of 2000 Motherwell fans had made the trip to the north-east of France for their club's first European foray since 1995.

Both clubs had made an indifferent start to their domestic league campaigns, with only ten goals between them from five games each

[DavidMc]

McGhee confident after loss

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee is optimistic his team can progress to the Uefa Cup group stage despite a 1-0 defeat in Nancy.

Pascal Berengeur's header was enough for victory, with Steelemen goalkeeper Graeme Smith also stopping a second-half penalty.

"It's a good result for us but we didn't play well or get forward and threaten enough, McGhee told BBC Sport.

"1-0 gives us a right good chance and I think we can do better at home."

[DavidMc]

Rangers v Motherwell
Scottish Premier League
Sunday 21st September 08
Ibrox Stadium

Rangers' Kevin Thomson and Kyle Lafferty return from injury ahead of Saturday's Scottish Premier League visit by Motherwell.

But Sasa Papac is suspended, Steven Whittaker misses out through injury and Chris Burke is not yet match fit.

Motherwell so far report no injuries following Thursday's Uefa Cup defeat by Nancy in France.

Defender Brian McLean remains a long-term absentee, while recent signing Maros Klimpl is short of fitness.



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Rangers: (from) McGregor, Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Dailly, Davis, Edu, Adam, Mendes, Beasley, Novo, Miller, Boyd, Darcheville, Alexander, Aaron, McMillan, Fleck, Lafferty, Thomson.

Motherwell: (from) G Smith, Quinn, Hammell, Craigan, Reynolds, Malcolm, Fitzpatrick, Hughes, Lasley, McGarry, Porter, Sutton, Clarkson, D Smith, O'Brien, Connolly, Murphy, Nielsen.

[DavidMc]

Rangers 2-1 Motherwell

Second-half goals by Steve Davis and Nacho Novo extended Rangers' home record to 21 matches undefeated.

Motherwell started with three strikers but generally failed to create enough chances from which they could profit.

In 57 minutes Kris Boyd rose to flick on a long ball into the path of Kenny Miller, who passed to the advancing Davis to shoot past Graeme Smith.

Substitute Novo bundled the ball over with 15 minutes to go and Well's David Clarkson grabbed a late consolation.

Motherwell made the short trip from Lanarkshire having lost narrowly away to Nancy in the Uefa Cup on Thursday.

The hero for the Claret and Amber then was keeper Smith and the highlight of the first half was his save from Miller on 32 minutes.

Kirk Broadfoot, operating at left-back with Sasa Papac suspended, was in an advanced position when he cut inside to play a low ball into the Scotland striker on the edge of the box.

Miller spun his marker and hammered a low right-foot shot at goal which Smith brilliantly parried round his left-hand post.

Though frustrated on that occasion, Miller was the most impressive player in the opening exchanges, with the fine playing surface and pleasant weather creating the perfect conditions to test the Steelmen for fatigue.

Having done well to control a clipped pass from Steve Davis, Miller blasted over the bar in three minutes when DaMarcus Beasley was in a more advantageous position.

Motherwell captain Stephen Craigan was booked for a brutal challenge on Miller as the striker skinned him on his way into the box.

Davis' resultant free-kick was a waste as Smith gathered his flighted ball with ease.

The only other attacking incident of note came when Boyd played an intelligent ball into the box which wrong-footed Mark Reynolds.

Miller latched on to it but Smith had advanced from his goals at pace to narrow the angle and Miller clipped it wide.

Mark McGhee opted for an ambitious team selection, with John Sutton, Chris Porter and David Clarkson carrying the potential for goals.

However, the home keeper Neil Alexander, a surprise inclusion for the dropped Allan McGregor, didn't have a save to make until the start of the second half when he rushed to gather at the feet of Clarkson.

Motherwell put more pressure on the home side in the second half. Jamie Murphy came on for John Sutton in 57 minutes and made an immediate impact with his forceful, positive play.

The visitors' best chance was created in 69 minutes by David Clarkson who cracked a right-foot shot which Neil Alexander palmed round the post.

Novo scored Rangers' second from close range after a good move created by Davis on the right and Miller, whose ball across the face of goal eluded the despairing Smith but not the eager Spaniard.

The home fans at that point thought the points were safe, but they were left biting their nails at the end of the match.

Porter crossed from the right into the box with just three minutes to go and Clarkson was sharp enough to nip ahead of the home defence to shoot beyond Alexander.

Rangers, though, hung on to take the three points and maintain their impressive home record.

The last time Walter Smith's side lost in domestic competition at Ibrox was when David Murphy scored for Hibs in the Easter Road side's 1-0 win in October last year.



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Rangers: Alexander, Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Dailly, Davis, Pedro Mendes, Thomson, Beasley (Novo 72), Boyd, Miller. Subs Not Used: McGregor, Edu, Darcheville, Niguez, McMillan, Fleck.

Booked: Weir, Boyd.

Goals: Davis 57, Novo 76.

Motherwell: Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Hammell, Hughes (Darren Smith 67), Malcolm, Lasley, Clarkson, Porter, Sutton (Murphy 54). Subs Not Used: Nielsen, Fitzpatrick, O'Brien, McGarry, Connolly.

Booked: Quinn, Craigan.

Goal: Clarkson 87.

Att: 49,448

[DavidMc]

Motherwell v Nancy
UEFA Cup 1st Round, 2nd Leg
Thursday 2nd October 08
Fir Park Stadium

Stephen Craigan, Stephen Hughes and Chris Porter return to the Motherwell squad for Thursday's Uefa Cup first round second leg tie against Nancy.

Captain Craigan and midfielder Hughes both missed Saturday's win over St Mirren through injury, while striker Porter was serving a domestic ban.

Defender Brian McLean is still missing with a long-term injury.

Nancy arrived in Scotland without Jean Calve, who played in the first leg, and fellow defender Geoffrey Adjet.

Right-back Calve has been dropped, while Adjet also missed the first leg through injury.



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Motherwell (from): G Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Hammell, Malcolm, Lasley, Hughes, Clarkson, Porter, Murphy, Sutton, McGarry, Fitzpatrick, O'Brien, D Smith, Connolly, Nielsen

AS Nancy (from): Bracigliano, Gregorini, Chrétien, Helder, Ouaddou, Macaluso, André Luiz, Biancalani, Sami, Berenguer, N'Guemo, Gavanon, N'Diaye, Brison, Dia, Malonga, Zerka, Féret, Hadji, Fortune