Jay

The Humphrey and Mathie jerseys are now sold, going for £69 and £41 respectively. That brings the accumulative total to £440 (£880 thanks to the bold Les). We now have this week's auctions online, links to bidding can be found here: http://www.thewellsociety.co.uk/2017/08/24/this-weeks-auction-items-lee-erwin-and-mark-reynolds/ Mark Reynolds – match-worn jersey (unsigned) Motherwell born and bred, Reynolds made his debut for the Steelmen in May 2006, before going on to be a regular fixture in the starting XI for five years. During his time at Fir Park, Reynolds would go on to play over 200 games in claret and amber, featuring in European campaigns, attracting interest from the likes of PSV, Bari and Swansea City, and becoming a Scotland Under-21 international. He would also score six league goals for the Dossers before a move to Sheffield Wednesday in January 2011, for around £100,000 plus add-ons. Reynolds would struggle to feature regularly for the Owls, however the centre-half returned to prominence in Scottish football signing for Aberdeen in 2013, following a successful loan spell. Still an Aberdeen player, Reynolds continues to feature in Scottish football’s top flight and has found himself knocking on the door of the full international squad in recent years. Size: Medium Lee Erwin – match-worn jersey (signed) Another product of the Fir Park Youth Academy, Erwin served an impressive apprenticeship on loan at Arbroath before a serious knee injury in the Youth Cup delayed his promotion to the Motherwell first-team. That promotion would come under Stuart McCall in the summer of 2014 with the youngster making his debut in the 2nd leg of the European exit at the hands of Stjarnan, however it would be Ian Baraclough who would make Erwin a key component of his relegation-battling side. The forward would end the 2014/15 scoring five goals in the last nine league games, and played a pivotal role in the 6-1 demolition of Rangers in the playoffs. He is also well remembered for finishing the 2nd league victory with a sore face courtesy of Bilel Mohsni, and his “battered them” television interview shortly after. With safety assured, Motherwell offered Erwin a new deal at Fir Park, however the Lanarkshire lad chose instead to try his luck at Leeds United. Following loan spells at Bury and Oldham, Erwin now finds himself back in the SPFL at Rugby Park. Size: Large

Good idea, I'll make sure that's included from this week on! From what I clocked while taking the photos, I think the majority are large but we'll make sure sizes are known on future jerseys.

That's both of last week's auctions closed, raising a fantastic total of £330 (or £660 as it is this year thanks to the Les deal). A fantastic amount from the opening week and we're keen to push on with more. This week's auctions are now online and will be so until this time next week... Chris Humphrey - match-worn, signed jersey: A fan favourite at Fir Park, the winger was signed for the Steelmen by Jim Gannon in the summer of 2009. Featuring in European ties and the 2011 cup final, the lightning-paced Jamaican international would play a crucial role for the club, particularly in the successful Stuart McCall side which boasted the likes of Higdon, Law, and Ojamaa. Chris notched up over one hundred games in claret amber during his four year spell, including a large number of highly impressive performances which ultimately saw him snapped up by Preston North End in 2013. After three years at Deepdale, Humphrey moved back across the border for a spell at Easter Road and now finds himself plying his trade in League One with Bury. BID NOW: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chris-Humphrey-Matchworn-Signed-Motherwell-Jersey/122652937056 Graeme Mathie - match-worn jersey (it's been uploaded to eBay with the title stating it's signed but I'm getting that amended ASAP): A name that might not be too familiar to ‘Well fans, the Scottish centre-half joined the club from Bournemouth in his early-20s. With zero first-team appearances to his name, this “match-worn” jersey might be more of a “substitute-worn” one, and might be more attractive to someone looking for an extra shirt for 5-asides or seeking this particular away kit for their collection! Graeme would go on to have spells with the likes of Ayr United, East Fife, and Albion Rovers, before forging a successful career in coaching. After a number of years working at Celtic Park, Graeme spent two years as a Club Development Manager for the SFA, before taking up his current role as Head of Player Identification & Recruitment at Hibs. BID NOW: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Graeme-Mathie-Signed-Matchworn-Motherwell-Jersey/122652940736

Just a wee bump for these as this week's two shirts go into the last day or two of bidding, before the fresh auctions kick off on Thursday morning. Paul Quinn's signed, match-worn jersey is sitting at £45.98 (someone obviously doesn't feel he's worth the full £46!): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Paul-Quinn-signed-matchworn-Motherwell-FC-jersey-/122640441056?hash=item1c8df09ee0:g:plYAAOSw6cJZjB5D Darren Randolph's signed, match-worn keeper shirt is performing slightly better, with the current winning bid sitting at an impressive £230: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/122640432554?

The distillery trip was great and it's good to read (as well as hearing on the day!) how well received it was. Certainly not the last of that kind of thing for Society members. Despite numbers not being quite what the deal deserved, it was still an excellent day (match aside) and another wee sum raised for the Society/Club which will now be doubled by Les.

I tend to agree with this. Normally the "clear goal scoring opportunity" chat relates to a player taking someone out who is bearing down on goal - the suggestion being that if the defender doesn't commit the foul, then the striker has an easy route through to goal. That's just not the case here - if Carson doesn't commit the foul by picking up the ball, he doesn't suddenly evaporate - he remains in the closest proximity to the ball and would almost certainly have been on hand to boot the ball out of play (like he should have done anyway) or at least block any attempt by Wotherspoon to win the ball (although, as you point out, Wotherspoon isn't favourite to get there or in control of the ball at any stage). That's not to mention Kipre being nearby too. That's where the differences are for me. I'd be giving a yellow card there because I don't agree it's a goal scoring opportunity if Carson doesn't pick it up.

Sorry to hear that mate. As mentioned above, it's been on the website, on here, mentioned in emails, and has been on both the Society Facebook and Twitter feeds for a couple of weeks now. Always happy to take criticism on board, and communication is certainly something that the Society has been poor at in the past, but this is certainly one situation where I'm really not sure what else could be done.

Hi folks, just a wee update to say the whisky jaunt is full now. We would have had more seats if there had been greater interest but, as costs are involved, we obviously had to make a judgement on what size of bus to book and that's it now full. Everyone on it should have received an e-mail with the details from Craig at the Society. However, as mentioned above, if anyone is travelling to Perth and wants to stop on the way for the tour, there are still spaces available at the cost of a Society donation.

This week's auctions are online now - signed, match-word shirts from Darren Randolph and Paul Quinn: http://www.thewellsociety.co.uk/2017/08/10/this-weeks-auction-items-randolph-and-quinn/

Cadden was excellent throughout but Carson edges it for me. Three top class saves and his distribution was fantastic. He's also a throwback to big Sieb the way he decides early to come collect a cross, even if it's 16 yards out.

That was quality. Sitting shattered in the office but scenes like the winner are always worth it. Carson is tremendous, some fantastic saves and his distribution is different class at times. Cadden looks like he's back to becoming the player we thought he could be when he first burst on the scene. Fisher needs a goal simply because his missed chances are what most folk will focus on (rightfully so to a certain extent given he's a striker), particularly those just watching the highlights - the big man was immense when he came on, yet most of the focus will be on another miss. If he can get that monkey off his back, I think he'll be a real asset for us. On the flipside, I'd be dropping Moult for Saturday. Looks miles off it at the moment and both Fisher and Bowman contributed far more when they came on. I don't think any Motherwell fan at the game thought Dunne's foul was actually a foul or that McLean was remotely onside. Having watched the highlights, I think it's safe to see we were all very wrong on both those counts! Bring on the Dons.

Hopefully the admins don't mind - figure, as this is something that will be updated on a weekly basis, it might make sense to give it its own thread away from the general Well Society one. Having seen all the shirts to be auctioned - some of which are signed by the player, others of which are signed by entire squads, and a couple of which are match-worn but unsigned - I reckon there's a few in particular that should attract some interest. International goalkeepers, speedy wingers, solid centre halves to name a few... Anyway, as mentioned above, the items to be auctioned will go up every week so I'll post up details/links here. As always, I'd encourage folk interested to actually get involved. Like the 7s tournament, Tullibardine trip on Saturday (which still needs folk to buy seats for), and this - it's all about raising as much as possible this year so that Les can then double it. The Society has rightfully got pelters this year for not doing enough to capitalise on the "Double Your Money" offer - we're now putting things in place to do so, but we obviously need 'Well fans to respond too. First auction kicks off tomorrow morning...

New podcast online this week: http://www.mfc1886.com/mfc-podcast-2017-18-episode-4/ The highlight is definitely not my complete Diane Abbott moment where I have a mindblank over who Thistle pipped at the split and subsequently claim St Johnstone - who finished 4th and played in Europe a few weeks ago - didn't make the top six. My only defence is that last season was so rotten I've eradicated it all from my mind...

Couple of more updates today: ST JOHNSTONE AWAY: Firstly, the Tullibardine trip on Saturday is now open to all 'Well fans. Costs are £30 for Society members, £40 for non-members. That's bus to/from the game, a tour of the distillery, a couple of tastings, and a match ticket included - incredible value given it's £23 to get in in the first place. Uptake hasn't been as good as we'd have hoped for so if interested, please get involved. This is not just an excellent day out at St. Johnstone Away, but it also fund raises for the "Double Your Money" initiative. What better way to celebrate Blyth leaving than with the fitba and a few drams while helping the Well Society (ie. the Club) at the same time? For more info: http://www.thewellsociety.co.uk/2017/07/21/distillery-day-out-for-travelling-well-support/ WEEKLY AUCTION: The Society is going to be auctioning match-worn, signed jerseys from a number of players from the last few years. These will go online every Thursday morning, starting tomorrow. Again, it's a way to raise funds which will be subsequently doubled by Les. More info: http://www.thewellsociety.co.uk/2017/08/08/well-society-weekly-auction/

Few folk got in touch about engaging fans abroad more, so we've been planning an "Exiles Club" for a few weeks now. Some positive news on that front: http://www.thewellsociety.co.uk/2017/08/08/ally-maxwell-announced-as-exiles-club-ambassador/ Ally Maxwell Announced as Exiles Club Ambassador! A few months ago, the Well Society announced plans for an opt-in Exiles Club – a group aimed towards helping ‘Well fans outwith the local area feel connected with the club and engaged with fan-ownership. The Society has received a tremendous response to the plans so far, with fans currently based all over the globe getting in touch to provide ideas and suggestions, having direct input into what the Exiles Club will look like upon its launch in the coming weeks. And one very familiar face, who continues to follow the Steelmen from afar, was more than happy to get involved in the project too. Ally Maxwell certainly fits into the Exiles Club category, now enjoying a successful coaching career working with SC Del Sol Soccer Club and the Arizona State University, having originally grown up in Motherwell before playing for his claret and amber boyhood heroes – and he is, of course, still fondly remembered by ‘Well fans for his heroics in the 1991 Scottish Cup Final. “When you think about it, Motherwell laid the foundation for the rest of my life,” explains Ally. “As a young boy, I went to Fir Park every Saturday with my dad to watch the games and I signed with the boys’ club at 11 years of age so it was literally my whole life. Everything revolved around the club.” “To go through the system and eventually win the Scottish Cup at age twenty-five was my childhood dream come true. The club and the fans mean everything to me. I owe them so much for making me the person I am today. “ Despite having a busy life in the States, Ally still finds time to keep up with the ‘Well with his family engrained in the club. “My family still lives in the area and Dad goes to a few games when he can,” says the ’91 legend. “My oldest son just graduated from college where he played ‘soccer’ all four years and loves to text me scores, player moves etc, so I’m still pretty connected.” “With social media these days, I can catch up with what is going on almost as it’s happening so there is no excuse not to be connected. I plan my trips back home around when I can attend a few matches so I’m a huge fan as well!” Ally will be involved with the Well Society Exiles Club as an Ambassador and will be looking to assist us as we reach out to supporters all over the world. The Society is continuing to discuss plans with a number of fans abroad and we hope to announce full details soon. If you are keen to learn more about the Exiles Club get in touch with us at well.society@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Should have just called it 'Craig'.

Hi mate, thanks for the feedback. The fundraising for the Les deal is something the Society is now pushing forward with. Even things like the 7s tournament and the whisky trip for St Johnstone Away play a big part of that. And there are events and initiatives already being planned for later in the year, as you'd expect. I think it's fair to say communication and advertising of these things is now a lot better, although obviously there's always room for improvement. Need Society members to play a part too though, both in encouraging others to get involved in such events and getting involved themselves. The Perth trip in particular costs the Society very little as the guy at Tullibardine is a Society member and has donated the day out, yet uptake is slow. Even if whisky isn't your thing, it's essentially £7 for a return bus to St Johnstone Away (given it's £23 to get in), and £30 (£60 when doubled by Les) to the Society. We're continuing to do all we can to encourage folk to take up something like that and there's absolutely no question that the Society's lack of pushing the Les deal for most of 2017 is disappointing, but there also needs to be the desire from Society members and the 'Well fans to support the initiative too. Society reps are on stalls in all stands at Fir Park every home game (apart from when it's actually impossible because folk are ill or whatever) and there'll be buckets at these stalls this season, as far as I'm aware. The official website is certainly outwith the Society's remit but you're right, it needs to be updated and maintained. Can certainly mention this at the next Supervisory Board meeting. There are letters being posted in batches to all lapsed members, although these are being sent out in waves depending on when the member joined, how much they contributed etc. Hundreds of letters have now been sent out stating how much that member has contributed so far, and including all the information on the new benefits and how to restart pledges. It may be that you simply haven't been contacted yet because you're set to receive something in the coming weeks. Or it could be that your details on the system aren't correct. It may be worth e-mailing Craig (Craig.Hughes@motherwellfc.co.uk) if you think it might be the latter, as he is overseeing the sending of letters.

Just a few wee updates from the last week or two for anybody who might be out the loop: CRACKING DEAL FOR PERTH: There are still some tickets left for the exclusive Tullibardine day out for St Johnstone Away. All the income from it will be, as usual, doubled by Les. £30 for Society members means that, given it's £23 at the gate, you are essentially paying £7 for bus to/from Perth, a tour of a distillery, and a couple of drams. You'd be hard pushed to find a better deal than that anywhere: http://www.thewellsociety.co.uk/2017/07/21/distillery-day-out-for-travelling-well-support/ SYRIAN GUESTS: We had about forty Syrian refugees along to the Berwick Rangers match on Saturday, along with around a dozen support workers and council employees assisting the refugees' resettlement, as guests of the Well Society: http://www.thewellsociety.co.uk/2017/07/25/society-to-welcome-syrian-guests-to-cup-tie/ It was a fantastic day. They were incredibly warm, friendly, and intrigued by the club. I sat in amongst them in the Main Stand and it's safe to say they weren't there as neutrals - they celebrated Frear's goal more than I did: http://www.thewellsociety.co.uk/2017/08/01/syrian-guests-take-in-narrow-well-victory/ OPEN DAY/7S: The Open Day and the Well Society 7s tournament also took part at the weekend, both great successes: http://www.thewellsociety.co.uk/2017/07/31/its-our-club/ GREATEST 25 PLAYERS: And the MFC Podcast's 'Off-Air' book series will see a third and final publication released later this year based on the top 25 post-war 'Well players. Supporters can have their say on who is included and all monies raised will go straight to the Society - after being doubled by Les: http://www.thewellsociety.co.uk/2017/08/03/off-air-3-fundraising-publication-announced-by-society-and-podcast/ EXILES CLUB: Additionally, there will be further news next week on the Well Society Exiles Club progress. We've been discussing ideas and suggestions directly with a number of Society members based abroad and things are coming together nicely.

"Carluke Roar". Horsed the MFC Podcast in the final - just one game too far for us...

I believe Craig at the WS is wanting teams taking part in this to have registered with him by today, so just a heads up if anyone is considering submitting a team for Sunday.

For those who may have missed it, there's a tremendous deal for whisky-loving Society members planning on going to the St Johnstone game in Perth: http://www.thewellsociety.co.uk/2017/07/21/distillery-day-out-for-travelling-well-support/

http://www.mfc1886.com/mfc-podcast-2017-18-episode-1/ New podcast up - win at Queen's Park, game against Morton, new signings, folk leaving & Jacob Blyth on the agenda.

To be honest, the only real moments during the last year that I even remembered he was a Motherwell player was whenever someone would point out his latest Celtic-daft, Green Brigade style tweet. Perfectly happy with this move.

I'd be genuinely interested to know what it is about some of the quotes that doesn't sit well with you? I completely agree that there's a way to go about these kinds of things (see Marvin Johnson for a good indication of how not to) and, for me, Louis seems to be doing it correctly.

Can't argue with the last few posts. We are a stepping stone when it comes to a lot of our signings - it's no big secret, the club has confirmed that it's a big part of the business model for a few years now. It'll be the same reason we've also been signing guys like Carl McHugh and Gael Bigirimana. It would be nice to think they'd stick around and become Motherwell legends but it's just not happening - the reason most of the more highly rated guys sign is because we sell them the stepping stone vision. In terms of Moult, he's already been here two years. I'd be surprised if, during the original signing talks, it wasn't suggested that he'd be sold around this time given he has a season left on his deal. It could also be argued that the club offering Moult a new contract is outwith the original plan - not that we shouldn't have done so, it would be madness for the club not to have at least asked the question but it was always going to be incredibly unlikely that he'd sign an extension. I'm still not convinced he'll be away this window. There doesn't seem to be the great interest in him that many expected, with Aberdeen currently seeming like the only realistic option despite the fact that I doubt they'd fork out our valuation. Of course, as the window goes on and clubs down south miss out on their top targets, he might start to attract more interest. But for now, I'm content that he's still our player as it stands and that he almost certainly won't sign a new deal. If he leaves, fair enough - even if it's to Aberdeen, as long as they pay the going rate then it's job done as far as the club is concerned - but I don't see any issues in anything he's said in the article above, and certainly nothing to suggest he won't be giving 100% when he returns to the team. In fact, if he now wants to take the next step in his career - which I'm sure he probably does now - then it's in his best interests to bang in the goals from now until whenever he leaves, be it August, January, or next summer.