seasonal

I have been toiling with a torn calf muscle so did not make the effort yesterday to Hibs Training Centre for the first pre season friendly against Hibs Development. Very windy conditions but Motherwell won 4-1. See @@Motherwelllfc twitter for a you tube of the goals. Kerry Montgomery x1, Trialist x1, Trialist x2. Other news: @MotherwellLFC twitter has been excellent recently with signing news and post match comments. All part of the new strategy bringing the Ladies team directly in to the club framework. New signings include Kerry Montgomery from Celtic, a NI international and a terrific addition. Clare Johnstone (GK) out of retirement but a sound and experienced keeper. Emma Black, defender, again out of retirement but was a Glasgow City regular. Ash Nicholson, previously with Spartans. More signings to be announced this week. From last season I know there are 4 or 5 players who I believe have signed up but no formal announcements as yet. 8 teams making up the SWPL 2 again with 1 promotion place up for grabs. Likely to be a very tight league with no weak teams. Eddie Wolecki Black (EWB) is putting together a team to challenge at the top of this league. The league fixtures are out and just awaiting the league cup draw. Fixtures at SWPL site. First fixture is at newly promoted Kilmarnock 11 February. Interesting times as Motherwell rebuild their team. All views my own. @@ALR57

Mid February. Normally starts with League Cup game. Too early for fixtures just now.

I didn't watch the highlights went fast forward to half time. Eddie was mainly speaking about himself and his health. He is still mentally as sharp as a pin and is going to USA in January for some new treatment which is basically 2 injections, results on other stroke survivors have resulted in some gaining 100 per cent improvement and others having less but significant improvements. Also highlighted barriers and perception of having a disabled coach in the technical area. Made it very clear that a work life balance is essential in football and he will be giving more time to his family. Wants to work at the highest level and believes Motherwell can get there with a lot of hard work.

Tv interview with Eddie on BBC Alba during BBC Alba Coverage of game @ Patrick Thistle. As live coverage starting from 2200hrs.

30th November was the run out date for player contracts for 2017. Looking forward to see what elite standard players Eddie will bring to the Ladies team. Not clear to me yet what structures and resources are being provided to support the Ladies, that in itself will be very interesting.

I can recommend the Walking Football at 1pm Monday Fir Park Astro. Good fun and good craic for an hour.

Interesting to read today that Jeanfield Girls have now formalised their partnership with St Johnstone and from 2018 Season will be known as St Johnstone Womens FC.

Below is my list of players at the end of the 2017 season. Some Retirals and Leavers are known to me. Eddie will have a major rebuilding job on his hands. GK Sarah Rhind Lauren McGregor Defender Tasha Brown - Left to join Army. Heather Magill Niamh Johnson Megan Murray Midfield Stacey Cook - Retired Mandy Burns - Retired Lauren Kerr Caitlin Canavan Sophie Gallacher - Injured Lauryn Reside Nicole Goodwin Forward Suzanne Winters - Retired Pamela Liddell - Retired

A new era. A new Governance for the Ladies team. I never stopped going to the Ladies game but stopped posting updates about the Ladies team due to the brick wall apparently placed by those in authority. I am back now. This is a fantastic appointment of Eddie and Donald plus one other ?? They will have a major rebuilding job ahead. Arguably most of the best players have just retired. Most others are ready to move to other clubs due to the way they were left in the Lurch at the end of the season. It was down to Stacey Cook, Mandy Burns and others stepping up, taking the team and getting the other players to see the season out. The vision to have Motherwell Ladies playing at the top level in Scottish Women's Football is back. It appears to me Alan Burrows has listened to some of those in the know by making these changes. Well done. I am really looking forward to seeing how Eddie shapes things and getting a level of professionalism in to the Ladies team. All opinions are my own.

Pleased to say that the Ladies team are back to winning ways. A home win against Hearts and yesterday a 0-3 win over Edinburgh University Hutchison Vale. A great chip/lob shot from the corner of the box from Mandy burns gave well the lead. EUHV had some chances but an on form Lauren McGregor produced some good stops, both ball and player !!. A free kick from outside the box came to Stacey Cook who headed home just before halftime. Second half and a well organised and hard working EUHV had more chances, but with about 20 mins left and from near the half way line, Mandy Burns saw the keeper off her line and launched an up and under which cleared the goalie and off the underside of the bar for the 3rd goal. An outstanding display from Mandy Burns for her 2 goals, but great performances all round. Nicole Goodwin getting better with every game she starts, 17yo Lauren Simpson settling well into the Ladies team and is one to watch. Lauren Kerr in midfield showing experience and grit in the midfield. Credit to Greg Rodgers who seems to have the team set up well and back scoring goals.4 games coming up against what may be the weaker teams in the league. 12 points are possible and would see the Ladies shoot up the table. Home and away games with Buchan and East Fife. All the best to Amy Bulloch and Dionne Brown who have moved on. Team still looking to strengthen so won't be surprised to see further signings next few weeks. @ALR57

Greg Rodgers has accepted the position of Manager of Motherwell Ladies FC.

Spot on that things are clearly not right behind the scenes at Motherwell Ladies/MFC CT. Mark Kirk worked very hard behind the scenes to build this team despite various obstacles being placed in his way. It is now clear he was dismissed as Head Coach. Why are there no Sponsorship opportunities similar to those organised by other clubs? Why do players have to make their own way to all games ? There appears to be no ambition from the MFC CT to invest in the Ladies team to play at the highest level. I find this disappointing as a Motherwell FC supporter that a Ladies team representing my club appears to not be organised or supported to play at the highest level. In no way is this the fault of the ex Head Coach or the players. I have asked MFC CT what the interim management position is. No response. My own opinion. @ALR57

MFC CT have tonight accepted the resignation of Ladies first team coach Mark Kirk. All my dealings with Mark Kirk were positive and I found him to be a genuine guy, Wishing him all the best for the future, No game for the Ladies team until a home game v Hearts on 16 April. @ALR57

Still plenty of work to be done by the Ladies team. A tidy and well organised Forfar Farmington beat MLFC 5-3 at a wonderfully sunny Station Park Forfar. Forfar went 5 up before any reply from MLFC. The first half saw some chances for MLFC but Forfar dominated the half with good wing play and a good organisation going forward. MLFC looked disorganised and uncomfortable for most of the game. Suzanne Grant went off with a knee injury, replaced by Nicole Goodwin. Forfar took their first goal well and the referee awarded Forfar a penalty. McGregor went near but 2-0 at HT. A further 3 goals saw them go 5-0 up before any reply from MLFC. Nicole Goodwin placed shot, a strike from Pamela Liddell and a third goal from Stacey Cook. Last 30 minutes were much better. Some shocking decisions from todays Referee, missing a obvious shirt pulling in the box, overruling a linesman who flagged for use of an arm to control the ball by Forfar which led to a goal and a completely unnecessary booking. Very poor and disappointing at this level. Coach Mark Kirk needs to get the defence to stop shipping goals. A much improved MLFC in the last 20 minutes after going to a back 3, Sara McWhirter introduced as a sub in midfield made one of the goals with a defence splitting pass and all 3 goals were well taken. Still bottom of the league with no wins from 3 in the league, A possible serious knee injury to Suzanne Grant is a concern. Missed Mandy Burns( still suspended ) and could only provide 3 subs. Lots for MLFC staff and players to work on. 2 weeks time home game v Hearts. @ALR57

Motherwell Ladies FC suffered a 1-2 loss to Glasgow Girls at Greenfield Football Centre this afternoon. No scoring at HT with Motherwell having most of the possession and 5 or 6 goal efforts. Playing a 4 -5 - 1 type of formation with Suzanne Grant returning to the line up. The second half saw a Stacey Cook free kick give Motherwell the lead. Glasgow equalised soon after with a great strike and got a winner just after. Motherwell again dominated in spells but a hard working Glasgow side worked their way in to the lead. A few more late chances for Motherwell came to nothing. A much improved team effort but no wins from 2 in this league campaign. Next league match in 2 weeks away to Forfar Farmington. @ALR57

Next fixture for Motherwell Ladies Sunday 19th March v Glasgow Girls 2pm at Greenfield Football Centre Glasgow.

Not all doom and gloom. Some good young players with much potential have been signed as well as great additions to the coaching staff. The team has been rebuilt and will need time to gel and organise. A couple of new signings still to make first team appearance. I have seen plenty of effort and commitment from our players and staff. Maybe they are being let down by the attitude of a few and the organisation setup of MLFC. The team were sporting their new kit on Sunday which was good to see. Unfortunately Motherwell FC does not seem to believe in the 'One Club' philosophy which appears to be happening with other ladies teams, and possibly more support could be given. views are my own.@ALR57

Match 1. Ladies lost 0-3 to Jeanfield Swifts at Ravenscraig. A goal in 2 minutes from Jeanfield gave the Ladies something to think about. Well mounted some pressure on the Swifts goal with a few free kicks from dangerous positions. Despite a lot of effort nothing came from a lot of possession. 2nd half and 2 quick goals from Jeanfield after about 10 mins sealed the game. Lots of huffing and puffing from Well did not really amount to much. Mandy Burns who had received a first half yellow card, was dismissed halfway through the second half with what seemed to me to be a straight red card for foul and abusive language !!!!. In SWPL2 there are 3 officials, I say no more on the officials. Well team performance was not what was expected, lack of discipline and a shape to the team which some players seemed unsure of. Plenty of effort from some players with Stacy Cook trying very hard to get things going. Just didn't happen for others despite the effort. Plenty to work on in training. Development team had a 5-0 win away at Hawick. Well done to them. Another very tough game next weekend in Shettleston against Glasgow Girls who narrowly missed out on promotion last season. all views from own @ALR57

Official launch of SWPL17 this morning at Hampden. Team Captain Stacey Cook representing Motherwell. There have been some interviews on SSN at lunchtime. There is likely to be increased media reports on the SWPL after agreements being reached with Sky and Daily Record for increased reporting on SWPL matches. Waiting latest team news as I believe some players released, some seeking better football opportunities, and a couple of new signings with SWPL experience waiting to be formalised. First home game of the season is Sunday March 12 4pm at Ravenscraig v Jeanfield Swifts. All are welcome to attend. I went to the fundraising and team bonding activity at the Footgolf Cumbernauld last weekend organised by the MFC Podcast and sponsored by Patersons's Trophy Supplies. Girls are in good spirits and looking forward to the season start. Appears to me that Mark Kirk has rebuilt a good team and they are capable of challenging at the top of SWPL 2. The Ladies Development team are 2 games in to their season with 1 defeat and 1 win so far. Not seen them play so far but wishing good luck to them for the season. They are away to Hawick on March 12. views are my own. @alr57

Well Ladies lost their league cup tie against SWPL 1 opposition Spartans Women 3 - 4. Well goal scorers Liddell, Niamh Johnston x 2. Well lined up with keeper Lauren McGregor in for her first match of the season. Lauren made numerous stops and kept Well in the game. My MOTM, best game I have seen her play. I thought Heather Magill and Niamh Johnston were immense at the back, making many brave and determined stops with fight aplenty. Niamh's first goal was from a goalmouth stramash and I have never seen a player so happy about scoring. Great to see. Pamela Liddell was lone striker and put in some shift. very little came off for her unfortunately. Her goal came came from a shot at the edge of the box, low to the keepers left. Spartans were up for the game and produced some excellent goals, the first 2 in particular. Well were without Captain Stacey Cook serving the 3rd game of her suspension. Suzanne Grant was not available due to an issue over player registration. A player that scored 68 goals last term may well leave due to MFC CT not making any effort to retain her services. Will be a shame if this is allowed to happen. Goals were MLFC 0-1 Spartans MLFC 0 - 2 Spartans MLFC(LIDDELL) 1 - 2 Spartans HT MLFC (JOHNSTON( 2 - 2 SPARTANS MLFC 2 - 3 SPARTANS MLFC 2 - 4 SPARTANS MLFC (JOHNSTON ) 3 - 4 SPARTANS Credit to Spartans who were a fit and skilful outfit. Disappointed to lose in the cup but credit to coach Mark Kirk, all new recruits have improved an already good team. Debut today to latest signing, Taylor Davis. MLFC should prove to be competitive in what will be a tough league. All views are my own, @ALR57

The SWPL2 seasons starts with a home tie v Jeanfield on Sunday 12 March at 1600hrs Ravenscraig. The first competitive match is today Sunday 19 February SWPL Cup v Spartans 1600hrs at Ravenscraig.

Well that was a pretty freezing King George 5 Park in Wishaw. Todays pre season friendly against SWPL 1 opposition Aberdeen Ladies. A different line up for Motherwell with some regulars not available or on the bench which gave some new signings and U17's a place in the starting line up. Impressed with Heather Magill and Niamh Johnson in the back line. Lauren Ray and Christie Kerr had good solid games in midfield. Amy Bulloch and Dionne Brown midfield were very impressive. Sara Mcwhirter, on her 16th birthday, playing in front of the midfield showed great skill and is on International duty with U16 squad week after next. Pamela Liddell playing as lone striker had a tough shift against a solid Aberdeen defence. Aberdeen took the lead before Dionne Brown equalised when she ran from midfield on to a through ball and slotted past the keeper. HT 1-1. Aberdeen got the match winner with a low cross in from the right and an Aberdeen forward showed great skill in tucking it away at the near post. Weather and pitch conditions made it difficult for both teams. A fair few substitutions in the last 30 mins gave Suzanne Grant, Laura Smith and U17s Lauren Simpson, Lauren Whitehead and Amber ? a run out. The equaliser just did not happen and 1-2 is a fair reflection of the game. Aberdeen were impressive and should be very competitive in SWPL1 again this season. Next week MLFC again face SWPL1 opposition against Spartans in the league cup as the opener of the season. League business starts on 12 March. @ALR57

I believe that the Motherwell Ladies Facebook page is being revamped and might be launched this month. I am hopeful there will be some stats with player appearances and goals included. For the avoidance of any doubt these posts related to Motherwell Ladies FC are my personal views and points. Anybody that thinks I may have got something incorrect feel free to contact me direct. Arthur Richardson @ALR57

A good runout for the Ladies at Ravenscraig this afternoon. Goals from Grant x 4, Liddell, Brown x 2 against a very good Dundee Utd WFC side. Again coach Mark Kirk was able to introduce some new faces. New signing Heather Magill at centre half had a great debut, skilful and confident on the ball. At full back Niamh Johnston had an excellent game throughout. The young DUFC keeper had an excellent game and was very confident in dealing with crosses. Goals from Grant, Liddell and Dionne Brown sealed the victory. Last kick of the ball was a 30 yard free kick from Dionne Brown, an absolute screamer. Things on the park shaping up well for the season. Next Sunday at Ravenscraig 4pm v SWPL1 side Aberdeen Ladies could be a cracker against top league opposition, the week before the SWPL cup match against Spartans Women. @ALR57

I was invited down to the Trust yesterday to meet with Linda Gibson and offer some fans feedback in respect of Motherwell Ladies Fc. An excellent 90 minute meeting where I put across my own personal views, moans and some ideas for the future. Too much discussed to put on here but happy to chat with anyone interested that wants to seek me out at a game. A few points here though: * Home games will be at Ravenscraig 4pm kick off. * Coach Mark Kirk is working VERY hard coaching, recruiting players. * Some great young players on trial, not enough training kit for them just now though. * More team updates/news on twitter. Good to see this morning on twitter some more signings announced. Next home game Sunday 5 February at Ravenscraig v Dundee United WFC. Arthur Richardson