Motherwell F.C.
| File:Motherwell logo.gif | |||
| Full name | Motherwell Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Steelmen, The Well | ||
| Founded | 1886 | ||
| Ground | Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland | ||
| Capacity | 13,742 | ||
| Chairman | John Boyle | ||
| Manager | Terry Butcher | ||
| League | Scottish Premier League | ||
| 2004-05 | SPL, 6th | ||
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Motherwell Football Club is a Scottish football team, who play their home matches at Fir Park. They are currently managed by former England defender Terry Butcher.
Motherwell were founded in 1886 from an amalgamation of two factory based teams, Glencairn and Alpha. In 1893, the club turned professional and joined the newly formed Scottish Second Division and in their first game, Motherwell defeated Hamilton Academical 4-1. In 1895 Motherwell moved to their Fir Park stadium.
In 1912, Motherwell adopted the colours of claret and amber which they use today. After the First World War, under manager John 'Sailor' Hunter, Motherwell began to show themselves as a force in Scottish Football, reaching the Scottish Cup finals in 1931, 1933 and 1939 and winning the League in 1931/32. Willie McFadyen scoring 52 goals in that season, which is still a Scottish record.
After the Second World War, with George Stevenson at the helm, Motherwell defeated Hibernian 3-0 to win the League Cup with goals from Archie Kelly, Willie Watters and Jim Forrest. That season, they also reached the Scottish Cup final only to be defeated by Celtic. Two seasons later, Motherwell defeated Dundee 4-0 to become 1952 Scottish Cup winners with goals from Wilson Humphries, Archie Kelly, Willie Redpath and Jimmy Watson.
In 1955, Bobby Ancell took over as manager and created a team which was to be known as the 'Ancell Babes' with players such as Charlie Aitken, Ian St. John and Pat Quinn. Motherwell were relegated in 1968 but were promoted back the next season under Bobby Howitt. Willie McLean, Roger Hynd, Ally McLeod, Davie Hay, Jock Wallace and Bobby Watson all came and went before Tommy McLean was appointed manager in 1984. In his first season, Motherwell were promoted to the Premier League and almost reached the Scottish Cup final.
In 1991, Motherwell did reach the final and won the Scottish Cup defeating Dundee United 4-3 in a memorable final with goals from Phil O'Donnell, Stevie Kirk, Iain Ferguson and Ian Angus. Alex McLeish, Harri Kampman, Billy Davies all had spells as manager. Eric Black also had a spell in charge but resigned after the club went into interim administration, with assistant manager Terry Butcher taking over. However, the club's fortunes on the park were looking bleak, and the team finished bottom of the Scottish Premier League at the end of the 2002/2003 season, and faced relegation to the First Division. However, owing to Falkirk's stadium not meeting SPL criteria, and a proposed groundshare with Airdrie United being rejected by the SPL, Motherwell were able to remain in the SPL. Motherwell have recently become known for their production of good young players such as James McFadden who is now with Everton and Stephen Pearson who is now with Celtic.
During the 2004 season Motherwell came out of administration.
In season 2004-05, Motherwell reached their first League Cup final for 50 years after winning 4 games away from home, 3 of which were against S.P.L sides. However, in the final they were beaten 5-1 by Rangers.
On the last day of the 2004-05 SPL season Motherwell pulled off a shock by beating title contenders Celtic with 2 goals from Australian striker Scott McDonald and handing the league title to Rangers.
Current Squad (season 2005-2006)
| 1. Gordon Marshall | 
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| 15. Graeme Smith |
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| 18. Colin Meldrum |
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| 25. Dougie Calder |
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| 2. Martyn Corrigan |
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| 3. Steven Hammell |
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| 5. Stephen Craigan | Northern Irish |
| 19. Paul Quinn |
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| 22. William Kinniburgh |
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| 23. David Keogh |
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| 4. Brian Kerr |
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| 6. Alan McCormack | Northern Irish (On loan from Preston North End) |
| 8. Scott Leitch |
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| 9. Richie Foran | Irish |
| 10. Phil O'Donnell |
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| 11. Jim Paterson |
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| 17. Kevin McBride |
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| 21. Shaun Fagan |
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| 24. Marc Fitzpatrick |
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| 7. Scott McDonald | Australian |
| 12. David Clarkson |
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| 14. Andy Smith | Northern Irish (On loan from Preston North End) |
| 16. Jim Hamilton |
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| 20. Kenny Wright |
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Managers
- Bobby Watson 1883 - 1884
- John Hunter 1910 - 1946
- George Stevenson 1946 - 1955
- Bobby Ancell 1955 - 1965
- Bobby Howitt 1965 - 1972
- Ian St John 1972 - 1975
- Willie McLean 1975 - 1978
- Roger Hynd 1978 - 1979
- Ally McLeod 1979 - 1981
- David Hay 1981 - 1982
- Jock Wallace 1982 - 1983
- Tommy McLean 1984 - 1994
- Alex McLeish 1994 - 1998
- Harri Kampman 1998
- Billy Davies 1998 - 2001
- John Philliben and Miodrag Krivokapic 2001 (caretaker basis)
- Eric Black 2001-2002
- Terry Butcher 2002 - present
Honours
- Scottish League Champions: 1931-32.
- Scottish Cup Winners: 1952, 1991.
- Scottish League Cup Winners: 1950.
- Scottish 1st Division Champions: 1981-82, 1984-85.
- Scottish 2nd Division Champions: 1953-54, 1968-69.