April


Tuesday 1st April 1947

The Chairman sent a letter to the players which congratulated them on their efforts for the magnificent display against Hibernian in the Scottish Cup Semi Final on the previous Saturday. Despite coming up short losing 2-1 the match was played for 152 minutes.

Monday 1st April 1996

Popular defender Miodrag Krivokapic leaves Fir Park to head to Kirkcaldy where he joined Raith Rovers for a nominal fee. Mio would combine his playing duties with a role coaching the Raith youth side.

Tuesday 2nd April 1935

The club started planning for the new season ahead (1935/36) and decided to retain the following players: Allan, Beattie, Blair, Clelland, Ellis, Ferrier, McClory, McFadyen, McKenzie, McMenemy, McArthur, Ogilvie, Rodger, Stevenson, Telfer, Wales and Wylie.

Thursday 2nd April 1998

Former Motherwell groundsman Andy Russell’s funeral took place on this date. He had looked after the Fir Park pitch for the best part of 40 years and was a well known character. He had fought a number of illnesses over the past two years since retiring. His funeral was held at Glasgow’s Daldowie Crematorium.

Saturday 2nd April 2011

As the side secured all three points with a 2-1 win over Aberdeen at Fir Park thanks to goals from Chris Humphrey and Shaun Hutchinson it was the events after the final whistle that would make the headlines as former manager Craig Brown and chairman John Boyle were involved in a bust up after something was mentioned in the former Scotland bosses ear who then subsequently chased Boyle up the tunnel much to players and staffs bemusement. It wasn’t mentioned what was said but both parties were censured for behaving inappropriately, with Boyle being fined £2,500.

Tuesday 4th April 1950

As the club began its preparations for the 1950/51 season it was agreed that Anderson, Goodall, Joe Johnston, Robertson and Sinclair would all be granted free transfers. Conversely Johnston, Hamilton, Shaw, Kilmarnock, McLeod, Higgins, Redpath, J.Paton, A. Paton, Forrest, Jack Aitkenhead, Johnny Aitkenhead, Russell, Watson, Kelly, Watters, Hunter, Bremner, Cumming, Telford, Reid, Aitken, McCall and Humphries will all be retained.

Sunday 6th April 1958

John ‘Sailor’ Hunter celebrates his 80th Birthday. The Motherwell Directors present him with a cheque for £100 to mark the occasion.

Saturday 6th April 1996

Despite a battle against relegation, the recent turn of form would see Motherwell record a fine 3-0 win over Hibernian at Fir Park on this day. As this was the seventh clean sheet on the bounce it set a new club record.

Wednesday 7th April 1976

Willie Pettigrew makes his Scotland debut against Switzerland in a 1-0 win, the forward scored after only two minutes which to this day remains the fastest ever goal scored by a Scot in an international match.

Tuesday 7th April 2015

A relegation battle against fellow strugglers St Mirren live on BT Sport at Fir Park ensued on this day, a tough fixture was expected but Motherwell managed to steam roll over the Buddies winning 5-0 thanks to a double by Lee Erwin, another double by John Sutton and a goal from Scott McDonald.

Saturday 11th April 1931

In front of 104,803 at Hampden Park, Motherwell miss out on a first Scottish Cup win in the cruelest of circumstances. The side were leading 2-0 early in the game through goals from George Stevenson and John McMenemy, Celtic managed to pull one back through Jimmy McGrory on the 82nd minute, they then managed to equalise on the 90th minute via a horror own goal. A hopeful cross from Celtic winger Bertie Thomson went into the box when a call was heard ‘go for it Alan’ to which both ‘Well keeper Alan McClory and defender Allan Craig both made an effort to retrieve the ball, Craig just beat the keeper and the ball skidded off his head and looped into the unguarded net meaning a replay would be needed to settle the tie.

Thursday 11th April 2019

The club announced that they have agreed to sign 28 year old centre back, Declan Gallagher from Scottish Premiership rivals Livingston and that he will arrive at Fir Park over the summer. Gallagher made over 160 appearances for the West Lothian club and helped them achieve the magnificent feat of back to back promotions from League One though the Championship then into the Premiership where they managed to consolidate their place in the league.

Wednesday 13th April 1977

Celtic came to Fir Park in this midweek fixture requiring a win to tie up the league title, Motherwell had different ideas of course and dished out a fine 3-0 win. Ian Kennedy had put ‘Well ahead but Celtic full back Andy Lynch scored two own goals in the sides victory.

Saturday 14th April 1973

Ian St John takes charge of his first match as he takes over the role as manager from the departing Bobby Howitt. He enjoyed a 1-0 win over Hibernian at Easter Road.

Wednesday 15th April 1931

Their was a feeling that Motherwell had missed a massive opportunity only four days previously when they conceded two late goals in the Scottish Cup Final which result in todays mid week replay in front of 98,509 at Hampden Park. Celtic stormed to a 3-0 lead within 34 minutes but ‘Well fought back to 3-2 but another late goal for Celtic sunk ‘Well and the Glasgow outfit won the 1931 Scottish Cup.

Saturday 15th April 1933

Exactly two years after losing a Scottish Cup Final to Celtic the club endure a similar fate as the Glasgow outfit beat Motherwell 1-0 in the 1933 Final. In front of 102,339 fans at Hampden Park, a goal shortly after half time by Jimmy McGrory was enough to secure the trophy for Celtic.

Saturday 15th April 1916

One of those rare occasions when the side had to play two fixtures in one day at Fir Park. With a 3:30pm kick off ‘Well took on Ayr United but would fall to a 0-3 defeat, after having a bit of time to regroup the side then took on Celtic with a 6:30pm kick off, sadly a second defeat was on the cards as the side from Glasgow recorded a 1-3 win, Robertson scored Motherwell’s consolation in a match which finished close to darkness.

Thursday 16th April 1931

At a Board meeting, on the motion of Chairman Mr Ormiston it was unanimously decided to give manager John Hunter the sum of £300 which was to commemorate his 20 years service to Motherwell Football Club.

Tuesday 16th April 1996

Injury had put paid to Jim Griffin’s Motherwell career but a crowd of over 3000 turned up to honour the 1991 cup winner in his testimonial match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Griffin managed to play only 15 minutes before he was replaced by former team mate Jamie Dolan. Wolves won the game 2-1, admission to the game was £8 for adults and £4 for juveniles.

Wednesday 17th April 1996

Newspaper reports claim that left back Rab McKinnon is drawing attention from French club Rennes. As he is out of contract at the end of the season and potentially moving to another club within the European Union, Motherwell won’t receive a fee under the ‘Bosman Ruling’. The article also reports clubs from Germany and Switzerland are also monitoring the situation.

Wednesday 17th April 2019

The club announce that they have signed Inverness Caledonian Thistle midfielder Liam Polworth on a pre contract. The 24 year old will arrive at Fir Park in June and he has signed a two year deal. Polworth has been with the Caley Jags since the age of 8 and was the youngest player to represent them in a senior fixture when he made his debut at 16 years and 211 days old in May 2011. He is a former Scotland U21 internationalist.

Monday 18th April 1932

The SFA granted permission for Motherwell to play in Belgium on the 5th May and then France on both the 15th and 16th May. In the tour the club would win four fixtures defeating Beerschot (5-0), Standard Liege (4-2 – additional fixture which was played in the 8th May, Red Star 93 (3-1) and finally RCF Paris (5-0).

Saturday 19th April 1952

Finally after numerous attempts Motherwell win the Scottish Cup for the first time. In front of 136,304 at Hampden Park, a fine second half showing from ‘Well sees them hit four goals without reply Watson netted the first (65) then Redpath (66), Humphries (84) and finally Kelly (85). ‘Well side: Johnston, Kilmarnock, Shaw, Cox, Paton, Redpath, Sloan, Humphries, Kelly, Watson and Aitkenhead.

Wednesday 19th April 1978

A statement was released by the club noting that Ian Livingstone was now the new chairman of Motherwell Football Club, he was appointed after the resignation of Neil Hepburn who left the post due to personal reasons.

Monday 20th April 1914

On this date, manager John Hunter reported that goalkeeper Colin Hampton will be sold to English club Chelsea for a fee of £600.

Wednesday 20th April 1932

After the magnificent feat of becoming the Champions of Scotland after winning the 1931/32 league, it was agreed to give medals to the following: McClory, Ellis, Dowall, Wales, Telfer, Craig, Murdoch, McMenemy, McFadyen, Ferrier, Moffat, Johnman, Stevenson, Donaldson, Walker, John Hunter (Manager) and Directors.

Saturday 21st April 1951

Motherwell are defeated 1-0 in the Scottish Cup Final by Celtic at Hampden Park in front of 131,943. This was the third time the sides had met in the Final of the competition with Celtic being triumphant on all three occasions. A John McPhail goal on the 12th minute was enough to secure the victory and take the trophy to Parkhead. ‘Well side – Johnston, Kilmarnock, Shaw, McLeod, Paton, Redpath, Humphries, Forrest, Kelly, Watson and Aitkenhead.

Saturday 22nd April 1939

More Scottish Cup misery was suffered by Motherwell as they crashed to a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Clyde in the Final. ‘Well had been made heavy favourites going into the clash. The team lined up: Murray, Wales, Ellis, McKenzie, Blair, Telfer, Ogilvie, Bremner, Mathie, Stevenson and McCulloch. In front of 94,000 at Hampden Park, Clyde scored through Willie Martin (2), Dougie Wallace and Davie Noble.

With the suspension of competitions the following season due to the out break of World War 2, Clyde got to hang on to the trophy for seven years, certainly a record in Scotland, of sorts. The club received a cheque for £3,356.4/9 in settlement of their share from the match which they would receive in May.

Tuesday 23rd April 1935

An interesting event in hindsight, the club were interested in signing a player by the name of Bobby Ancell who was currently on the books at St Mirren. Manager John Hunter and a Mr Thomson were deployed to scout him in their upcoming match versus Celtic. Ancell of course never joined the club as a player but 20 years later he would of course take the helm as the clubs manager.

Tuesday 23rd April 1946

The following players are given free transfers: J. Gibson, McClory, McCulloch, McInally and Taggart.

Tuesday 23rd April 1996

Paul Lambert and Brian Martin are both selected to play for Scotland B versus Denmark. Rab McKinnon was initially in the pool of players selected but he had to withdraw due to an injury sustained against Rangers at the weekend.

Saturday 23rd April 2011

Motherwell provide a fantastic comeback at Tynecastle. Hearts seemingly cruising to an easy three points as they lead 3-0 after only 52 minutes, however ‘Well manage to peg it back to 3-2 by the hour mark searching for a deserved equaliser John Sutton pops up in the 88th minute to secure a 3-3 draw.

Wednesday 24th April 1996

The club managed to organise a glamour friendly at Fir Park for the new season as Bobby Robson’s Porto side who had just recently won the Portuguese Championship will visit Lanarkshire on the 3rd of August.

Tuesday 25th April 1950

The club had granted Joe Johnston a free transfer back on the 4th April 1950, it was decided to rescind this and keep him as part of the squad for the new season.

Saturday 26th April 1930

On the final day of the 1929/30 season Motherwell hand out a 9-0 thrashing to Queen’s Park in a Division One fixture. Ferrier netted four, Dowall scored three and Murdoch got two. This result is the Spiders biggest ever defeat, a record which stands to this day.

Monday 26th April 1993

As Motherwell took on English side Coventry City in a friendly fixture, the occasion was to mark the opening of the newly completed two tiered South Stand. Although the structure will be used by away support going forward home fans were able to use the facilities. ‘Well ran out 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Ally Graham and Stevie Kirk.

Friday 26th April 1996

The Motherwell Times reported that six first team players were out of contract at the end of the season and were free to leave under the bosman ruling meaning the club wouldn’t receive any fee, those in question were: Tommy Coyne, Paul Lambert, Rab McKinnon, Chris McCart, Billy Davies and John Philliben. Manager, Alex McLeish states that all of those players will be offered new deals.

Monday 27th April 1998

Fallout from the disappointing game against Celtic on the 10th April where the Steelmen were defeated 4-1 at Parkhead, newspapers were reporting that Willie Falconer, Tommy Coyne and Owen Coyle had received ‘hate mail’ from irate fans due to their performances in the match. Coyle a former Republic of Ireland international and the other two players being former Celtic men were apparently accused of trying to fix the title for Wim Jansen’s side.

Owen Coyle denied the claims saying: “We were on £1,500 a man to beat Celtic and win the points that would have ended uncertainly over Motherwell’s place in the Premier League. That’s an increase of three hundred percent on what we would normally get paid. Are there people who really believe we wouldn’t have been trying out of our skins?”

Wednesday 27th April 2016

The talented Motherwell U20’s side managed by former ‘Well defender Stephen Craigan win the Scottish Youth Cup in impressive fashion as they beat Hearts 5-2 at Hampden. Goals were scored by Dylan Mackin, Baur OG, David Ferguson, Robbie Leitch and Dylan Falconer.

Sunday 28th April 1996

Despite his fine form throughout the season, Paul Lambert missed out on winning the Player of the Year award as it went to Rangers/England player Paul Gascoigne. Tom Boyd and Andy Goram were the other players who had been nominated for the award.

Tuesday 28th April 1998

The club will reward John Philliben with a testimonial on the 25th July as a reward for his sterling service for Motherwell for well over a decade, English Premier League side West Ham United will provide the opposition. ‘Softie’ actually had a game arranged during the 1997/98 season against Coventry City but as the game was scheduled during the week of Princess Diana’s death the game had been cancelled.

Sunday 28th April 2013

Motherwell pull off an emphatic win against Celtic at Fir Park by winning 3-1. Gary Hooper had put the Bhoy’s ahead but Henrik Ojamaa equalised just before half time. A Michael Higdon penalty followed by a Fraser Forster own goal had the Steelmen cruising to an unusually easy three points against the Parkhead club. The usually reliable James McFadden missed a glorious chance to make it four when he found himself one on one with the Celts keeper but he shot straight at him.

Additionally Celtic manager Neil Lennon had publicly lambasted the fact no Celtic player was nominated for the Player’s Player of the Year Award, Higdon who was the favourite to nab the award took great delight with his celebration when he scored from the spot.

Tuesday 29th April 1941

At a Board meeting, John Hunter spoke about how he and the chairman had been at the Scottish Junior Cup Final between Glasgow Perthshire and Armadale Thistle at Firhill. They were quite impressed by Armadale goalkeeper John Johnston. The manager had paid a visit to his house in Bo’ness and made him an offer in hope that he would sign, Johnston intimated that he wasn’t prepared to move clubs until the end of the current season.

Tuesday 30th April 1946

At the Board meeting on this date, Manager John Hunter decided to retire, he had served the club for 35 years in the dual role of Manager and Secretary. He felt that the job would be best going to a younger man as he felt that with his increasing years the post had become too exacting. He proposed to the Directors that they should appoint George Stevenson as the new manager.

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