May


Monday 2nd May 1938

Robert Ferrier was discussed by the Board and it was decided to make him the clubs assistant manager for the upcoming season. His wages will be £4 per week.

Tuesday 3rd May 1910

The club receive a letter from English side Woolwich Arsenal asking for terms for the transfer of John Gray.

Tuesday 4th May 1954

Manager, George Stevenson reports to the board that he has signed Ian McFadyen, the son of former ‘Well favourite Willie McFadyen.

The board also agree to go ahead with some alterations to Fir Park, the east side will have the majority of the work done as the enclosure section will be covered, it is expected the work will cost around £6,500.

Saturday 4th May 1996

As Motherwell closed the 1995/96 season with a 1-1 draw against Hearts at home, the ‘well fans got to view the new strip for the following season. It proved to be an interesting effort as the claret band was removed and it had a Blackburn Rovers style to it with both the shirt and shorts being half amber and half claret.

Saturday 4th May 1996

On the final day of the season ‘Well drew 1-1 with Hearts. A few unwanted records were set: The side scored just 28 league goals during the campaign this was three fewer than the previous lowest of 31 which was set during the 1983/84 season. Willie Falconer who joined the club during the season was the club’s top league scorer netting only five goals, the club’s lowest Premier League top scorer. On the defensive front however they conceded only 39 goals which was four less than their total of 43 in season 1993/94.

Saturday 5th May 2012

Motherwell travel to Ibrox to face Rangers. Despite a positive performance the side fail to convert one of their many clear cut chances in a match that ended 0-0. Rangers had went into administration earlier in the year and would suffer an insolvency event in June. Their new guise would start in the Scottish Third Division, although the clubs would meet in a League Cup tie and Playoff fixtures the two sides wouldn’t meet again in a top tier league match until August 2016.

Sunday 6th May 2013

Motherwell striker Michael Higdon wins the PFA Player of the Year award piping Niall McGinn (Aberdeen), Andrew Shinnie (Inverness) and Leigh Griffiths (Hibernian) to gain the prize. Higdon is the first player since Aberdeen’s Jim Bett won it in 1990 who didn’t play for one of the Old Firm clubs. ‘Well boss Stuart McCall was nominated for the Manager of the Year accolade but he lost out as Allan Johnston (Queen of the South) won the award.

Tuesday 7th May 1946

George Stevenson accepts the role of manager a week after John Hunter intimated his retirement.

Tuesday 7th May 2002

As the club had been plunged into administration only a few week previously, a glamour friendly was organised against Serie A high flyers Chievo which was organised to raise some funds. Despite the match being a friendly it was a real feisty affair, the Italian club took the lead through midfielder Simeone Perrotta but James McFadden equalised on the 87th minute in a 1-1 draw.

Saturday 8th May 1945

Motherwell lose 2-1 to Rangers in the Southern League Cup Final. Watson scored for ‘Well while Gillick and Venters netted for Gers. Motherwell team: Johnston, Kilmarnock, Shaw, Ross, Paton, Millar, Gibson, Watson, Mathie, Gillan and McCulloch.

Wednesday 8th May 1996

A Motherwell select side lost 4-3 on penalties to Airdrieonians in the Final of the Lanarkshire Cup at Fir Park.

Sunday 9th May 2010

The last day of the 2009/10 season, Rangers fans were in party mode as they were celebrating their title win. However Motherwell were able to put a bit of a dampener on things, trailing 3-1 with only a matter of minutes remaining ‘Well were able to peg it back to 3-3 thanks to goals from Steve Jennings and Lukas Jutkiewicz (pen).

Wednesday 9th May 2012

Club captain Stephen Craigan announced that he will retire after Motherwell’s last game of the 2011/12 season. His final match came a few days later in a 0-2 loss versus Dundee United at Fir Park.

Tuesday 9th May 2023

Kevin van Veen is named as part of the PFA team of the year. Despite the clubs struggles this season, the Dutchman has so far managed to net an impressive 25 goals in all competitions and there is still four games left to go.

Saturday 10th May 2008

Motherwell officially seal a spot in Europe after beating Aberdeen 2-1 at Fir Park thanks to goals from Darren Smith and Chris Porter. It had been an emotionally charged season after the death of club captain Phil O’Donnell in December. The club managed to pip Aberdeen, Dundee United and Hibernian to 3rd position in the SPL and clinch the UEFA Cup spot, it’s the first time ‘Well will enjoy some European competition since being knocked out on the away goal rule by Finnish club MyPa-47 in August 1995.

Wednesday 10th May 2023

A day after being named in the PFA team of the year, Kevin van Veen is nominated for the PFA Player of the Year, the other nominees are all from Celtic and are Callum McGregor, Rio Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi.

Monday 11th May 1914

The club Secretary reported that two players had been transferred. Hugh Kelly joined English side Preston North End for a fee of £200 while William Loney headed to Firhill to join Partick Thistle who purchased the defender for £40.

Tuesday 11th May 1965

The Board received transfer requests from both Willie Hunter and Joe McBride. It is stated the players will be notified if any potential offers are submitted.

Sunday 11th May 2014

An exciting end to the 2013/14 season, Aberdeen were enjoying their best season in years having lifted the League Cup earlier in the seasons as well as sitting in second place in the Premiership for the majority of the season. ‘Well had a late surge of form which propelled them up the table and on the final day as they travelled to Pittodrie they had to win against the Dons to finish second. The match itself was a drab affair, that was up until the 90th minute when a free kick by Keith Lasley in his own half was driven into the Aberdeen box, the keeper Jamie Langfield misjudged the ball under pressure from John Sutton and the ball hit the bar, Fraser Kerr managed to knee the ball goal bound which was handled on the line by former ‘Well defender Mark Reynolds. Just as it looked like the ref was about to award a penalty, Craig Reid managed to bundle the ball home sparking bedlam in the away support. The additional 500k prize money was of course most welcome. Aberdeen support and management didn’t take the result well but it was certainly a fair result considering Russell Anderson’s controversial 90th minute equaliser at Fir Park in January where he clearly handled the ball over the line.

Tuesday 13th May 1941

John Hunter reported to the board that he had been successful in signing Armadale Thistle goalkeeper John Johnston.

Tuesday 14th May 1946

Willie McFadyen, manager of Dundee United approached new ‘Well boss George Stevenson about a possible transfer of both Sammy Ross and Millar for a fee of £600, the offer was rejected.

Saturday 14th May 1994

It was somewhat the end of an era at Fir Park. As Motherwell lined up to face St Johnstone in the last fixture of the 1993/94 season, this would be the last official home game where terracing would be used as the Knowetop End/North terracing would be demolished to make way for a new stand which would be all seated. Sadly the fans who stood behind the goal mouth would be disappointed as the Perth Saints would enjoy a clean sheet in a 0-1 win.

Tuesday 16th May 2017

Motherwell ensured Premiership survival with a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at Fir Park thanks to goals from Carl McHugh, Lionel Ainsworth and Elliott Frear. Meanwhile young full back Adam Livingstone makes his first team debut. This would also be the last competitive game for captain Keith Lasley as he would hang up his boots just before the 2017/18 season kicked off as he would now take up the role as assistant manager.

Monday 17th May 1886

Members of the two top local club’s in the area Alpha and Glencairn met in Baillie’s Pub in Parkneuk to discuss both sides amalgamating. It was decided that it would be best to start a new side and Motherwell Football Club was born on this date. The original squad would be mainly dominated by players from Alpha.

Tuesday 17th May 1910

The club’s Board had received letter from Raith Rovers, Morton and Ayr United all of whom have submitted applications to join the First Division and asked the Board for support. The club decided it would support Raith Rovers and Morton in this instance.

Additionally Rangers FC had sent in a letter asking for acceptable terms for the transfer of John Gray, the board took no action.

Friday 17th May 1996

Five reserve side players are released, Martin Hicks, Derek Rae, Alan Shields, David Williamson and Ally Wilson.

Thursday 17th May 2018

Chris Cadden is called up to the Scotland squad for the first time ahead of friendlies against Peru and Mexico.

Tuesday 19th May 1942

John Hunter reported to the Board that over the past four days he has made three new additions to the playing squad, arriving at Fir Park are Willie Leitch (Wishaw High School), Archibald Shaw (Wishaw Juniors) and McGowan (Vale of Clyde) who is an outside-right.

Saturday 18th May 1991

In perhaps one of the best Scottish Cup Finals of all time, Motherwell finally lifted the trophy again after a 39 year wait. Dundee United were the opponents and they had started the match brightly not only did Hamish French have a goal chopped off for being offside but they hit the post. It was ‘Well midfielder Iain Ferguson who broke the deadlock to put the side on the front foot. Dave Bowman equalised for United but a Phil O’Donnell header and Ian Angus effort put the side in a 3-1 lead, by this time goalkeeper Ally Maxwell was injured in a collision with United’s John O’Neil, as it transpired Maxwell had suffered from a ruptured spleen. It was O’Neil himself who would take advantage as his low driven shot beat the keeper to give the Arabs some hope. With the game now in the 90th minute and with the fans dreaming of Silverware disaster struck when a long ball was caught by Darren Jackson who managed to loop the ball over the on rushing keeper, it was 3-3 at full time with extra time required. Many thought the chance of winning was now gone as Mawxwell was really struggling but super sub Stevie Kirk netted the winner in extra time with a header after United keeper Alan Main struggled to gather a cross. A real cup classic.

Monday 20th May 2002

James McFadden earns his first Scotland cap against South Africa as the international side toured Hong Kong. Despite it being a memorable occasion for the youngster it was the fact he would miss a flight home after a night out that would make headlines back home.

Sunday 21st May 1911

The Secretary of the SFA, Mr McDowall sent the club a copy go the referees report Re: Butler which was essentially complaining about an assault which was made on the match official after he departed Fir Park after a match.

Thursday 21st May 2009

An article appeared in the Hamilton Advertiser about a 9 year old who had just signed for the club, David Turnbull joined the ‘Well youth setup after the club beat the likes of Aberdeen, Celtic, Rangers, Falkirk and a host of English clubs. Described as a wonderkid and one to watch in the future – David would make his first team debut in February 2018 versus Dundee in a Scottish Cup fixture. He broke into the side more consistently during the 2018/19 season and made a massive impact.

Saturday 21st May 2011

In front of 49,618 fans in Hampden, Motherwell are defeated 3-0 by Celtic in the 2011 Scottish Cup Final. The side that played: Randolph, Hammell (Jeffers), Craigan, Hutchinson, Gunning, Hateley, Humphrey, Jennings, Lasley, Murphy (Jones) and Sutton.

Monday 22nd May 1911

Little did they know at the time but the club would make one of their most important decisions when they decided to appoint John Hunter as manager who replaced W.H. Barrie who decided to move abroad with his family. Sailor’s wages for the role were £2.10/- per week.

On the same date both Waiitie Brand and John Butler were sold to English side Bristol City for a fee of £90.

Friday 22nd May 1925

Mr Duffy retired as Chairman of Motherwell Football Club, Mr Thomson was unanimously agreed to by the Board to be his successor.

Tuesday 22nd May 1945

The Board noted that they were interested in a player called William McCall who is currently on the books with Hamilton Academical, it was agreed to have him watched in their forthcoming game against Morton on Saturday. The inside-left would eventually sign for Aberdeen but he did join Motherwell eventually in 1948.

Tuesday 22nd May 1956

Manager, Bobby Ancell reports that he has completed a double signing. Bert McCann arrives from Queen’s Park and Pat Holton from Hamilton Accies who cost the club £1,200 to prise him away from Douglas Park.

Saturday 23rd May 1998

The national press reports that travel tycoon John Boyle will become the new owner of Motherwell before the start of next season. Boyle, one of Scotland’s richest men with a personal wealth of £25 million, is set to plough £2 million into buying controlling stake in the club. The lifelong Motherwell fan owns Glasgow based Direct Holidays and has already snapped up a 25% share in the club. Now he has opened talks with current ‘Well owner John Chapman and a deal to buy his 51% share is expected in the next few days.

Saturday 24th May 1913

A notice of motion was tabled by Mr Bowman on the advisability of changing the club colours.

Monday 25th May 1914

Thomas J. Quirk stands down as Chairman and he is replaced by Mr B.W. Gilmour.

Sunday 25th May 2008

60,000+ turned up at Celtic Park for Phil O’Donnell’s tribute match which pitted a Celtic Legends side versus a Motherwell Legends side, all funds raised from the game went to the O’Donnell Family Trust and a range of different charities. Celtic won the game 5-1 as many former colleagues and family members turned out for both sides including Tommy McLean and Wim Jansen who managed each respective side and players such as Henrik Larsson, Paul Lambert, Tom Boyd, Dougie Arnott and Davie Clarkson amongst many other notable faces.

Tuesday 26th May 2020

Horrible news filtered through to the club that 23 year old former defender Christian Mbulu had sadly passed away. He had recently been on the books with English League Two side Morecambe.

Tuesday 27th May 1941

The club’s Board discussed outside-right J. Brown of Burnbank who just recently signed on at Fir Park, the player has now joined the Air Force.

Wednesday 27th May 2023

Kevin van Veen’s goal in the 1-1 draw away to Livingston would see the Dutchman become only the second man to score in 10 games in a row, this record was set during the 1919/20 season when legendary forward Hugh Ferguson accomplished this feat, it is a magnificent accomplishment on Kevin reaching this feat.

Van Veen’s run started with a double over Ross County on the 4th March and he would go on a run that would see him net against both sets of the Old Firm plus doubles against Hibernian and Livingston.

Thursday 28th May 2015

After a dismal season having finished 11th in the Premiership season, the club had to play a two legged playoff to ensure their survival in the league, some added spice to the game came in the shape of Stuart McCall, the former ‘Well boss who resigned earlier in the season after struggling was now in charge of Rangers. Furthermore every pundit wrote Motherwell’s chances of staying up off. In the game itself the side showed a delightful counter attacking master class as they won 3-1 thanks to goals from Erwin, McManus and Ainsworth. The second leg would be equally enjoyable in only a matter of days time.

Saturday 29th May 1965

In front of 12,081 at Fir Park, Motherwell defeat Dundee United 3-1 in the first leg of the Summer Cup Final. Pat Delaney netted twice and Joe McBride netted the other as the side have a two goal advantage going into their trip to Tannadice in a few days time.

‘Well side – McCloy, M. Thomson, McCallum, Aitken, Martis, Murray, Hunter, McBride, Delaney, I. Thomson, Weir.

United side – Mackay, Millar, Briggs, Neilson, Smith, Berg, Munro, Thom, Mitchell, Døssing, Gillespie.

Thursday 29th May 1997

The Motherwell Times report that the club is still up for sale with no one so far coming up with an offer that meets John Chapman’s asking price which is though to be upwards of £2 million. Secretary Alan Dick confirms that potential suitors have made offers to the Motherwell Chairman, but nothing which he feels he can accept.

Friday 30th May 2008

David Clarkson win his first Scotland cap against the Czech Republic. He came on as a substitute and managed to get on the score sheet as the side lost 3-1 in Prague. Clarkson was the first Motherwell player to score for Scotland since Willie Pettigrew.

Wednesday 30th May 2018

Chris Cadden wins his first full international cap for Scotland when he comes on as a late substitute in the 2-0 loss versus Peru. He follows this up soon there after with his second cap against Mexico.

Thursday 31st May 1945

The club secure the services of Larkhall Thistle, outside-left, William Barclay.

Sunday 31st May 2015

The second leg of the relegation playoff against Rangers proved to be as equally entertaining as the first leg. ‘Well leading 3-1 on aggregate happily mopped up early pressure in the game, Gers had a glorious chance when defender Zaliukas missed an open goal from 6 yards when he blazed the ball over the bar. In the second half Marvin Johnson tried an effort from range but his deflected shot should have been easily gathered by keeper Cammy Bell but he opted to try and punch the ball which flew backwards and nestled into the net, Fir Park exploded with joy. As Rangers tried to push for a goal of their own, Marvin Johnson managed to break forward and tee up Lionel Ainsworth who stroked the ball home, an injury time John Sutton penalty sealed a 3-0 win with a fantastic 6-1 aggregate scoreline. Their was some ugly scenes after the match as Lee Erwin tried to shake the hand of Rangers defender Bilel Mohsni who declined, Lee gently shoved him only for the Tunisian to launch a cowardly attack on Erwin from behind with a kick and punch. A scuffle ensued which led to a lengthy ban for Mohsni, ‘Well players Ainsworth and Kerr would get a two match ban as they got caught up in the incident.

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