Motherwell v Ross County: Pick of the statspublished at 18:53
18:53
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This will be the third time that Motherwell and Ross County have faced on matchday one of a top-flight season, after 2012-13 (0-0 draw) and 2020-21 (1-0 Ross County win).
Motherwell have won both of their last two league meetings with Ross County while scoring five goals each time.
Motherwell have won just once in the last seven league seasons on matchday one (D2 L4), beating St. Mirren 1-0 in 2022-23.
Ross County have lost four of the five previous occasions that they have played away from home on matchday one of a top-flight season, the only exception being a 2-1 win at Dundee in 2017-18.
Ross County only won one of their 19 away league games last season (D6 L12), failing to win any of their last 17 on the road (D6 L11). The last side to go 18 consecutive away games without a win in the Scottish top flight were Livingston from September 2018 to August 2019.
Premiership ones to watch: Apostolos Stamatelopoulospublished at 18:42
18:42
Clive Lindsay BBC Sport Scotland
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With the new Premiership season kicking off this weekend, BBC Sport Scotland have been taking a look at some new faces to keep an eye on.
Having cashed in on Theo Bair's surprise emergence as a goal machine in his one season after being freed by St Johnstone, Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell has given himself plenty of chances to replace the Canada international following his departure to Auxerre.
Filip Stuparevic, the Serb previously of Slovenian club Domzale, Zach Robinson, who spent last season on loan to Dundee from Wimbledon, and Moses Ebiye, the Nigerian who arrived from Aalesunds in March, did not exactly hit the goal trail during the League Cup group stage.
He might have arrived too late to be handed a start against Ross County on Saturday, but new Australia cap and commentators' nightmare Apostolos Stamatelopoulos may be the long-term solution given his 17 goals in 25 appearances last season despite Newcastle Jets finishing a lowly 10th in the A-League.
In saying that, he failed to find the net once on his last European sojourn with Giannina in the Greek Super League.
'Kettlewell already demanding more from new-look Motherwell'published at 18:06
18:06
Jane Lewis BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
The Motherwell manager has already laid down the law to his players before a ball of the league season has been kicked.
Stuart Kettlewell called their League Cup performance against Partick Thistle "awful" and "unacceptable", and didn’t shy away from telling his players as such. He was quick to chastise them in his post-match Radio Scotland interview, and no doubt like likewise in the Fir Park dressing room.
He spoke about his players standing off Thistle, allowing them to dominate large spells of the game, and he criticised a lack of energy and commitment from a group he was clearly expecting more from.
It may be a new league season on the horizon, but it’s the same old frustrations for the Motherwell boss. We heard similar complaints from Kettlewell last season and he’s demanding better already.
The Motherwell team that faced Partick Thistle had a new look to it. Only two players who were named in the starting XI started the final game of last season.
Several familiar names remain, but those new faces will now know what's expected of them at their new club. No doubt Kettlewell's stark warning of "performances like that will get you nothing in the Premiership", will still be ringing in their ears.
For his part, the manager will be hoping the message has well and truly landed. Ross County come to Lanarkshire for the opening day of the new league season. And they'll come full of confidence given their League Cup form. Many are tipping the Dingwall side to have a much improved season; Motherwell will be hoping any signs of that are delayed until after 17:45 on Saturday.
McMahon steps down as Motherwell chairmanpublished at 15:19
15:19
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Jim McMahon has officially resigned as Motherwell chairman after eight years in the role.
McMahon signalled his intention to step down in December 2023, and did so at a board meeting on Wednesday.
As part of the club's board, McMahon had endorsed working with the former Netflix vice-president Erik Barmack and his wife Courtney, before the American couple withdrew their offer of investment last month.
"Having attended my first Motherwell match in the 1950s and supported the club ever since, I am immensely proud to have served as the club chair for the last eight years," McMahon said in a statement.
"But as I announced at our AGM it is time for me to stand down from that role.
"I wish the new club chair and board every success in what will be an exciting next chapter for the club."
Kettlewell aiming for 'consistency' with Motherwellpublished at 15:00
15:00
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Stuart Kettlewell wants more consistency from his Motherwell side this season as they look to recreate the good run they enjoyed at the start of last year.
The Steelmen won three of their first four games and sat in second place in the Premiership, but failed to win again until 30 December.
"We started the league campaign excellently, had a poor run in the middle, and then some good form after the turn of the year," Kettlewell told Sky Sports.
"For us, it's about finding that level of consistency. Anyone who does that in this league has an opportunity to play in the top half of the split come the end of the season.
"If you concentrate on that level of consistency, naturally the league position starts to take care of itself.
"We've proved we can compete with every single team in this league - we've taken points off everybody in my time - but it's about finding a consistency, not having big high moments with big fall offs."
The manager also admitted that avoiding relegation is still the primary aim for Motherwell, and added that that the squad's turnover has been a "challenge".
"Every club wants to be a part of this division moving forward," Kettlewell said. "Some may argue that's not a lofty height of ambition, but that's where your starting point always has to be.
"When you're a club that sits at the bottom end of the finances in this division, that always has to be the first port of call. But I absolutely do believe we've got the capabilities - as a football club and as a playing staff - to be slightly more consistent.
"There is a real challenge. I spoke to our supporters on Monday and said 'in an ideal world, all you want to do is bring one or two in' and have that consistent group. But we all know what it's like here at Motherwell.
"We've had a top-five transfer in our club's history in Theo Bair, and within that you lose Liam Kelly and Blair Spittal, really influential players, and some loan signings. There's a few more changes than what we want but it should bring excitement."
'Motherwell to pay £260,000 for Stamatelopoulos' - gossippublished at 08:47 31 July
08:47 31 July
Motherwell agreed a £260,000 fee with Newcastle Jets to sign 25-year-old Australia forward Apostolos Stamatelopoulos on Tuesday. (Anthony Joseph on X), external
'Thistle draw highlighted Motherwell shortcomings in brutal fashion'published at 10:40 30 July
10:40 30 July
Jenna Thomson Fan writer
After spending most of last season miserable and bemoaning the shortcomings of players and managers alike, I am hoping this season will be more successful for Motherwell.
The club have taken the feedback from fans and pundits and finally signed some new defenders. Our options in midfield and up front still look shaky, but we have time to find a strong replacement for Theo Bair. His departure will damage us but the funds we received for him will make it so much easier to plug the gaps in our squad.
Zach Robinson has some promise, but it does feel as though he needs a million shots at goal before any go in.
Our League Cup game against Partick Thistle at the weekend highlighted our shortcomings in brutal fashion. It was a poor performance and there was little joy to be had despite qualifying for the next round.
I am trying to look at the positives - there is time for Stuart Kettlewell to get new faces in the door.
Predicted league finish: Realistically I predict us finishing between seventh and ninth. However, I'd happily be proven wrong with a top-six finish.
Standout player will be: If he remains with us our standout player will be Lennon Miller without a doubt. That boy is absolutely unbelievable. The talent he has at such a young age is remarkable.
Game most looking forward to: Aberdeen at home in January. The dons travelling to Fir Park allows me the chance to catch up with old friends that are unfortunately of the red persuasion and in hopes we finally improve our record at home against them.
Stamatelopoulos not a 'dramatic saviour' for Motherwell - Kettlewellpublished at 16:06 29 July
16:06 29 July
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Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell says Motherwell need to dramatically improve following Sunday's disappointing showing against Partick Thistle, and stressed they cannot solely rely on incoming striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos.
Kettlewell's side were booed by sections of their support after a goalless draw with the Championship side, with Stamatelopoulos watching on before his medical with the club.
"I need to stress that he doesn’t become the dramatic saviour to what was a really poor performance," Kettlewell said.
"We think it’s someone that can add goals to your team, that can give us that focal point at the top end of the pitch, but every single other aspect to our team will need to be better for him to go and try and perform.
"He’s a bit behind. He’s played an All Star game, and he’s been training for a couple of weeks over in Australia. His wife has just had a baby there on Tuesday, which has sort of interrupted the flow but he’s at a reasonable stage.
"Physically, it will still take some more work to make sure that we’re getting him up to full speed to play 90 minutes in the game."
Stamatelopoulos watches on before prospective Motherwell movepublished at 11:42 29 July
11:42 29 July
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Striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos was in the Fir Park stands during Motherwell's goalless draw with Partick Thistle in the League Cup on Sunday.
Manager Stuart Kettlewell confirmed last week that there was a deal in place for 25-year-old Stamatelopoulos, subject to a medical.
It would now appear the Australia international is a step closer to signing for the Steelman, as Kettlewell looks to replace Theo Bair up front.
Stamatelopoulos scored 17 times in the A-League last season and earned his first Socceroos cap against Palestine in June.
Motherwell captaincy 'a real honour' - McGinnpublished at 09:51 27 July
09:51 27 July
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Paul McGinn says he was taken aback by being offered the Motherwell captaincy by manager Stuart Kettlewell, but joked the offer was dependant on him staying at Fir Park.
McGinn replaces now-Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly in the role, with Stephen O'Donnell his vice-captain.
"A proud moment, a real honour," McGinn said. "To get that sort of call was a big moment.
"He just said he'd always planned to as long as I agreed to stay. I'm a bit more laidback [than Liam Kelly], but not too different."
Motherwell face Partick Thistle in their final League Cup group-stage match on Sunday, knowing that a win would see them top the group, but McGinn is wary of their Championship opponents.
"It's definitely dangerous," he said. "It's almost like a final now, so we've got to try get this win."
'I dispel the rumours when they're nonsense, this one is accurate'published at 14:29 26 July
14:29 26 July
Motherwell are closing in on signing Australia forward, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, Stuart Kettlewell has confirmed.
The Newcastle Jets striker, who scored 17 times in the A-League last season and earned his first Socceroos cap against Palestine last month, has been lined up to fill the void left by Theo Bair, who joined French Ligue 1 side Auxerre for a seven-figure fee last week.
“Apostolos is traveling over to Scotland just now and I can confirm there is an agreement in place subject to medical,” he said at his press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup game against Partick Thistle.
Kettlewell confirmed his arrival has been slightly delayed by the imminent birth of his child.
“He’s someone we have been tracking and following for a while," he added.
"We would hope if we can get him past that medical in the next day or so, [then] he starts to come into the mix and our group right away.
“I don’t want to say too much more than that, but I think it is important that I do confirm the rumours that are out there because I am always dispelling them when I think they are absolute nonsense, but this one is accurate."
However, the Motherwell manager did stress, "some of the details in terms of numbers and finances are very inaccurate," surrounding the possible deal.
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Paton out for at least 14 weeks after ankle surgerypublished at 11:04 26 July
11:04 26 July
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Harry Paton will be sidelined for a minimum of 14 weeks after undergoing ankle surgery, Motherwell have confirmed.
The midfielder picked up an injury in Motherwell's 3-1 win against Clyde in the Premier Sports Cup last Saturday.
"It was a pretty bad injury," manager Stuart Kettlewell said.
"Harry's had surgery on his ankle. It looks like he'll be out for a minimum of 14 weeks.
"We'll support Harry to make sure he comes back from this injury."
The Canadian has made 42 appearances for the Lanarkshire club since joining from Ross County in April 2023.
On a brighter note, Kettlewell provided a positive update on Ross Callachan and Sam Nicolson, adding the pair are, "doing some pretty extensive work" and "moving in the right direction".
The Motherwell manager also said Callum Slattery is," coming along really well."
"He's desperate to get back on the pitch but there's a timescale involved. You won't see him playing until well into November. If we introduce him too early, there's a risk of another injury.
"He has a smile on his face because he's making good strides."
League Cup last-16 draw details confirmedpublished at 15:34 23 July
15:34 23 July
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The draw for the last 16 of the Scottish League Cup will take place on Sunday.
It will be broadcast live on Premier Sports following their coverage of Motherwell v Partick Thistle at Fir Park, which kicks off at 15:00 BST.
The top-flight's five European representatives - holders Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Kilmarnock and St Mirren - will enter the draw and will also be seeded, along with the three best group winners.
All last-16 ties are scheduled to played on the weekend of 17/18 August.
Motherwell to splash out on Stamatelopoulos - gossippublished at 08:26 22 July
08:26 22 July
Newcastle Jets have confirmed the departure of striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, external to an unnamed European side, with Motherwell the club in question. (Anthony Joseph on X), external
Motherwell will pay around £260,000 for 25-year-old striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos. (Scottish Sun), external
More to come from Stuparevic - Kettlewellpublished at 16:03 21 July
16:03 21 July
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Stuart Kettlewell praised Filip Stuparevic's composure after the Serbian forward opened his Motherwell goal-scoring account in their 3-1 League Cup win over Clyde.
Stuparevic is still some way short of full fitness, but Kettlewell has told the former Watford man not to force things as he seeks to make a positive impression.
"We’ve actually been speaking to Filip, that he’s trying to impress and he’s trying to show that he’s a good player – we know he’s a good player – and every time he gets into that final third, it’s like he’s trying to strip the paint off the ball," Kettlewell said.
"I thought he caressed that one really well into the side netting and he’s more than capable of that.
"We are trying to get him fitter, trying to get him a little bit sharper and get him up to speed how we want to play. But I think it was a really good contribution.
"The first part is the work ethic and energy. Filip probably needed a little bit more work than several other players so, gradually, hopefully, you’ll start to see him getting up to speed and and showing us that type of quality he gave us with the third goal."
Kettlewell hopes Paton injury 'nothing too serious'published at 11:16 21 July
11:16 21 July
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Image caption,
Harry Paton picked up a knock against Clyde
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell hopes Harry Paton's ankle injury is "nothing too serious".
Canada defender Paton, 26, was withdrawn after 39 minutes of Well's 3-1 Scottish League Cup win over hosts Clyde on Saturday, Andy Halliday taking his place.
Kettlewell currently has Sam Nicholson, Ross Callachan and long-term absentee Callum Slattery sidelined.
"He's possibly just rocked his ankle," Kettlewell said of Paton. "But fingers crossed it's nothing too serious to add to what we've already got."
Moses Ebiye put the Steelmen in front and Lee Hamilton levelled for Clyde. Lennon Miller won and converted a penalty for Motherwell's second and Filip Stuparevic netted his first goal for the club late on.
"We've actually been speaking to Filip, that he's trying to impress and he's trying to show that he's a good player - we know he's a good player - and every time he gets into that final third, it's like he's trying to strip the paint off the ball," Kettlewell commented.
"I thought he caressed that one really well into the side netting and he's more than capable of that.
"We are trying to get him fitter, trying to get him a little bit sharper and get him up to speed how we want to play. But I think it was a really good contribution.
"The first part is the work ethic and energy. Filip probably needed a little bit more work than several other players so, gradually, hopefully, you'll start to see him getting up to speed and showing us that type of quality he gave us with the third goal."
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