Motherwell

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

By January, Callum Slattery still hadn't played a minute of Motherwell's season. Nine games later, the midfielder is one goal off being the club's joint top scorer for the campaign.

Perhaps that says more about a lack of goalscorers in the Fir Park side, but in just five starts this term after returning from a serious year-long knee injury, Slattery has highlighted what the Lanarkshire club have been missing.

While teenager Lennon Miller has deservedly received plenty of plaudits for his ability to dictate play and create from midfield, Motherwell have lacked the drive, energy and quality Slattery provides higher up the pitch.

Following the appointment of manager Michael Wimmer, the 26-year-old has been deployed in one of the two advanced positions in a box midfield.

From there, Slattery has been able to press the game high while having the freedom to receive the ball in dangerous positions.

In four starts under German coach Wimmer, the all-action midfielder has scored three goals and provided one assist. He has never scored more than four goals in a Premiership season since his arrival from Southampton in 2021.

Slattery's underlying numbers also catch the eye. Out of all the Motherwell squad, and on a per-90-minutes basis, he ranks top for successful passes in the opposition half, top for fouls won, second for shots attempted, third for chances created and third for duels won.

He also ranks in the top five for touches, dribbles attempted and possession won in final third. Those stats become more impressive when you take into consideration the fact he will still be working his way back to full fitness.

And that is now the key for Wimmer, to make sure his star man is able to reach peak fitness while maintaining the performance level he is showing.

Motherwell have endured an injury nightmare for much of this season, but if they want to snatch a top-six spot, it is imperative the manager has his key men to rely on - and Slattery certainly falls into that category.

Andy Campbell
BBC Sport Scotland

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The race for top-six places is predictably tight. Only Celtic, Rangers, Hibs and Aberdeen are assured a finish in the top half.

Dundee United, Hearts, St Mirren and Motherwell are all vying for the final two places and County are not arithmetically out of the race just yet.

For Motherwell and their new manager Michael Wimmer, securing a place among the elite would vindicate his recent appointment.

The German has two wins and a draw from his opening five games, including a victory at Ibrox. However, Saturday's 4-1 loss at Aberdeen was a setback as St Mirren and United made gains with wins.

On Saturday, the Fir Park side take a trip to face a Kilmarnock team smarting from a 5-1 defeat by St Mirren and already consigned to the bottom six.

Motherwell are unbeaten in the fixture going back almost 16 months and maintaining that record could be crucial to where Wimmer's side end this season.

Read all the weekend Premiership picks

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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On-loan Carlisle United striker Luke Armstrong says he would "love" to extend his stay with Motherwell.

Manager Michael Wimmer has also said he would be open to the possibility of the 28-year-old returning to the club next season.

In seven appearances for the Fir Park side, Armstrong's two goals have come against Celtic and Rangers.

Despite the forward's eagerness to stay in Lanarkshire beyond the end of the campaign, he concedes there are "many factors" involved in a potential move given his Carlisle contract runs until the summer of 2027.

"The summer could be anything for me, I've just got to do as well as I can," Armstrong said.

"I'd love to [stay] if that was a possibility. There are a lot of factors, I'm contracted at Carlisle, but it would be good to come back if that was possible."

Victory at Kilmarnock on Saturday would ensure Motherwell - who were accused of "giving up" by boss Michael Wimmer in the latter of stages of last week's 4-1 trouncing by Aberdeen - go into the final pre-split game against Hearts still with a chance of finishing in the top six.

"We just want to show the gaffer and everyone that we'll keep fighting to the end and that's not the case of us, that's not a thing that he needs to worry about or anyone needs to worry about," Armstrong added.

"It's definitely not a criticism you want to be involved with. We want to be known as someone who fights to the end.

"All we can do is put that right by proving it wrong and making sure that if we're in a situation like that again, we keep pushing."

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• Since the start of 2024, all three league meetings between Kilmarnock and Motherwell have been drawn.

• Motherwell are winless in their last five league visits to Kilmarnock (D2 L3) since a 1-0 victory in February 2021 under Graham Alexander.

• Kilmarnock have lost four of their past five league games (D1), as many as their previous 13 beforehand (W5 D4 L4).

• Only Kilmarnock (11) have lost more away games in the Scottish Premiership this season than Motherwell (10). The Steelmen have lost six of their past eight league matches on the road (W1 D1).

• Bruce Anderson has scored nine goals in the Scottish Premiership this season, and could become the first player to reach double figures in his debut top-flight campaign for Kilmarnock since 2011-12, when both Dean Shiels (13) and Paul Heffernan (11) did so.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland at Fir Park

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Manager Michael Wimmer praised the influence of "very, very important" midfielder Andy Halliday, but the Motherwell boss would not be drawn on contract talks with the 32-year-old, whose deal expires this summer.

The former Rangers and Hearts player has featured in every game this season, starting all of Wimmer's first five matches in charge.

But, as it stands, the experienced midfielder is one of many Well players set to be out of contract at the end of this season, meaning he is free to negotiate with other clubs.

"I'm very happy with Andy," Wimmer told the media prior to his team's trip to face Kilmarnock on Saturday.

"You can see in [the 4-1 defeat to] Aberdeen, for 90 minutes he gave everything for the club and the team.

"And I like how he deals with the young guys. It's very good how he speaks with them, how he helps them on the pitch to support them. But I don't speak about players who we want to extend, perhaps you will read it."

Wimmer is keen to lay the foundations for next season, with midfielder Callum Slattery, defender Stephen O'Donnell and wing-back Tom Sparrow all penning contract extensions recently.

The Well boss is also open to exploring an extended stay for on-loan Carlisle striker Luke Armstrong at Fir Park.

But, including loan recruits, there are still about 20 players from a bloated squad who are currently set to depart the club in the summer.

This will be the largest turnover of players former Austria Vienna manager Wimmer has experienced, but he says it is a "good situation" for him.

"The picture has become clearer every day," the German added. "I see who fits to us, who wants to work with us, who wants to play in this stadium in front of these great fans.

"Players in the squad now I can see every day, they have an advantage. We're now working to extend players."

But what does that mean for injured players who are unlikely to get the chance to play under Wimmer this season, including captain Paul McGinn?

"I have to make this picture, watch videos," the 44-year-old said. "These players have played for the club and made good performances, gave everything.

"They deserve also that I give them a clear picture and a chance. Of course they are at a disadvantage because they can't play, but it's up to me to give them the feeling they have no disadvantage."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland at Fir Park

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Manager Michael Wimmer has been speaking to the media prior to Motherwell's Scottish Premiership trip to Kilmarnock on Saturday.

Here are the key lines:

• Wimmer insists his team will be "ready and prepared" for the test at Rugby Park after a deep analysis session with his players on their poor 4-1 defeat at Aberdeen.

• The Well boss is open to the possibility of extending Luke Armstrong's stay, saying the on-loan Carlisle striker is a "very important player" who works hard in and out of possession.

• On Tom Sparrow, who signed a new two-year deal this week, Wimmer says: "Tom has big potential, we can develop him. He's perfect for the playing style."

• The former Austria Vienna boss says he has never managed a first-team game on an artificial surface, but will stand for no excuses about the Rugby Park pitch on Saturday.

• To achieve a top-six finish, Wimmer says his team "have to go all in" and they should "enjoy" the pressure.

• On a potential high turnover of players this summer, Wimmer says "the picture's become clearer from each player" and the club is "now working to extend" contracts.

• Among those yet to sign a new deal is midfielder Andy Halliday. Wimmer would not be drawn on specific contract negotiations but says the 32-year-old is an influential player who is "very, very important" for him.

• On potential restructuring of the Premiership, Wimmer feels he is too inexperienced in Scotland to give a view.

• Centre-back Liam Gordon is out for the trip to Kilmarnock but right-back Marvin Kaleta could return after sickness.

Celtic are likely to sell Japan midfielder Reo Hatate this summer while making another attempt to sign £4m-rated Motherwell 18-year-old Lennon Miller. (Daily Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Manager Michael Wimmer says Tom Sparrow is an "integral part" of his Motherwell future after the versatile 22-year-old signed a new two-year deal at the club.

Sparrow, whose fresh contract will run until the summer of 2027, joined the Lanarkshire side last summer after leaving Stoke City.

His initial appearances came in central midfield, but the former Chester player has impressed at right-wing back in recent weeks, scoring in last month's 2-1 win at Rangers.

"During my brief time here, I've come to truly value Tom and his contributions," said Fir Park boss Wimmer.

"He is a remarkable professional who has performed exceptionally well since my arrival. He brings energy, determination, and skill - qualities we highly seek in our team.

"As we prepare for next season, we're focused on laying the groundwork. Tom is an integral part of that plan and this is positive news for everyone at the club."

Former Wales Under-21 international Sparrow, who has scored four times for the club, added: "It makes complete sense for me to continue here.

"I have enjoyed every moment and believe I've made a significant impact. I feel I've grown and learnt a great deal from participating in so many matches."

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Is the Scottish Premiership in need of a shake-up? If so, how do you go about it?

News emerged on Tuesday that the SPFL is considering changing Scotland's top flight to a 10, 14 or 16-team division in an attempt to help reduce fixture congestion.

In its current 12-team form, the clubs split into a top and bottom six after 33 rounds of matches, with 38 rounds played altogether.

That format has been in place since 2000-01 and retaining that model is also an option, but reports have also suggested the split could be scrapped.

For any fresh structure to pass, it needs the backing of 11 of the 12 Premiership clubs, and eight out of 10 from the Championship plus 75% of League One and League Two combined.

And judging by the fan reaction to the mere thought of reducing the league to a 10-team division, you would have to assume that idea is already unlikely.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, former Premiership players Cammy Bell and Cillian Sheridan provided their views on a potential restructure.

Expansion is the only option for former Rangers and Kilmarnock goalkeeper Bell, while ex-Celtic striker Sheridan would like to see the split retained.

"I think we need a little bit of freshness about our game," Bell said. "So, if we can expand that league, then absolutely do it. We've got big enough clubs now that can generate good crowds.

"We're at a time just now where we've got the potential of trying to change it and certainly for me it's got to be expansion."

"The split works now," Sheridan added. "When I first came over and saw the whole split thing, I just never really got it. But in the past few years it has been quite interesting.

"If the league is wrapped up, if relegation is wrapped up, it does add a little bit of excitement to things in terms of teams getting into the top six and having to get European football."

Bitterly disappointed doesn't begin to describe how Saturday's game felt.

We were spineless. At 1-1 it was anyone's game, but it seemed we gave up.

I am a firm believer that you always keep fighting even if you fall two or three goals behind. However, the team seem to lack that mindset.

While there is still a slim chance we will sneak a top-six finish, I don't see it happening any more.

Still, to even have a chance - and make up for the Pittodrie defeat - we need to respond strongly against Kilmarnock this weekend.

Their form lately has been shocking, but the number of times I have seen a team down on their luck use us as a springboard back to success means I won't hold my breath.

The only thing giving me slight optimism is in the 2021-2022 season we somehow crawled our way into the top six with fewer than five league wins from January to April and qualified for a (albeit very short) run in Europe.

I'll be watching Saturday's game with frayed nerves while biting my nails.

With two matches to go until the Scottish Premiership splits, only four points separate the teams in sixth and ninth as they fight to squeeze into the top half and potentially secure European football next season.

Dundee United's narrow win in Dingwall means they are almost certain to be in the top half regardless of their results against Hearts and St Johnstone before the split.

Data company Opta give Jim Goodwin's side a 99% chance of being in the top six given their six-point buffer and superior goal difference to St Mirren, Motherwell and Ross County.

At the other end of the spectrum, they rate County's chance as next to zero, at 0.3%, given they have a four-point gap to make up on sixth-placed Hearts with a far poorer goal difference.

Hearts are only one point above both St Mirren and Motherwell, but the Tynecastle side's superior goal difference is almost worth an extra point at this stage, and they are heavy favourites to sneak in with a 66% chance.

However, Neil Critchley's side play Motherwell away in their final match before the split, which could prove crucial given the congested nature of the table.

St Mirren are away to Dundee and home to Ross County as they attempt to overhaul Hearts, buoyed by their dominant 5-1 win over Kilmarnock on Saturday.

And Motherwell boss Michael Wimmer is hoping to bounce back from their defeat by Aberdeen when they travel to Rugby Park next weekend before that all-important match against Hearts.

"The league always feels - Celtic and Rangers are a bit different - like you could beat everyone," said John Sutton, who played as a striker for three of the sides hoping for a top-six spot in Hearts, St Mirren and Motherwell.

"The split gets knocked a little bit, I really liked it as a player. You make the top six, and it's game on, trying to get European qualification.

"I think if you take Celtic and Rangers out of things to an extent, every game's a very tricky game. I expect the picture to change this weekend and I expect it to change the following weekend as well."

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Motherwell midfielder Andy Halliday insists Aberdeen striker Pape Gueye's challenge on him would have been a red card 30 years ago and believes VAR should have intervened (Daily Record), external.

Watch all the highlights from Aberdeen's 4-1 win over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

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Michael Wimmer believes the race for the Scottish Premiership top six will go down to the wire, as his side's chances took a blow after a heavy defeat to Aberdeen.

Motherwell sit just one point behind sixth-placed Hearts, who they play on matchday 33 at Fir Park.

Before that, they'll face Kilmarnock, whose chances of a top six finish were ended after defeat to St Mirren on Saturday.

"We lost against a good team, but the table is so tight so anything is possible," Wimmer said.

"It's good that we are in the race for a top-six place, but it's important that we perform for 90 minutes."

"We have to concentrate on the next game against Kilmarnock and hopefully we're still in it when we play Hearts at home.

"The table is so tight that I think it will come down to game 33."

Motherwell fans, we asked for your views after the 4-1 loss to Aberdeen at Pittodrie. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Colin: Good first six minutes, then all downhill. Callum Slattery and Tom Sparrow were the best performers by far. There is nothing upfront, no guile or flair, no periods of decent possession. A bit of a step back under Michael Wimmer's leadership.

David M: Wimmer has inherited Stuart Kettlewell's underachievers and I already see progress. There's a long way to go, but if we finish best of the rest come May, that's a better place than I feared we were heading under the previous manager.

Let's consider that as a glitch on the journey. It won't be the last, but we are in a better place now and will be better prepared for next season.

Kevin: The honeymoon period is over. I was impressed by what Wimmer was doing when he first came in, but the St Mirren and Aberdeen games were like watching a Kettlewell team, just dire. Please bring back 4-4-2, this lone striker never works and is brutal to watch.

Andy: Wimmer now knows exactly what he has inherited from Kettlewell - a team lacking in pace and a lack of quality in several positions, a squad tied to a formation that exposes weaknesses.

Survival this season and a huge rebuild next is reality. Then it's time to judge.

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• Aberdeen won after conceding the opening goal in the Premiership for the first time since 15 May 2024 against Livingston (15 games without a win).

• The Dons are undefeated in their last three games in the Premiership - their last longer unbeaten streak was from 16 March 2024 to 9 November 2024, a run of 20 games.

• Kevin Nisbet has scored nine goals in the Premiership this season (two in this game), more than any other Aberdeen player. He has now scored seven goals in 12 appearances in the Premiership against Motherwell.

• Jimmy Thelin's side have scored 13 goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, only Celtic (22) and Dundee United (15) have scored more in the Premiership this season.

• Motherwell have a record of W0, D1, L11 when trailing at half-time in the Premiership this season.

• Motherwell have conceded 13 goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, only Ross County (17) and Hibernian (16) have conceded more in the Premiership this season.

• Callum Slattery has contributed to goals in his last three games in the Premiership (three goals, one assist).

Aberdeen secured their place in the Scottish Premiership's top six with an emphatic 4-1 win over Motherwell at Pittodrie.

The visitors made a dream start, breaking the deadlock after just five minutes when Callum Slattery powered a header into the net.

But the Dons were soon back level, after Alfie Dorrington's shot found its way past Motherwell keeper Ellery Balcombe, taking a deflection off Andy Halliday on its way.

The host's second goal was a thing of beauty, Leighton Clarkson curling in a sumptuous 20 yarder as the interval approached.

And they extended their advantage on 76 minutes when Kevin Nisbet headed in from an Alexander Jensen cross. Nisbet got his second and Aberdeen's fourth with a rasping added-time strike from 30 yards which crashed off the underside of the cross bar and into the net.

What did you make of that, Motherwell fans? Did you travel to watch the game?

Where was the game lost? How do you feel about the remainder of the season?

Let us know your thoughts here.

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Motherwell boss Michael Wimmer told BBC Scotland: "Aberdeen deserved the win. We started well, went in front, but then Aberdeen were better. We were lucky to go in at half-time at just 2-1 down.

"We started well in the second-half, good in possession, had chances with Tom Sparrow and Luke Armstrong. For 3-1, we defended badly and that was that for us.

"What I'm not satisfied with, and what is not okay for me, is the last 15 minutes. We gave up, and I don't like that. It doesn't matter what the result is, we have to fight for 90 minutes. We will speak about this.

"I'm here five weeks now, and you learn each game and in training. Aberdeen are a brilliant team, I like how they play football, but in the last 15 minutes we gave up.

"The reaction from a couple of players was not okay. I hope we learn from this."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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It is inevitable Motherwell are going to experience a few bumps in the road as recently appointed German boss Michael Wimmer continues to find his feet in Scottish football.

What happened at Pittodrie is a case in point, and undoubtedly a result which puts a dent in their chances of finding themselves in the top half of the table when the league splits in two in a few weeks time.

In football there is often a tendency to simply focus on the here and now, but the bigger picture is more important for the Steelmen.

Wimmer is still getting used to life, and football, in this country and the early signs have been encouraging.

He appears to be adapting relatively well and the Well players, and fans, look to be buying in to what he is trying to do.

Who knows how things will play out - only time will tell – but however it goes between now and the season's end, you get a sense that there is plenty to be optimistic about in the medium term for the Fir Park side.

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Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov begins another spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury he sustained on international duty with Bulgaria.

Kristers Tobers (hamstring) and Sivert Heltne Nilsen (eye) remain out along with long-term absentees Vicente Besuijen (knee), Jamie McGrath and Gavin Molloy (both shoulder).

Motherwell wing-back Marvin Kaleta is a doubt with a stomach bug while Tawanda Maswhanise only returned from playing for Zimbabwe in time for one training session.

The Steelmen remain without Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (broken wrist), Shane Blaney, Sam Nicholson (both knee), Jack Vale (Achilles), Steve Seddon (ankle), Ross Callachan (hamstring), Paul McGinn (thigh), Zach Robinson (Achilles) and Archie Mair (hand).

Calum Macdonald
BBC Sport Scotland

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Tom Sparrow says the "crash, bang, wallop" style of Scottish football suits his game as he bids to help Motherwell sneak a top-six finish.

The Wales Under-21 international, who moved to Fir Park from Stoke City last summer, has been deployed at wing-back under Michael Wimmer and is relishing working with the new manager, who has praised the squad's work ethic.

"Really enjoyed it, you can see that in the results, everything he's tried to implement I've enjoyed and every day has been enjoyable to come into," said Sparrow.

"It shows well on the group, we're hard working and everyone wants to dig in and help, which is brilliant if he [the manager] see that.

"That's the main thing and that goes across the whole of Scotland, all the games, I call them crash, bang, wallop, they are all action, everyone is full blooded and I enjoy that, it probably gets the best out of me.

"The way the gaffer wants me to play is really attacking, which is what I enjoy. As long as I'm playing it's fine by me."

Seventh-place Motherwell - currently a point off Hearts in sixth - head to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen on Saturday in their third-last fixture before the split.

"All games are big, especially in this league where everyone beats everyone," added Sparrow.

"We've said all week we just need to take it game by game, and win every game, but if we get a good result it puts in a good position."