Motherwell will demand a fee of just under £10m for 18-year-old midfielder Lennon Miller this summer, with Celtic and Lyon both interested. (Football Insider), external
Brighton and Hove Albion's sister club Union Saint-Gilloise are working on a £5m deal for Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller. (Scottish Sun), external
Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland
Michael Wimmer's appointment at Fir Park brought a fresh bout of optimism to Motherwell supporters after the messy and abrupt end to Stuart Kettlewell's tenure.
With three games under his belt - including a memorable win at Ibrox - what do the numbers say about Wimmer's start to life in Scotland?
The Steelmen already look a more attack-minded side under the German, amassing 30 shots and 12 on target.
In comparison, Well had 21 shots and seven on target in Kettlewell's final three league games.
In the Wimmer era so far, Motherwell have taken a total of 50 touches in the opposition box while only managing 37 in Kettlewell's final three league matches.
Indeed, Kettlewell's reign ended with just one win in his final 11 league games. Wimmer has already doubled that victory tally, and secured the club's first back-to-back wins since December.
One of the main issues Motherwell fans had with Kettlewell was a passive set-up. In his final three league games the Steelmen averaged just under 36% possession.
That's already rocketed up since Wimmer took over to an average of just under 50%.
Another aspect that will please fans is Motherwell's ability to hold on to a result, with Wimmer's side beating Dundee and Rangers 2-1.
That continues a trend in which Motherwell have lost just seven points from winning positions this season. Only Celtic and Rangers have lost fewer.
Fit-again talisman Lennon Miller has started all three games under Wimmer and will clearly be a key weapon in the new regime.
The 18-year-old is no stranger to hype and he's been living up to it this season. Miller is in the top 10 Premiership players for penalty area entries and chances created this season. He's also joint second for assists (6) - only one fewer than Celtic's Alistair Johnston, Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn.
Celtic are looking to sign Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller during the summer transfer window, while Lyon have also been monitoring the 18-year-old Scotland Under-21 international. (Football Insider), external
Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNS
We asked you to tell us the one thing nobody is talking about at Motherwell.
Here's what some of you said:
Stu: I think the majority of Motherwell fans have no expectations each season and hope for a top-six finish and some cup runs. The last two-and-a-half games has been what we have been looking for - passion, commitment, closing teams down and passing the ball forward! Night and day from the stale, negative tactics under Stuart Kettlewell. Sure to be a few more ups and downs.
Crawford: Horrendous run of injuries to key players was Kettlewells's downfall. Midfield is looking much more solid and constructive since Callum Slattery's return, giving young Lennon Miller space to play. Onwards and upwards.
Alan: Under the previous regime there were talks about further investment following the breakdown of investment from the USA. There feels to be an avoidance of discussing additional finance. Why? Can Motherwell survive in the long term without it?
Back-to-back wins under new manager Michael Wimmer have taken Motherwell back into the Scottish Premiership top six as the split approaches.
They are one point above Hearts in seventh and two above Ross County in eighth.
You know your club best, so what is the one thing regarding Motherwell - good or bad - nobody is talking about?
Motherwell's Andy Halliday said he told Lennon Miller to reject the call if Udinese phoned him in January because "the sky's the limit" for the midfielder. (Scottish Sun)
Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.
Jenna Thomson
Fan writer
I am in awe of Michael Wimmer.
Three games in charge and he has beaten Rangers at Ibrox of all places and completely transformed our team.
I may be getting giddily carried away, but hand a Wimmer lifetime contract - we are winning the league next season.
I hope the stunning win over Rangers serves as a massive punch to the gut of the people that spoke out against the German's appointment because he was a new face to Scotland.
We have four games remaining before the split and all are winnable. We can easily get nine points minimum to fuel the pursuit of European football.
The mess Aberdeen have found themselves in has benefited us massively and as long as their fall from grace continues we can profit.
It may be premature to start digging out my passport and beach towels for what will probably be Wales or Ireland away again, but as long as we are walking in a Wimmer wonderland, anything is possible.
Celtic are keeping close tabs on Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller, 18. (Record), external
Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter
It'd be remiss of me not to have a fair share of Motherwell players in my team following their mighty-impressive victory at Ibrox.
It could prove to be an important one too as the Well head back into the top six.
Three of Michael Wimmer's steely men have made my side.
Dominic Thompson was full of energy and a key part of a great team display from Motherwell at Ibrox.
Tom Sparrow showed great enthusiasm on the right-hand side. He scored the second against Rangers and epitomised the excellent overall showing as Motherwell went toe-to-toe with Barry Ferguson's side to emerge with all three points.
Callum Slattery was fantastic throughout in midfield against Rangers. Good with and without the ball.
Watch all the highlights from Motherwell's 2-1 win at Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
Available to UK users only.
Image source, SNSAndy Halliday believes Motherwell met "fire with fire" and followed manager Michael Wimmer's game plan "perfectly" in their win over Rangers on Saturday - almost exactly a year after their last win at Ibrox.
Wimmer's side sailed into a 2-0 lead and held on after Cyriel Dessers got one back for the hosts.
"It's a bold strategy, Motherwell coming to Ibrox and high-pressing, trying to play through the thirds," Halliday admitted. "A lot of people might feel you could be on a hiding to nothing if you do that.
"But I thought the boys followed the game plan perfectly. We spoke in the changing room about how Rangers are going to expect to start fast. They've got a returning captain [Barry Ferguson], someone that's really respected here, you're going to expect a reaction from them.
"We tried to meet fire with fire, we started fast. It's not even just the result, it's the performance. We thoroughly deserved the three points."
Wimmer has only been in place for three games but has won two of them, turning the Steelmen's fortunes around, and Halliday was quick to praise his new gaffer.
"The manager had a game plan and it's up to us as players to try and stick to that as much as possible," Halliday said. "There was key areas that we looked at out of possession, trying to press them in certain areas of the pitch. In possession was key too, if you come to Ibrox and turn over possession, you're going to be defending for 90 minutes.
"The second goal was the exact pattern we worked on this week, trying to steal the ball on one side of the pitch and work it quickly to the other side and exploit the spaces. The second goal is as good a goal as you're going to see this weekend. It was designed straight off the training ground."
"We won here last year, at the end of last season, which was a fantastic result. This one today felt that wee bit more special given how well the boys played."
Halliday, a former Rangers midfielder, also commented on Ferguson's appointment and insisted he thinks it will work out for his old club.
"Rangers have got quality players and Barry and the guys will get it right given time. They've not had a lot of time on the training ground. They've not had the same amount of time on the grass [as we've had]. It was up to us to bring our 'A game' and Rangers to be off it a wee bit."
We asked for your views on Motherwell's 2-1 win against Rangers.
Here's what some of you said:
Eddie: They talk about giving homegrown managers a chance but the last two games shows you foreign coaches are on a different level. Great win and everyone is giving 100 per cent.
Fraser: When we play Rangers or Celtic - with historical stats - it's always a nervy one, a game that most 'Well fans just hope we put up a fight and do ourselves justice and we did that, there was composure - using our midfield, playing through, tracking and pressing. Proud of the team. Well done, let's keep it going.
Norrie: Superb as my old dad would say. Pressed well in the first half and a deserved the two goal lead. Worked hard second half and substitutes helped keep up the energy. Hung in there for a deserved win.
Ross: It's truly amazing what a change of manager and tactics can do to lift a club, its players and supporters. It's early days but it's a really positive start for Michael Wimmer at our club. We were well worthy of our three points, the only way is up as they say.
Ryan: What a manager Wimmer is. Night and day the tactics under previous who shall not be named.
Alan: The new manager has instilled a sense of positivity and it's producing results! A well-deserved win from a team that now believes they can win matches regardless of the opposition. We now have momentum so let's push for a top six place before the split and hopefully qualify for Europe.
Image source, SNSRangers have scored in 25 of their 29 games, only Celtic (26) have scored goals in more matches in the Premiership this season.
Cyriel Dessers has scored 11 goals in the Premiership this season (1 in this game), no Rangers player has more.
Václav Černý has created 64 chances this season, more than any other player in the Premiership.
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSMotherwell players salute their fans at Ibrox
Motherwell were hanging on a little come the end but this was a brilliant win.
They had a real structure. They were brave on the ball. They showed quality at key moments and were clinical, for the most part, when given the opportunity.
Michael Wimmer talked about having to win duals before the game and they fought for everything in pursuit of the points.
The concession of the goal was down to an individual error and for most of the match they held Rangers very well, limiting clear-cut chances.
Rangers fell short but Motherwell played a big part in that.
They will take a lot of encouragement from how they performed in delivering a second win on the trot that will do wonders for their top six hopes.
Motherwell manager Michael Wimmer told BBC Scotland: "We had to change the atmosphere in the stadium and I think the guys did really well.
"The subs did really well and we defended until the end.
"This is something I want to see from the guys on the pitch that we are brave, that we have courage on the ball, that we find the right balance in possession.
"I think we were good in pressing so I'm very proud of the guys.
"I have to say it was a very tough game. We had chances to make the third goal, especially in the first half. In the end, a little bit of luck, and also we deserved to win."
Image source, SNSMichael Wimmer has won two of his three matches in charge of Motherwell
Two Ibrox wins in two seasons.
Motherwell were well worth their half-time lead and held on with impressive grit and determination once Rangers reduced the deficit.
Let us know your thoughts on a second victory on the bounce for new boss Michael Wimmer.
Image source, SNSTom Sparrow spurned a great chance before knocking Motherwell into a 2-0 lead at Ibrox with a composed strike.
The 22-year-old was a blur of industry on the right flank, putting in a power of running to help his team in attack and defence.
Image source, SNSRangers quartet John Souttar, Oscar Cortes, Leon Balogun and Dujon Sterling all returned to training this week. Neraysho Kasanwirjo remains out.
Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Marvin Kaleta are pushing for returns for Motherwell.
Shane Blaney, Sam Nicholson (both knee), Jack Vale (Achilles), Steve Seddon (ankle), Ross Callachan (hamstring), Paul McGinn (thigh), Zach Robinson (Achilles) and goalkeepers Archie Mair and Aston Oxborough (both hand) remain out.
Image source, SNSMotherwell goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe says new manager Michael Wimmer has brought a "much more positive outlook" to the club.
The Steelmen arrested a run of seven games without a win by beating Dundee in midweek on Wimmer's home debut and second game in charge after replacing Stuart Kettlewell.
"Obviously it's been a tough time. I think the manager coming in and giving that real positive impact has just settled us down a bit," Balcombe said.
"Wednesday was massive for us. It's good to get that first three points after what we've been through, but hopefully it's just a start."
Wimmer is now the second-newest manager in the top flight, with Barry Ferguson, who is now in the Ibrox dugout, next up for the German and his side in Govan on Saturday.
"The manager has been really positive and is just trying to keep all the boys in that same sort of mindset. So definitely upwards and onwards," added Balcombe.
"It's a much more positive outlook. He wants us to play football and not go long all the time, which is what I suit anyway, so I prefer to do that."
Balcombe, 25, had an unsettled start to the year but is hopeful he can now kick on at Fir Park.
He had started 2025 on loan at St Mirren and briefly returned to Brentford before moving on loan to Motherwell, where he played under three managers in his first four games, including caretaker Stephen Frail.
"It's been a bit of a whirlwind, but it's football and I'm just looking to play games and help out the team," he added. "It's football and these sort of things happen.
"I've played under four or five gaffers in a span of six months, so this is nothing to me. It's just how football works and hopefully now the boys can really get around the gaffer and going forward we can get that top six like we want."
Image source, SNSThis will be Barry Ferguson's first home league game as Rangers manager. The Ibrox side have won each of the past eight occasions a manager has taken charge of his first home league match since Stuart McCall drew 1-1 with Livingston in the Scottish Championship in March 2015. The last to lose his first such match was Tommy McLean in November 1983 (2-1 v Celtic).
Rangers have lost just one of their past 60 league meetings with Motherwell (W43 D16), a 2-1 reverse at home in March 2024.
Motherwell have only won once in their past 40 away league games against Rangers (D7 L32), losing their first such visit this season 2-1 in August.
Motherwell have lost their past three away league matches, last losing four on the bounce in December 2017 (run of five).
James Tavernier is one away from his 500th appearance for Rangers in all competitions. Since his debut for the club in July 2015, the right-back has featured in 92.4% of Rangers' matches (499/540).
