Motherwell

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Motherwell return to domestic action this weekend in a good place. They've won their past three games, including a big victory away at Easter Road last time out, and sit fourth in the Premiership table.

Despite missing key players through injury, the squad are finding a way to win games and manager Stuart Kettlewell will be eager for that to continue.

Within that squad, there’s an academy player who’s more than playing his part. For once I’m not talking about Lennon Miller, although he’s clearly an influential player for Motherwell and deserves all the plaudits coming his way.

However, Ewan Wilson has been impressive at left-wing back. He’s been handed his chance and, boy, is he taking it.

So far he’s started all of Motherwell’s 13 matches this season, holding his own in the league and cup competitions.

He was also away on international duty with the Scotland Under-21 squad this past fortnight, so just like team-mate Miller he’s receiving much deserved attention and recognition.

He’s slightly older than Miller, in fact he turns 20 next month, and he’s already had to show a bit of resilience in his career.

After a loan spell with Stirling Albion didn’t work out, Wilson embraced a move to non-league Beith Juniors.

He spent the remainder of last season there, helping them to win the league, while gaining valuable game time and experience.

Fair to say it’s served him incredibly well, with Motherwell now reaping the benefits.

With domestic football making its return this weekend, we want to know what you're looking for from your side.

Motherwell have made an excellent start to the season, sitting fourth in the Premiership with a League Cup semi-final on the way.

But is there anything they should look to build on between now and November's international break?

Give us your thoughts here, external.

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

I’m not saying I manifested Aston Oxborough’s contract extension, however...

I am beyond delighted at the news and once you see the stats that he has not only made the most saves this season out of all top-flight goalkeepers, his numbers compared to Liam Kelly's last season are eye-opening.

Not only did we extend his deal, but getting Tawanda Maswanhise tied down to 2026 with an option to extend is a phenomenal piece of business. He has been the answer we never knew we needed to a lot of our issues up front. Far too often we drag our heels with offering extensions or new deals, but the club's been on the ball this time.

With momentum behind us, Dundee at home feels like it could be a walk in the park but I won’t allow us to get ahead of ourselves. Dundee won’t make it easy for us, but I do ultimately believe we will get the better of them.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

In addition to the summer exits of attacking duo Theo Bair and Blair Spittal, outsiders perhaps felt Motherwell also had a job on their hands replacing goalkeeper Liam Kelly.

The answer had been sitting on their bench for the past two seasons.

In fact, not only has Aston Oxborough proven to be a competent replacement for Kelly, who left to re-join Rangers in the summer, his numbers suggest he is going to be a significant upgrade.

The 26-year-old has played a vital part in the Lanarkshire side's early season success - so much so, the club rushed to get the keeper to pen a contract extension.

Signing from Norwich in the summer 2022, Oxborough's Premiership debut did not come until the opening day of the current campaign.

Manager Stuart Kettlewell hailed the patience of the keeper, who has had to wait in the wings while Kelly underperformed last term.

He has since gone on to play every minute in the league this season and is posting some of the best goalkeeping numbers in the division.

Granted, the sample size is still relatively small, but - according to FotMob, external - Oxborough's save percentage of 78% is only bettered by Celtic's Kasper Schmeichel (93%).

Meanwhile, his xG prevented of 3.4 is a league high. Essentially, this means he has already avoided conceding three more goals than he should have based on the quality of chances he has faced.

Compared with Kelly's numbers from last season, Oxborough's save percentage is already 16% higher, plus the Rangers keeper's xG prevented was a league low of -8.4.

In the past two weekends, Oxborough has arguably been Motherwell's player of the match in back-to-back games, saving a penalty in the win over St Mirren before pulling off a string of stunning stops at Hibernian on Saturday.

With the Fir Park side currently fourth in the Premiership and a League Cup semi-final on the way, sustaining that performance level will be key if Kettlewell's side are to make this season a memorable one.

BBC Sport Scotland chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your questions.

Alan asked: Can Motherwell sustain this very good start to the season and where are the weaknesses in the team? What has happened to the promised new investment in the club?

Tom answered: I think Motherwell can finish top six, Alan. Stuart Kettlewell doesn't have a huge amount of players at his disposal, but he's got a settled team that knows what it's about. They've obviously got the class of Lennon Miller, but they're resilient on top of that. They’re hard to beat.

A curious statistic. In every league game so far, they've lost the possession stats, sometimes by a massive margin. They only had 32.3% against Hearts, but they did a job on them. They had only 39% against St Johnstone and they won and only 37% against St Mirren and they won that, too.

Motherwell's goals to shots on target must be among the very best in the league. You ask about potential weaknesses. Well, what happens when they can't defy those possession stats or when every second or third shot on target doesn't end with a goal? They're kinda beating the odds a little bit right now. I like what Kettlewell is doing.

As far as investment goes… I see that ex vice-chairman, Douglas Dickie, has resigned. His farewell message said the club was in the best financial position in 25 years, which is good, if true.

Not sure if the investment trail has gone a bit cold. He also shone a light on some of the disconnect at the club, which didn't sound great at all.

Image source, SNS

Motherwell winger Tawanda Maswanhise has signed a new deal until 2026 after impressing manager Stuart Kettlwell with his "pace, directness and quality on the ball".

The Zimbabwean winger, 21, arrived in August on a contract until January after leaving Leicester at the end of last season.

Maswanhise has helped the Steelmen to victories in five of his six appearances so far to earn an extended deal, with Motherwell holding an option of a further year.

"It's great to say I'll be a Motherwell player until 2026," he said.

"I have loved my time here so far. With it being a short-term deal I signed, I knew I had to try and impress the coaching staff and work as hard as possible.

"There was no doubt I wanted to stay here for longer and I'm pleased that's going to happen."

Maswanhise's new deal comes a day after goalkeeper Aston Oxborough extended his contract until 2027.

"Tawanda has shown what he brings to this team," manager Kettlewell said.

"His pace, directness and quality on the ball causes problems for the opposition. He is a great lad who I believe really helps the team. He has his future secured now and can knuckle down."

BBC Scotland chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your questions.

Gilbert asked: How long do you think we will keep Lennon Miller? I would hate to see him go to an Old Firm team and sit on the bench the same as David Turnbull.

Tom answered: I don't think you'll have him next season, Gilbert. Stephen McGinn was on our radio programme a few weeks back and said his brother, Paul, rates Miller as the best player of that age he'd ever played with. And Paul had obviously played with John. So that was an amazing tribute to Miller.

He's only a kid, obviously, but his scope is fantastic. Big and strong, vision, pass execution, engine, eye for a goal. He’s the real deal.

When he goes, I hope it’s to Italy, where Scottish players have a burgeoning reputation. I think he'd be brilliant in that league. If he can get a good club. He’s very young, yes. Maybe a move of that magnitude is too early for him, but he seems like a mature boy.

I also think he'd walk into the Rangers first team right now, but the thought of him doing a Lewis Ferguson is a thrilling one. Ferguson and Miller in the middle of the park for Bologna? I’d be surprised if they weren't fully aware of him in Italy - and beyond.

Image source, SNS

Goalkeeper Aston Oxborough has signed a new contract at Motherwell after becoming "a huge part of the success" the club have had this season.

Despite signing in the summer of 2022, the 26-year-old has only forced himself into the first team following the summer exit of Liam Kelly.

The former Norwich City keeper has been an integral part of the team's fine start as they sit fourth in the Premiership with a League Cup semi-final against Rangers on the way.

Oxborough was due to be out of contract at the end of the current season, but his new deal extends to summer 2027, with the club holding an option of a further year.

"There's been no doubt in my mind that I wanted Aston to stay at Fir Park beyond this season," manager Stuart Kettlewell said.

"His qualities have shone through in his performances and I think everyone knows how patient he has had to be for his opportunity.

"He is a huge part of the success we've had so far."

Oxborough added: "Signing this deal doesn't mean I'll be taking my foot off the gas. We have huge games coming up and long term, I want to be the number one keeper."

What would you like to ask Tom English about Motherwell?

Our chief sportswriter is in the hotseat ready to answer your questions and offer his insight and opinion on your club.

Who has been the top performer so far? Is the manager living up to expectations?

Put your questions to Tom here, external.

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Kofi Balmer could make his Northern Ireland debut after being called up to Michael O'Neill's squad for the Nations League games against Belarus and Bulgaria.

The 24-year-old Motherwell defender has been in squads before but is yet to make his first senior appearance for his country.

Balmer, who has played three games for Motherwell since his summer move from Crystal Palace, said: "It's an honour to be called up,.

"I have just tried to be professional and take my chance when it came. It's a great feeling."

O'Neill's side are on three points after two games in Nations League C.

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

Motherwell's run of form is immense, with the victory at Hibs making it six wins out of seven.

I know the inevitable eight-game spell without a win will happen sometime in winter, as it does every year, but as it stands now I genuinely think we have the ability to push for European football.

Hibs have had a topsy-turvy start to their season and Hearts have been diabolical. The only other usual contenders I can see causing us problems are, of course, Aberdeen and maybe St Mirren.

This is the most exciting the league has felt in a long while with Aberdeen outperforming Rangers, Motherwell in a semi-final, and the teams sitting from sixth to ninth changing frequently. For once there might not be an obvious choice for who may finish second, never mind the rest of the spots in the league.

Scottish football has been so enjoyable to watch this season, both from a Motherwell perspective and as a fan of the game in general.

An early-season standout at Fir Park is goalkeeper Aston Oxborough - give that man a lengthy contract.

His deal runs out next summer and I can only hope the club are doing everything it can to keep him longer.

Not only is he confident between the sticks, he also inspires confidence in our defence which was sorely lacking last season. If I were Steve Clarke, I would be checking ancestory.com to see if he has any Scottish grandparents.

Image source, SNS

Motherwell's Lennon Miller has been named Scottish Premiership player of the month in recognition of his sparkling September form.

The 18-year-old midfielder netted a double in the 2-1 win over St Mirren as he continues to impress amid Motherwell's strong start to the season.

Miller, who also scored the injury-time penalty winner against Dundee United to send the Steelmen into the League Cup semis, said: "I'm extremely pleased to pick up this award.

"Not many Motherwell players win it - Blair Spittal last season was only the third in five years to do so.

"Personally, it's great but more importantly, the team have been playing well collectively. There is a real sense of togetherness and cohesion between us all."

Sportscene pundits Michael Stewart and Shelley Kerr assess Motherwell's set-piece play in their 2-1 win against Hibs.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Motherwell have three players in my Team of the Week after their impressive win at Easter Road.

Aston Oxborough takes the gloves after a Player of the Match display - he has been outstanding since his ascension to Motherwell number one.

Love them or loathe them, there's no denying the effectiveness of the occasional long throw. Kofi Balmer's howitzer wreaked havoc in the Hibs box, allowing Andy Halliday to fire home and seal a huge three points for the Steelmen.

It's not often Motherwell shell out a reported six-figure sum, so they must have real conviction about Apostolos Stamatelopoulos. Given Stuart Kettlewell's ability to get the best out of Kevin Van Veen and Theo Bair you'd back his judgment.

The Australian got his first Motherwell goal after an injury interrupted arrival since signing from Newcastle Jets, finishing off an assist from Lennon Miller. How dangerous a combination could that duo be as the season develops?

Watch highlights as Motherwell win 2-1 against Hibs in the Scottish Premiership.

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Motherwell "aren't getting carried away," despite continuing their superb start to the season with victory at Easter Road, says Stuart Kettlewell.

Andy Halliday scored an 80th-minute winner after Apostolos Stamatelopoulos’ first goal since joining the Lanarkshire club in the summer was quickly cancelled out by Hibs winger Junior Hoilett.

Motherwell head into the international break fourth in the Scottish Premiership, but the manager insists they "won't be getting comfortable".

"It is a good run of form we're on but we're certainly not patting each other on the back and over-celebrating and getting carried away," said Kettlewell.

"We wanted to start the league campaign really well, which I think we've done to this point, and we wanted to go a run in the cup which we've done.

"But I need to stress it again that next week we'll go back to work and we'll make sure that we're trying to prepare for what comes next because if you sit there feeling really comfortable with yourself and really happy about yourself and patting each other on the back, then I tend to think that bad things start to come round the corner.

"So we’ll keep our motivation and we'll keep our desire to try and pick up three points wherever we are, home or away and then we’ve got a semi-final to look forward to, but there's plenty of football to be played before we get to that."

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 2-1 win against Hibs.

Here's what some of you said:

Taylor: Frustrating first half for any Well fan watching, no clear chances taken and only have Aston Oxborough and Lennon Miller to thank for keeping us in the game, which is becoming a theme this season. Brilliant second half and Well fought back after the Stephen O'Donnell error. The title charge is on.

Stephen: It was natural for any Well fan to worry about the void left when Liam Kelly, our number one and captain, left the club for a spot on the Rangers bench. But Oxborough has stepped up and proven his worth. The guy is a colossus in goal, also magnificent to see Apostolos Stamatelopoulos get on the scoresheet, he looks like a real find. In Stuart Kettlewell we trust!

James: Another victory and the second-half performance deserved it. Substitutions made a big difference, we always looked like regaining the lead. Great team effort and Miller just oozes class, the young man has the potential to be a superstar.

AJ: The team has been doing very well, there has definitely been times I've been sceptical of Kettlewell but he's proved to be a solid manager and I back him and the squad 100%.

Image source, SNS

• Hibernian have conceded five goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, no team has conceded more in the Scottish Premiership this season.

• The Easter Road side have failed to win any of their last 21 matches when conceding first in the league, since a victory over Celtic on 24 May 2023.

• Nectarios Triantis has received a red card - Hibernian's first sending off in the Premiership this season, and their first since 25th November 2023 against Dundee.

• Motherwell have scored four goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, no team has more in the Scottish Premiership this season.

• Motherwell have scored in each of their last six league games, scoring 11 goals in that run.

• Stuart Kettlewell's side have avoided defeat in their last five matches when scoring first in the Premiership, since a 1-3 loss to Celtic on 25 February 2024.

Were you at Easter Road or following the match elsewhere?

Either way, we want your views on the game - have your say here, external.

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell: "We didn't show what we can be as a team in the first half, I thought we addressed that right at the start of the second half.

"We then started to grow in confidence and I need to commend my goalkeeper again.

"We rallied round Stephen O'Donnell after his error and we get what is a brilliant victory for us.

"The motivator always has to be consistency now."

Image source, SNS

On the evidence of this season, Aston Oxborough looks a serious upgrade on Liam Kelly in the Motherwell goal.

With each passing week, it is more of a head-scratcher that Stuart Kettlewell kept the keeper on the bench throughout last season while Kelly was underperforming.

The 26-year-old Englishman made a string of superb stops with the game was goalless at Easter Road and received deserved from his manager post-match.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

With a League Cup semi-final to come next month in addition to their fine start in the Premiership, Well fans could not have dreamt of a better introduction to the season.

Stuart Kettlewell's men continue to show a knack of grabbing late goals, which stretches back to last term and highlights the strong mentality of his well-drilled side.

The Lanarkshire club are also benefitting from being patient with their manager, when many clubs might have pulled the trigger during a long winless run last year.

But with each passing week, it is more a head-scratcher that Kettlewell refused to bring Aston Oxborough into the side when Liam Kelly was underperforming last season.

The goalkeeper pulled off a string of stunning stops at Easter Road, including an incredible double save to deny Mykola Kuharevich, who then watched Lennon Miller clear his header off the line from the following corner.

He also had to be sharp to tip Kwon Hyeok-kyu's strike round the post and was quick off his line to thwart former Well winger Chris Cadden in the second half.

And at the other end, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos showed why the Fir Park club were happy to push the boat out and spend a reported six-figure sum to sign the Australia striker, whose fierce near-post opener sparked a wild final half hour.

Despite his side falling to a slim defeat at Rangers last weekend, Hibernian head coach David Gray names an unchanged team for the visit of Motherwell.

The Leith club were unfortunate not to come away with a draw and Gray would have been satisfied with the performance.

The away side, meanwhile, make two changes following their win over St Mirren as Apostolos Stamatelopoulos comes in to make his first start since returning from injury.

The Australia striker replaces Moses Ebiye, while the suspended Dan Casey also drops out.

Kofi Balmer, making his first Premiership start, comes into the back three.

On-loan Hibs winger Jair Tavares is ineligible to play against his parent club.

• Follow live coverage of Saturday's SPFL action