Motherwell

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

What an absolute shambles of a weekend for Motherwell.

Two red cards awarded for two incidents that should never have been sending offs sums up everything wrong with refereeing standards in Scotland.

I listened to the game live on BBC Radio Scotland, and when you have former professionals such as Leanne Crichton, Stephen Craigan and others all in agreement that it isn't a red, that says everything.

I'm happy we have appealed the decision, but it won't change the result regardless of the outcome.

My ranting aside, the upcoming game against Hearts could result in one of our most unexpected top-six finishes.

If I'm being realistic, achieving that feels unlikely, but the chance is still there if we grab a victory and results go in our favour.

You can never let that belief die.

And with that belief, and the Fir Park crowd behind Michael Wimmer's boys at the weekend, anything can be possible.

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Motherwell have submitted an appeal for the red card shown against Kofi Balmer in their Scottish Premiership defeat to Kilmarnock.

Balmer was sent off when he caught Killie's Fraser Murray in the follow through from his clearance.

Referee Matthew MacDermid didn't initially show the red card but VAR Andrew Dallas instructed the onfield official to review the challenge at which point the defender was given his marching orders.

Motherwell went on to lose the game 2-0.

Watch Sportscene analysis of Kofi Balmer's red card against Kilmarnock.

Watch highlights as Kilmarnock win 2-0 against 10-man Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

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We asked for your views on Motherwell's 2-0 defeat against Kilmarnock.

Here's what some of you said:

Gordon: It was always going to be tough on that unacceptable pitch, but not one of our players can claim to have had a decent game. Hoofing the ball aimlessly forward, midfield simply helping it on, ball in the air most of the time, poor first touch by anyone it actually reached and always last to second balls. Sending off is a limp excuse.

Derek: We are suffering from the strategy and signing policy of Stuart Kettlewell. If you ask Well fans, he is up there with Harri Kampman as a total shocker. Michael Wimmer has no chance. It's fingers crossed time now.

Harry: Referee was a joke, we played poorly fair enough but the first red is never a red! Kofi Balmer is clearing the ball, no malice in it. Dom Thompson is dragged down by Daniel Armstrong and only the Well player is punished, absolute joke!

Grant: Really, really poor, the first couple of games when Wimmer came we looked really good, full of energy and some lovely triangles. But we haven't looked a team the last two games. The sending off was never a sending off but it wouldn't have made any difference if we had 11 men on the park, no one up front, Luke Armstrong does a lot of running but needs someone up with him. We are going to end in the play-offs

James: For the second week in a row, a disgraceful performance. We have went right off the boil. It was never a red card, especially in view of the Aberdeen challenge last week and Everton in midweek. But no excuses, just not good enough, with absolutely no quality. In the danger zone again.

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• Motherwell have failed to win in their last three games in the Premiership, their last longer winless streak was from 8 January 2025 to 22 February 2025, a run of six games.

• Kilmarnock have scored in each of their last three games in the Premiership, scoring four goals in that run.

• Ellery Balcombe made eight saves in this game, his highest total in a single match in the Premiership.

• Daniel Armstrong has assisted five goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other Kilmarnock player.

Ten-man Motherwell's Scottish Premiership top-six hopes could be killed off on Sunday after Kilmarnock grabbed a much-needed victory at Rugby Park.

The match turned on a four-minute spell in the first half when Fraser Murray put Kilmarnock in front, before Kofi Balmer was controversially sent off for a challenge on the goalscorer.

Joe Wright deftly headed in Danny Armstrong's corner eight minutes into the second half to bolster Kilmarnock's advantage, which they comfortably held on to.

What did you make of Motherwell's performance? How big an impact did Kofi Balmer's sending off have?

Share your views.

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Motherwell manager Michael Wimmer: "The game was killed after the red card, what can I say? 1-0 down and a red card it was difficult.

"We talked at half time about keeping it to 1-0. Then we might get the opportunity on the counter attack. But we defended a set piece badly and at 2-0 the game was killed.

"If this is a red card, then the one last week [Pape Gueye's challenge which went unpunished] in Aberdeen is a double red card. It's the same as last week, if there is a red card it's a different game.

"And the red card here kills the game as well. I can't understand the decision. Kofi wants to pass the ball, this is one movement, one swing. He has to clear the ball, so he has to swing.

"There's no movement, he's standing. For me, it's not a red card.

"I see the the guys in training and we need to bring that into the match. We don't have to always speak about top six, we also have an eye in the other direction, to be confident to get results now.

"It's difficult with 10 men so I can't blame the guys."

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

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It is hard to analyse Motherwell's performance given the early red card which hurt their chances of a comeback.

However, a flat and messy opening 20 minutes will have done little to give Motherwell fans belief they would have mounted a comeback, along with the fact they have won just once all season after conceding first.

Although they could still make the top six, in truth they have never looked like a team who deserve to be in the top half, given they have won three times since Christmas.

Michael Wimmer is responsible for two of those after initially coming in and quickly implementing a high-energy and disciplined style which earned victories against Dundee and Rangers.

But those early signs of promise have evaporated in the last couple of weeks and Motherwell look more like the team who toiled badly in the closing weeks of Stuart Kettlewell's tenure as they struggle to keep the ball.

With so many players out of contract in the summer, and highly-rated teenager Lennon Miller the subject of interest from bigger clubs, there is a danger Motherwell's season starts to drift.

Given they are only four points clear of the relegation play-off spot, they cannot afford to lose their focus.

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Kilmarnock skipper Kyle Vassell (ankle) and Kyle Magennis (knee) remain sidelined while on-loan Leicester defender Tom Wilson-Brown has picked up a knock.

Motherwell are without the ill Liam Gordon, while Marvin Kaleta returned to training on Thursday after injury and illness.

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) remain sidelined for Well.

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.