Tifo at fir park

Let’s build on a ‘special’ push and night – Motherwell manager

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell hopes to build on the “special” atmosphere that was created inside Fir Park after a major effort to drive ticket sales proved successful.

A number of volunteers joined Well Society board members and club staff in a campaign to boost the attendance for Friday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Dundee United.

Thousands of leaflets were delivered to homes in Motherwell and surrounding towns and hundreds of posters were displayed in shops and businesses. The campaign was supplemented by efforts on social media and in the mainstream media.

About 8,300 fans turned up at Fir Park to cheer Motherwell on to a 2-1 victory thanks to a screamer from Zach Robinson and a cool stoppage-time penalty from 18-year-old Lennon Miller.

Kettlewell was delighted to see the turnout and hear the vocal backing which carried his team into the semi-finals.

“I hope it’s something we can build on but I always think the two of them are linked,” he said. “We need to perform and get results and we will get the backing of the supporters.

“There was a major push which for me was special and created a special night for us as a football club.

“But if you don’t show the correct application and appetite for the game then you will lose the crowd. If you bring that energy and desire the crowd here will always appreciate you.”

Motherwell are heading to Hampden in the cup for the first time since the 2018 Scottish Cup final.

“We have not won any silverware but it’s another step in the right direction for the football club,” Kettlewell said. “That pleases me, especially with the special atmosphere that was created here, because that can be a powerful thing moving forward.

“If we are performing well, naturally people want to come and watch the team. But I can’t stress it any more, it means a heck of a lot to me but I think you can see what it means to the players as well and how much they are able to give.

“Sometimes when you think you’re on your last legs a cheer or a bit of encouragement can propel you forward. It’s been something that’s been in the game a long while and hopefully it continues here over the coming weeks and months.”

Volunteers included Lee Anthony, from Wishaw, who delivered leaflets every day and evening in the week building up to the game.

Board member Gavin McCafferty said: “Lee recalled getting a day off school when King George XI died in 1952 as we passed his old school, Knowetop Primary, as he embarked on a fourth consecutive night of delivering hundreds of leaflets.

“His enthusiasm to help build the crowd was infectious and inspirational. He used his skills learnt in his time as an ice cream salesman to try to persuade anyone he met to come along to the game.”

Chief executive Brian Caldwell joined the effort as he delivered leaflets.

“I want to thank all the volunteers who pounded round the streets delivering leaflets to promote the game,” he said. “It shows the club, the Well Society and the fans all working together, which is what we want to achieve.”

Local businesses also got in the act with many happy to display posters. Motherwell fan Carol from USave and Fresh2Go on the corner of Hamilton Road/The Loaning offered to hand out leaflets to customers and persuade them to come along.

Board member Sean Baillie added: “This has been about community building, deepening our relationship as members, with the club and our communities. We’re building something special and we’ll build it together.”

You can join the Well Society or increase contributions here.