Motherwell

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

It seems as though lately only a few things are certain in life. Death, taxes and Motherwell drawing.

The standard of football we play is increasing every game, however, we are incapable of winning in the league.

We do remain unbeaten since Jens Berthel Askou took over, but a full three points would be appreciated. Even a three-goal lead can't guarantee victory, as proved by the spectacular collapse at Tynecastle.

Our problem is we lack a proven goalscorer. Yes, we got three goals but Apostolos Stamatelopoulos needs a million shots on target to find the net. Regan Charles-Cook should hopefully solve this problem, and I cannot wait to see him tear through the league.

With less than a week left of the transfer window I would like to see us spend some more of the Lennon Miller transfer fee and get another striker in.

I can't complain too much, though, as things are going well in the 'Shire.

Watch Sportscene pundit Steven Naismith analyse Motherwell's performance at Tynecastle on Saturday and the impact of manager Jens Berthel Askou.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Motherwell played wonderfully well for just over an hour at Tynecastle on Saturday, eventually drawing a Premiership classic 3-3. Jens Berthel Askou's side have three players in my team of the week.

Stephen O'Donnell delivered an impressive showing in defence, Callum Slattery conducts the Motherwell orchestra from midfield with intelligent authority, while Elijah Just was the pick of a brilliant bunch as Motherwell roared into a three-goal lead.

Two assists underlined the New Zealand international's impact.

Watch highlights as Hearts come back from three down to draw with Motherwell in a Scottish Premiership epic.

Image source, SNS

Midfielder Elliot Watt was left speechless after Motherwell threw away a three-goal advantage in an incredible draw at Hearts.

For an hour, the Fir Park side were sublime as they raced into a comfortable lead at a stunned Tynecastle.

But the hosts scored three times in the space of 18 minutes to claim an unlikely point.

"Struggling to find the words at the minute," Watt told BBC Scotland in the aftermath of the six-goal thriller.

"We were in total control for 65 minutes, something like that, and then a few wobbly moments obviously lead to them getting the first goal back.

"I don't think there'll be many teams who come away to Tynecastle and perform how we've performed for the first 65 minutes, so there are a lot of positives to take, but at the same time a lot we can improve on."

Watt, who spent time on loan at St Johnstone last season before leaving Burton for Motherwell, added: "I've never been so confident in a team I've played in. We've got some top, top players and some amazing staff in there.

"We're still adding to the group. We're adding quality and the boys who are here currently have all gelled really well and we all really understand the way the manager wants us to play."

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 3-3 draw against Hearts.

Here's what some of you said:

Charles: Who is to blame for this? If you are three up, there is no way the other team should be able to come back from that. They should be demoralised at that stage and continued pressure should ensure that they can't possibly come back. The only way that is possible is if the dominant team takes their foot off the pedal and sits back in order to defend their lead. When that happens, the other team has a chance to attack and eventually will make a breakthrough. The best form of defence is always to attack.

Derek: Some fantastic football for 60 minutes or so, as good as I can remember from a Motherwell side, obviously extremely disappointing to throw away a three goal lead, goalkeeper needs to be better for two of the goals and given our style of play we will see a lot of wild games this season and I very much look forward to that.

Robert: It wasn't a draw. At 3-0 ahead, to end up at 3-3, represents a collapse. Well done to Hearts for getting back to parity. However, it's two points dropped for Motherwell.

James: Gutted not to get the victory. Up until 3-0, we were superb. Even better than our second half against Rangers. Can't complain about Hearts' comeback, their last half hour deserved it. Would I have taken a draw before the game? Absolutely.

George: Clearly disappointing to give away such a strong winning position, but we would have taken the draw if it was offered before kick off. Good news is that being disappointed at a draw away from home shows the impact of our manager and his playing philosophy has had on team and fans already!

Hearts roared back from three goals down to earn a draw at home to Motherwell in a ridiculous six-goal Scottish Premiership thriller.

Despite shipping a three-goal lead, how much confidence did Motherwell's performance give you for the season ahead?

Share your views.

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou: "We played fantastic football for most of the game.

"We knew when Hearts had their spells they could put us under pressure. When they could convert their play into aerial duels and second balls.

"We know they have qualities at set pieces, really dangerous, and whatever drops around the box.

"We wanted to keep them away from that as long as we could. We succeeded well until we lost a bit of momentum.

"Especially our decisions on the ball when we were up 2-0 or 3-0 up. We should have had longer spells on the ball rather than going so direct all the time and giving them the ball.

"But we also created two really good goals by being direct so it's difficult to find the perfect balance all the time.

"Credit to Hearts, they did well to fight their way back into the game. Both teams went for it at the end.

"When they equalise and the stadium explodes, the normal reaction is to collapse. But we stuck to our guns and tried to get the maximum from the game."

Image source, SNS

Hearts will be without goalkeepers Ryan Fulton (groin) and Craig Gordon (shoulder), as well as Jamie McCart (ankle), Kenneth Vargas (hip), Finlay Pollock (hamstring) and Christian Borchgrevink (thigh).

Homegrown keepers Harry Stone and Liam McFarlane are vying for a place in the squad alongside Zander Clark.

Motherwell could hand a debut to Callum Hendry and welcome back Liam Gordon and Callum Slattery.

Tom Sparrow drops out and Jonny Koutroumbis remains on the sidelines along with long-term absentees Sam Nicholson, Filip Stuparevic (both knee) and Zach Robinson (Achilles).

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Motherwell have signed "exciting" former Scottish Premiership top scorer Regan Charles-Cook on a two-year contract.

The 28-year-old Grenada forward was a free agent this summer after leaving Belgian side KAS Eupen.

Charles-Cook jointly topped the Premiership scoring charts with 13 goals - and was nominated for PFA Scotland player of the year - in his final season with Ross County before joining Eupen in summer 2022.

During his three years in Belgium - two of them in the top flight - he made 91 appearances and scored 13 goals.

"With Regan joining us, we've added another exciting attacking player with a history of producing chances and scoring goals both in the UK and abroad," said manager Jens Berthel Askou.

"He thrives in one v one situations in wide areas as well as being confident within the opposition's structure.

"We are delighted to welcome him and excited about him bringing even more qualities and competition to our squad."

Charles-Cook says he knows the league very well, adding: "Everyone is talking about the way the team has been playing, and to get the opportunity to be a part of that system is appreciated."

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Calum Ward is relishing the role as Motherwell's first-choice goalkeeper after admitting he was only "making up the numbers" when he arrived.

Ward was the third goalkeeper to join Motherwell in January after injuries to Aston Oxborough and new loan signing Archie Mair left the then managerless side short.

The 24-year-old sat on the bench as cover for another loan arrival, Ellery Balcombe, until Oxborough recovered from a broken bone in his hand, but was handed a one-year contract by Michael Wimmer towards the end of the season.

Ward then found himself in possession of the number one spot in Jens Berthel Askou's side after Oxborough suffered another injury in pre-season and Matty Connolly was loaned to Airdrie.

"When I came in in January, I came knowing I was making up the numbers to an extent and just training hard and trying to improve the boys around me and just bring more of that competitive edge to the squad," Ward said.

"But obviously this year I've been given my chance and I've just got to try and keep playing well and stay in the team basically.

"When the chances come you've got take them. With Aston getting injured, which is obviously not the way you want to make the spot your own, but the gaffer spoke to me and said 'this is your chance to try and take it'.

"Throughout pre-season I feel like I've done that and obviously been rewarded by starting the season and still playing now."

Ward has kept three clean sheets in his past four matches and had to get used to a new way of playing, with Askou keen for his goalkeeper to get involved in possession play.

"I'm not fully used to it, but I've had background of playing with the ball on the floor and playing out from the back," he said prior to Saturday's Premiership encounter against Hearts.

"But this is obviously a bit of a next step, playing so high. I'm really enjoying it. I've done well so far and just obviously keep looking to improve in training every day and it's something that I'm enjoying and happy doing.

"When you step so high, you're almost like an extra centre-back. We're told to be risky and be brave, but you've got to be smart at the same time. You can't take so many risks, you've got to not risk the ball too much."

Image source, SNS

• No player has scored more goals in the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership than Hearts defender Stuart Findlay (three). It's already his joint-highest scoring season in the competition, while he could become the first player to score in each of his first three top-flight appearances for Hearts since Rudi Skacel netted in his first seven in 2005-06.

• Hearts have won six of their past seven home league games against Motherwell, including each of their latest three in a row since a 1-0 reverse in September 2023.

• Motherwell have only had one win in their past six Scottish Premiership games against Hearts (D1 L4), a 3-1 victory in August 2024.

• Hearts have won each of their past six games in the Scottish Premiership, last winning more in a row in the top flight in September 2005 under George Burley (eight).

• Motherwell have only won two of their past 13 away league games (D3 L8), 2-1 wins at Rangers in March and Dundee in May.

Motherwell are confident of landing Regan Charles-Cook, with the former Ross County winger a free agent after leaving Belgian club Eupen. (Daily Record), external

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou says the club are "moving in on" another addition after signing striker Callum Hendry this week.

The former St Johnstone, Aberdeen, and Kilmarnock forward could make his debut on Saturday against Hearts in the Premiership, with Askou saying he looks "sharp" in training after his move from MK Dons.

Motherwell have been linked with a move, external for former Ross County winger Regan Charles-Cook, who is a free agent after leaving Belgian side Eupen.

"We're not done in the window yet, which means that when we reach the end of August, we will see a squad that's even more competitive," Askou said.

"There is [something in the pipeline]. When we can make it official, it's up to how fast we can finalise the last bit. But we are moving in on things. It takes a bit of time with all the paperwork."

On Hendry, Askou said: "He's looking good, he's looking sharp.

"Obviously he hasn't played any competitive league games yet, so the last bit of match fitness will come as soon as he starts to play.

"He's a very good player and we're really, really pleased to get him to Motherwell. He's shown his abilities, both in England and up here, and he knows a few of the players, he's played with them before, so he's very quickly integrated in the squad.

"We just look forward to him being part of what we do and contributing, and adding even more competition and quality to the squad, which we obviously need."

Askou's side visit Tynecastle on Saturday knowing a win would make it eight games unbeaten to start the campaign under the new boss.

"The confidence is growing," he said.

"I still think there's a lot more to come in terms of effectiveness, because all the underlying data, when we pull that out of the different data companies and suppliers, most of it is top two, top three in the league, except for the last bit of effectiveness in front of goal.

"There are many things to be pleased about and optimistic about going forward, but we keep pushing and keep doing what we're doing well and keep adding layers to the game, because we are facing a very, very good opponent at the weekend."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Four days on from bidding farewell to Lennon Miller, Motherwell finished their League Cup win against St Johnstone with three academy players on the pitch.

Ewan Wilson, 20, is no stranger to first-team action, having featured significantly last season, while 19-year-old Luca Ross made his fourth appearance from the bench this season.

There was also a debut for Zander McAllister, coming on in the 117th minute, but even that short outing left him "absolutely buzzing," as he told club media on his way off the pitch.

Manager Jens Berthel Askou liked what he saw of McAllister's "very positive" stint and emphasised the importance of giving young players exposure so they know what's expected of them.

Having been capped by Scotland at under-16 and under-17 level, the Motherwell boss and fans alike will be watching McAllister's development with interest. Whether he gets another bite at the cherry this weekend remains to be seen.

Motherwell face Hearts with a spring in their step after reaching the League Cup quarter-finals.

They are unbeaten in their seven competitive matches so far this season, keeping four clean sheets.

All that without the now-Udinese midfielder Miller - maybe life post-Lennon doesn't look so bad!

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Motherwell midfielder Lukas Fadinger says the players are "all really excited" about the football philosophy manager Jens Berthel Askou is trying to instil at Fir Park.

The Austrian scored an extra-time winner as the Steelmen booked their place in the League Cup quarter-finals with a hard earned, but deserved, 1-0 win at St Johnstone.

"It was [a tight angle] at first I thought it was offside but I am just happy that it went in, we are so happy to go to the quarter finals," Fadinger said.

Motherwell largely dominated things at McDiarmid Park, serving up a slick style of play.

However a lack of cutting edge looked like it could cost them before the midfielder's dramatic late winner.

The 24-year-old added: "Of course we weren't that sharp in the final third but it will come for sure. We are trying to do our best, we give our best in every training session and try to improve and I am 100 per cent sure it will come.

"We are all really excited, we try to play football and I think not many teams try it in this league and yes I am just happy that we tried to play and give our best and it will come with time.

"We weren't that sharp but I think we can play the final passes and we have players who can play this and I am looking forward to the next games."

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 1-0 win against St Johnstone which set up a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at Aberdeen.

Here's what some of you said:

Stuart: The team worked really hard with good football and deserved the win. We still need to find that cutting edge.

Norrie: Last time I went to Aberdeen I watched Stevie Kirk score then we went on to win the Scottish Cup so you never know. Unfortunately goals are hard to come by so a good result in the end - 300 minutes of football and two goals. We know what needs to be worked on, hit the target and stop hitting the opposition goalkeeper. Hard tie next round but you never know.

Robert: Not good enough. The new style is really pleasing on the eye but we have no end product. If we had a Kevin van Veen or Theo Bair in our squad, and playing this way, I'd be betting on us to win the league! In my defence, I've had a long drive down the road from Perth.

Lukas Fadinger was the hero with an extra-time winner against St Johnstone as Motherwell edged into the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup.

The Austrian midfielder netted from a tight angle in the 108th minute to secure a hard-earned but deserved victory for the top-flight visitors.

Give us your thoughts on Motherwell's win.

Read the full match report.

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou tells BBC Scotland it was important his side were pushed all the way by St Johnstone.

"You need to score more goals than the opposition to earn the win, and we did that at the end.

"One of the last messages I gave the players before we went out is that we don't expect goals to come easy, sometimes you have to work really hard, sometimes you have to miss lot of chances or opportunities or crosses us to get there and it's about never giving up and keeping the focus and the patience and I think we were excellent at that.

"And then obviously it's, I think, a big credit to St Johnstone, I think they played a very good game, made it really, really difficult for us to win.

"We had to use every calorie in the body to get there, which is exactly what some of our players need, because we haven't dared to push them that far over the limit in the pre-season, because we've had a thin squad with many games, midweek games as well, so we'd have to get them through and able to train and perform again three days later.

"So it's excellent we got a game like this where we were pushed to the limit, and I think the boys did fantastic."

Motherwell are considering an approach to bring 18-year-old midfielder Bailey Rice back to the club from Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers. (Daily Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip