Motherwell

Now that Lennon Miller is in the Scotland squad, how long will Motherwell team-mate Andy Halliday remain as the most famous name in his mobile phone s?

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Ordinarily after a massive win you want to be at it again, carrying on the momentum and confidence.

What a boost Motherwell's victory over Rangers gave the squad, not to mention their aspirations of finishing in the top six.

However, the enforced break may have been welcomed by the coaching staff. Michael Wimmer is three games in and although he's spoken about the importance of "building a picture", it's important he starts acting upon what he's seen since his arrival.

Since that morale-boosting win at Ibrox, Wimmer has been keen to acquire more knowledge on the squad he inherited and a bounce game against Patrick Thistle was organised in between training sessions.

Despite seeing positives from back-to-back wins, Wimmer isn't resting on his laurels with only four games before the split.

He may only be in the door, but already there's a real sense of what he wants from his side, his style of play and demands he's setting.

The break has allowed more time to implement his ideas and early signs look positive, but further tests await Motherwell.

They face a run-in against four sides all vying for the top six, a sequence of games - starting with Saturday's visit of St Mirren - that will gauge how far Motherwell have come under Wimmer.

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Scotland boss Steve Clarke says Lennon Miller "plays with maturity beyond his years" after handing the Motherwell midfielder a first senior international call-up.

Miller and Hearts striker James Wilson, both 18, are in the frame for Scotland debuts having been named in Clarke's squad for this month's Nations League play-off double-header with Greece.

Clarke said: "Obviously a lot of injuries, especially in middle to forward areas, I just felt it was a chance to have a look at two young boys who have caught the eye, Lennon certainly over the last 18 months and James over the last six months.

"Two for the future, but also can help us just now.

"I've obviously had more chance to watch Lennon. He plays with maturity beyond his years. He captains his club, which is a big thing at such a young age.

"Good qualities, can play deep in midfield, can play higher in midfield. Good delivery, box to box, good energy.

"I'm sure he's got a big, big future in front of him. It's our job to look after him and try and bring him along. Hopefully this will be the start of it."

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

With the men's team out of action last weekend I would like to shift focus to the ladies of women as they secured a place in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup at Hampden.

I am over the moon for the girls, who will attempt to upset the odds against favourites Glasgow City and reach the final.

This season marks the second time in two years we have made it to Hampden. Back in April 2023 it was a battling 2-0 defeat to Rangers, so I'm hoping for a more positive outcome this time.

I am beyond proud of the girls and encourage every Well fan to go along and get right behind the girls in claret and amber just like they did in November.

Silverware is silverware and we know far too well how long it has been since either the men's or women's team brought a trophy back to Fir Park.

Best of luck to Paul Brownlie and the team - here's hoping they bring it home.

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Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller has been given a first Scotland call-up for this month's Nations League play-off double-header with Greece.

Miller is ed in Steve Clarke's squad by fellow 18-year-old newcomer James Wilson, the Hearts striker.

Miller has made 67 appearances for Motherwell, scoring six goals, and has been capped up to Under-21 level.

There is also a call-up for uncapped former Fir Park right-back Max Johnston, who now plays for Austrian side Sturm Graz.

Read more on Scotland squad announcement

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 ers 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 ive 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 t 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.

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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 - ion, commitment, closing teams down and ing 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?

Let us know., external

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 port 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

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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 s only.

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Andy 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 itted. "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 ers. 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.

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• Rangers 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

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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."

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