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Fan Zone Brings History to Life at Fir Park

Saturday 4th April 2026: Heritage Trust pop-up in the John Hunter fan zone (image:MFCHT)

Motherwell FC’s 140th anniversary celebrations took another step forward this weekend with the launch of a vibrant new fan zone inside the John Hunter Stand turnstile – where past and present met in spectacular style.

Delivered by the dedicated volunteers of Motherwell Football Club Heritage Trust, supporters were transported back to the club’s golden era of overseas adventure, showcasing the famous tours of 1927 and 1928. At the heart of the display were the iconic Copa del Rey trophy – won after defeating Real Madrid – and the Argentina Cup from the historic South American tour.

The response from supporters was outstanding. Fans turned out in their hundreds – including visitors from Denmark, Germany and Portugal – queuing to get a close-up look at the silverware and capture photos with these remarkable pieces of Motherwell history. For many, it was a rare chance to connect with a story that still defines the club’s identity nearly a century on.

Nick Mackie, Trustee and Head of Operations, said, “This is exactly what the Heritage Trust is about – bringing our history to life in a way supporters can see, feel and be part of. To have hundreds of fans engaging with these trophies, taking photos and sharing the moment shows just how powerful our story is. These tours put Motherwell on the world stage – and they still inspire today.”

The exhibition also marks the beginning of a wider storytelling project. The Heritage Trust has announced the upcoming release of Steve Young’s book, Well Beyond Scotland, due this autumn, charting these extraordinary tours in detail. Supporters can now register their interest and pre-order here.

Attention now turns to the next major event in the anniversary calendar. On Friday 15 May – on the eve of the final game of the season – the Heritage Trust and Former Players Club will host a special gala dinner at Dalziel Park. The evening will feature manager Jens Berthel Askou alongside club legends Willie Pettigrew, Stevie Kirk, Stephen Craigan and John Gahagan. Tickets are now available here.

Adding to the matchday experience, the fan zone also featured a barista coffee cart operated by Bean2Work, a community interest company dedicated to training people for careers in hospitality – ensuring the initiative delivers both heritage and community impact.

The fan zone is a Club initiative, working with LCL Landscaping & Groundcare to create a multi-use space between the John Hunter and Davie Cooper Stands to enhance the match day experience for supporters and visitors.

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Fir Park Revamps Continue

Avia Signs fitting the panels in the Phil O'Donnell Stand (image: MFCHT)

Motherwell Football Club Heritage Trust has once again delivered at Fir Park, unveiling a striking new heritage installation within the Phil O’Donnell Stand that continues to bring the club’s story to life for visitors and supporters.

Following last year’s successful transformation of the main entrance, the Heritage Trust has now turned its attention to the staircase – creating a journey through six defining eras of Motherwell FC’s history. As fans make their way up, they are immersed in a visual timeline that captures the evolution of the club across generations.

1886-1945 & 1946-1964
1965-1983 & 1984-1994
1995-2009 & 2010-2025

A key element of the revamp is a series of glass panels enhanced with contravision graphics, each celebrating four iconic managers – John Hunter, George Stevenson, Bobby Ancell and Tommy McLean – alongside standout teams from their respective tenures. The effect is both modern and evocative – blending contemporary design with deep-rooted heritage to create a powerful connection between past and present.

At the first-floor landing, a large display case has been transformed into a vibrant tribute to the club’s travelling support. Featuring a colourful montage of photographs submitted by fans, the installation captures the spirit of following the ‘Well across Europe on UEFA adventures. From distant stadiums to unforgettable away days, the images tell a story that statistics alone never could.

Contravision Panels of iconic managers (left), UEFA travels panel (right) (image: MFCHT)

“Miles Travelled, Songs Sung, Memories Made” perfectly encapsulates the display – highlighting the passion and loyalty of the Motherwell support, whose journeys are now permanently woven into the fabric of Fir Park.

This latest project is another example of the Heritage Trust’s commitment to preserving and showcasing the club’s rich history in innovative and engaging ways. Coming up next is a major transformation of the Davie Cooper Stand concourses, planned for over the summer.

With each new installation, Fir Park becomes not just a stadium, but a living museum – celebrating the people, moments and memories that define Motherwell Football Club.

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Heritage Trust Brings Motherwell’s Story to Life at Well Society AGM

images from The Well Society AGM, 30th March 2026

Motherwell Football Club Heritage Trust received a lot of attention at Monday evening’s Well Society AGM, bringing the club’s remarkable story to life for supporters in attendance.

A specially curated display showcased rare memorabilia spanning the club’s 140-year history, offering fans a tangible connection to the generations who have worn claret and amber.

Among the standout exhibits were two iconic trophies from Motherwell’s pioneering overseas adventures –  the Copa del Rey from 1927 and the Argentina Cup from 1928 – powerful symbols of a club that once carried its name across continents.

The evening also marked the launch of the Trust’s upcoming publication, Well Beyond Scotland, a compelling new book charting Motherwell’s extraordinary tours to Spain and France, South America, and two visits to South Africa. Drawing on meticulous research and storytelling, the book highlights a period when the Steelmen were true global trailblazers.

As author Steve Young notes: “In 1927, Motherwell were invited to compete for a version of the Copa del Rey in Spain. The following year, South America beckoned. In the early 1930s, they sailed to South Africa, twice. The club were paid handsomely to make each of these trips. Crucially, these ventures were not just sporting milestones but financial lifelines. The revenue generated helped sustain the club – and may well have underpinned Motherwell’s greatest achievement: winning the Scottish League title in 1931/32.”

Alongside celebrating the past, the Trust also promoted the upcoming 140th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Dalziel Park, on Friday 15th May. The event promises to be a unique blend of football and theatre, with club legends such as Willie Pettigrew, Stevie Kirk, Stephen Craigan and John Gahagan joined by special guests including Dougie Arnott and John Martis as well as dramatised performances bringing historic figures like Mrs Baillie, John Hunter, George Stevenson and Bobby Ancell vividly back to life.

Monday evening perfectly captured the Trust’s mission – preserving the past while inspiring the future.

‘Well Beyond Scotland can be ordered now, here 

Tickets to the 140th Gala Dinner can be booked here

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The Perfect Festive Gift For Any 'Well Fan

MFC Heritage Trust – Signature Stadium Tour Gift Card

£20 per adult | £10 concessions (U16 & 65+)
Buy for one person or a private group of up to six.

Looking for a unique stocking filler for a Motherwell supporter in your life?

Give them a gift they’ll never forget with the MFC Heritage Trust Signature Stadium & Heritage Tour Gift Card – the ultimate behind-the-scenes experience at Fir Park.

This limited edition special edition tour  – to be scheduled at a time convenient to you – opens doors normally closed to the public, offering an exclusive and immersive journey through the heart, history, and heroes of Motherwell FC.

It’s available as a Gift Voucher (digital or a physical card) redeemable by individuals or groups of up to six, making it perfect for families, friends, or lifelong ‘Well fans looking to share something memorable together.

Led by the passionate volunteers of the Motherwell Football Club Heritage Trust, the tour will walk in the footsteps of club legends, explore iconic spaces including the Phil O’Donnell Stand, the players’ tunnel, dressing room and post match TV interview room.

Enjoy interactive moments with historic images, quiz challenges, audio clips, and a personalised signed keepsake to take home.

From stories of industrial roots to unforgettable match-day memories, this experience offers a richer connection to the club’s past, present and future.

This is more than a stadium tour – it’s a heartfelt journey into the spirit of Motherwell FC.
A perfect gift for any fan who bleeds claret and amber.

Email admin@mfcheritagetrust.com with the information below on your group and we’ll get back to you to work out dates.

  1. Names of those in your group (and if anyone is U16 or 65+)
  2. If you want a single gift card for the group or individual gift cards to give as presents 
  3. If you are happy with digital voucher(s) or prefer physical card(s) to be sent (then provide postal address(es). 
  4. If anyone in your group has mobility issues – so we can ensure the tour is accessible and enjoyable for all.
  5. Finally, let us know of any preferred weeks / months for the tour (maybe a birthday etc) and times of the day that would work best for you. We will do our best to accommodate. 

Thank You.

What a great gift - get in touch today !

Terms & Conditions

  1. Voucher Validity
    • This Gift Voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
    • The tour must be booked and completed before the expiry date.
    • Expired vouchers cannot be redeemed and hold no monetary value.
  2. Booking the Tour
    • All Stadium & Heritage Signature Tours are personalised experiences.
    • Dates and times must be arranged in advance and are subject to availability.
    • To schedule your tour, please email the Motherwell FC Heritage Trust on admin@mfcheritagetrust.com
  3. Tour Duration & Group Size
    • The Signature Series Tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.
    • Each voucher covers one individual or one private group of up to six people, depending on the voucher purchased.
  4. Attendance & Accessibility
    • Guests are asked to arrive 10 minutes prior to the agreed start time.
    • Some areas of the tour may involve stairs or uneven surfaces. Please advise us in advance of any accessibility or mobility requirements, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
  5. Voucher Use & Transfers
    • Gift Vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
    • Vouchers may be transferred to another attendee, provided the Heritage Trust is informed prior to the tour date.
  6. Changes, Cancellations & No-Shows
    • If you need to amend your booking, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice.
    • Motherwell FC Heritage Trust reserves the right to postpone, amend, or cancel tours in the event of operational needs, stadium access restrictions, or health & safety considerations.
    • Failure to attend without prior notice may result in the voucher being marked as redeemed.
  7. Photography & Media
    • Photography is welcome in most areas of the tour unless otherwise stated by your guide.
    • For media, filming, or commercial use, additional permissions must be obtained.
  8. Health & Safety
    • All participants must follow the instructions of tour staff at all times.
    • Motherwell Football Club Heritage Trust reserve the right to remove anyone whose behaviour may compromise safety or disrupt the experience.
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Join the Stadium Tour Team

Nick Mackie, Trustee, Motherwell Football Club Heritage Trust, at Fir Park Stadium

Become a Stadium Heritage Tour Guide at Fir Park

Motherwell Football Club Heritage Trust is excited to announce that we are developing a programme of stadium and heritage experiences at Fir Park.

To make this possible, we are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to be trained as Tour Guides – helping to share the stories of the club, the players, and the community that built Motherwell FC.

What the Role Involves

 As part of a friendly team, you may help with:

  • Guiding small groups around Fir Park
  • Talking about club history, famous matches and legendary players
  • Demonstrating items from our museum collection & archives
  • Helping with school visits / community groups
  • Matchday “pop-up” history displays
  • Welcoming visitors and answering questions

You don’t need to be an expert already – full guidance and information will be provided. What matters most is enthusiasm, reliability and good communication skills.

All volunteers will be registered through the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Scheme to ensure a safe and responsible environment for everyone taking part in our tours and heritage activities.

When & Where

  • Based at Fir Park Stadium
  • Possible weekday tours or school visits
  • Training provided
  • Team-based approach – no one will be “thrown in at the deep end”!

Ideal For

  • Supporters with a passion for Motherwell history
  • Retired fans looking to stay involved
  • Students seeking experience in tourism, museums or education
  • Anyone who enjoys speaking to people and sharing stories

Interested? Let’s talk.

Email Nick Mackie, Trustee – Operations admin@mfcheritagetrust.com or use this website’s contact form