lukas jutkiewicz

A scheme where SPL football players are used to inspire enthusiasm for books and reading has seen positive results. The Reading Stars initiative was launched last year and more than 90% of the adults who took part said they now read more with their families. Players involved with the project visit local libraries and schools and take part in reading sessions.

Last year's SPL Reading Stars was a great success which is why we have committed £70,000 to enable this year's programme to go ahead.   -Keith Brown

 

MOTHERWELL boss Craig Brown hopes to announce early next month which of his out-of-contract stars will be playing their football at Fir Park next season. In an exclusive interview with SportsPress , the 'Well gaffer claimed ongoing talks had been positive before admitting it was unlikely that loan signings John Ruddy and Lucas Jutkiewicz would be plying their trade at Motherwell next season. A host of first team regulars are free to leave the club in the summer including skipper Stephen Craigan, Keith  

With the first-team enjoying a much-deserved week off, manager Craig Brown was hard at it on the training pitch this morning putting the youth team through their paces. The experienced boss is using the free week at Fir Park to tie up loose ends but took some time out today to pass on some of his vast knowledge to Motherwell's up-and-coming stars. And Brown insists there's a sound reasoning behind his methods and hopes being involved with the youth players will make it easier for the stars of tomorrow

Firstly I should say that Gordon Young is doing a magnificent job here at Motherwell.   -Craig Brown

 

"Things are going so well right now," one was overheard remarking in the Fir Park corridors shortly after full-time on Saturday. The tone of voice was almost apologetic. "You don't want to tempt fate," came the whispered reply from a colleague.

The first 20 minutes was disgraceful   -Jim Jefferies

 

JIM O'BRIEN hopes a team bonding trip to the Cheltenham Festival can help Well win the race for the SPL's third spot. The winger helped earn his mates a week off with a dazzling display that stretched Craig Brown's side's unbeaten run to a dozen games in the SPL. Well flew out of the blocks with O'Brien setting up Mark Reynolds for an early opener then John Sutton put them two up inside 12 minutes with Hearts in disarray.  

Hibernian hung on for a 2-2 draw against First Division Ross County to earn a Scottish Cup quarter-final replay.  

STEVE JENNINGS cannot believe why his boyhood idols Everton have not given Motherwell team-mates John Ruddy and Lukas Jutkiewicz a chance. The midfielder is keen to extend his spell at Motherwell beyond the summer but fears for Craig Brown's quest to keep top goalscorer Jutkiewicz and goalkeeper Ruddy, who has kept 15 SPL clean sheets ahead of tomorrow's visit of Hearts. Jennings, whose own Goodison Park career finished at 16, would be happy to see both players turning out in a blue shirt next season.  

Motherwell name an unchanged squad for the visit of Hearts, with Lukas Jutkiewicz set to return to the starting line-up. However, Marc Fitzpatrick and Shaun Hutchinson remain on the sidelines. Hearts have Jamie MacDonald and Scott Robinson fit and Eggert Jonsson and Laryea Kingston return from suspension.  

Motherwell assistant manager Archie Knox may want to "batter" the Fir Park players in training but boss Craig Brown admits he has been picking his team with their long season in mind. Striker Jamie Murphy was rested for Tuesday's goalless draw with Falkirk after netting in Motherwell's previous three games, while top scorer Lukas Jutkiewicz remained on the bench despite recovering from a knee problem. Well's competitive season began on July 2 with a six-match European run and Brown has been wary of over  

Ruddy, who is also reported to be a summer transfer target for Celtic, has spent the season on loan at Fir Park from Everton. His loan deal with Craig Brown's team is up at the end of the current campaign and that has alerted the Magpies, who are trying to find a goalkeeper able to compete with former Falkirk loanee Tim Krul for the role of successor to 34-year-old current number one Steve Harper. Ruddy was also subject to recent speculation that Celtic were keen on taking him to Parkhead, although th