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Alfred Johansson gives his verdict on the first leg defeat to SC Freiburg. Latest News - First team Freiburg reaction from Alfred Johansson 22:31 - Archive Matchday Information: SC Freiburg 15:06An easy to read guide on all things matchday related ahead of our match against SC Frieburg. Kick off is 7:30pm. Tickets Ticket Price Adults £25 Concession (over 65, 18-22, student and 13-17) £20 Children (12 and under) £10 The Tommy McLean stand is open for home supporters to buy tickets. The John Hunter Stand and Davie Cooper Stands are sold out, with extremely limited tickets available in the Phil O’Donnell Stand. You can buy your tickets by CLICKING HERE. The Ticket Office is open from 9am until kick off. How to Watch Our UEFA Conference League match against SC Freiburg will be available to watch via SolidSport. The match is available to watch for £12. You are able to purchase your matchday pass by CLICKING HERE. Travel We encourage supporters to arrive earlier than usual with a large home support expected. Please plan your journey accordingly. Other Information For supporters seated in the Tommy McLean Stand, enter via turnstiles one and two and follow steward directions. These turnstiles will be open from 6:45pm. Kiosks and toilets will be open. There is a tifo prepared by our supporters for the players coming out the tunnel. At 6pm, supporters will be walking from Motherwell town centre up to Fir Park. We want to remind all supporters that unacceptable conduct will not be tolerated. We ask all supporters to enjoy the match responsibly. In UEFA matches, UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body can issue and distribute a range of punishments against the football club, including fines, partial stadium bans, away ticket bans, etc. The club has been fined over €20,000 so far during our Conference League matches. These fines have been distributed due to crowd-related issues that have been flagged by UEFA. Just one supporter coming over the barrier at the front of the stand constitutes a pitch incursion, and the club will be sanctioned once again. We appeal to all our supporters to please adhere to all stadium guidelines to avoid further financial punishment for the club. The use of pyrotechnics, pitch incursions, throwing objects, use of laser pointers and any discriminatory behaviour can result in any individual receiving a club ban, a football banning order as well as harsher punishments. We encourage all supporters to get behind the team on what is a huge European night for the football club in a safe and responsible manner. Food & Drink Mrs Baillie’s Fanzone will be open from 5pm for home fans only. Singer Niamh Morris will be providing live entertainment from 5:30pm. The Cooper Bar will be open from 5pm for home fans only, providing food and drink. It will also be open for one hour post-match for those looking to avoid the traffic. All kiosks will be open in the home stands. Card and cash are accepted. Weather Forecast The current forecast is to be a mostly dry evening in North Lanarkshire with light showers and a moderate breeze. Temperatures expected to be around 15 degrees come kick off. - First team Jake Girdwood-Reich ahead of SC Freiburg Wednesday 19 August 2026Jake Girdwood-Reich previews the task of taking SC Freiburg, stating it’ll be one of the toughest games he’s ever been involved in. The centre-back talks about his first few weeks in Scotland how and how he’s settling into life in ML1. - First team Alfred Johansson previews SC Freiburg Wednesday 19 August 2026Alfred Johansson discusses Sunday’s disappointing result and how he wants his team to approach the game against Bundesliga side SC Freiburg in the UEFA Conference League playoff round. Johansson addresses his team selection and criticism he received following the exit to Stenhousemuir. - First team Team News ahead of SC Freiburg Wednesday 19 August 2026Alfred Johansson provided a squad update ahead of the UEFA Conference League playoff first leg match against SC Freiburg. “Since last week, Oscar [Priestman] and Johnny [Koutroumbis] have been added to the list of load-related injury problems,” the Motherwell manager confirmed. “They will be out for some time. We don’t know exactly the extent of it. “Tom [Sparrow] is still suffering from the knock he got against Falkirk. It’s an unusual place where he got the hit, so we have to monitor it day-by-day, week-by-week. Right now, it’s too sore. We’ll have to assess him. “We’re hoping he’ll [Seb Palmer-Houlden] be involved tomorrow. We’re waiting on international clearance; it should be very doable.” Stephen O’Donnell, Eythor Bjørgolfsson and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos have all been added to our UEFA squad list for the playoff round. Whilst they’re included in the overall squad list, Johansson confirmed that Bjørgolfsson and Stamatelopoulos are only building up in training and won’t be available tomorrow night, with the Motherwell manager stating that the three players being named in the squad list does not guarantee their inclusion in matchday squads for either leg. - First team Seb Palmer-Houlden is in ML1 Wednesday 19 August 2026Seb Palmer-Houlden has joined the club on a three-year deal from Gillingham for an undisclosed fee. The striker arrives for a second stint in Scotland following a season with Dundee in 2024/25. “We’ve been looking to strengthen in the forward areas, and Seb is a perfect addition,” Alfred Johansson said. “With experience here in Scotland, Seb has been playing and scoring at his previous clubs and offers pace, strength and versatility in the forward line. We hope to be able to include him in our Conference League squad for the matches against SC Freiburg. “The squad has come together nicely, and with some players working their way back from injury, we will have real competition across the pitch in all positions.” Palmer-Houlden joined the Bristol City Academy at the age of eight and remained with the Robins until 2025. His time at City included a number of loan moves, including to Chippenham Town, Yeovil, Newport County and Dundee. His time with Chippenham and Yeovil was brief, but his big breakthrough came with Newport County in 2023/24. Playing 42 games, the forward scored nine goals, with his side finishing mid-table and Palmer-Houlden winning Newport County Young Player of the Year. Palmer-Houlden then joined Dundee on loan for the 24/25 season and made a fast start in the City of Discovery, scoring five goals in his first seven games. Starting 20 of his 39 appearances during his year in Scotland, his performances earned him a permanent move from Bristol City to Gillingham for an undisclosed fee last summer. His full season at Priestfield Stadium saw him feature 35 times, which included finding the back of the net five times. He played two games this season for the League Two side before penning a two-year deal with the Steelmen. “I’m so happy to be back in Scotland and, most importantly, at Motherwell,” said Seb Palmer-Houlden. “It’s no secret about how well this club is doing right now, and the people I’ve spoken to within the club have been so friendly and helpful. It’s already feeling like such a family club. “Speaking to the manager, he’s made it clear what he wants me to do, and that clarity is so important. I think every footballer would want to play in a team like this, so I feel really privileged to be given this opportunity. “We have a massive game on Thursday night here, and I can’t wait to see this stadium packed out.” - First team Ticket Information for SC Freiburg second leg Tuesday 18 August 2026Ticket and match information have now been confirmed for the second leg of our UEFA Conference League tie against SC Freiburg. The match will kick off at 18:45pm local time at the Europa-Park-Stadion. (5:45pm UK Time) Tickets are on sale and can buy yours by CLICKING HERE. Supporters can buy a maximum of four tickets per order. We have been given over 2000 tickets to sell. Prices Sector & Category Price N6 Standing €15 N7 Standing €15 N6 Wheelchair €9 N7 Wheelchair €9 N16 Seated €20 N17 Seated €20 Stadium Information - The stadium and ticket offices open 2 hours before kick-off. - At the Europa-Park Stadium, payment is possible in cash or by card. - Next to the ticket office at entrance E4, there is a bag drop-off option. - Travel information to the stadium can be found here: [Anreise & Parken | SC Freiburg] - The stadium regulations can be found here: [Stadionordnung | SC Freiburg] - First team SC Freiburg: Conference League Playoff Tuesday 18 August 2026Motherwell take on SC Freiburg in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League playoff round on Thursday 20 August. Kick off is 7:30pm at Fir Park. How to follow the game Season Ticket holders have until 12 noon on Tuesday 18th Aug to secure their own seat. Information surrounding the second leg will be communicated shortly. You can buy yours by CLICKING HERE. Ticket Price Adults £25 Concession (over 65, 18-22, student and 13-17) £20 Children (12 and under) £10 The Ticket Office will be open from 9am until kick off. Watch Live The match will be broadcast live on SolidSport. You can buy your matchday pass by CLICKING HERE. What else is happening? Mrs Baillie’s Fanzone will be open from 5pm for home fans only. Singer Niamh Morris will be providing live entertainment from 5:30pm. The Cooper Bar will be open from 5pm for home fans only, providing food and drink. It will also be open for one hour post-match for those looking to avoid the traffic. Hospitality 91 Lounge is SOLD OUT. Centenary Suite - 2-course meal - Main stand seating - Half-time tea/coffee and pie - Pay bar facility - Match programme and team sheet Price: £60pp 12 and under: £30 (kids meal) Cooper Box - 2 x complimentary drinks served to your box pre-match - Access to Cooper Suite pre-match, half-time and at full-time for refreshments - Half-time buffet served in the Cooper Suite - Indoor seat in an executive Cooper Box - Match programme and team sheet Price: £60pp 12 and under: £30 Dress code for all areas is smart – no jeans, trainers or colours permitted. To book, please phone our hospitality team on 01698 338003 or email: hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk Weather Forecast Temperatures will be around the 14 degree mark for kick off, with periods of rain throughout the day. Humidity is expected to be around 77%. Motherwell’s Fortunes The Steelmen suffered their first competitive defeat of the season under Alfred Johansson on Sunday against Stenhousemuir. A disappointing afternoon will have to be put behind the squad quickly as they prepare to face SC Freiburg for the chance to play in the league phase of a European competition for the first time ever. Opposition Report The narrative surrounding our opponents has been mainly around how the Bundesliga side reached the Europa League final last season, before falling to a 3-0 defeat to Premier League Aston Villa in the final. They produced some impressive performances on the road to the final, defeating sides such as Nice, Genk, Basel and Celta Vigo, and it rounded off a highly-successful season. Under the stewardship of former captain Julian Schuster, Freiburg qualified for UEFA Conference League football by finishing 7th in the Bundesliga standings. In the DFB-Pokal cup, they reached the semi-finals, going to the hands of Stuttgart in extra-time. Schuster has been in charge since 2024, and is adored by the Freiburg fanbase. He guided his beloved club to a fifth place finish in the 24/25 Bundesliga standings, and has managed to cope with a turnaround in the playing squad. Freiburg and the Steelmen certainly have that in common this summer, waving goodbye to a number of key stars. Motherwell have lot Elijah Just for a club-record fee, Calum Ward moved to QPR and Elliot Watt moved to Turkey for an undisclosed fee. The German have also saw some of their talent move on. Johan Manzambi joined Aston Villa for a club-record deal, rumoured to be around the €50 million mark. Merlin Röhl also moved to the Premier League with Everton. And as some of their stars remain in the spotlight, recruitment has been key and amongst their ranks are some top performers. Japanese star Yuito Suzuki moved from Brøndby to Freiburg in the summer of 2025, setting a new club-record sale for Danish side. The forward scored nine goals in his first season and represented his country at the World Cup this summer. Another notable name in the forward area is Igor Matanovic who moved from fellow Bundesliga side Frankfurt in 2025. The Croatian international scored 15 goals in his maiden campaign and is highly regarded in Europe. - Women Our summer additions Tuesday 18 August 2026Take a closer look at our summer acquisitions. SAOIRSE COYLE-MORROW POSITION: Midfielder PARENT CLUB: Rangers Highly-rated midfielder, Saoirse Coyle-Morrow has joined the club on a season-long loan deal from Rangers. The exciting 16-year-old talent broke through the ranks at Celtic before crossing the Glasgow divide at only 12-years-old.She rose sharply through the ranks at Ibrox before making her senior debut at 15-years-old in the Sky Sports Cup Quarter-Final victory over Partick Thistle. Her first senior goal soon followed, with Coyle-Morrow bending home an unstoppable free-kick to secure a dominant 8-0 victory over Renfrew Ladies in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup. “I’m really excited to be here at Motherwell,” Coyle-Morrow said. “I was looking for an opportunity to play regular first-team action and gain that experience in the top-flight. “Motherwell seemed like the perfect fit for me, and I’m looking forward to getting started. ” EVA THOMSON POSITION: Forward FORMER CLUB: AberdeenForward Eva Thomson has penned a permanent deal after departing Aberdeen this summer. A product of the Westdyke Ladies youth system, Thomson climbed the ranks before signing for Aberdeen in July 2019 – becoming one of the first five players to be signed under Semi-professional terms in May 2022. In her first full campaign with the Dons, Thomson netted 10-times across 18-appearances before netting another six the following year, as Thomson supported Aberdeen to double promotions. Despite her youthful age of 22, Thomson has earned a wealth of professional experience – earning 190-appearances for Aberdeen, scoring 38 in all competitions. Her standout performances in the Granite City merited a two-year contract extension, which expired this summer – enabling the forward to commit to ML1. “I’m delighted to join the club,” Thomson said. “After speaking with Iain, he really sold me on the club, and where they want to go in the future. “It was something, I simply wanted to be a part of. I can’t wait to get started.” Thomson has also featured on the international stage, earning caps for Scotland at the under-16 age group.Thomson continued to impress in the previous campaign, being awarded the April SPWPL Goal of the Month, whilst also being nominated for the SPWPL Player of the Month. MIA McARTHUR POSITION: Midfielder PARENT CLUB: RangersMidfielder Mia McArthur has completed a loan deal from Rangers until the end of the season, subject to SFA clearance. The youngster will rejoin the women of steel after impressing on-loan last campaign. McArthur cemented her place alongside Lucy Ronald in the Motherwell midfield last season, gaining a wealth of senior experience after regularly featuring for Scottish Power Women’s Premier League 2 side, Gartcairn across the first-half of the 2025/26 campaign. “I’m really pleased to be back here at Motherwell,” McArthur said. “The squad welcomed me with open arms last season, and there was a really great feeling in the dressing room. Iain gave me my senior debut in the top-flight, and I felt that it was still the perfect environment for me to develop as a player. “I can’t wait to meet up with the squad again.” The 19-year-old’s performances on the domestic footballing scene have continued to catch the eye internationally, with McArthur regularly selected to represent the Scotland under-19 squad. OLIVIA McSTAY POSITION: Defender FORMER CLUB: Hamilton AcciesExciting young defender, Olivia McStay has signed a permanent deal following her recent departure from Hamilton Accies. McStay, 18, broke through the ranks at Celtic, and has been one of our most promising talents in Scotland. Despite an opportunity to continue with Celtic, McStay opted to receive senior first-team football as soon as possible, signing permanently for Hamilton Accies last year after spending the previous season on-loan. The former Celtic academy prodigy is a third-generation footballing talent – following in the footsteps of her dad, Jock McStay who broke through the youth ranks at Fir Park before making his senior debut with the club in the 1980s. Francis McStay being another notable family member with deep ties to ML1. Francis is amongst Motherwell’s top-15 record appearance holders, making 214-appearances for the club across eight years spanning the World War 1 Period. The most recognised family member being Celtic’s third all-time appearance holder and Scotland legend, Paul McStay, but regardless of her illustrious family history, Olivia has been forging her own path in the game. “I’m really excited to be here,” McStay said.“The squad have really made me feel welcome, and I can’t wait to get started. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend.”McStay will be Head Coach, Iain Robinson’s fourth addition of the summer transfer window. SOPHIE RUTHERFORD POSITION: Midfielder PARENT CLUB: RangersMidfielder Sophie Rutherford has completed a season-long loan deal from Rangers. The young midfielder joins fellow Rangers loanees Mia McArthur and Saoirse Coyle-Morrow in ML1 this summer. Rutherford has already gained a vast amount of first-team experience, featuring in successive loan spells for Queens Park in SWPL2. “I’m really excited to be here at Motherwell,” Rutherford said. “I obviously know Mia [McArthur] really well from Rangers, and she spoke so highly of the club, and were they were wanting to go this season. “I just knew then that I wanted to be a part of it.” MORGAN ANDERSON POSITION: Forward FORMER CLUB: GartcairnForward Morgan Anderson has joined the club on a permanent basis from Gartcairn. A product of Drumchapel United, Anderson soon joined partner club Partick Thistle – becoming the first player to make such a move through the pathway to first-team football at the club. The then 17-year-old became a consistent presence within the ranks of the Partick Thistle squad – impressing former Head Coach, Brian Graham. “I’m really pleased to have signed with the club,” Anderson said. “Motherwell have got a strong reputation of playing and developing younger players, and giving them opportunities of experience in the Scottish top-flight. “I’m ready to battle for a place in a really talented squad, and I can’t wait to get started.” Anderson has since developed in Lanarkshire with Gartcairn, impressing in the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2. LUCY SINCLAIR POSITION: Midfielder FORMER CLUB: Partick ThistleMidfielder Lucy Sinclair has returned to the club on a permanent basis following her recent departure from Partick Thistle. The 23-year-old returns to ML1 after previously departing the club in 2021 to pursue consistent first-team opportunities. After safely guiding local rivals, Hamilton Accies past the SWPL relegation-playoff’s, Sinclair soon made her mark in Glasgow – joining Partick Thistle in July 2023. Sinclair’s maiden campaign in Maryhill predictably ended in success, with the youngster named the Partick Thistle Young Player of the Year. The midfielder soon repeated the feat the following season, reclaiming the award after another impressive campaign in red and yellow. Her immense contributions were unfortunately cut short the following year, with an ACL injury against Dundee united ruling Sinclair out of action for the foreseeable future. “I’m really excited to be back at the club,” Sinclair said. “I feel like a completely different player and person from the one that last walked through the doors at Fir Park. “Last season was incredibly tough for myself, coping with a long-term injury, but I’m incredibly excited to be back on the pitch, and I can’t wait to get started.” Refreshed, recovered and ready to reclaim lost time, Sinclair returns to Lanarkshire, as Head Coach Iain Robinson’s fifth summer acquisition. ELLIE MacDONALD POSITION: Midfielder FORMER CLUB: Queen’s ParkMidfielder Ellie MacDonald has joined the club on a permanent basis following her recent departure from Queens Park this summer. The 2025-26 Queens Park Coaches Player of the Year will compete in the Scottish top-flight after supporting the Spiders to the Scottish Power Women’s Premier League Playoff Final last season. “I’m really excited by the opportunity to play for Motherwell,” MacDonald said. “After working with Iain previously, and understanding his style of play, I knew it was an opportunity that I simply couldn’t say no to. “I can’t wait to meet up with everyone and get started.” The 24-year-old became a standout performer in Glasgow last season, and has returned to play for Iain Robinson after previously working together whilst at Queens Park. LEAH SIDEY POSITION: Midfielder FORMER CLUB: Boroughmuir ThistleMidfielder Leah Sidey has completed a permanent move to the club following her recent departure from Scottish Power Women’s Premier League 2 side, Boroughmuir Thistle. Sidey’s maiden campaign in the Scottish capital predictably ended in success, with the midfielder named the 2025-26 Boroughmuir Thistle Player of the Year and the Supporters Player of the Year following her previous departure from St. Johnstone. The former Dundee United youngster broke through into the senior ranks at a young age, signing a part-time professional contract in the City of Discovery. “I’m really pleased to get this over the line,” Sidey said. “I absolutely loved my time at Boroughmuir Thistle, and was able to really get the best out of myself, but I felt that I needed to experience a new challenge. “After speaking with Iain, and training alongside the team in pre-season, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the squad. I’m looking forward to getting started.” A midfielder by trade, Sidey is capable of operating in a variety of roles, but favours the left flank – earning over 50-appearances for the Tangerines in the process. Sidey has racked up a considerable amount of senior first-team experience, featuring for United, St. Johnstone, Spartans and Boroughmuir Thistle. JUSTINE STRAIN POSITION: Forward FORMER CLUB: LivingstonStriker Justine Strain has secured a permanent move to Motherwell following her recent departure from Scottish Power Women’s Premier League 2 side Livingston. A fundamental component in the Lions frontline, Strain became a shining light in amidst a somewhat disappointing campaign for the SPWPL 2 team. Strain became the club’s top-goalscorer, whilst simultaneously batting her way to the summit of the SPWPL2 Goalscoring charts – earning the golden boot with 18-goals. “I’m really excited to be a Motherwell player,” Strain said. “Last season was a real high for myself personally, and I felt ready to take that next step in my career, and Motherwell felt like the perfect place for me to do that. “After conversations with Iain, he expressed a real eagerness to bring me to the club, so it was very simple for me to make the decision to sign for Motherwell.” Following an emphatic campaign for the 17-year-old, the SPWPL2 top-goalscorer soon earned her place in the Team of the Year – one of only four players from the second-division to make the squad. - First team A bad day at the office // Stenhousemuir 1-0 Motherwell Monday 17 August 2026Going from the highs of qualifying for the playoff round in the UEFA Conference League, to the elimination of the Premier Sports Cup against Stenhousemuir was something manager Alfred Johansson said we should be annoyed at. The early signs have all been positive and this result is one that should hurt, but one we must move on quickly with our tie against SC Freiburg ahead of us on Thursday.