Just
as the Premiership league season got into full stride along comes an
international break to call a halt. In
years gone by things were different.
A
dip into my well-fingered copy of Motherwell FC On This Day brought back some
memories of a few significant happenings in earlier Septembers.
September
1970
Pele
couldn’t beat Gordon Banks at the 1970 World Cup but John Goldthorp had no such
problem. He got the only goal of the game as Stoke City were defeated 1-0 at
Fir Park in the Texaco Cup.
September
1998
Pat
Nevin signed from Kilmarnock but not just as an ordinary player. John Boyle wanted him to run the club for him
so in addition he took on the role of chief executive. Nevin was nearing the end
of his playing days but still contributed well before retiring to concentrate on
working behind the scenes.
September
1982
After
failing to progress from the League Cup group, Jock Wallace had his first
league game at Fir Park against former club Rangers. He was given a massive ovation by the
visiting support and acknowledged them more than his new fans. Rangers raced
into a two goal lead but goals from Bruce Cleland and Joe Carson secured a 2-2
draw.
September
1959
The
first home game of the season was played against Airdrie in the new look Fir
Park. Concrete steps had been built under the covered enclosure, and on parts
of the terracing, to improve spectator comfort. The capacity was now increased
to 40,000. Only 13,423 were in the ground, though, as a Pat Quinn
hat-trick and another from Ian St John brought a 4-1 victory.
September
1993
Paul
Lambert joined the squad for the first time after Tommy McLean bought him from St Mirren in a
£250,000 deal. Lambert boosted the
midfield playing over 100 games for the club before moving to Borussia Dortmund
with whom he won the Champions League.
September
1994
Phil
O’Donnell was transferred to Celtic for a record fee of £1.75m. Speculation surrounded the young midfielder
for some time before Tommy Burns finally made an offer which couldn’t be
refused. O’Donnell won the title and cup
at Parkhead before moving to Sheffield Wednesday on a free
September
1994
Motherwell travelled to Borussia Dortmund in the first round of the Uefa Cup. On paper the Steelmen had little chance against the Bundesliga stars but an excellent performance gave the hosts a fright. Several chances were missed but the only goal of the match came from Andreas Möller in the second half
