Motherwell boss: We need a new stadium

Jan 7 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

MOTHERWELL boss Mark McGhee has revealed that discussions have taken place over plans to build a new stadium, with the site at Ravenscraig the preferable option.

The Steelmen have played their football at Fir Park for 114 years but McGhee feels that a new stadium for Motherwell would benefit the club significantly in the long term.

“If we want to move with the times we need a new stadium,” McGhee said.

“Fir Park is not a bad wee ground but I think if we want to increase the crowd a bit and move with the times, it is only going to become more expensive to maintain.

“You can factor in an increase in the crowd with a new stadium that could be as much as 25 per cent.”

It is understood that meetings took place between Motherwell Football Club and North Lanarkshire Council just before Christmas.

However, any developments are very much in their infancy.

“There was a very strong consensus that it is a possibility,” McGhee continued.

“The council are also developing their own facilities for the proposed new Motherwell College Campus so maybe it could tie in or be expanded a little.”

Council Leader Jim McCabe said that the issue was raised during a recent meeting with representatives of the club.

He said: "These were tentative discussions and ones which both parties may continue in the future.

"The Ravenscraig site development could provide an opportunity for a football stadium. However, this idea is still in its infancy and our discussions were very much at a preliminary stage.

"North Lanarkshire Council and Motherwell FC enjoy a productive relationship and we will continue to discuss issues and work in partnership in the best interests of the wider community."