Fir Park
Encyclopedia
Fir Park Stadium is a football stadium
situated in Motherwell
, North Lanarkshire
, Scotland
. The stadium plays host to the home matches of Scottish Premier League
club Motherwell
.
was formed in 1886. It played at sites on Roman Road and Dalziel Park
until 1895, when Fir Park was opened. The ground was laid out in a wooded area belonging to Lord Hamilton of Dalzell
, whose racing colours were claret and amber. Motherwell then adopted these colours themsleves.
For most of the 20th century, the only stand at Fir Park was a two-tier main stand. The record attendance for the stadium is 35,632 against Rangers
in a 1951–52 Scottish Cup replay. Motherwell went on to win the competition. Two years later Motherwell built an enclosure roof over the eastern terrace, costing £6,500. Floodlight lamps were built on the two roofs and the first floodlit game, against Preston
, was played in 1956. The enclosure roof was damaged by strong winds, however, which meant that large corner floodlight pylons were built in 1959.
Construction of a new main stand began in 1962. The £92,000 cost of this work was financed by selling players, including Ian St. John
. To minimise disruption to the old stand, the steel frame was built over and behind it. Construction of the main stand stopped 20 yards short of the south end, however, because a local resident successfully objected to a completed stand. The objection was made because it would have restricted light to the garden and reduced the value of the property. By the time the property owner had decided to sell, Motherwell did not have the funds or will to complete a full length main stand. The club instead bought the house and used it for their offices.
In recent seasons, Fir Park has received negative publicity for its pitch. It was waterlogged and several games were postponed in the 2007–08 season. The pitch and the consequent fixture congestion forced Gretna
, who were ground-sharing with Motherwell in that season, to play one of their league games at Almondvale Stadium in Livingston. In the 2008–09 season, a game against Hearts was called off due to the pitch being frozen, which prompted media criticism as the required under-soil heating
should have prevented this.
The pitch underwent extensive remedial work, costing £350,000, in preparation for the 2009–10 Scottish Premier League season. There was a severe winter in 2009–10, however, which damaged the pitch greatly. The club tried to make the best of the situation by relaying both goal mouths. In season 2010–11, the club removed the top few inches of the pitch and completely relaid the pitch. They also added twisted sand fibre which should prevent the pitch from tearing as easily.
with a capacity of 13,742. The stadium has an unbalanced look about it, with one large stand contrasting with three smaller stands. Until recently, the Davie Cooper and South stands had their advertising slogans changed in line with the club's main sponsor. For example, Motorola
was displayed in the mid-1990s. Both of these stands were designed by Bill Dickie, who was also a club director and SFA
president.
The Main Stand, on the west side of the ground, was built in the early 1960s. It was renamed The Phil O'Donnell Stand in January 2008, to honour the Motherwell captain who died on the Fir Park pitch. A sculptured tribute to O'Donnell was added to the north wall of the stand in 2011. The stand is an unusual structure in that the steel girders run for the full length of the pitch, but the stand only runs for two thirds the length of the pitch. This was due to a dispute with a home owner beside the stadium during construction, which the club lost, and thus were unable to complete the stand across the whole length of the pitch.
During the construction of the South and Davie Cooper Stands, the main stand was re-clad and given a makeover to complement the modernised stadium. The stand has two hospitality suites: The Centenary Suite and The Millennium Suite. It also has a roof-mounted gantry for television cameras, and press facilities. The club have spent a substantial amount of money on fireproofing the stand in recent years, despite some rumour that it may be rebuilt at some point in the future, due to rising maintenance costs.
The South Stand is the biggest stand at the ground. It is a massive two-tiered structure which was built in 1993. It normally houses the away support, however it is used for home supporters on some occasions. It has a row of corporate boxes running along between the two tiers, a gymnasium and warm up area. It recently had an advertisement for Lanarkshire 2011 International Children's Games
erected on the roof.
The East Stand was formerly an area of open terracing, which was eventually roofed. To meet the Taylor Report requirements, this terrace was made all seated, and re-cladded to complement the new South Stand, and refurbished Main Stand as well as the Davie Cooper Stand. This houses the more vocal support at Fir Park. The legendary slogan "KEEP CIGARETTES AWAY FROM THE MATCH" had adorned the roof for many years, however, for the 2011-12 season, this was replaced by a Cash Converters
advertisement.
Constructed in 1994, the North Stand was subsequently named in memory of former Motherwell player Davie Cooper
, who died in March of the following year. It houses a club shop, the Davie Cooper Suite, and hospitality boxes. It is of relatively similar design to the South Stand, however it only has one tier.
rented Fir Park from Motherwell
and played all but one of their home league
games there. The now-defunct borders club also played their UEFA Cup
second qualifying round 1st leg against Derry City
at the stadium.
Over the years the stadium has played host to several Challenge Cup finals and League Cup
semi finals. The two league cup semi-finals that were played at the stadium were Kilmarnock-Falkirk in 2007 and Hearts-St Mirren in 2010.
A renovation of Fir Park Stadium is considered to be the most likely option. The club have spent a considerable amount of money fireproofing the Phil O'Donnell Stand as well as relaying the pitch and installing a new undersoil heating system towards the end of the end of the 2009–10 season. Many fans believe that the club plan to rebuild the ageing Phil O'Donnell Stand and replace it with a newer and more modern structure. It is thought that if such works were to go ahead, the current South and Davie Cooper Stands would be retained, as both are relatively new and in good condition.
In the future, a stadium move could become a reality. In June 2010, the club said that the repair of the pitch, which had come in for some fierce criticism in the latter part of the 2009-10 season, could be the last major investment at the stadium. However since this information is speculative at best, there has been no proposals as to a potential new site.
Most recently, on September 2011, Vice-Chairman Derek Weir indicated that the club are 'nowhere near' a ground move, insisting that the 15 million pounds
it would take to make it happen would be a step too far for a club the size of Motherwell.
is approximately 15 minutes walking distance from Fir Park. Local trains on the Argyle Line
serve Airbles railway station
, which is closer to the ground. People travelling by car can use the M74 motorway
, leaving at junction 6. The A723 and B754 (Airbles Road) roads lead to Fir Park. Alternatively, visitors from the east or north who come to Motherwell via Newhouse
(junction 6 of the M8 motorway) should follow the A723 through Carfin
to Motherwell and then take the A721 road to Fir Park. Car parking is available in the surrounding streets.
Stadium
A modern stadium is a place or venue for outdoor sports, concerts, or other events and consists of a field or stage either partly or completely surrounded by a structure designed to allow spectators to stand or sit and view the event.)Pausanias noted that for about half a century the only event...
situated in Motherwell
Motherwell
Motherwell is a town and former burgh in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, south east of Glasgow. The name "Moderwelt" appears on a map of Lanarkshire made by Timothy Pont some time between 1583 and 1611 and printed in the Netherlands in around 1652, although the settlement was probably little more...
, North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire is one of 32 council areas in Scotland. It borders onto the northeast of the City of Glasgow and contains much of Glasgow's suburbs and commuter towns and villages. It also borders Stirling, Falkirk, East Dunbartonshire, West Lothian and South Lanarkshire...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
. The stadium plays host to the home matches of Scottish Premier League
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
club Motherwell
Motherwell F.C.
Motherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. The club compete in the Scottish Premier League and are one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998...
.
History
Motherwell FCMotherwell F.C.
Motherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. The club compete in the Scottish Premier League and are one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998...
was formed in 1886. It played at sites on Roman Road and Dalziel Park
Dalziel Park (stadium)
Dalziel Park Stadium was a football stadium located at Airbles Street and Glencairn Street in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, that hosted the home matches of Motherwell, formed after a merger between Alpha and Glencairn. The first official match at the stadium was a 3–2 win over Hamilton Accies. The...
until 1895, when Fir Park was opened. The ground was laid out in a wooded area belonging to Lord Hamilton of Dalzell
Baron Hamilton of Dalzell
Baron Hamilton of Dalzell, in the County of Lanark, is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1886 for the Liberal politician John Hamilton. He had previously represented Falkirk and Lanarkshire South in the House of Commons and after his elevation to the peerage served...
, whose racing colours were claret and amber. Motherwell then adopted these colours themsleves.
For most of the 20th century, the only stand at Fir Park was a two-tier main stand. The record attendance for the stadium is 35,632 against Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
in a 1951–52 Scottish Cup replay. Motherwell went on to win the competition. Two years later Motherwell built an enclosure roof over the eastern terrace, costing £6,500. Floodlight lamps were built on the two roofs and the first floodlit game, against Preston
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
, was played in 1956. The enclosure roof was damaged by strong winds, however, which meant that large corner floodlight pylons were built in 1959.
Construction of a new main stand began in 1962. The £92,000 cost of this work was financed by selling players, including Ian St. John
Ian St. John
Ian St. John is a former Scottish footballer, who played for Scotland 21 times. He later became a manager and pundit...
. To minimise disruption to the old stand, the steel frame was built over and behind it. Construction of the main stand stopped 20 yards short of the south end, however, because a local resident successfully objected to a completed stand. The objection was made because it would have restricted light to the garden and reduced the value of the property. By the time the property owner had decided to sell, Motherwell did not have the funds or will to complete a full length main stand. The club instead bought the house and used it for their offices.
Gretna F.C.
Gretna Football Club was a Scottish football club that represented the town of Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway, close to the border between England and Scotland...
, who were ground-sharing with Motherwell in that season, to play one of their league games at Almondvale Stadium in Livingston. In the 2008–09 season, a game against Hearts was called off due to the pitch being frozen, which prompted media criticism as the required under-soil heating
Under-soil heating
Under-soil heating is a method used in various sports stadia which heats the underside of the pitch to avoid any bad weather, such as snow and ice, from building up and ultimately helps the club avoid having to postpone any matches.The first ground in England to have under-soil heating installed...
should have prevented this.
The pitch underwent extensive remedial work, costing £350,000, in preparation for the 2009–10 Scottish Premier League season. There was a severe winter in 2009–10, however, which damaged the pitch greatly. The club tried to make the best of the situation by relaying both goal mouths. In season 2010–11, the club removed the top few inches of the pitch and completely relaid the pitch. They also added twisted sand fibre which should prevent the pitch from tearing as easily.
Structure and facilities
Fir Park is an all-seater stadiumAll-seater stadium
An all-seater stadium is a sports stadium in which every spectator has a seat. This is commonplace in football stadiums in nations such as the United Kingdom, Spain, and the Netherlands. Most soccer and American football stadiums in the United States and Canada are all-seaters, as are most baseball...
with a capacity of 13,742. The stadium has an unbalanced look about it, with one large stand contrasting with three smaller stands. Until recently, the Davie Cooper and South stands had their advertising slogans changed in line with the club's main sponsor. For example, Motorola
Motorola
Motorola, Inc. was an American multinational telecommunications company based in Schaumburg, Illinois, which was eventually divided into two independent public companies, Motorola Mobility and Motorola Solutions on January 4, 2011, after losing $4.3 billion from 2007 to 2009...
was displayed in the mid-1990s. Both of these stands were designed by Bill Dickie, who was also a club director and SFA
Scottish Football Association
The Scottish Football Association is the governing body of football in Scotland and has the ultimate responsibility for the control and development of football in Scotland. Members of the SFA include clubs in Scotland, affiliated national associations as well as local associations...
president.
The Main Stand, on the west side of the ground, was built in the early 1960s. It was renamed The Phil O'Donnell Stand in January 2008, to honour the Motherwell captain who died on the Fir Park pitch. A sculptured tribute to O'Donnell was added to the north wall of the stand in 2011. The stand is an unusual structure in that the steel girders run for the full length of the pitch, but the stand only runs for two thirds the length of the pitch. This was due to a dispute with a home owner beside the stadium during construction, which the club lost, and thus were unable to complete the stand across the whole length of the pitch.
During the construction of the South and Davie Cooper Stands, the main stand was re-clad and given a makeover to complement the modernised stadium. The stand has two hospitality suites: The Centenary Suite and The Millennium Suite. It also has a roof-mounted gantry for television cameras, and press facilities. The club have spent a substantial amount of money on fireproofing the stand in recent years, despite some rumour that it may be rebuilt at some point in the future, due to rising maintenance costs.
The South Stand is the biggest stand at the ground. It is a massive two-tiered structure which was built in 1993. It normally houses the away support, however it is used for home supporters on some occasions. It has a row of corporate boxes running along between the two tiers, a gymnasium and warm up area. It recently had an advertisement for Lanarkshire 2011 International Children's Games
International Children's Games
The International Children's Games is an International Olympic Committee-sanctioned event held every year where children from cities around the world and between the ages of 12 and 15 participate in a variety of sports.-History:...
erected on the roof.
The East Stand was formerly an area of open terracing, which was eventually roofed. To meet the Taylor Report requirements, this terrace was made all seated, and re-cladded to complement the new South Stand, and refurbished Main Stand as well as the Davie Cooper Stand. This houses the more vocal support at Fir Park. The legendary slogan "KEEP CIGARETTES AWAY FROM THE MATCH" had adorned the roof for many years, however, for the 2011-12 season, this was replaced by a Cash Converters
Cash Converters
Cash Converters International Limited is a worldwide pawnbroking franchise company. They also offer small financial loans to people. -Australia:Cash Converters International is a franchised retail network listed on the ASX and London Stock Exchange....
advertisement.
Constructed in 1994, the North Stand was subsequently named in memory of former Motherwell player Davie Cooper
Davie Cooper
David "Davie" Cooper was a professional football player. He was a Scotland international and played as a left winger....
, who died in March of the following year. It houses a club shop, the Davie Cooper Suite, and hospitality boxes. It is of relatively similar design to the South Stand, however it only has one tier.
Other uses
During the 2007–08 season, GretnaGretna F.C.
Gretna Football Club was a Scottish football club that represented the town of Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway, close to the border between England and Scotland...
rented Fir Park from Motherwell
Motherwell F.C.
Motherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. The club compete in the Scottish Premier League and are one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998...
and played all but one of their home league
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
games there. The now-defunct borders club also played their UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
second qualifying round 1st leg against Derry City
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
at the stadium.
Over the years the stadium has played host to several Challenge Cup finals and League Cup
Scottish League Cup
The Scottish League Cup is a football competition open to all Scottish Football League and Scottish Premier League clubs. At present it is also known as the Scottish Communities League Cup owing to the sponsorship deal in place with the Scottish Government. In the past it has been sponsored by...
semi finals. The two league cup semi-finals that were played at the stadium were Kilmarnock-Falkirk in 2007 and Hearts-St Mirren in 2010.
Future
At the moment, there is much debate amongst fans over the future of Fir Park Stadium. At the 2008 annual general meeting, the club announced plans to investigate the possibility of a redevelopment of Fir Park Stadium, which is showing its age and will require major works some time in the future, or the possibility of a move to a new ground. Motherwell chairman John Boyle indicated at the club's AGM that the club would not be leaving Fir Park in the next 5–10 years.A renovation of Fir Park Stadium is considered to be the most likely option. The club have spent a considerable amount of money fireproofing the Phil O'Donnell Stand as well as relaying the pitch and installing a new undersoil heating system towards the end of the end of the 2009–10 season. Many fans believe that the club plan to rebuild the ageing Phil O'Donnell Stand and replace it with a newer and more modern structure. It is thought that if such works were to go ahead, the current South and Davie Cooper Stands would be retained, as both are relatively new and in good condition.
In the future, a stadium move could become a reality. In June 2010, the club said that the repair of the pitch, which had come in for some fierce criticism in the latter part of the 2009-10 season, could be the last major investment at the stadium. However since this information is speculative at best, there has been no proposals as to a potential new site.
Most recently, on September 2011, Vice-Chairman Derek Weir indicated that the club are 'nowhere near' a ground move, insisting that the 15 million pounds
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
it would take to make it happen would be a step too far for a club the size of Motherwell.
Transport
Motherwell railway stationMotherwell railway station
Motherwell railway station serves Motherwell in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. It lies on the West Coast Main Line, and is served also by Argyle Line trains of the Glasgow suburban railway network. It is the penultimate stop on the northbound WCML before Glasgow. There are four platforms of various...
is approximately 15 minutes walking distance from Fir Park. Local trains on the Argyle Line
Argyle Line
The Argyle Line is a suburban railway located in West Central Scotland. It connects the Lanarkshire towns of Lanark, Larkhall and Motherwell to West Dunbartonshire via central Glasgow using sub-surface running...
serve Airbles railway station
Airbles railway station
Airbles railway station serves the Airbles area of Motherwell, North Lanarkshire in Scotland. It is located near Fir Park stadium, home of Motherwell F.C.-History:The station was a new construction in 1989, on the Hamilton Circle....
, which is closer to the ground. People travelling by car can use the M74 motorway
M74 motorway
The A74 and M74 motorways form a major motorway in Scotland. Following an extension opened on 28 June 2011, it connects the M8 motorway west of Glasgow to the English border at Gretna, creating an alternative route for traffic moving from the south to the west of the city...
, leaving at junction 6. The A723 and B754 (Airbles Road) roads lead to Fir Park. Alternatively, visitors from the east or north who come to Motherwell via Newhouse
Newhouse, North Lanarkshire
Newhouse is a hamlet and major road interchange located in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Sited 2 miles from the village of Salsburgh, from nearby Holytown and about north east of Motherwell....
(junction 6 of the M8 motorway) should follow the A723 through Carfin
Carfin
Carfin is a small village to the north-east of Motherwell, Scotland on the road to Newarthill.-Local facilities:The closest secondary school is Taylor High School in nearby New Stevenston...
to Motherwell and then take the A721 road to Fir Park. Car parking is available in the surrounding streets.