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As ‘Well ladies impeding cup final draws ever closer, this Wednesday night actually, everyone associated with the team is aware that history could be made in the coming days!

The Ladies have fought off tough competition in previous rounds from Dundee City, Glasgow Girls Development, Westerlands and Falkirk Ladies, but now find themselves down to one of the last two teams and in the SWFL Division 2 League Cup final, which takes place this Wednesday evening (24th June) at Ainslie Park in Scotland’s capital.

Talismanic Centre half Laura Smith is looking forward to the occasion: “I’m really excited and can’t wait for Wednesday to come already! It’s going to be a great occasion for everyone involved at the club and one our talented squad of players is fully focused on.

“Throughout the competition we have come up against some really tough opposition, but have undoubtedly grown as a squad over the weeks.

“We know what to expect of Rangers and have spent valuable time preparing for the challenge ahead. They are a young squad with talented players and will be a very tough test for us.

“We are aware this is potentially the first piece of silverware Motherwell Ladies could take home since they formed at the start of last season; we could be making history, but that won’t cloud our vision of the job and what we need to do come match day.”

‘Well ladies have now accumulated a staggering 100 plus goal difference in their ventures since the start of this season so are very capable of finding the back of the net, but Motherwell LFC manager Graeme McArthur is not being complacent in his preparations for the game.

“This week is going to be a real test of strength and character from the full squad,” he said.

“With the fantastic, but tough, Scottish Cup win away against SWPL opponents Hutchie Vale two days ago, the League Cup final on Wednesday and our closest league rivals, Hearts Development, next Sunday, it’s going to be a big week, but we have a full squad ready and waiting.

“This is where we want to be though and I have a great squad who are already relishing each and every challenge we face this week.

“Preparations so far have gone well for the cup final; we know how important Wednesday’s final is for the club, the background team and each and every member of my squad.

“We know that Rangers bring a team of young, fit and talented players and their abilities should not be underestimated. However my focus is on my squad and reaching our own high standards and expectations. We are very much looking forward to our first ever cup final and hope to see some of our extended ‘Well family members along to enjoy the occasion.”

There is one man who has been looking forward to this occasion more than most and cannot wait to see the Ladies take to the pitch on Wednesday night.

Douglas Dickie, life long Motherwell supporter and local Chartered surveyor has become so impressed with on goings at the club, he has jumped on board and offered the team an extremely generous sponsorship deal! I had the chance to catch up with the man himself and find out more in our usual Q&A…

Name: Douglas Dickie

Job Title: Chartered Quantity Surveyor

Favourite team: The Well

Footballing hero: Having watched the team since the 60s, there have been a few, but early on there was Jumbo Muir, Brian Heron, Peter Marinello and of course Wullie Pettigrew.

Name of Organisation: Douglas H Dickie MRICS, Chartered Quantity Surveyors

Where is your organisation located: My office is based in Lanark and has been for the last 19 years.

How long have you worked as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor? I set up my business in 1996 – 19 years ago and have developed from there.

Tell us a little bit about what you do as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor? I basically look after the financial and contractual aspects of Construction Projects from inception to completion – needless to say my most rewarding project was to work on the redevelopment of the South and Davie Cooper Stands at Fir Park – a labour of love!

Have you always been a fan of the mighty ‘Well? Yes I have. As I said I have watched the team from the late 60s –no choice my father first took me along through his involvement at the Club, he went on to serve on the Board for over 32 years, including numerous spells as Chairman and Vice Chairman. In fact I had been so used to watching the black and white TV, that when I saw my first live match I was surprised when it was in colour!

It’s absolutely fantastic to see someone who is so keen to get involved and support the women’s game. Do you think there is enough coverage/sponsorship of the women’s game in Scotland? No but I think this is improving particularly with Fir Park hosting some of the Scottish games over the last year or two. I also listen to BBC Radio and they appear to be giving the women’s game much more coverage.

Have you seen the ladies play? Sorry, don’t hold this against me, I just haven’t had the time yet! I do intend to get along and watch some of these great performances I have been hearing and reading about…starting this Wednesday! I’m really excited to watch the Cup final!

What initially attracted you to get involved with Motherwell LFC? With being involved in the ‘Well Society and on the board and indeed speaking with Charlie Bennett, I was made more aware of the Trusts activities and aims, one of which was the ladies team……it went on to develop from there.

You have offered the ladies a very generous sponsorship deal for their impending cup final against Rangers, would you like to tell us more about this? Similarly to the above, I was aware of the sponsorship deal which was being agreed with the Well Society and the Trust and I wanted to help with the agreement and help the Trust perhaps get slightly more than they had agreed as I do appreciate the work they do. I then saw this was a good opportunity and one I didn’t want to miss out on!

Are you looking forward to the final next Wednesday? Absolutely!! I can`t wait, very excited!!

What’s your score prediction for the game? A Motherwell win of course….good luck!!

On behalf of everyone at Motherwell LFC can I take this opportunity to thank you Douglas for coming on board with us and for the generosity and support as we venture into what we hope to be our first of many Cup Finals! We hope we can do you proud on Wednesday!

If you would like to see MOTHERWELL LFC take on Rangers in the SWFL Division 2 League Cup final, get yourself along to Ainslie Park, Edinburgh (Spartans FC ground) postcode: EH5 2HF this coming Wednesday, 24th June, 7.30 pm kick off. Adults £5 Children/Concessions £2

The great news is, there is a supporters bus leaving from FIR PARK to take supporters along to the game! For more details or to book your seat, please call 01698 239926 or email community@motherwellfc.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you there!

For all the latest info and live match tweets follow the ladies on twitter @MotherwellLFC

Follow me on twitter @dibsy_