Remember when Motherwell used to finish second or third in the league and played regularly in
Motherwell was a team with a Scottish Cup under its belt and should have been set fair to go on to even greater heights. A quick glance at the record books might tell you that ‘Well won nothing in the years that followed, and indeed are still awaiting further glory, but there are still tales to tell. 
This book chronicles the four seasons following the Cup win, from 91/92 to 94/95, and typifies the lot of the average dosser. Wins come along when least expected and defeats are no surprise. To add to the usual traumas Motherwell fans also got the chance to enjoy trips abroad in European games and Matt provides eye witness accounts from
On the home front Motherwell lost a manager and some vital players from the Cup winning team but regrouped a few seasons later to run Rangers close to the title. Alex McLeish was the lucky manager who inherited Tommy McLean’s team and was given money to spend but failed to spend it wisely enough. Not a lesson he appears to have learned as time has gone on.
Off the field Matt was developing a keen business sense, spotting opportunities where Motherwell’s marketing team (ahem) failed. Motherwell’s loss was Matt’s gain and his Del Trotter like business empire began to take hold. It’s a Motherwell Thing also covers the period when the streets of Motherwell were first blessed with the One Step Beyond fanzine, a publication still going strong nowadays. Domestically Matt was also showing alarming signs of settling down and mentions of Amber are not solely related to his favourite football team’s predominant colour.
To tell you more would spoil a good read so why not put your slippers on, light your pipe and sit in front of a roaring fire and enjoy four years in the life of Matt Johnstone and Motherwell FC. Who knows, in another three years we might just get the next instalment.
Caution: This book may contain mentions of Andy Roddie.
*This book is self published and only available on a limited print run from the outlets mentioned below. It will not be on general sale in larger bookshops. It is also produced independently of Motherwell Football Club and views expressed are solely those of the author and not in any way connected with the club.
Launch party Saturday 10th Dec. 7-8pm
Upstairs in Starka, prior to Melting Pot
Visit the website shop at:
email the author at :
Write to :
Motherwell Daft Productions
Motherwell
ML1 3YZ
Phone :
07904 225568
Or pick up a copy at any of these outlets :
Bandoni’s, New Stevenston
Jack Daniels,
Cover price £10, mail order add £1 p&p
Looking for more reading material? Try the FPC booklist.