The mid-1960s marked a new dawn at Fir Park. With Bobby Howitt stepping into the managerial hot seat in 1965, Motherwell FC set off on a fresh path. His appointment brought not only fresh tactics but a forward-looking vision.

The signing of Bobby Campbell heralded that change on the field, while the club’s switch to improved training grounds at Cleland Estate symbolised a renewed focus on nurturing talent.

Meanwhile, a quiet but powerful revolution stirred behind the scenes. The opening of the Fir Park Social Club offered supporters a deeper connection to their club, transforming matchday into a fuller, more community-driven experience. The passing of club legend John Hunter during this time marked the end of one chapter, but his legacy remained rooted in every corner of the stadium.

The 1968–69 season brought triumph as Motherwell secured the Second Division title in style, capped by a memorable 7:1 thrashing of Stenhousemuir. They scored seven goals on three occasions, six twice and five twice and failed to find the net only four times, which resulted in an incredible 112 goals scored and 23 conceded. Fir Park was electric once more. The arrival of Joe Wark – though under chaotic circumstances – sowed the seeds of a new generation of heroes.

Changing Stripes, Glamour Nights (1970–1973)

The 1970s opened with both visual and cultural shifts. The traditional claret band was dropped in favour of a bold all-amber kit, with a badge appearing on the jersey for the first time, MFC initials in script font  – sleek, modern, and divisive. The financial pressures of top-flight football began to bite, but on the pitch, the excitement continued.

The Texaco Cup introduced European-style glamour to Fir Park. On 14 September 1970, the Steelmen edged Stoke City 1:0 before 14,450 fans, thanks to a goal from John Goldthorp. Facing legendary England keeper Gordon Banks only added to the occasion’s magic. In the return leg, Keith MacRae’s heroics in a dramatic penalty shoot-out sealed Motherwell’s place in the quarter-finals.

That set the stage for a mouth-watering clash with Tottenham Hotspur. The London giants, boasting internationals like Pat Jennings and Martin Peters, edged the first leg 3:2 at White Hart Lane. Yet Fir Park delivered one of its greatest nights on 3 November 1970, as 22,450 fans roared the Steelmen to a thrilling 3:1 victory. Goals from Brian Heron, Bobby Watson, and Tom Donnelly secured the famous win.

Although hopes of lifting the trophy were dashed in the semi-final by Hearts, the campaign had reignited belief. Young talents like Willie Pettigrew emerged, and though key figures such as Tom Forsyth departed, the club still had Mr Joe Wark and remained forward-thinking.

With Bobby Howitt’s exit in March 1973, the stage was set for a familiar face to take charge.

St John’s Revolution: Style and Substance (1973–1975)

Club legend Ian St John returned as manager, bringing not just nostalgia, but vision. His tenure saw the debut of the now-iconic sash kit and clever signings like Bobby Graham.

Behind the scenes, Motherwell evolved into a modern outfit. New training facilities, a customised team coach, expanded commercial activities, and revamped shops illustrated the club’s changing face.

Willie McLean succeeded St John in September 1974, joined by a young Craig Brown. Together, they ushered in a new era, balancing tradition with innovation, and laying down foundations for the future.

Pettigrew, Promotions, and the Golden Goal Girl (1975–1977)

The 1975–76 season kicked off with a flurry of transfer activity. Colin McAdam, Vic Davidson, and Willie McVie arrived, while fan-favourite Willie Pettigrew dazzled with 38 goals across the campaign. Peter Marinello brought added flair, while Ally Hunter joined between the sticks.

Season 1975-76 started with the re-vamped Texaco Cup, now named the Anglo-Scottish Cup, and Motherwell – after beating Dundee and Blackburn Rovers in the early rounds – lost 4:3 on aggregate to a Fulham side with former England Internationalists Bobby Moore and Alan Mullery in their team.

Off the pitch, the “Golden Goal Girl” lottery launched, offering matchday punters a chance to win £25. The club’s first official shop opened on Windmillhill Street, and a £30,000 team coach was unveiled in style. Fir Park’s atmosphere soared – especially after a dramatic 3:2 comeback win over Celtic in the Scottish Cup.

Pre-season 1976 saw the team tour Central America. From playing in THE towering Estadio Azteca, to a fiery clash with Santa Fe in Colombia, the trip tested both skill and discipline. Despite controversy, the experience showcased Motherwell’s ambition. Dutch giants Ajax, with legendary sweeper Rudi Krol, were then beaten 4:2 at Fir Park in a pre-season friendly.

Domestically, the Admiral-designed kit gave the team a fresh look. But the season was bittersweet, as beloved club figures like Janet Renny passed, and changes loomed.

A Club in Flux (1977–1980)

The following years saw turbulence. Managerial changes were frequent, with Willie McLean stepping down, replaced briefly by John Hagart and then Roger Hynd. Off the pitch, the club mourned several long-serving figures, Directors William Miller and James Collins, while pushing forward with commercial flair. Singer Christian – formerly Chris McClure – was named an Honorary Director, and fans were invited to design the team’s future kits.

Transfers rolled on. David Latchford arrived in 1978, while Pettigrew’s departure to Dundee United marked the end of an era. Ally McLeod took over as manager in December 1978, immediately setting about reshaping the squad.

Motherwell spent big: Hugh Sproat and Brian McLaughlin joined for £100,000 each, while promising winger John Gahagan was spotted during the Junior Cup Final and quickly snapped up.

A New Decade, A New Direction (1980–1982)

The 1980s opened with promise. The MFC Sports Centre rose on Edward Street, boasting squash courts and a gym – a major leap in infrastructure. Fans were engaged like never before, with badge design competitions, improved match programmes, and new supporter transport thanks to sponsorship deals.

Ally McLeod’s reign faltered, however, and after a poor start to 1981–82, he was replaced by Davie Hay. Despite being an “interim” appointment, Hay stabilised the side, introducing talents like Alfie Conn and Brian McClair, leading them to the 1982-82 1^st Division Championship, while boardroom reshuffles brought fresh leadership.

Enter Jock Wallace (1982–1983)

June 1982 saw the arrival of Jock Wallace, bringing his trademark intensity and drive. His tenure began with a comeback win over Falkirk in a pre-season friendly. New signings followed: Ally Mauchlen, Bobby Flavell, and even Johannes Edvaldsson. A notable first came when the team donned shirts with a centre-chested club badge against Leeds United.

Off the pitch, innovation continued. Motherwell became one of the first Scottish clubs to wear sponsored shirts. “Scottish Brewers” featured in a 2:0 win over St Mirren. Joe Wark, now a club institution, stepped into a coaching role while still playing, epitomising the club’s spirit.

There were emotional farewells too: Jack McGraw stepped down as Secretary after 18 years, marking the end of an era behind the scenes.

The highlights of season 1982-83 centred around January 1983 when a young Brian McClair announced his arrival with a hattrick against Rangers in a 3:0 win and a double in a 2:1 victory over Celtic 12 days later.

Legacy of a Defining Era

Between 1965 and 1983, Motherwell FC endured a turbulent yet resilient chapter in their history, marked by both setbacks and spirited comebacks. The club’s league fortunes seesawed throughout the period: relegated from the top flight in 1967–68, they bounced back immediately by winning the Second Division the following season. In 1975, they secured a place in the newly formed Premier Division after the reorganisation of Scottish football, but the period closed on a sour note with relegation back to the First Division in 1983-84.

Cup competitions offered little solace during these years. The Scottish Cup often proved unforgiving, with Motherwell typically falling at the early stages. Similarly, they failed to make a significant impact in the Scottish League Cup, never progressing to the final.

Yet, there was a glimmer of success in 1965 when the club lifted the Scottish Summer Cup – a short-lived competition, but a rare and welcome moment of silverware in an otherwise challenging era. While consistency proved elusive, the team’s ability to rebound from adversity, particularly their swift return to the top flight in 1969, was a testament to their enduring spirit.

The period 1965-1983 also delivered memorable games, iconic kits, infrastructure upgrades and fierce rivalries, which defined Motherwell Football Club in more ways than one. It was a time of sweeping change, demanding challenges, and unshakeable character.

This was an era when community, resilience, and ambition blended into the claret and amber DNA – laying the groundwork for future glory, forged not just in victories, but in the very spirit of Fir Park.