Frequently Asked Questions
Who’s behind The Steelmen Dispatch?
The Steelmen Dispatch is a fully independent, supporter-run project celebrating all things Motherwell FC. From long-form writing to visual design, it’s made by fans, for fans, with an eye on quality, honesty, and local pride.
What is The Steelmen Dispatch?
It’s a grassroots fanzine and creative outlet for the Motherwell community. We publish seasonal reviews, interviews, analysis and features on fan culture, all wrapped in a distinct visual identity and printed in limited runs.
All of our match previews, tactical breakdowns and weekly analysis are available for free on our website: steelmendispatch.com. The goal is to offer in-depth, supporter-led journalism that matches the standard of publications like The Athletic, but rooted in local voice and club identity.
The print fanzine gives us space to go even deeper. It allows for long-form storytelling, visual experimentation and a focus on the wider culture surrounding Motherwell FC. By supporting it, you're helping sustain an independent project that believes fans deserve quality coverage, not clickbait
Are you officially affiliated with Motherwell FC?
No. The Steelmen Dispatch is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in partnership with Motherwell FC, the Well Society, or the SPFL. We’re proudly independent, but fiercely supportive of the club.
Do you support The Well Society?
Yes. We believe strongly in the principles of community ownership and want to help where we can. For our first issue, £1 from every zine sold goes directly to the Well Society. This approach may vary in future issues, but we’ll always be clear about where your money goes.
Are you making money from this?
Yes — but the vast majority of revenue goes straight back into the project. That includes higher quality print runs, better packaging, postage materials, and the software needed to design and distribute everything. Where possible, we also donate to the Well Society.
How much is postage?
Postage is calculated at checkout based on your location and order size. We use Royal Mail for most deliveries and try to keep costs as affordable as possible for supporters.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes — international orders are welcome. Delivery times will vary depending on your country, but most items ship from Scotland within a few working days of being ready. Please feel free to contact us if you're unsure about anything.
How long will my order take?
For standard orders, we aim to dispatch within 3 to 5 working days. However, for pre-orders — such as our first printed fanzine — please allow up to 4 weeks from the date of payment. We’re a small team and some items are printed to order. We’ll always keep you updated if there are delays.
What’s your returns policy?
We comply with UK consumer rights law and distance selling regulations.
If you’ve changed your mind about your order, you have the right to cancel and request a refund within 14 days of receiving your item. To do this, please contact us with your order details. Once confirmed, you’ll need to return the item in its original condition. You are responsible for return postage costs unless the item was faulty or incorrect.
If your item arrives damaged or there’s an issue with your order, such as the wrong item being sent, please contact us within 14 days. We’ll offer a replacement if stock is available or a full refund, including postage.
We’ll always do our best to put things right. However, it’s worth noting that this is a small, grassroots project — not a large commercial operation. Every zine is made, packed, and posted with care, often on evenings and weekends. So before placing an order, we kindly ask that you consider the time, cost, and community effort involved. Your patience and understanding mean a lot.
What if I have a copyright concern?
We take copyright and fair use seriously. All written and visual content in The Steelmen Dispatch is either original, significantly transformed, or used under fair dealing provisions for reporting, commentary, or satire under UK copyright law.
If you believe your work has been used in a way that breaches copyright, please contact us. We’ll assess the concern in good faith and take appropriate action where needed.
Can I contribute or get involved?
Yes — we’re always open to hearing from writers, photographers, designers, or anyone with a good idea rooted in the club and the community. If you’d like to pitch something, get in touch via email or Instagram.
I’m a local business and I want to advertise with you. Can I do this?
We only consider advertising or sponsorship partnerships with businesses based in North Lanarkshire, and only if their values reflect the community ethos we stand for. That means supporting grassroots sport, fair pricing, and doing something positive for the local area. If that’s you, feel free to reach out — but we won’t be including ads in our publications otherwise.