Five Candidates to Become the Next Motherwell Manager
Stuart Kettlewell shockingly stepped down as Motherwell boss due to personal abuse he had been receiving from the supporters. The Steelmen have failed to win their last four games and are currently fifth in the league table. Chief executive Brian Caldwell told the club website: “It’s really sad that Stuart felt that the time was right to move on.
“He had an exceptional record and has generated an impressive amount of transfer income for the club. He has been a critical factor in the development of Motherwell academy graduates, as well as developing young loan players during his tenure. When Stuart approached me, I was very disappointed to learn the effect this was having on his family and how he was feeling. No manager, player, or club employee, every one of whom gives their all for the club, should feel this way.”
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Assistant manager Stephen Frail is in interim charge as the Well are on the hunt for a replacement for Kettlewell. The question is – who should they go for?
Neil Lennon
Neil Lennon has had a decorated managerial career winning five SPFL titles, four Scottish Cups, and one League Cup. The 53-year-old was sacked by Romanian outfit Rapid Bucharest at the start of the season but will certainly be wanting to right that wrong and get back into the dugout as soon as possible.
Billy Davies
Billy Davies kick started his managerial career off at Motherwell in 1998 becoming their youngest manager at 33-years-old. In his first season in charge, Davies helped the club survive relegation and guided them to a top four finish the following season. The 60-year-old defied all the odds and won Derby County to promotion to the English Premiership in 2007. Davies took a break out of the game but now could be the perfect time to make an emotional return to Fir Park.
Kevin Thomson
Kevin Thomson would be an interesting appointment. The 40-year-old’s only managerial role was with Kelty Hearts where he won Scottish League Two but departed the club after a season. Motherwell have showed over the years that they’re willing to give young managers a chance and Thomson could be a serious shout to replace Kettlewell.
Steven Naismith
Steven Naismith was sacked by Hearts at the start of the season due to a poor run of results, but last season guided the club to a third-place finish and were the only team to defeat Celtic home and away in the league. The 38-year-old does have the capabilities to become a good coach, and the Motherwell job could be the perfect role for him to get his managerial career back on track.
John McGlynn
John McGlynn has done a terrific job at Falkirk. The 63-year-old won promotion to the Scottish Championship last season and are now sitting top of the league by two points. McGlynn’s last job in the Premiership was with Hearts where they reached League Cup final in 2013. The former Raith Rovers boss is an experienced manager who knows the Scottish game inside out and would deserve another chance to manage in Scotland’s top flight again.
By: Scott Bradley / @ScottBradleyX
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Craig Foy – SNS Group