Motherwell are looking for a new manager following Steven Hammell's sacking; interim boss Stuart Kettlewell has led them to back-to-back league wins; they sit ninth in the Scottish Premiership.
Thursday 23 February 2023 07:19, UK
Ian Holloway and Grant McCann are on Motherwell's shortlist to replace Steven Hammell as manager, with interim boss Stuart Kettlewell also in the running.
The Fir Park side have started talks with candidates as they look to appoint a new boss following Hammell's sacking after their 3-1 Scottish Cup defeat to Raith Rovers.
Sky Sports News understand Jack Ross, however, will not take part in future discussions, despite being on the initial shortlist.
It is understood Ross, who was sacked last August by Dundee United after just two months in charge following a 9-0 defeat to Celtic, felt the timing was not right for a return to the dugout.
The 46-year-old has been working on becoming a sporting director since his departure from Dundee United.
Fir Park development coach Kettlewell meanwhile guided Motherwell to their first league win since October as they beat St Mirren 2-1 and followed that up with victory over Hearts on Sunday.
He will face competition from Holloway, who has been out of work since leaving Grimsby Town in 2020 but is of interest to the Fir Park board.
The 59-year-old has managed a number of clubs including Blackpool, Queens Park Rangers, Crystal Palace and Leicester City.
Former Peterborough United, Hull City and Doncaster boss McCann is also under consideration by Motherwell.
When asked about taking the job on a long-term basis, Stuart Kettlewell said:
"If the football club felt I could help them and make something better or get results then I would be more than happy to have a conversation.
"That's what it is, I mean a conversation. And it would just be a layer or two on to what I have already had in terms of trying to prepare a team.
"There are no guarantees that would filter out of that, I wouldn't be looking for any guarantees.
"The most important thing for me - and I am not trying to portray myself as the biggest clubman ever - but I want the best for the football club and the staff."
Speaking on Sky Sports, Motherwell supporter Derek Watson said:
"Steven Hammell's walked through that door at Fir Park for the best part of 30 years and gave his life to Motherwell and he'll always be a Motherwell legend.
"It might not have worked out for him over the past few months, but Motherwell fans will always hold him in high regard and I'm sure he'll be welcomed back at Fir Park any time.
"We've always been in the top flight in my lifetime. Things have been really difficult recently but there's still time to turn it around.
"We have a playing squad that does have good players in it, we qualified for Europe last season.
"If we can bring in the right manager who can motivate the players and start getting them playing better football then I'm quite confident we can stay up."
Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd believes the Fir Park club need to find a role for Hammell following his sacking:
"Stevie Hammell was the head of youth before and I think I'd find a role to get him back in there because, for Motherwell, there's no one better in terms of coming through and doing what he's done for that football club.
"I think sometimes when you're in a position when a manager goes, like Graham Alexander the last time, you feel as if you have to give it to someone in there.
"Maybe Stevie wasn't ready for it, maybe he just felt because of what he'd done for Motherwell it was the next step to take that role on.
"Sometimes things can be forced upon you and, ultimately, it hasn't worked out.
"I would find a way to get someone who has played the number of games and contributed as much to Motherwell over the last number of years back in there.
"You don't want to lose that experience. It didn't work as a manager, but there's still a place for Stevie Hammell at Motherwell Football Club."
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