Within a couple of days following Motherwell’s League Cup defeat at the hands of Morton it was reported that over 70 applications had been received for the newly vacated post. The bookies stoked interest with an opening list that ranged from possible to fantasy but now it looks like a four horse race.
Simo Valakari did not appear on Ladbrokes opening list but the SJK2007 manager is now an odds on favourite with those in the market. The Finnish side are hoping to secure their league title and with two games remaining there is an understandable reluctance to enter into talks. Simo was a determined chaser in the Motherwell midfield. After four seasons he joined Derby in 2000. In over 100 appearances he failed to score and left as Motherwell’s most capped player.
Stephen Craigan remains as second favourite though many close to Fir Park hold the view that he would be content to retain his broadcasting duties alongside his position as our U20s coach. His reluctance to make clear any desire to extend his spell as interim manager and his inexperience in the top job suggests that it will not be this long term Motherwell servant’s time yet.
Mixu Paatelainen has gone public with his wish to return to management in Scotland and he has suggested that either Dundee United (he played at Tannadice for four seasons) or Motherwell would be a happy fit. His long playing career led to management and most recently he had a four year stint in charge of the Finnish national team. That ended in June.
Mark McGhee remains as a possible contender despite his declaration a few days ago that there have been no moves from either party about the job. His focus is with the Scotland camp and if there are to be any developments with our former manager they will not happen until next week. Despite his flight from Fir Park to Pittodrie many ‘Well fans recognise the need for an established leader to see us through the season.
There is an expectation that the club will avoid the type of appointment that could be similar to Baraclough or Gannon. A tried and tested man is more likely and if that means a delay in an announcement for a week or two then so be it. The indication that the job would be filled ahead of our next game (against Celtic) is only a guide. Better to be sure than quick.