Thereafter Motherwell finished 3rd, 2nd and 2nd - easily our most successful league seasons since the 1930s. Under his charge we appeared in the Champions league, a feat that would have been thought impossible a few years ago. The only real blemish in those years was the disappointing exits in all cup competitions. #
In his meetings with fans and the press he always presented as an honest and enthusiastic manager and he was rewarded with an appointment to Gordon Strachan’s national team. He picked up several Manager of the Month awards and was presented with the manager of the Season trophy for our runner up spot in 2013.
In 2011/12 he led us to 3rd place with a team full of goal scorers. Higdon, Murhy and Ojamaa produced a rush of goals and they were backed up by a creative midfield and stout defence. We reached the cup quarter final.
2012/13 started with Panathanaikos (CL) and Levante (EL) and ended with us in the runner up place. Higdon bagged 27 goals, Murphy 10 and returning hero McFadden added 5. In total 67 goals and 63 points. We could hardly believe our eyes.
2013/14 saw the return of Sutton with 22 goals and together with Ainsworth (11) and Anier (9) we broke our points record with 70. Few who were at Pittodrie on the final day will forget the elation as Reid bundled in the late winner and the celebration of management, players and fans will live long in the memory.
The current dip in form has come as a surprise to many. With a team that has had only a few changes since last season it was commonly supposed that we would enjoy another season in the top half of the table. But the Stjarnan debacle and a penalty shootout loss to Accies in the League Cup merely set the tone for a stuttering start to the league campaign. Two wins from twelve Premiership fixtures is nothing short of relegation form and although there were mixed views in the Fir Park stands about the likely outcome for the rest of the season, the manager has chosen to walk.
The loss in Perth was the final straw.
The search for a new gaffer will start immediately while Kenny Black will act as caretaker. McCall will meet with the players for the last time on Monday. First priority will be to end the losing streak when Dundee United visit of Friday.