Motherwell now find themselves looking for a new manager after the resignation of Stuart Kettlewell.
With the Scottish Premiership as competitive as ever, the Steelmen will want someone capable of steadying the ship while injecting ambition and vision into the club.
Here are five potential candidates Motherwell could consider:
Steven Naismith (Unattached)
Steven Naismith is a name synonymous with leadership, both on and off the pitch. The former Scotland international transitioned seamlessly into coaching, serving as a player-coach at Hearts before taking over as interim manager in April 2023 before going on to be named permanent manager two months later.
During his time in charge of the Jambos he led them to Europa Conference League qualification via a 3rd place finish in the Scottish Premiership.
Although, he departed Hearts in September 2024 as the club made the decision to appoint a more experienced head coach in Neil Critchley, Naismith remains a promising managerial prospect and had a win rate in Gorgie of 43%.
With his extensive knowledge of the Scottish game and natural leadership qualities, Naismith is well-suited for another opportunity to lead a Premiership side. Could Motherwell provide that opportunity?
Scott Brown (Ayr United)
The former Celtic captain has made waves in management with his current work at Ayr United.
Brown’s transition from a fiery leader on the pitch to a capable manager has been impressive.
His tenacity and determination to succeed have been evident in Ayr’s performances. Brown is still in the early stages of his managerial career – having managed Fleetwood in the EFL before moving to Somerset Park, but his reputation as a leader and motivator could make him an ideal candidate for a club looking to reignite their fortunes. His presence alone could galvanise the dressing room and fan base.
Neil Lennon (Unattached)
Few names in Scottish football carry as much weight as Neil Lennon. A domestic treble winner in Scotland as player and manager, Lennon is currently out of work having managed in Romania with Rapid Bucharest last season.
With vast managerial experience, including two title-laden spells in charge at Celtic and a solid spell with Hibernian, Lennon is a seasoned figure in the dugout.
Known for his passion and ability to inspire players, Lennon would bring an immediate fight and desire to Motherwell. He also has experience handling high-pressure situations, which could prove vital for a club aiming to stay competitive in the Premiership.
While his managerial style might not appeal to everyone, his proven track record cannot be ignored.
Dougie Imrie (Morton)
Dougie Imrie has been steadily making a name for himself as manager of Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.
Under his guidance, Morton have shown organisation, resilience, and an ability to progress year on year even with limited resources.
This is undoubtedly a skill that could transfer well to Motherwell. As a young and ambitious manager, Imrie would be more than ready for the step up to managing in the Scottish Premiership.
This one is the most unlikely suggestion in the list due to the Motherwell fans views on Imrie who played for their bitter rivals Hamilton for a number of years.
That being said, I feel that the job that he is doing at Cappielow deserves to be highlighted as I believe he is more than capable of managing in the Premiership if given the opportunity.
Craig Harrison (The New Saints)
Craig Harrison has been thriving in Wales, leading The New Saints (TNS) to consistent success in the Cymru Premier in both of his spells in charge of the club.
With multiple league titles to his name, Harrison knows what it takes to build a winning culture. He has also taken the Welsh side into the UEFA Conference League proper this season which marks the first time a Cymru Premier side has achieved such a feat.
His ability to manage expectations and sustain high performance is something Motherwell could benefit from.
While moving to the Scottish Premiership would be a step up, Harrison’s success in Wales suggests he has the tactical acumen and leadership skills to make the jump.
His track record of success could make him a dark horse candidate for the role.
Featured image: “Fir Park” by mark.watmough from Toronto, Canada is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Callum McFadden 