News of new arrival in the dugout divides Motherwell fans
Published:
Motherwell moved closer to finding a replacement for Ian Baraclough, with news that Mark McGhee is to be appointed for a second stint in charge of the Steelmen.
The news has been met in diverse fashion by the Fir Park fanbase, with forums split down the middle about the prospect of McGhee’s return.
Last seen on the club’s sidelines in 2009, McGhee was most recently working as Gordon Strachan’s assistant in Scotland’s failed Euro 2016 qualification bid.
The excited Well supporters will recall the 58-year-old’s two seasons in charge of their side with mixed emotions.The former striker secured a third-place finish in his first season with the club, but wasn’t able to match those highs the following season, ending up a disappointing sixth.
However, the cynics, who likely haven’t forgiven him for bolting to Aberdeen after that campaign, will point to a distinct lack of recent success as their core reason for uproar.
The Dons finished ninth in their first term under McGhee and were second from bottom when the club sacked him after 15 games of the following campaign.
Since then, Bristol Rovers are the only entry on the Glaswegian’s CV. After taking them to 13th from 19th in League Two, McGhee was sacked after 21 games of the 2012/13 season with the club swapping an expected promotion push for a relegation scrap.
McGhee will be walking into another fight at the wrong end of the table, albeit a more relaxed one than when in the west country.
Well sit ninth in the Premiership, five points ahead of bottom club Dundee United, and are rated 6/1 to finish bottom of the pile by the competition sponsors.
Having played a pleasing style of football during his debut season in the Fir Park dugout, it’s hoped a return to that, along with his experience and knowledge of the club, will provide a solid base to build from in the future.
Motherwell’s next game comes in the form of second-place Celtic, who are 3/10 to claim a victory over the north Lanarkshire side, while the hosts can be backed at 17/2.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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