Motherwell Football Club has cut its managerial shortlist to three candidates, marking a deliberate turn toward overseas experience in its search for a new head coach. The move signals that the Scottish Premiership side is looking beyond domestic names to fill the vacancy left by the departure of Stuart Kettlewell.
Three names on the table
The club’s board has been working through a broader list of applicants over recent weeks. They've now settled on three finalists, though the names have not been publicly disclosed. Sources close to the process describe the trio as having “strong international profiles” rather than the typical Scottish football résumé.
That shift in approach suggests Motherwell is prioritizing tactical variety and exposure to different football cultures. The shortlist includes candidates who have worked in leagues across mainland Europe and, in one case, South America—a departure from the club’s recent hires, who came from within the Scottish game.
Why the change
Motherwell has consistently punched above its weight in the SPFL, finishing in the top six in recent seasons. But the board believes a fresh perspective could help the club push higher. The previous manager, Kettlewell, had a background mostly in the Scottish lower leagues. His successor will be expected to bring a modern, adaptable system.
“It’s about trying to find someone who can add something new,” said a person familiar with the discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity because the process is private. “The club feels the Scottish market is limited right now.”
The decision to look abroad also follows a broader trend in Scottish football. Several clubs have recently appointed managers from outside the UK, seeking different approaches to recruitment, analytics, and game management.
The challenge ahead
The winner will take over a squad that has shown promise but lacks consistency. Motherwell finished 7th in the 2023/24 season, and early results under interim management have been mixed. The new coach will have a short window to assess the team before the January transfer window opens.
Whoever gets the job will also need to navigate a demanding fanbase. Supporters have been vocal about wanting an ambitious appointment. The three finalists are believed to have been vetted for their ability to handle media pressure and build relationships with the club’s academy.
The shortlist includes one candidate with experience in a top-five European league, another who has won a domestic cup in a smaller European league, and a third who has managed in Argentina’s Primera División. Their names are expected to become public once formal interviews conclude.
What happens next
Interviews are scheduled to take place over the next week. The club hopes to announce the new manager before the next league fixture against Ross County on November 9. That timeline could shift if negotiations drag on, but Motherwell wants to avoid a prolonged search.
The three finalists will each present a detailed plan for the remainder of the season. The board will also hold video calls with each candidate’s references—former colleagues, players, and club executives.
For now, the identity of the finalists remains under wraps. But the message from Fir Park is clear: Motherwell is looking for a coach who will bring something different, and they’re willing to look far beyond Lanarkshire to find him.
