Motherwell appoint new manager ahead of Aberdeen clash

Motherwell have appointed Steven Hammell as their new manager on a two-year deal.

The 40-year-old, who had been in interim charge, succeeds Graham Alexander in the hot-seat, two weeks after the former Scotland international left Fir Park by 'mutual consent' in the aftermath of the club's embarrassing Europa Conference League qualifying round exit to Sligo Rovers.

He and assistant Brian Kerr will now take the team for the first time as the permanent management against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Saturday.

Hammell was one of three candidates interviewed by the Fir Park hierarchy this past week, including former Fir Park star Simo Valakari, amid 70 applications for the role.

Former Rangers and Hibs midfielder Kevin Thomson was left off the shortlist, while former Fir Park hero Paul Lambert also missed the cut after stating he would be interested in the role.

A club statement read: "We are delighted to confirm Steven Hammell as the new permanent manager of Motherwell Football Club.

"The 40-year-old has signed a two-year contract and has named Brian Kerr as his assistant.

"Steven has been in interim charge of the first team for the last fortnight but will now take the reins as the 26th individual to lead the club, leaving his previous role as academy director."

Hammell said: “It is an honour for me to be given the responsibility as manager of this wonderful club and something I am very excited about.

“The last two weeks have given me an even bigger appetite for it and I am determined and ambitious to take this team on and put my own stamp on it.

“I hope I can continue to get my message across and give our supporters a team that will entertain them and a team that they can see are giving their all.

“I have also spent that time