Steven Hammell sacked by Motherwell as Scottish Cup KO proves final straw for beleaguered boss

Motherwell have sacked boss Steven Hammell after defeat to Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup.

The Fir Park side started the season well, winning three of their first four league games to hit the ground running under club legend Hammell. But they have won just two in the Premiership since and sit second bottom of the table on goal difference. They are currently 11 straight Premiership games without a win. Cup wins over Inverness and Arbroath were welcome respite but they have now been eliminated by Championship side Raith. It came after Well were thumped 3-1 by Aberdeen at Pittodrie last week.

And now Hammell has been sacked just six months after replacing Graham Alexander with the Fir Park side now on the hunt for their third permanent manager of the season. The final straw for Hammell was the 3-1 defeat to Raith Rovers at Starks Park. Former Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin is likely to be one of the bookies' favourites as they look to climb away from danger and avoid the drop into the Championship.

Former Ross County boss Stuart Kettlewell will take over as interim boss until a new manager is found.

Chairman Jim McMahon said: "Steven Hammell is and will forever be a colossus in Motherwell Football Club history. Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, his time in charge hasn’t worked out the way we all really hoped it would. Although this decision has been difficult, we feel it is necessary as we look towards the last third of the Premiership season.

"I want to thank Steven and Brian for all their efforts and wish them both all the very best in the future."

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