Former Stockport County boss Jim Gannon, 40, will today be unveiled as the new Motherwell manager. He beat off opposition from Aidy Boothroyd, Lawrie Sanchez and Steve Taunton for the vacant position. He had recently verbally accepted the job but today this will be confirmed at a media conference. He will become the club's 20^th manager and will be assisted by Peter Ward. Hibernian had shown an interest in him before appointing John Hughes.

His first job in charge will be against Llanelli in the opening round of the Europa League on Thursday at Airdrie's Excelsior Stadium, due to the Fir Park pitch undergoing extensive repairs. The task will be made even more difficult as he may have a very small squad to choose from. Out of contract are Bob Malcolm, defender Brian Mclean and midfielder Steven Hughes. Loan deals have expired on striker Cillian Sheridan, defender Marus Klimpl and goalkeeper Artur Krysiak. David Clarkson is on his way to Bristol City whilst Cardiff and Hearts are showing an interest in defender Paul Quinn who could be away before Thursday's game.

A manager with a reputation of not being afraid to blood youngsters into his team, may well have to rely on drafting some of the Steelmens under 19 squad into his pool for this important match.

Getting to know his players between now and Thursday will be his first major task although the now threadbare squad should make that job a little easier than it normally would be for a new manager

All eyes will now be on Motherwell's game on Thursday and how the new boss adapts to this very difficult role.