To Be Frank, Gannon Will Have His Work Cut Out At Motherwell

Motherwell are about to name former Stockport boss Jim Gannon as their new manager. Gannon lost his job due to cash problems at Stockport last month which led to the club going into administration. There was mention of Gannon being considered for the vacant job a Easter Road before John Hughes appointment but he has now verbally accepted the chance to become manager at Fir Park. A club statement read: "Motherwell Football Club can today confirm that Jim Gannon has been offered the position of team manager. After a lengthy and in-depth interview process, Gannon emerged as the outstanding candidate and following discussions with club chairman John Boyle on Friday, he has verbally accepted the post. Both parties will use the remainder of the weekend and the start of next week finalising contract details before a formal announcement of Jim's appointment."

The appointment will disappoint those who favoured Lawrie Sanchez, Steve Staunton and Aidy Boothroyd who were all linked with the job. Gannon saw the writing on the wall at Stockport when he was given permission to talk to Brighton earlier this year. Despite talking with the Seagulls, he decided to stay at Edgeley Park but that decision back-fired when the League One side went into administration in April and he and his assistant Peter Ward were made redundant. The former Dundalk and County defender will have his work cut out with his new club which has lost several players since the end of last season have accepted an offer from Bristol City for David Clarkson. He could be joined out the door by Paul Quinn after reports suggested Cardiff were close to agreeing a fee for the defender. That leaves Gannon with a major rebuilding job to undertake, with their Europa League first-round qualifier against Llanelli on Thursday.