Scottish Premiership rivals Motherwell have announced former player and club legend Stevie Hammell as their new manager amid links between ex-Rangers star Kevin Thomson and the role.
The Fir Park have announced a deal for the former defender – who made over 600 appearances for the Steelmen – after a short stint in charge as caretaker boss.
Stevie Hammell had stepped up to the plate after the sacking of Graham Alexander, for whom the axe fell after a devastating Europa League Conference qualifying defeat to League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers.
The 40-year-old has signed a two-year deal at the club with Brian Kerr signing on as his assistant.
Motherwell appoint Stevie Hammell amid links to Rangers icon Kevin Thomson
According to Motherwell, there were over 70 applicants for the role with ex-Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson linked earlier in the summer.
Thomson – who joined Rangers from Hibs in a reported £2m deal in 2007 – is out of work after leaving his management role with Kelty Hearts in the summer despite guiding them to League Two promotion last season.
Thommo wasn’t the only ex-Rangers figure linked to the role either, with former Ibrox striker Duncan Ferguson also tipped for the job after he left his backroom role with Everton.
However, it will be Stevie Hammell who takes the reins in Lanarkshire and Motherwell chairman Jim McMahon claims the club legend was the “unanimous” pick of the club’s directors.
“We ran a very robust process that started with over 70 applicants. We met last weekend to narrow that down to a final three and we spent time interviewing them over the last few days,” said McMahon [Motherwell].
“All three candidates were impressive, and each brought their own positives, but Steven was the unanimous pick of the directors and Well Society board members who sat on the panel.
“He inspired us with not only his short-term plans to reshape the squad and adapt the style, but his medium to long-term vision around a fully integrated club and we felt this matched how we see the future of the club.
“We think he will bring many qualities to the job that he has demonstrated running the biggest department at the club for almost five years and it’s abundantly clear to us that he has the support and buy-in of the current squad and staff.
“We are going to have a busy few weeks and months ahead, but the board will give Steven all the support we can to be successful.”
Whilst it’s Stevie Hammell and not Kevin Thomson who takes charge at Motherwell, we suspect this won’t be the last time the ex-Rangers star is linked with a Premiership role.
Meanwhile, a former Rangers manager has claimed that the Ibrox side failed in a record-breaking £15m move for a legendary former striker who is officially Glasgow bound.
