SIMO VALAKARI has emerged as a front runner for the vacant Motherwell manager's job as he stands just three games away from potentially winning the Finnish title.
HeraldSport broke the news last week that the 42-year-old, who enjoyed a four-year spell at Fir Park as a player, was one of the first contenders to apply for the post vacated by Ian Baraclough eight days ago. Over 75 applicants have since signalled that they wish to be considered by the Lanarkshire club's board that met on Monday to go through the candidates.
It is now understood that Valakari is one of top targets on that list. He is currently the manager of SJK in his homeland, a side that is agonisingly close to becoming Finnish champions for the first time in their short eight-year history. Only three games remain in the Veikkausliiga and the team from Seinajoki currently sit two points adrift of leaders RoPS. It has been a meteoric rise for the minnows under the Finn. Valakari took over in 2012 and won them the second division title in his first season. SJK then went on to finish second in the top flight last term and clinched the League Cup for the first time ever.
Motherwell have indicated their intention to have their new man in place for Saturday October 17 when Ladbrokes Premiership champions Celtic come to Fir Park, with under-20s coach Stephen Craigan in charge for this weekend's trip to face Dundee. The Finnish campaign, however, does not end until the following weekend, meaning Motherwell may have to wait an extra week if they decide Valakari is the man they wish to succeed Baraclough.
While one familiar face could be returning to Fir Park, another one won't be with the news Stuart McCall has he ruled himself out of replacing the man that took over from him last December.
McCall enjoyed a largely successful spell in charge at Fir Park between 2010 and 2014 despite a disappointing end to his tenure, but he explained that whilst he maintains affection for the Lanarkshire club, he feels that it wouldn’t be a trick he could easily repeat. He admitted, though, that the higher level of resources available for investment in the playing squad at Tannadice as Dundee United manager would be an enticing prospect.
He said: “I won’t be returning to Motherwell. I think some Motherwell fans probably remember the last dozen games as opposed to the first 160.
“But the levels of success we had there, getting to the Champions League, Scottish Cup final, finishing second, runners-up to Celtic twice, I don’t think we could match that again for a long time.
“I had my time, I loved my time there, but it’s not something I’ll be revisiting. A lot of people say you should never go back.
“It’s a club I’m very fond of but it won’t be for me to contemplate going back there.
“Regarding Dundee United, a bigger club and fanbase wise, certainly a bigger budget, I think the third biggest in Scotland, good history, been in a couple of Scottish Cup finals of late, should be challenging for a European spot, so that might be one of interest.”
Whoever the next Dundee United manager may be, they will not benefit from the same bonus that Jackie McNamara enjoyed for developing and selling on players.
United chairman Stephen Thompson said: “Its unfortunate how it came out, but it didn’t come through me. I know how it happened. I will not go over that, but it won’t be in the next contract, that’s for sure.
“Ultimately it was me and the board who decided about players leaving and not the manager, although you take his opinion, obviously."
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