MOTHERWELL are preparing to start the interview process for their vacant manager’s position with Stephen Craigan still not one of the applicants.

The Northern Irishman has taken temporary charge of the Lanarkshire club for the last two games, firstly overseeing a 2-1 win over Partick Thistle before suffering through a defeat away at Dundee by the same score line on Saturday. Throughout the process the 38-year-old has been non-committal about his intentions to stay in the job permanently, with him previously stating him and majority Les Hutchison had yet to discuss the prospect.

HeraldSport has learned that despite the club’s football committee convening this week to meet with candidates, Craigan has yet to formally throw his hat into the ring, despite being second favourite for the job.

One man who may well appear for interview is Simo Valakari. The former Motherwell midfielder is currently the manager of Finnish side SJK who are only two games away from winning their first ever league title. Odds on the 42-year-old becoming the next manager at Fir Park have plummeted from 16/1 to 1/2 in the last few days, causing many to believe he will be the man to replace Ian Baraclough.

However, it is understood no contact has been made with the Veikkausliiga club or their manager by Motherwell. Contrary to media reports, there is also no representative of the Ladbrokes Premiership side travelling to Finland today to meet with Valakari, despite the Finn being one of the board's top targets.

Meanwhile, Motherwell defender Josh Law is hoping for a swift conclusion to the managerial saga. He said: “There are quite a few in for it. We are all looking forward to seeing who it is. Obviously Crags has come in and it's been good for the week and a half when he's been in charge.

“You do see names in the press but you can't talk about it until he is there. As players we haven't got a clue. We are just looking forward to the appointment, cracking on and getting our season going.”