Stuart McCall becomes new Motherwell manager

Stuart McCall has been named as the new manager of Motherwell.

The former Rangers and Scotland midfielder has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal.

He replaces Craig Brown at the helm after the veteran boss quit for Clydesdale Bank Premier League rivals Aberdeen.

McCall has been out of football management since parting company with Bradford in February.

He will take charge of the team today ahead of his first game against Hamilton at the weekend.

He said: "I am excited by the job and will give it my all.

"I know Motherwell very well as a club and have long respected what they are all about.

"They have produced some special talent over the years and done so in an entertaining way.

"It's a family club at the heart of the Scottish game and they are doing all the right things to be successful and sustainable.

"I have inherited a good squad with a proven system for identifying new and young talent.

"I want to build on that starting today to ensure we compete for success in the league, cup and Europe. "

It was reported that former Oldham boss Dave Penney was interviewed for the post and that Neil McDonald and Ricky Sbragia withdrew their interest in the job.

But Motherwell chairman John Boyle was thrilled with the appointment of McCall.

He said:"The board are truly delighted to welcome Stuart McCall to the club and begin a new era for the Motherwell family. We are enormously grateful to everyone who applied for and advised on this crucial appointment for our club.

"In Stuart we have secured the services of a proven winner with huge experience in the game and all of the attributes on our target list.

"He is a natural leader and has impressed us enormously with his thoughtful assessment of how he will go about the job.

"Stuart will fit in well at Motherwell and will play an important role in all we want to achieve in building a modern club with family and community appeal.

"All Motherwell fans will wish Stuart every success and a long and happy tenure at the club. "

McCall's assistant has yet to be confirmed.