They say that when God closes a door, he opens a window, and Stuart McCall seemed to follow that mantra yesterday as he ruled himself out of a return to management with Motherwell whilst simultaneously admitting his interest in the equivalent vacant position at Dundee United.
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 would be an enticing prospect for him.
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.
“Folk can say it’s a conflict of interest but I don’t know about that. We have learned a lot through all that and you are learning all the time. The day you stop learning is the day you should give up.
“It wasn’t ideal, there’s no doubt. It was difficult for everybody, including Jackie, but we move on.
“We have started the process of appointing a new manager, although I don’t see us having him in place before Saturday.
“We have been approached by a number of people but it’s not about the numbers, it’s about the quality. I would rather have three good quality candidates than 70 applications. My priority is to get the right person in for this club.”
Quantity has certainly not been an issue for Motherwell, as the club revealed they have had a deluge of applications for the post, which they hope to have filled by the time they face Celtic on October 17th.
Stephen Craigan will remain in interim charge of first-team affairs as the board conduct their interview process, with the former Motherwell captain yet to decide whether to throw his hat into the ring for the job on a permanent basis.
A club spokesman said: “The Board met on Monday evening for an initial review of the list of applicants for the role of first-team manager.
“We have received in excess of 75 applications and are delighted with the high quality of candidates.
“We are keen to undertake a detailed interview process to ensure we appoint a manager who shares the vision for the club and has the skills necessary to achieve the various goals required.
“Due to the number of applicants, it will take some time to complete the selection process and no interviews will take place this week.
“The Board have therefore asked Stephen Craigan to continue in his position for the Dundee game this Saturday, which he has agreed to do.
“The club hope to make an appointment prior to the next game after the international break.”
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