STEPHEN CRAIGAN was a leader on the park. And Stephen Pearson, the Motherwell midfielder, believes it would be a natural progression for the former Fir Park captain to stride into management.
The Northern Irishman will take charge of the Lanarkshire side today for the second time in his interim spell following Ian Baraclough’s sacking as his team travel to Dundee, but as of yet he has yet to throw his hat into the ring about taking the job on permanently.
Pearson has been impressed with Craigan’s qualities since he came in during the summer to look after the Motherwell Under-20s, but none more so than in the last week when he stepped into the first-team breach. He believes that the interim coach is getting the right response from the players, and would be confident in that continuing if the club felt the 38-year-old was the right man for the job.
“As a player, he was a natural born leader on the pitch. So you can see him stepping in there naturally,” said the Motherwell midfielder. “He does a lot of media work as well and has a lot going on. So I don’t know if it will suit him to step into the role. Whether he feels he is ready for it or not is entirely up to Craggs and the board of directors and the owner to decide.
“But if he was to be appointed, the players would be delighted and would look forward to continuing working with him. He has enthusiasm and there is an opportunity for him that he probably didn’t expect. He has been working with the Under-20s so it’s a big step up. But, as I said, the players have responded to him well.
“This week has been good in training. The players have responded well to him. He’s a good coach, as is Robbo [Steve Robinson]. He is very demanding of the players, which is good. Hopefully we can get another three points on Saturday [against Dundee at Dens Park].
“Things have been kept relatively similar because I’m sure you don’t want to change too much in a short period of time. He’s just emphasised exactly what he wants. He wants us to play with a high tempo. The players have taken that on board.”
Interviews for the manager’s job are set to commence next week with applications still flooding in as the number creeps towards triple figures. It is understood the initial round of talks will take place in front of the club’s football committee, before the two front runners are called back.
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