MOTHERWELL’S recruitment drive for a new manager is being stepped up as they target having their man in place for this weekend.

A week has now gone by since Mark McGhee was relieved of his duties at Fir Park and over 50 applicants have submitted their CV to be his replacement.

The Lanarkshire side’s board were due to meet over the last 24 hours to narrow down their shortlist for the job, and it is anticipated interviews for the managerial vacancy will commence imminently. 

Caretaker manager Steve Robinson, who was in charge during Saturday’s 2-1 victory away to Kilmarnock, is set to speak to club bosses to state whether or not he wishes to be considered for the post on a full-time basis after initially admitting he only intended to stay at Fir Park until the summer.

Robinson had agreed to take the first team for one match in the immediate aftermath of McGhee’s exit last Tuesday but it remains to be seen if he will be the man – either on an interim or permanent basis – to be in the dug out when Motherwell travel to Pittodrie this Saturday.

Former Motherwell midfielder Simo Valakari is one of the men still in the running after he exclusively declared his interest in the job last week.