Motherwell

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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When Michael Wimmer was appointed Motherwell manager on 17 February, it was a bit of a shock, certainly a surprise name.

His Fir Park exit 96 days later has caused even bigger shockwaves.

The German manager promised proactive football on his arrival, and he delivered it, to some extent.

There was, without doubt, a notable change in the Steelmen's style from his predecessor Stuart Kettlewell's days.

The highlight of his 12 games in charge was a deserved 2-1 win at Ibrox on 1 March, where there was a confidence and swagger about the side.

He too, of course, ensured their Scottish Premiership safety with relative ease, finishing eighth.

During his short spell, Wimmer struggled to nail down his best XI, in no small part due to the large squad at his disposal - something the club will need to adress in the summer among other things.

However, following what turned out to be his final home game in charge nine days ago - a commanding 3-0 win against Kilmarnock - Wimmer said he had "a perfect picture" and "knew everything" about his "brilliant team".

Now the board will need to have a perfect picture of where to turn next.

They are hunting for their fifth boss in under three years to helm a squad Wimmer himself said was "too big" and there's also the future of star midfielder Lennon Miller to sort.

What was shaping up to be an exciting time in ML1 is now looking a little more nervy.

Watch the best of Ross County's draw with Motherwell - which proved to be Michael Wimmer's final game in charge of the Steelmen - as the Highland side are consigned to the Scottish Premiership relegation play-off for the third straight season.

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Michael Wimmer has apologised to Motherwell fans after making the "extremely hard" decision to leave after just 12 games in charge.

The German is returning to his homeland to relegated SSV Jahn Regensburg, who will play in the third tier next season.

Motherwell say they "very reluctantly negotiated a compensation package" with the German side after Wimmer, 44, cited "major family issues" for his desire to accept the new role.

In a farewell statement, Wimmer said: "I want to thank the board and all the staff at the club for the way they welcomed me to Scotland and also ed me so much from when I arrived in February.

"They have done everything to me and my family during my time here.

"This has been an ongoing, extremely difficult position that I have found myself in, and the club have done all they could to me during these challenging times, both while I was in post and while I have been back in .

"I am sorry to all the Motherwell fans; the you have shown me has been outstanding, and I have loved learning about this wonderful club.

"This decision was an extremely hard one for me to make; however, I have decided to move back home, as I need to put my family first and be with them, and I want to thank the board for the understanding shown through these challenging times.

"I hope the club can continue to progress next season. I really enjoyed the time I spent in Scotland. There are great people at the club who are ambitious and want the best for the club going forward. I only wish everyone at Motherwell FC the very best for the future."

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After 96 days and 12 games in charge, Michael Wimmer has surprisingly left his role as Motherwell manager.

The German has returned to his homeland for "family reasons" and has ed SSV Jahn Regensburg in the third tier.

Where do the Fir Park club go from here? Who would you like to see come in?

Tell us all your thoughts

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Michael Wimmer, 44, is close to leaving the Motherwell manager's job to SSV Jahn Regensburg in his native . (Sun), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

The season is officially over. We had some highs and certainly some lows.

Highlights include reaching the League Cup semi-final, the win at St Mirren in December, beating Rangers at Ibrox, and the ladies team making the Scottish Cup last four.

My honest review is that other than the games highlighted above for the men's side it was a fairly average season.

I am hoping with the right backing for his first full campaign in charge, Michael Wimmer will be able to build a strong, attacking squad with some faces from markets we haven't yet explored.

We have the opportunity to sell the club's crown jewel Lennon Miller and invest the proceeds smartly. The £3.25m we got for David Turnbull and the £1m for James Scott came at a vital time and changed a lot for the club. If we can get £6m for Miller, it will make the world of difference.

For the Women of Steel, I am intensely proud of them securing a first top-six finish and reaching a cup semi-final.

I hope the restructuring of the SWPL - from 12 teams to 10 - doesn't widen the already sizeable gap between the top clubs and the rest.

It has been a season of change for both Motherwell sides in many ways and I wish nothing but the best for Wimmer and Paul Brownlie next season.

We asked for your views on Motherwell's end-of-season draw at Ross County.

Here's what you had to say:

Grant: Great to see our manager being able to change things when they aren't going our way. Stuart Kettlewell had plan A and nothing else. Now on to the close season and hopefully get decent players in to fill the squad and keep everyone fit next season.

Derek: Bit of a sluggish first half, but second half we dominated the game, had numerous chances and should have won. Great header by Moses Ebiye to get us level, but we need to start being more ruthless in front of goal, hopefully that's something we can do in the summer and get a striker who can score 15 to 20 goals. Our top scorers finished tly with six and that's nowhere near enough!

Another Scottish Premiership season draws to a close for Motherwell, with top-flight status secured for a 41st year, and some positivity to build on after the split.

Motherwell fans, what are your thoughts on Michael Wimmer's first three months in charge?

With a swathe of players out of contract or at the end of their loan deals, who would you like to see retained at Fir Park?

Send us your thoughts on all that, and Sunday's 1-1 draw with Ross County, using this link.

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Motherwell manager Michael Wimmer told BBC Scotland: "I didn't expect us to need such a long time to come into the game.

"It was more the formation didn't suit the Ross County shape, and we had big problems on our left side, with some great saves from Ellery Balcombe.

"We were a little lucky to be only 1-0 behind at half-time, but the reaction was brilliant.

"I'm very happy because five weeks ago, we spoke about this, we needed to create more opportunities, and we did that really well on Wednesday and today.

"We finish the season with confidence and bring that into the new season."

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This threatened to be a drab affair for those in claret and amber, nothing tangible to play for and no real spark to speak of for much of the contest.

Then, they stirred. Wimmer's substitutions, coupled with County's dwindling resistance, turned the game, to the point when the final 10 minutes became a near-siege.

Wimmer has been in post only four months, but has a significant summer ahead, with 18 players out of contract or with loan agreements expiring.

Lennon Miller is widely expected to move on too - the supersonic young talent gave his shirt to a fan and lingered with ers long after full-time in what looked every inch a farewell.

The German has a substantial, and potentially defining, window to negotiate.

Motherwell midfielder Andy Halliday's wife is due to give birth to their first child as the Scottish Premiership club prepare for their final game of the season at Ross County. (Sun), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

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• Should Ross County fail to win, they will finish 11th for a third consecutive season in the Scottish Premiership – the last side to finish 11th or lower in three consecutive Scottish top-flight seasons were Dunfermline Athletic from 2004-05 to 2006-07, who were relegated in the third of those campaigns.

• Ross County have won their past two league games against Motherwell, but have never beaten the Steelmen three times in a row in the top flight before.

• After their 2-1 defeat in November, Motherwell could lose successive Scottish Premiership away games at Ross County for only a second time, after November 2015.

• Ross County have only won their final game in one of their past six Scottish Premiership seasons (D2 L3 – including curtailed 2019-20 season), although that was over Motherwell in 2020-21 (2-1).

• Motherwell have lost their final game in three of the past four league seasons, winning the other 3-2 over Dundee United in 2022-23.

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Ross County wing-back Zac Ashworth returns from suspension. Kaer Lopata is a doubt and James Brown has an issue which could keep him out.

Jack Grieves remains out along with Ross Laidlaw (glandular fever), Scott Allardice (knee), Andrew Macleod (groin), Noah Chilvers (knee) and Ryan Leak (Achilles).

Johnny Koutroumbis returns to the Motherwell squad after suspension but they will take no risks with Liam Gordon, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Paul McGinn, who are back in training.

Kofi Balmer (hamstring), Shane Blaney (knee), Sam Nicholson (knee), Jack Vale and Zach Robinson (both Achilles) remain out.

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Wing-back Tom Sparrow is eyeing a goal in Dingwall on Sunday to end his debut season with Motherwell as the club's top scorer.

The 22-year-old Welshman is tied on six goals for the campaign with midfielder Callum Slattery and forward Tawanda Maswanhise.

Prior to Sunday's season-ending game at Ross County, Sparrow is well aware Slattery "might have something to say about" his attempts to outdo him in the scoring stakes.

Sparrow added: "We are both on six but we will see what happens in Dingwall. But that would be nice.

"He will tell you that he's played a lot less games than me. I will tell you that he plays higher up the pitch than me but he's been on fire so if he finishes top then there will be no complaints from me.

"It's not something I go into games massively thinking about. My position is more about defending first and foremost and then getting up and ing play and getting in and around when I can.

"But as the season has gone on, I have felt more confident that I can contribute in that and it's definitely something I want to take into next season."

Instructions from recently-appointed manager Michael Wimmer have helped the goals flow for Sparrow, who has three in nine games.

"Quite early on he noticed that I hang a bit wider in build-up play and goals are scored at the back post and getting in nice and narrow," he said.

"It's something we spoke about and it's worked a couple of times, and I had another couple of chances where I probably should have scored in that position. So I will keep that going."

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Motherwell boss Michael Wimmer is preparing for life after Lennon Miller and says the 18-year-old's character will ensure he goes on to enjoy a "great career".

Midfielder Miller, who has a year left on his Fir Park contract, is attracting interest from clubs at home and abroad.

Speaking before the final-day game with Ross County on Sunday as Motherwell eye seventh place, Wimmer said: "We have to prepare for both situations. But I think it's more realistic that we have to prepare without Lennon instead of with Lennon.

"I hope for Lennon that he makes the perfect next step.

"If you're 18 years old and you have so many offers, you're always in the public eye, you're called up to the national team and you stay humble like him, you stay grounded, then it's absolutely perfect and this is something that I like.

"It shows that Lennon is a great person and it also shows that he has a fantastic environment.

"He's a fantastic football player. It's clear because he shows this every day in the training and every weekend in the matches, but more important is he's a brilliant guy.

"Whatever he decides to do, those qualities that he has will serve him well. If you have these skills and you have this character, then you will have a great career in front of you.

"Hopefully he stays healthy and finds the right club who believe in him and give him the chance to be the Lennon who he is, then I think he will have a great career."

Motherwell's finances have been bolstered by the Well Society breaking the £1m mark in its cash reserves.

Well Society chairman Philip Speedie said: "This is a landmark moment for our , for fan ownership and for Scottish football.

"Together, we've not only built a £1m contingency fund, but strengthened a model that puts fans at the heart of everything we do."

The fan-run majority shareholder has previously committed more than £1.1m directly into the club in the form of loans, donations and share purchases.

Sportscene pundits Michael Stewart and Charlie Mulgrew discuss Lennon Miller's future after the Motherwell midfielder impressed against Kilmarnock.

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 3-0 win against Kilmarnock.

Here's what some of you said:

Stephen: I thought Luke Armstrong looked fit, strong and powerful when he came on. He was a real menace to Kilmarnock's back line, which was rewarded with two good goals. Fingers crossed we can keep him into next season. Regarding Lennon Miller, he has been a good player for Motherwell, but I think it is best for all parties involved that he leaves to advance his career and provide Michael Wimmer with added cash to carry out the annual rebuild of our squad. Between those on loan and out of contract, we may lose half of the first team this summer.

Colin: Three good goals against ten men, which helped. Yet again, Callum Slattery was the best player, we need to build a team around him for next season. We do need some players with speed and guile, and robust defenders.

Gary: A shaky first half for Motherwell, struggled in the final third. Second half, Armstrong made a huge difference up top. Stephen O'Donnell and Slattery were brilliant from the back to attack. Amazing send off for Miller.

James: Some good first-touch football, and with a man advantage, always looked like scoring. Now time for a clear out and bring in some quality, rather than quantity.

Robert: A very welcome win to end our home season. Killie struggled with a red card and their manager situation, but we eventually got the job done. Miller deserves the accolades, and he's a fantastic example for other young players, as well as parents, when you think about how his Dad has helped him. I really hope we do some decent business in the summer, to replace Miller and also to get a striker who'll get us 20 goals a season.

D: A sluggish first half where we had most of the possession but didn't make it count in the final third, red card for Killie absolutely correct, however and thereafter we controlled the game when we have notoriously struggled against 10 men over the years. The introduction of Armstrong for Harry Paton was a masterstroke, going two up front and dominating the second half, and scoring three good quality goals. Look forward to the summer and the recruitment from Wimmer.

Watch highlights as Motherwell win 3-0 against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

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Luke Armstrong "can't speak highly enough" of his time in Scottish football and remains open to returning to Motherwell next season.

The on-loan Carlisle United forward bagged a brace last night in their Fir Park win over Killie, and he is now ready to take time and consider his options over the summer.

The 28-year-old's current Carlisle deal runs until the summer of 2027, and he has made it clear previously that he would "love" to stay at the club and continue working under Michael Wimmer.

"We still don't know," Armstrong said when quizzed on where he will be playing his football next season. "That's the discussion that are going to be going on over the next few days.

"We've got to just focus on the season and the final game, and then there'll be discussions going on of what's possible and what I'm going to do with my future."

Armstrong has scored four goals in eight Motherwell appearances, with his double against Killie added to strikes against either side of the Old Firm.

On his time so far in Scottish football, he added: "I've loved it.

"Some of the games have been unbelievable. To be fair, every game has been and the atmosphere has been really good.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't speak highly enough of the league and what I've experienced so far."

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• Lennon Miller has assisted 8 goals in the Premiership this season (1 in this game), more than any other Motherwell player.

• Callum Slattery has scored 6 goals in the Premiership this season (1 in this game), no Motherwell player has more.

• Stephen O'Donnell attempted 93 es in this game, the highest total for a Motherwell player in the Premiership this season.

• Motherwell have beaten Kilmarnock for the first time in the Premiership since 26th August 2023, a run of 5 games without a win.

• Kilmarnock have failed to score in 12 of their 37 games, only Ross County (15) have failed to score more often in the Premiership this season.

• Motherwell have attempted 579 es in this game, their highest total in a single match in the Premiership this season.

Kilmarnock suffered a heavy defeat in what seems set to be Derek McInnes' penultimate game as manager, as three late goals from Luke Armstrong and Callum Slattery gave Motherwell an ultimately comfortable Scottish Premiership victory.

What did you make of that, Motherwell fans? Happy with the final Fir Park game of the season?

Who impressed you? And how much will you miss Lennon Miller, should he depart?

Let us know your thoughts.

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Motherwell manager Michael Wimmer told BBC Scotland: "I'm very happy, very proud of the guys. It was a great atmosphere.

"It was not so easy, despite the red card. We needed a lot of patience, but the guys did really well. They were good in possession, it was only a matter of time until we scored.

"It's not our biggest strength - scoring goals. But they believe in themselves. They kept possession, played quickly, ed quickly, and deserved to win.

"This is what I want to see from my team, I don't like to be one in front and then defending the goal. Always keep going. Play for the second goal. If you get that, play for the third. This should be the attitude. It's always better to attack than defend.

"It's 11 games. I have a perfect picture. I know everything. I can say it is a brilliant team. Each guy in this team is brilliant, I love each guy. But we have to take decisions. We want to improve, we have to do something.

"We need someone [to replace] Lennon. He's a great player and he has many offers. He has a big choice. They will take the right decision. He deserves the applause, that's why he was subbed.

"I'd never sub Lennon but it was important he got the applause. We always talk about football, technique, and tactics. We often forget the character, the human side.

"At 18, with the pressure from the media, with interest from this club, that club, an invitation from the national team - to stay humble, this is most important. He's a brilliant guy and I wish him all the best."