Motherwell

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Motherwell chairman Kyrk Macmillan has called for unity amid an "intense" period after an "urgent" family matter resulted in manager Michael Wimmer leaving the club.

Macmillan says Wimmer's exit to return to Germany and join SSV Jahn Regensburg "was a shock for everybody" on Friday.

During the process of recruiting Wimmer in February, Macmillan says there was a "very open conversation about personal circumstances" and the Well board "enquired about what the plans were with family".

However, "new developments" in Wimmer's personal life meant the former Austria Vienna boss wanted to return to his homeland after just three months at Fir Park.

"It's been intense," Macmillan added. "We had a conversation with Michael a couple of days before the [final game of the season].

"There was a lot to take in form his side, a lot of new developments in Michael's personal life back in Germany.

"We looked at a number of options for Michael to stay, he was ultimately happy here. It transpired it wasn't possible for him to fully focus on Motherwell, and at the same time he wanted to take care of his family in Germany."

Macmillian confirmed assistant coach Ahmet Koc, who joined with Wimmer, is "delighted to be in Scotland" and "wants to continue" his role.

And the Fir Park chairman revealed the club are "right at the beginning" of the process to recruit a new manager.

He adds that the board will follow the same data-influenced procedure that led them to Wimmer.

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Austrian midfielder Lukas Fadinger says he has made a "big step forward" in his career by signing for Motherwell.

The 24-year-old joins the managerless Fir Park side on a two-year deal after spending the past two seasons with Austrian Bundesliga club Rheindorf Altach.

The Sturm Graz youth product played 61 times for Altach, 26 of which came last season as the team narrowly avoided relegation.

He also has Austrian top-tier experience with Hartberg, where he made 32 appearances in 2022-23, his sole season at the club.

Fadinger says talks with Motherwell began a "couple of months" ago, but since then Michael Wimmer has surprisingly departed as manager.

Despite that, the midfielder is "so happy to be at this club" and is "looking forward to the start of the new season".

"This move excites me, and it's a big step forward in my career," he added.

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Motherwell will return to the Netherlands for their pre-season preparations for the third year in succession.

The team will travel out to their Delden-based camp on 25 June and will play two friendlies in Beckum before returning home a week later.

The Fir Park side will face Eredivisie club FC Twente on 1 July, with their opponent for their first match on 28 June yet to be confirmed.

"Supporter entry and ticket pricing will be confirmed in due course," Motherwell say in a statement.

The Lanarkshire side remain managerless following the shock exit of Michael Wimmer, who left to join German third-tier outfit SSV Jahn Regensburg last week.

That means the club have a month to find a new first-team boss before the team are due to go abroad for their pre-season camp.

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Motherwell's fan owners are being asked for their opinions on VAR as the club's majority shareholder considers calling for change.

The Well Society have launched a consultation with members looking for opinions on how the technology has impacted their matchday experience.

A number of Scottish Premiership managers have raised serious concerns over the way VAR has impacted the game since being introduced in October 2022.

A Well Society statement read: "Over recent months, concerns have been growing among fans, players and staff across the country regarding the impact VAR is having on the rhythm of matches, the atmosphere in stadiums and trust in refereeing decisions.

"In addition to these concerns, it is important to note that VAR currently costs each club a six-figure sum every season. A significant outlay that further underlines the need for a proper debate about its future.

"In light of this, the Well Society has committed to starting a process of listening and engaging with our members and the wider Motherwell support.

"Our aim is to gain a clearer understanding of supporters' views on VAR and to consider whether the Well Society should take a position in favour of change or call for its removal from Scottish football altogether."

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

I think that I speak on behalf of every Motherwell fan who opened social media or the BBC Sport app on Friday evening that the news of Michael Wimmer leaving was on no one's bingo card for how the end to the season could go.

The news blindsided fans, and with preseason weeks away, it is a vulnerable time to be looking for a manager.

That being said, after reading the statement and realising Wimmer had to leave due to a sudden family emergency, it makes total sense, and I respect his decision as I know I would do the same thing if I were in his shoes.

He has made the right decision for his family, and that's what matters more than any career, be it in football or even in civilian life as fans.

Wimmer's reign brought us many good things, such as three points at Ibrox, Du Hast by Rammstein as pre-match music, and the most stylish manager in the top flight. It may have been short-lived, but they say good things never last.

We thank you for your efforts, Mr Wimmer, and please know that if the stars align, we would happily accept you back into our club with open arms.

We asked for your thoughts on Michael Wimmer's surprise departure from Motherwell and who might replace him.

Here's what some of you said:

Mark: All the best to him. He got us safe from relegation and also gave us a decent end to the season. The upcoming summer will now be very interesting with a new manager hunt and where Lennon Miller will go.

Ross: Disappointing to say the least. I was looking forward to Wimmerball next season and was excited to see how our recruitment would go over the summer. That said, alarm bells started ringing for me when he shared his LinkedIn profile on his Instagram. Bit odd that.

Dillon: Shocked and disappointed! Was gutted to see Stuart Kettlewell go but this feels even worse. There was a tangible excitement going into the summer and next season and it feels like that's just been shattered. Especially concerning as it's season ticket renewal time.

Alan: Wimmer's exit presents us with a major challenge. He brought a positivity and attack-minded approach which produced results at the right time. Let's hope we do not revert to employing someone from the managerial roundabout of failures in Scotland. Another continental manager may be a risk but it's worth taking. We need to move fast given we need new attacking players to join us soon. The board need to get it right on the next appointment.

Gavin: I'm disappointed as I felt he could probably do a good job. However, family matters and if this is the real reason, then good luck to him. Certainly, he isn't going to a bigger job, so family issues sound plausible. Ideally, we need to get a replacement in quickly to sort out team issues before the start of the new season. I would prefer not to have the usual crop of options, like Steven Naismith, etc. I'm also unsure about Tony Docherty. Maybe Scott Brown or even big Duncan Ferguson.

Edward: Considering he's already got a job over there, makes you think how long this has been in the making.

Zak: Motherwell should go for a manager that has had experience in the Scottish game not someone that has never played or managed here before. I would personally go for Robbie Neilson because he has lots of experience managing and playing in Scotland and has had lots of success over the years.

Kevin: Embarrassing for the club. A very likeable guy and did a good job keeping us in the league. However, the majority of the performances of late have been very Kettlewell like and I for one think it's a blessing in disguise. The fact it's a third-tier club in his homeland says it all!

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 join 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 supported me so much from when I arrived in February.

"They have done everything to support 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 support me during these challenging times, both while I was in post and while I have been back in Germany.

"I am sorry to all the Motherwell fans; the support 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 joined 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 join SSV Jahn Regensburg in his native Germany. (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 jointly 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 supporters 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. Kacper 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.