new motherwell manager has paid his dues
Gannon’s rollercoaster ride to Fir Park hotseat
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Jim Gannon was yesterday unveiled as Motherwell’s new manager – after being headhunted by Fir Park chairman John Boyle
The former Stockport manager emerged from a strong shortlist thought to include Lawrie Sanchez, Aidy Boothroyd and Steve Staunton.
Gannon, who was made redundant by Stockport’s administrators in May, was also interviewed for the Hibernian job before John Hughes took charge at Easter Road.
Like Hibs, Motherwell approached Gannon without receiving a job application after being impressed by his track record at Stockport, where he had been tipped to return once a takeover deal had been completed.
And the 40-year-old further made his mark on the Motherwell board during the interview process.
“I think I came to their attention through different people,” Gannon said.
“Through a combination of different factors, they inquired and did their research and came headhunting. I came up to meet them and the interview went well and everything progressed from there.
“I had the opportunity to step out the game and assess where I wanted to go, but I couldn’t turn down a fantastic opportunity to coach at such a high level.”
Gannon was appointed Stockport manager midway through the 2005-06 season when they were seven points adrift at the bottom of League 2. After keeping them up, he won promotion via the play-offs in 2008 following a near miss the year before.
Stockport adapted well to life in League 1, but financial problems came to a head late last season and Gannon was made redundant by administrators.
Gannon, who spent 10 years as a Stockport player, is confident such a challenging start to his managerial career will stand him in good stead. He hasn’t had much time to settle in. His first Motherwell game is tomorrow – against Llanelli in the Europa League first qualifying round.
“It’s fantastic to come out after all those candidates,” said Gannon, who began his managerial career in Ireland at Dundalk.
“Motherwell were looking for someone whose team plays good football, can work within budgets and develop players and show progression.”
