Rumour Mill: Ian Baraclough sacked

Motherwell axed manager Ian Baraclough on Wednesday evening. Picture: SNS Group

Motherwell sack Ian Baraclough; Stuart McCall tipped for hotseat

Motherwell are looking to hire a new manager after sacking Ian Baraclough on Wednesday evening following a poor start to the season for the club.

Former Rangers interim manager Stuart McCall was one of the first names to be linked with the now vacant hotseat at Fir Park.

Under-20s manager Stephen Craigan will be in charge for Saturday’s game against bottom club Partick Thistle. (The Scotsman)

Motherwell captain backs Stephen Craigan for manager

Motherwell skipper Keith Lasley has reportedly backed coach Stephen Craigan to stand in as manager after Baraclough’s departure, calling him ‘a safe pair of hands’.

Lasley says Craigan would be a natural choice to stand in as he knows the club’s game “inside out.”

Lasley added that Baraclough’s decision to leave him on the bench for the match against Morton defeat had nothing to do with his departure.(Scottish Sun)

Les Hutchinson hits out at players over Baraclough sacking

Fir Park owner Les Hutchinson has hit out at the club’s players, saying they didn’t do enough to avoid Baraclough getting axed.

In an attack on unnamed players, Hutchinson said there were some that should be ashamed of themselves, saying: “There are enough people in the dressing-room to get the job done. Unfortunately there are a few who really need to hang their heads in shame that a fine young man is going home.” (Various)

Carlton Cole move to Celtic may “not be possible”

Celtic trialist Carlton Cole has reportedly been told that he must fit into the wage structure at Celtic - or a deal won’t be pursued any further by the club.

Manager Ronny Deila is confident that wage issues won’t impede deal discussions and that the 31-year-old is ready “to have fun” at the club.

Details of any potential deal remain unclear although Deila hinted that a contract would be at least until the end of the season. (Scottish Sun)

Ronny Deila ‘very impressed’ by Janko

Celtic boss Ronny Deila was ‘very impressed’ with youngster Saidy Janko after the 19-year-old won man of the match during the Hoops clash with Raith Rovers on Wednesday night.

Having fielded a strong team to avoid similar upsets to Rangers and Aberdeen, Deila heaped praise on the ‘quick, strong and young’ defender. (HITC)

Arnaud Djoum pens Hearts contract after trial

Midfielder Arnaud Djoum penned a contract with Hearts until January on Wednesday after a successful trial period.

The former Lech Poznan player, 26, will face stiff competition for a regular start in Robbie Neilson’s squad but believes he’s got what it takes to be a star at Tynecastle.

He’s also optimistic he can get an extension on his contract, saying: “I want to win a further deal. This is a good club and I want to prove I deserve to stay here longer than January.” (Daily Record)

Hibs send Dons crashing out of League Cup

Hibernian sent Aberdeen home licking their wounds on Wednesday evening after sending them crashing out of the League Cup.

Two goals in six minutes handed Hibs victory and ended the Dons unbeaten domestic run, with a stunning strike from Jason Cummings whipping up a frenzy. (The Scotsman)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Former Hibs boss Pat Fenlon is playing down links to the Under-20s coaching role at Celtic. (Daily Record)

• Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall will be sidelined until the Poland match after picking up a two-match ban at Cardiff. (Various)

• Managers’ union chief Alex Smith has called Ladbrokes to suspend betting on the sack race for managers. (Daily Record)

Rumour Mill: Ian Baraclough sacked | Stuart McCall