Mark McGhee aims to prove he is right man second time

NEW manager Mark McGhee knows that he has to prove himself to Motherwell fans all over again – but sees no reason why that cannot start against Celtic.

Some fans are not happy with Mark McGhees arrival. Picture: SNS

Many supporters have welcomed back McGhee, who led them to third spot in 2008, but others have criticised his appointment, pointing to the fact that he left for Aberdeen after two years, having previously had discussions over the Scotland, Hearts and Celtic jobs.

McGhee, whose second reign kicks off against the Ladbrokes Premiership champions at Fir Park, said: “You go to any club, you’ve got to prove yourself. I don’t think it’s any different here.

“I know from day one you have to start proving yourself and I don’t have any problems with that.

“When I went to Brighton there was a section of supporters through the internet saying ‘Why are they taking Mark McGhee?’ I had just had a successful time at Millwall. Then I was there for three and a half years and when I left the press guy told me the exact same names were glad to see me go. But they had been silent for three and a half years.

“So I don’t think you can always trust these voices. So I’m not going to concern myself with that. I’m going to prove to those people who are supporting Motherwell that I am the right man.”

McGhee is the first manager to return to Motherwell, but numerous players have done so, including Stephen Pearson. The midfielder had been criticised for posing in a Celtic top before a move to Parkhead in 2004, but has proved a popular signing since his return in January.

“When you do come back, you are compared to your first spell,” he said. “But I’m sure the manager will just want to win as many games as possible. That’s the only way the fans will get behind him and get on his side. It’s up to us as players to make sure that happens.”