Next Motherwell manager potential contenders

Following the departure of Michael Wimmer as Motherwell manager we assess the potential candidates to take over in the Fir Park dugout ahead of next season.

Robbie Neilson

A manager with extensive experience in the Scottish game, Motherwell may turn to Robbie Neilson as Wimmer's replacement at Fir Park.

Formerly in charge of both Hearts and Dundee United, Neilson is currently out of work since being relieved of his duties at USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies in April.

The 44-year-old has won the Scottish Championship three times as a manager - twice with Hearts and once with Dundee United - and was also able to steer the Jambos to a third-placed finish in Scotland's top flight in 2016.

Scott Brown

Another potential contender for the vacant managerial position at Motherwell is Ayr United boss Scott Brown.

The former Celtic and Scotland captain appears to have big ambitions in management and may be attracted by the possibility of taking charge of a stable Scottish Premiership club in Motherwell.

Brown led Ayr United to the Scottish Premiership play-offs in the 2024/25 campaign but the Ayrshire outfit were beaten by Partick Thistle.

Des Buckingham

The Motherwell hierarchy demonstrated that they are not averse to hiring a left-field candidate as manager following the installation of the unknown Wimmer back in February, with the currently unemployed Des Buckingham another rogue contender the Steelemen could consider this time around.

Buckingham has enjoyed success in management with both Mumbai City in India and Oxford United south of the border, with the opportunity to manage in the Scottish Premiership possibly appealing to the 40-year-old as he plots a way back into the game.

Steven Naismith

Out of work since being sacked as Hearts manager in September 2024, Steven Naismith could be a potential contender for the managerial hotseat at Motherwell.

A former Scotland international who also worked as part of national team manager Steve Clarke's backroom staff following his retirement, Naismith enjoyed initial success as Hearts boss - guiding the Jambos to European qualification with a fourth-placed finish in Scotland's top flight in 2022/23.

Naismith displayed undoubted potential as a manager at Tynecastle with Motherwell perhaps the perfect place for the former Everton player to kickstart his coaching career.

Tony Docherty

Tony Docherty is another manager out of work since being controversially sacked as Dundee boss.

Formerly Derek McInnes' long-term assistant, Docherty took his first job as a manager in his own right with Dundee in May 2023, leading the club to a top six finish in the Scottish Premiership in his first season in charge.

The Dee endured a more difficult campaign in 2024/25 but Docherty was still able to steer his side clear of relegation with a 10th-placed finish.

The Motherwell board may acknowledge the positive work Docherty achieved at Dens Park and look to offer him a swift return to management this summer.