Motherwell: Winston Bogarde among manager applicants

Winston Bogarde retired as a player in 2005, a year after leaving Chelsea

Former Netherlands defender Winston Bogarde has applied for the managerial vacancy at Motherwell.

The 44-year-old was part of the Ajax squad that won the Champions League in 1995 and went on to play for AC Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea.

He also played 20 times for the Dutch national team.

There have been more than 50 applications for the job at Fir Park so far following the resignation of Stuart McCall last weekend.

Kenny Black, who was McCall's assistant, takes charge of the squad for Friday's Scottish Premiership meeting with leaders Dundee United.

The 50-year-old former Rangers, Motherwell, Hearts, Portsmouth, Airdrieonians and Raith Rovers midfielder managed Airdrie United for four years until 2010 and then had a spell as assistant to Scotland head coach Craig Levein.

Black said he would wait until after United's visit before deciding whether to apply for the Well job permanently.

However, asked what the squad would think of such an appointment, midfielder Iain Vigurs said: "We would welcome it.

"He is a great coach, a great manager.

"I get on really well with Kenny. I think he's been brilliant here and he gets on really well with the lads - we enjoy his training, we enjoy him around the club."

Caretaker Kenny Black has yet to decide whether to apply for the vacancy at Fir Park

Former Motherwell midfielder Derek Adams, who was Vigurs' manager at Ross County, is one of the candidates for the Fir Park post.

"I know him from the past and get on with Derek, but whoever comes in, you have to put in a good performance on Friday to show them that you are willing to fight for your position," said Vigurs.

Motherwell have lost their last five games and failed to win in seven outings since beating County, who prop up the Premiership, in Dingwall.

Asked what kind of manger they needed to reverse their fortunes, Vigurs added: "It is the players who will get us out of this. We just need a bit of guidance."

Bogarde retired as a player in 2005, a year after leaving Chelsea, having failed to find another club.