Motherwell manager job appeals to Billy McKinlay

Billy McKinlay

Former Scotland international Billy McKinlay admits he is interested in the managerial vacancy at Motherwell.

The 45-year-old told BBC Scotland that he has not applied to replace Stuart McCall but when asked if the job appealed to him, replied "absolutely".

And he added: "Everyone I've spoken to over the years has told me it's a really good club, a stable club."

Scotland assistant manager Mark McGhee has ruled out a return to Fir Park, saying: "That's not on my radar."

McGhee, 57, was in charge of the Steelmen for two years, leaving in 2009 to take over at Aberdeen.

While McGhee is busy preparing Scotland for the forthcoming matches with the Republic of Ireland and England, McKinlay is anxious to make a return to football after a sour experience at Watford.

In September, the ex-Dundee United and Blackburn midfielder stepped up from his assistant's role at Vicarage Road to replace Oscar Garcia, with the Spaniard quitting on health grounds.

However, McKinlay's reign lasted just eight days and two matches - a win and a draw - before he was replaced by Slavisa Jokanovic.

"It was pretty obvious the owner had a change of mind," explained McKinlay, capped 29 times. "I said to him he had possibly made a rash decision in giving me the job initially.

"I'd been working for 10 years to get myself ready for my first managerial appointment and I felt ready and excited.

"I was offered the assistant's position again but didn't think that was doable. Your credibility in the dressing room would be challenged, to say the least."

Asked if the financial constraints at Motherwell would be a hindrance, McKinlay insisted it would not.

"The essence of coaching is to get the players on the grass and get them as organised and well-equipped as possible," he said.

"You always back yourself to get a little bit more from players.

"I have to say I think the job Stuart McCall did was phenomenal - four years at a club is an eternity these days.

"But sometimes a fresh voice does help. The players maybe react differently and I think the Motherwell squad is slightly underachieving at the moment."

Motherwell sit 10th in the Premiership following Friday's 1-0 victory over Dundee United.