DEPUTY FADDY
Well hero James takes on No.2 job at Fir Park
JAMES McFADDEN has sensationally been announced as Motherwell’s new assistant manager.
Mark McGhee has been in the hunt for a new number two ever since Steve Robinson departed for Oldham earlier this month, following a heroic effort as part of Northern Ireland’s Euro 2016 coaching staff.
However, it has now emerged that club icon McFadden is the man that will stand beside McGhee in the dugout.
The 33-year-old is a cult hero to most around the Premiership outfit, having just completed a record third spell as a player last season.
McFadden has played an active role in the Motherwell youth academy during that time as he looks for a career in coaching.
“It’s all been very quick,” said McFadden, who will also sign on as a player for the forthcoming campaign. “I tried to think about it as much as I could.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to move into the coaching side and to obviously be available as a player as well.
“I started my playing career here so I think it’s quite fitting that I start my coaching career here as well.”
McFadden’s third term in claret and amber was interrupted by a training ground injury that curtailed his progress: A broken ankle back in March.
And while he is delighted to get a foot on the coaching ladder – commencing last night with Motherwell’s Betfred Cup tie against East Stirlingshire at Fir Park – he is keen to stress his playing days are not yet fully behind him.
“I got the all clear yesterday so I’m good to go,” said McFadden.
“I’ve been doing some fitness work and I’ll continue [to] do so. I feel good.
“It’ll be a strange one trying to juggle the two but we’ll do the best we can.”