Black interested in Motherwell job
Kenny Black has been too busy to even think about the prospect of succeeding Stuart McCall as Motherwell manager - but he would not rule himself out of the running.
Black will take charge of Motherwell during their Scottish Premiership contest with Dundee United at Fir Park on Friday night following McCall's shock resignation on Sunday.
The former Motherwell player's main task this week has been to lift the squad following the disappointment of McCall leaving, but Black will have some time over the weekend to digest recent developments.
The former Airdrie manager said: "To be perfectly honest, when he (McCall) spoke to me on Sunday it all came as a surprise, and really this week has flown in. I've never really had a chance to digest anything.
"All I've been asked to do is look after the team for the game and I'll be kept up to pace with what's gone on.
"I certainly wouldn't rule anything out but for me to give an honest answer would be difficult because I've not really had time to look into that.
"I'll get the game out the way and I will think about it.
"It's been very difficult. It's been an awkward week to say the least but we get back to normality a little bit tomorrow when we have a game at Fir Park and that's what we are looking for."
Black realised that McCall was not for shifting when he announced his decision after struggling to sleep in the wake of a 2-1 defeat by St Johnstone last Friday night, Motherwell's sixth successive loss.
"It's not like him to be the way he was," the 50-year-old said. "He was very down. He had made his mind up on Sunday when I spoke to him.
"We had obviously been disappointed with results. We saw signs of a little bit better play against St Johnstone. I thought we were a bit unlucky to lose that game but the bottom line is we did lose it and I think that's the main problem. He's a winner, he has had undoubted success here."
Black is hoping that the visit of the league leaders will be the perfect antidote to their troubles.
"He had a chat with the players on Monday and it was a difficult day for Stuart," Black said. "Monday's training session was difficult to say the least but as the week has progressed, I'm not saying it has been easier, but we will hopefully see a reaction against Dundee United.
"I think a lot of players will be disappointed in how things have turned out because they feel they have probably let him down a bit.
"He's just trying to get our spirits up. It was low because the boys didn't expect it.
"It was more of a pick-me-up week and get the boys going again and, if we can, forget about what happened in the last couple of days and get us going for Friday."
Defender Steven Hammell looks like missing out after picking up a knock in training but Paul Lawson is fit after a hamstring problem and Craig Moore is getting closer to a return after a cruciate ligament injury.
Jack Leitch (knee) is a long-term absentee while Adam Cummins (foot) is also still absent.
Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara insists McCall's departure as Motherwell manager will not affect his team's approach.
McNamara feels McCall deserves credit for his four years at the helm of the Lanarkshire club before taking the decision to resign.
The Fir Park men sit second bottom of the table as they continue their search for a new manager, but McNamara is refusing to become too preoccupied with their situation.
He said: "I think Stuart did a great job at Motherwell over the course.
"I was surprised and a disappointed with what happened because Stuart is a fantastic guy.
"They've had a difficult start to the season and have lost some players likes they have done in previous seasons.
"They will be wanting to show some sort of reaction in this game on Friday night.
"But as always it's about what we do. We always try and focus on ourselves and what we're good at to try and get the three points.
"We know it won't be easy, but, if we play the way we know we can, there's no reason why we can't get the victory we're looking for."
McNamara felt his side were getting back to something like their best when they defeated St Mirren 3-0 in the Premiership at Tannadice last weekend.
That moved the Tayside club back to the top of the table and their manager would like to see them combine victory with a sense of style they have become known for since he took over at the club.
He said: "There were a lot of positives to take out of last weekend's St Mirren match.
"Not just the result which was important, but our passing and movement was a bit better.
"We will look to take those good points into this Motherwell match.
"We have strong competition for places which any club would want. We wouldn't want it any other way.
"It's always nice to go into the international break with a win under your belt.
"We're taking nothing for granted as Motherwell have some good players and you never get an easy game against them."
United striker Mario Bilate is out with a hamstring injury sustained in the 3-0 win over St Mirren.
Fellow striker Nadir Cfitci has a slight hamstring niggle, but is expected to be fit.
Source: PA
