Latest news with #Wimmer
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Motherwell should avoid 'safe' appointment after Wimmer exit
Well then. Last week's newsletter, an interview with Luca Ross where he spoke of his excitement at working under Michael Wimmer next season, fairly aged like milk. It was thoroughly deflating when the news landed on Friday afternoon, and not only because I thought I had managed an early finish and was enroute to beat the teatime queue for an Asda pizza, before a quick about-turn, pizza-less, for home. It was also because it hadn't only been the players like young Luca who were intrigued by what Wimmer may be able to do next season with the summer transfer window and a pre-season with his squad under his belt, but it was an exciting prospect for the fans too. (Image: SNS Group) There had been glimpses of what he stated was his preferred, high-pressing style, particularly in the win at Ibrox with Lennon Miller and Callum Slattery pushed up as number 10s. There was then some pragmatism and flexibility when it dawned on him that such an approach with this group of players was unlikely to yield the points required to stave off any lingering relegation worries, and he showed in-game nous in matches like the home win over St Johnstone and the away win at Dundee that secured Motherwell's safety. He had spoken of how he didn't feel particularly comfortable compromising his principles to such a degree, which was something of a teaser over the more front-foot style he would be looking to adopt next term. It was a shock initially then to hear that he wouldn't in fact be here to see that through. But on reflection, the signs that life in Scotland far from his family was proving increasingly difficult for Wimmer were evident. He said as much when I had the chance to chat to him back in April. 'I had the job in Nurnberg, that's one hour 20 with the car,' Wimmer said. Read more: 'Then the next job was in Augsburg, that was one hour 35 with the car, then came Stuttgart, that's two hours 40 with the car, and the next step was Vienna, there's three hours 50 with the car. So, it's getting further and further! 'But if there was an issue with my son, you could also use the car, and in three hours you are at home. So, this is now the first time where you have such a far distance. My son is growing up and now he's 11. "I felt that it is very difficult for him, and if your son is at home and is not happy, perhaps a little bit crying, then it obviously isn't a good feeling.' As chairman Kyrk Macmillan revealed in his excellent update this week, there had since been further complications at home for Wimmer, so while I can understand the disappointment from fans about his sudden departure, family has to come first. So, thanks for the very brief memories, Michael, but it is time now to move on. My one hope though as the board embark on the recruitment process all over again is that they haven't been stung by the difficulties Wimmer had as a foreign coach in Scotland and are subsequently discouraged from going down that road again. There are some decent Scottish candidates for the position, of course. Robbie Nielson, for instance, couldn't have made it much more obvious that he was interested in the role supposing he turned up outside Fir Park with John Spencer's old 'Gizza job' T-shirt on. And his record is more than decent, albeit his stats do benefit from three seasons managing Hearts and Dundee United in The Championship. But the best man available for the job is the best man for the job, no matter where he may be from. The extension of the season ticket deadline hints that the club recognise many fans are hedging their bets on committing to the big up-front outlay before knowing what it is they are signing up for. Wimmer was a refreshing appointment and was exactly what was needed at the time to provide a contrast to the style that had grown rather stale under predecessor Stuart Kettlewell. You only have to witness the reaction of the Kilmarnock support to Kettlewell's appointment at Rugby Park this week to see that while he will likely do a decent enough job there (as he did at Fir Park, incidentally), that it hasn't exactly sent pulses racing. This is anecdotal, but for many fans I speak to now, Motherwell just keeping their heads above water in the Premiership by any means necessary isn't really cutting it anymore. Survival is always the priority, but there has to be some excitement somewhere along the way to stave off apathy. (Image: Craig Foy - SNS Group) I have been impressed by the cut of the chairman's jib (I'll even forgive him his little dig at the press over sending us on a wild goose chase by having his dad beside him in the stand with a scarf over his face), and my feeling is he is unlikely to be bruised too badly by Wimmer's departure, or be tempted to stray from the same process that led Motherwell to the German in the first place in favour of a 'safe pair of hands'. Let's hope that's the case, and the sooner the better. There are still some player contracts to be sorted out (or not, as the case may be), and hopefully a good chunk of change courtesy of Lennon Miller to be invested in adding some quality to the squad. This can still be an exciting summer for Motherwell, but that will rest on the board and what is a big call for them to make in the coming days.
The National
5 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Motherwell should avoid 'safe' appointment after Wimmer exit
Well then. Last week's newsletter, an interview with Luca Ross where he spoke of his excitement at working under Michael Wimmer next season, fairly aged like milk. It was thoroughly deflating when the news landed on Friday afternoon, and not only because I thought I had managed an early finish and was enroute to beat the teatime queue for an Asda pizza, before a quick about-turn, pizza-less, for home. It was also because it hadn't only been the players like young Luca who were intrigued by what Wimmer may be able to do next season with the summer transfer window and a pre-season with his squad under his belt, but it was an exciting prospect for the fans too. (Image: SNS Group) There had been glimpses of what he stated was his preferred, high-pressing style, particularly in the win at Ibrox with Lennon Miller and Callum Slattery pushed up as number 10s. There was then some pragmatism and flexibility when it dawned on him that such an approach with this group of players was unlikely to yield the points required to stave off any lingering relegation worries, and he showed in-game nous in matches like the home win over St Johnstone and the away win at Dundee that secured Motherwell's safety. He had spoken of how he didn't feel particularly comfortable compromising his principles to such a degree, which was something of a teaser over the more front-foot style he would be looking to adopt next term. It was a shock initially then to hear that he wouldn't in fact be here to see that through. But on reflection, the signs that life in Scotland far from his family was proving increasingly difficult for Wimmer were evident. He said as much when I had the chance to chat to him back in April. 'I had the job in Nurnberg, that's one hour 20 with the car,' Wimmer said. Read more: 'Then the next job was in Augsburg, that was one hour 35 with the car, then came Stuttgart, that's two hours 40 with the car, and the next step was Vienna, there's three hours 50 with the car. So, it's getting further and further! 'But if there was an issue with my son, you could also use the car, and in three hours you are at home. So, this is now the first time where you have such a far distance. My son is growing up and now he's 11. "I felt that it is very difficult for him, and if your son is at home and is not happy, perhaps a little bit crying, then it obviously isn't a good feeling.' As chairman Kyrk Macmillan revealed in his excellent update this week, there had since been further complications at home for Wimmer, so while I can understand the disappointment from fans about his sudden departure, family has to come first. So, thanks for the very brief memories, Michael, but it is time now to move on. My one hope though as the board embark on the recruitment process all over again is that they haven't been stung by the difficulties Wimmer had as a foreign coach in Scotland and are subsequently discouraged from going down that road again. There are some decent Scottish candidates for the position, of course. Robbie Nielson, for instance, couldn't have made it much more obvious that he was interested in the role supposing he turned up outside Fir Park with John Spencer's old 'Gizza job' T-shirt on. And his record is more than decent, albeit his stats do benefit from three seasons managing Hearts and Dundee United in The Championship. But the best man available for the job is the best man for the job, no matter where he may be from. The extension of the season ticket deadline hints that the club recognise many fans are hedging their bets on committing to the big up-front outlay before knowing what it is they are signing up for. Wimmer was a refreshing appointment and was exactly what was needed at the time to provide a contrast to the style that had grown rather stale under predecessor Stuart Kettlewell. You only have to witness the reaction of the Kilmarnock support to Kettlewell's appointment at Rugby Park this week to see that while he will likely do a decent enough job there (as he did at Fir Park, incidentally), that it hasn't exactly sent pulses racing. This is anecdotal, but for many fans I speak to now, Motherwell just keeping their heads above water in the Premiership by any means necessary isn't really cutting it anymore. Survival is always the priority, but there has to be some excitement somewhere along the way to stave off apathy. (Image: Craig Foy - SNS Group) I have been impressed by the cut of the chairman's jib (I'll even forgive him his little dig at the press over sending us on a wild goose chase by having his dad beside him in the stand with a scarf over his face), and my feeling is he is unlikely to be bruised too badly by Wimmer's departure, or be tempted to stray from the same process that led Motherwell to the German in the first place in favour of a 'safe pair of hands'. Let's hope that's the case, and the sooner the better. There are still some player contracts to be sorted out (or not, as the case may be), and hopefully a good chunk of change courtesy of Lennon Miller to be invested in adding some quality to the squad. This can still be an exciting summer for Motherwell, but that will rest on the board and what is a big call for them to make in the coming days.
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Motherwell should avoid 'safe' appointment after Wimmer exit
Well then. Last week's newsletter, an interview with Luca Ross where he spoke of his excitement at working under Michael Wimmer next season, fairly aged like milk. It was thoroughly deflating when the news landed on Friday afternoon, and not only because I thought I had managed an early finish and was enroute to beat the teatime queue for an Asda pizza, before a quick about-turn, pizza-less, for home. It was also because it hadn't only been the players like young Luca who were intrigued by what Wimmer may be able to do next season with the summer transfer window and a pre-season with his squad under his belt, but it was an exciting prospect for the fans too. (Image: SNS Group) There had been glimpses of what he stated was his preferred, high-pressing style, particularly in the win at Ibrox with Lennon Miller and Callum Slattery pushed up as number 10s. There was then some pragmatism and flexibility when it dawned on him that such an approach with this group of players was unlikely to yield the points required to stave off any lingering relegation worries, and he showed in-game nous in matches like the home win over St Johnstone and the away win at Dundee that secured Motherwell's safety. He had spoken of how he didn't feel particularly comfortable compromising his principles to such a degree, which was something of a teaser over the more front-foot style he would be looking to adopt next term. It was a shock initially then to hear that he wouldn't in fact be here to see that through. But on reflection, the signs that life in Scotland far from his family was proving increasingly difficult for Wimmer were evident. He said as much when I had the chance to chat to him back in April. 'I had the job in Nurnberg, that's one hour 20 with the car,' Wimmer said. Read more: 'Then the next job was in Augsburg, that was one hour 35 with the car, then came Stuttgart, that's two hours 40 with the car, and the next step was Vienna, there's three hours 50 with the car. So, it's getting further and further! 'But if there was an issue with my son, you could also use the car, and in three hours you are at home. So, this is now the first time where you have such a far distance. My son is growing up and now he's 11. "I felt that it is very difficult for him, and if your son is at home and is not happy, perhaps a little bit crying, then it obviously isn't a good feeling.' As chairman Kyrk Macmillan revealed in his excellent update this week, there had since been further complications at home for Wimmer, so while I can understand the disappointment from fans about his sudden departure, family has to come first. So, thanks for the very brief memories, Michael, but it is time now to move on. My one hope though as the board embark on the recruitment process all over again is that they haven't been stung by the difficulties Wimmer had as a foreign coach in Scotland and are subsequently discouraged from going down that road again. There are some decent Scottish candidates for the position, of course. Robbie Nielson, for instance, couldn't have made it much more obvious that he was interested in the role supposing he turned up outside Fir Park with John Spencer's old 'Gizza job' T-shirt on. And his record is more than decent, albeit his stats do benefit from three seasons managing Hearts and Dundee United in The Championship. But the best man available for the job is the best man for the job, no matter where he may be from. The extension of the season ticket deadline hints that the club recognise many fans are hedging their bets on committing to the big up-front outlay before knowing what it is they are signing up for. Wimmer was a refreshing appointment and was exactly what was needed at the time to provide a contrast to the style that had grown rather stale under predecessor Stuart Kettlewell. You only have to witness the reaction of the Kilmarnock support to Kettlewell's appointment at Rugby Park this week to see that while he will likely do a decent enough job there (as he did at Fir Park, incidentally), that it hasn't exactly sent pulses racing. This is anecdotal, but for many fans I speak to now, Motherwell just keeping their heads above water in the Premiership by any means necessary isn't really cutting it anymore. Survival is always the priority, but there has to be some excitement somewhere along the way to stave off apathy. (Image: Craig Foy - SNS Group) I have been impressed by the cut of the chairman's jib (I'll even forgive him his little dig at the press over sending us on a wild goose chase by having his dad beside him in the stand with a scarf over his face), and my feeling is he is unlikely to be bruised too badly by Wimmer's departure, or be tempted to stray from the same process that led Motherwell to the German in the first place in favour of a 'safe pair of hands'. Let's hope that's the case, and the sooner the better. There are still some player contracts to be sorted out (or not, as the case may be), and hopefully a good chunk of change courtesy of Lennon Miller to be invested in adding some quality to the squad. This can still be an exciting summer for Motherwell, but that will rest on the board and what is a big call for them to make in the coming days.
STV News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Motherwell sign Lukas Fadinger despite Michael Wimmer departure
Motherwell have pressed ahead with the signing of Austrian midfielder Lukas Fadinger despite the departure of manager Michael Wimmer. Fadinger has arrived on a two-year contract from Austrian Bundesliga side Rheindorf Altach, where he scored four goals in 61 appearances over two seasons. The former Sturm Graz youth player also spent the previous campaign in the Austrian top flight with Hartberg. Fadinger's signing was lined up during former Austria Vienna manager Wimmer's brief spell in charge. The German returned to his native country last week but assistant manager Ahmet Koc remains under contract at Fir Park and Motherwell are pressing on with both player and managerial recruitment plans. 'I am so happy to be at this club,' Fadinger said on Motherwell's official website. 'We've been holding talks for a couple of months now, and to now finally say I'm a Motherwell player makes me very happy. 'This move excites me, and it's a big step forward in my career. I'm already looking forward to the start of the new season and meeting all the fans.' Wimmer has been introduced as manager of SSV Jahn Regensburg after taking up the challenge of getting the club back up following their relegation from Bundesliga 2. The 44-year-old had previously admitted one of his sons in particular was finding it difficult to cope with him being based in Scotland, and another family issue emerged towards the end of the season which convinced him he needed to return home. The former Stuttgart coach's new club is based within an hour's drive of his home town. Quoted on his new club's website, Wimmer said: 'Everyone in my hometown knows SSV Jahn; it's a traditional club from eastern Bavaria. I'm really excited to get started and can hardly wait. 'My family is, of course, very happy too. 'I had a fantastic time in Scotland, from a sporting perspective. We retained our league status with four games to go and were able to beat Glasgow Rangers at the famous Ibrox Stadium. 'Besides sport, family is also a part of my life. They are my top priority. Things have now developed to the point where I would like to return to Germany. 'The fact that it has now become so close to home is, of course, fantastic. 'When it was finally finalised on Friday, my son was beaming with joy – the look on his face was incomparable. That convinced me once again that it was the right decision.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Motherwell fans react to Michael Wimmer exit as move branded 'totally unprofessional'
Supporters have had their say after Wimmer made a shock exit yesterday, citing 'major family reasons' Stunned Motherwell fans have reacted with a mixture of anger and sympathy after Michael Wimmer announced he was quitting the club for a return to Germany yesterday. Wimmer's tenure as boss lasted just 12 games and he has cited 'major family reasons' for his decision to join German third tier side SSV Jahn Regensburg. But the swift exit hasn't gone down well with some sections of the Fir Park faithful on social media. Derek Mitchell said: 'Very disappointing news, I suspect he got an offer which he could refuse and it would mean being home with his family (although I suspect he'll be working all the time even back in Germany). I hope the club doesn't plump for journey man manager who's 'knows the Scottish game'.' Allan McSorely posted: "That's totally unprofessional from him. Should never have took the job on if he wasn't sure about staying in Scotland.' James Hosie stated: "Definitely has done the dirty on Motherwell. Really poor. Shouldn't have taken the job in the first place if Scotland wasn't for him, and if he was going to be far from his family." Colin Atherton said: 'This is incredibly disappointing and sounds like the club have had warning this was on the cards. We now find ourselves looking for a new manager at the same time as Killie and Dundee. Walking straight into another job is poor. Gutted.' Fan account @mfc1886898 posted: "Shouldn't of taken job in first place if wasn't confident he was in it for the long run. Poor show, back to square one it feels." However, others were more sympathetic, with Peter Elder saying: 'That's a major disappointment, especially with so much work required to overhaul the squad. Was looking forward to what we could achieve under him, but family comes first.' Gary Smith posted: 'If being closer to home is what it needs then so be it. Big difference from the top tier in Scotland to the 3rd tier in Germany. At least we have a recent list of applicants, so hopefully we have a head start over Killie and Dundee in a replacement. Rollercoaster goes on .' Fan @jamesymfc commented: "Was looking forward to the season ahead too under Wimmer but if it is family reasons then family always comes first. Wish him the best of luck." And @lynneb20 said: "Of course, it's disappointing, and I was really looking forward to what he would bring to the club. But in the end, family comes first. I only wish him and his family well."
