Motherwell sack manager Steven Hammell following cup exit at Raith
Motherwell sacked Steven Hammell after just six months in charge following a 3-1 Scottish Cup defeat at Raith Rovers.
Hammell faced calls of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” from jubilant home fans after Esmaël Gonçalves’ debut goal five minutes from time secured Raith’s place in the quarter-finals.
Hammell, the club’s postwar record appearance holder, was backed in the January transfer market as he brought in nine new players but leaves with Motherwell second from bottom of the Scottish Premiership after winning just once in their last 13 matches. Stuart Kettlewell has been appointed on a caretaker basis.
“Steven Hammell is and will for ever be a colossus in Motherwell Football Club history,” said the club’s chairman, Jim McMahon. “Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, his time in charge hasn’t worked out the way we all really hoped it would.
“Although this decision has been difficult, we feel it is necessary as we look towards the last third of the Premiership season. I want to thank Steven and Brian for all their efforts and wish them both all the very best in the future.”
Raith went ahead through Jamie Gullan’s 17th-minute penalty after a handball and Motherwell fell further behind when Sam Stanton scrambled home in the 39th minute.
Hammell made three half-time changes and got a response with Kevin van Veen netting in the 51st minute but could not find an equaliser before Gonçalves wrapped up the win.
Raith reached the Scottish Challenge Cup final in midweek and have gone 12 games unbeaten but their manager, Ian Murray, took little joy at their part in Hammell’s sacking. “I knew Motherwell were fragile of course with where they are in the league,” he said. “I don’t really enjoy seeing that if I’m being honest because we have all been there. I feel for Steven.”
Ange Postecoglou insisted that he has not paid any attention to the “noise” linking him to the vacant Leeds manager’s job after watching Celtic storm into the quarter-finals with a 5-1 win over St Mirren.
Celtic overcame a spirited Saints side with goals from Daizen Maeda, a Reo Hatate double – one from the penalty spot after Richard Taylor was sent off for handball – a first Hoops goal for Oh Hyeon-gyu and a Matt O’Riley strike. Mark O’Hara scored a consolation goal for the visitors.
Reo Hatate celebrates scoring Celtic’s fifth goal against St Mirren. Photograph: Steve Welsh/PA
“I don’t think I need to say anything to them,” said Postecoglou in response to speculation about Leeds. “I think what the supporters want is to make sure I’m focused on preparing the team every week to win games of football and to play football that’s going to excite them and make them proud. That’s my responsibility.
“If anyone thinks for the last seven days I’ve thought about anything but preparing the team to play today then obviously they haven’t got a clear idea of what I’m about.”
Elgin City were denied a historic victory over Ayr United – and a place in the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history – by Fraser Bryden’s last-gasp equaliser.
The Scottish League Two side had taken a shock lead at their Championship opponents four minutes before half-time but Bryden’s effort forced extra-time before a Ben Dempsey penalty and two goals from Dipo Akinyemi sent Ayr through.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s unlikely cup run continued as they cruised to a 3-0 win at Premiership high-flyers Livingston.
Inverness, who had been beaten by Queen’s Park in the previous round only to be reinstated as their opponents had fielded an ineligible player, made the most of their reprieve with two goals from Billy Mckay and a Sean Welsh header sealing their place in the last eight.
Kyle Vassell scored the only goal as Kilmarnock won at Dundee United, who had Loick Ayina sent off with 12 minutes remaining.