On 2 July, his first game in charge in the Europa League first round qualifying first leg, Motherwell lost 1–0 against Llanelli. However, on the away leg in Wales, the "Steelmen" recorded a 3–0 win to send them into the next round. Motherwell then beat Flamurtari Vlorë 8–2 on aggregate after an 8–1 victory in the home leg. Motherwell were then knocked out by Romanian side FC Steaua București 6–1 on aggregate. Gannon was sent to the stand in Motherwell's Europa League match against Bucharest; however Gannon later stated he did not know why he, or his assistant manager were sent off by Spanish referee Carlos Clos Gómez. His first league victory was a 3–1 win over Kilmarnock at Fir Park.