SIMO VALAKARI has vowed he is more ready than ever to be the new Motherwell manager in the wake of Mark McGhee's sacking.

The Finn, who was a midfield icon for the Fir Park side from 1996 to 2000, has thrown his hat into the ring to be the new Well boss less than 18 months after he missed out on the post last time out.

After Ian Baraclough's dismissal in September 2015, Valakari was one of the top candidates interviewed for the post eventually filled by McGhee.

Read more: Keith Lasley says Motherwell players let down sacked Mark McGhee

But now the position has become vacant again, the 43-year-old has now staked his claim once more to be the next Motherwell manager with a Finnish championship, Finnish cup winners and Finnish league cup winners' medal already tucked away.

Speaking exclusively to SportTimes, Valakari said: “It would be a great honour and a new challenge for me. I would be more ready than I ever was the last time.

“I have gained more experience and I am more complete now.

“With my previous club we were the champions in Finland. But of course my aim is to go to a higher league.

“Of course I was disappointed not to get the Motherwell job last time but part of me was happy to stay in Finland to win the championship."

Valakari last applied for the job at Fir Park while still in charge of Finnish club SJK. It was at the team from Seinäjoki the former Derby County man gained a reputation as one of the rising stars of coaching, firstly getting the club promoted before then steering them to the league title in 2015 as well the Finnish Cup and League Cup.

Read more: Keith Lasley says Motherwell players let down sacked Mark McGhee

The two parted company last week but he now feels the time is right for a fresh challenge he hopes will come in Lanarkshire.

He said: “I left SJK last week. I wanted to take the club forward but the owners had different ideas how to run the club.

“Under me we had been very successful. Winning promotion, the cup and the championship. It’s a lot of things but I walked out with my head held high because I’ve been very successful.

“Now I feel it is time for a new challenge.

“I have great memories at Motherwell. I know the club. Okay, it’s a long time since I’ve been there but Motherwell Football Club gave me the chance to start my professional football career. It would be nice to put something back to them.

“They have absolutely great fans. I loved the atmosphere and I want to be a part of that."

McGhee was relieved of his duties yesterday morning on the back of a dismal run of results culminating in Saturday's 5-1 home thumping from Dundee.

The Steelmen have won just two of their last 14 matches, and following a four-hour board meeting on Monday night the decision was taken to let the Scotland assistant go.

A Motherwell statement said: "Motherwell Football Club has today (Tuesday) parted company with manager Mark McGhee.

Read more: Keith Lasley says Motherwell players let down sacked Mark McGhee

"The decision, taken by the board following consultation with the ‘Well Society, comes after a disappointing run of results, culminating in Saturday’s loss at home to Dundee.

"Stephen Robinson [first team coach], flanked by assistant James McFadden and Under 20s boss Stephen Craigan, has agreed to take temporary charge whilst a new permanent manager is recruited as swiftly as possible.

"The club wishes to thank Mark for his work during his second spell at Fir Park, particularly getting the club into the top-six during the 2015/16 season and wish him every success in the future."

Motherwell currently sit11th in the Ladbrokes Premiership two points off bottom.