Motherwell are looking for a new manager after ending Mark McGhee's second spell at Fir Park.

Under-20s coach Stephen Craigan has already ruled himself out, but here are some possible contenders for the jobL:

SIMO VALAKARI

The Finn spent four seasons at Fir Park as a player before moving to Derby in 2000 and has retained affection for the club. Valakari held talks with Motherwell before McGhee was appointed as the club, then under previous owner Les Hutchison, looked for an experienced hand. But the 43-year-old has already announced his interest in the post and is available after leaving SJK in recent weeks following a disagreement with the owner. Valakari led unfancied SJK to the Finnish title in 2015 and is keen to take his coaching career further afield.

OWEN COYLE

The recently sacked Blackburn boss has admirers inside Fir Park and, crucially, he is available. Whether he wants to return to Motherwell is another matter. Coyle's goals were a major factor in keeping the club in the top flight 20 years ago after he arrived from Dundee United, and he could see Motherwell as a chance to rejuvenate his managerial career following a short spell at Ewood Park. Coyle had happy stints at St Johnstone and Burnley but less successful spells with Bolton, Wigan and Houston Dynamo. The 50-year-old once rejected the Celtic job, partly for family reasons, and is perhaps unlikely to return to the west of Scotland for Motherwell.

LUC NIJHOLT

Another who was heavily in the frame before McGhee took charge, Nijholt has long coveted a return to the club where he won the 1991 Scottish Cup before moving to Swindon. The Dutchman, who spent several years as understudy to Co Adriaanse at various clubs, was recently manager of Chinese second-tier outfit Meizhou Hakka after a period in charge of Dinamo Tbilisi's youth set-up.

STEPHEN ROBINSON

The caretaker boss is highly thought of at Fir Park and could put himself in pole position if Motherwell secure a result at Kilmarnock on Saturday. Robinson returned as first-team coach just eight days before McGhee was sacked after a brief and difficult spell in charge of Oldham. Part of Northern Ireland's Euro 2016 coaching staff, Robinson went back to the Steelmen at the request of McGhee and was not lined up to take over, but he could now have a chance.

MITCHELL VAN DER GAAG

Another former player who has been keen to return to Fir Park, former Maritimo boss Van der Gaag was in pole position to take over in December 2014 until Ian Baraclough impressed prospective owner Hutchison. The Dutchman is currently trying to steer Excelsior to safety in the Eredivisie and is under pressure from fans. Motherwell may watch his situation with interest in the coming weeks.

DOUGIE FREEDMAN

Motherwell may attempt to entice another exiled and available Scot in Freedman. The 42-year-old former Crystal Palace and Bolton boss has been out of management for almost a year after leaving the unstable environs of Nottingham Forest. Another who may decide to stay in England, but Motherwell may ask the question.