MOTHERWELL manager Ian Baraclough has expressed his disappointment at the departure of recruitment chief Gary Owers.

Brought into Fir Park at the start of the year, the former Leyton Orient, Gillingham and Partick Thistle scout headed up a new department at the club, expanding their search for potential players.

He was behind the discovery and signing of Kidderminster wing king Marvin Johnson, who went on to play and score in Motherwell’s emphatic Premiership play-off demolition of Rangers.

Most recently, Owers had been working closely with Baraclough to try and unearth more hidden gems to help the Well boss replenish his squad.

However, it has been announced that the 46-year-old's spell in Lanarkshire has come to an end with the news he has joined Gateshead as assistant manager.

Baraclough said: “Whilst it is with some disappointment Gary is leaving us for a coaching role at Gateshead, we fully understand his reasons for doing so.

“He was up front and honest with us from the start, which is typical of the man. He performed his role fantastically, including setting up a brand new department, which has already proved fruitful in terms of the recruitment of key personnel.

“Everyone at Motherwell Football Club would like to thank Gary tremendously for his efforts over the last six months and wish him all the very best in his new role.”

Born in Gateshead, Owers will rejoin his former side and hook up with former team-mate and new Heed boss Malcolm Crosby.

Owers spent eight years at Roker Park between 1986 and 1994, featuring in the 1992 FA Cup Final at Wembley – which the Black Cats lost 2-0 to Liverpool, with Crosby at the helm.

After leaving Wearside, Owers clocked up over 100 appearances at both Bristol City and Notts County, before briefer spells with Forest Green Rovers and Bath City.

“I wanted to bring somebody in who I know I can trust. Gary is a very experienced coach, who I have known for a long time," said Crosby.

“He will bring a sense of professionalism to the football club.

“I know that he will get on well with the players, and will look to improve them where necessary.

“I’d like to think we share a lot of the same ideas. We both want to bring success to this club, and we will both be aiming for promotion this season.”

Gateshead chairman Graham Wood added: “I am sure that Gary and Malcolm will complement each other very well.

“Malcolm is fully aware of Gary’s capabilities and strengths, meaning they are well-placed to hit the ground running together.

“In addition to Malcolm’s own range of contacts, Gary himself has a wealth of contacts both sides of the border.

“His skills as a coach are undoubted, and I am pleased to welcome him to Gateshead.”

Meanwhile, Motherwell’s players are due to report back for pre-season training tomorrow ahead of a training camp in Holland at the start of next month.