MOTHERWELL have put their manager hunt on hold as talks continue over a Fir Park takeover.

The Lanarkshire club are on the lookout for a new boss following the shock resignation of Stuart McCall and have been inundated with applications.

But the process has been put on the back burner for the moment as uncertainty continues to surround the ownership of the Steelmen.

The Well Society is still eager to purchase their club and ensure that it remains in fans' hands.

However, they reportedly face competition from a London-based consortium who could look to use Well as a hub to give foreign players a chance to shine.

Peruvian Nolberto Solano has been linked with the top job but no announcement is expected in the coming days.

A club statement said: "Two weeks after Stuart McCall's resignation, we are pleased to confirm that 55 applicants have put their name forward for the vacant managerial position at Fir Park.

"We've been extremely encouraged by the quality and calibre of applicants from across the world, which includes 20 different nationalities.

"The board has started the process of agreeing a shortlist of candidates we would like to formally interview.

"In May, the club released a statement advising that we were in the process of seeking new investment.

"Discussions are still ongoing with interested parties and we are now planning to reach a conclusion by the end of the current month.

"As a result, the board has agreed to delay the appointment of a new manager until the issue of ongoing ownership of the club is resolved.

The statement ended: "We've spoken at length with Kenny Black and he enthusiastically agreed to continue in the role as caretaker manager until a full-time appointment is made.

"We are extremely grateful to Kenny and the rest of the management team for their cooperation during this period as we look forward to the next chapter in the club's history."