Motherwell sack manager Ian Baraclough

Motherwell have announced that they have sacked manager Ian Baraclough after nine months in charge.

The 44-year-old replaced Stuart McCall in December 2014 and went on to lead the club to safety by beating Rangers in the Scottish Premiership playoffs at the end of last season.

Well were beaten 3-2 after extra time by Championship side Greenock Morton in their League Cup third-round tie on Tuesday, which proved to be Baraclough's final match in charge.

"The board of directors would like to sincerely thank Ian for his great efforts last season and keeping the club in the SPFL Premiership for this very important season in the club's history, with the 130th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 1991 Scottish Cup celebrated at the end of the season," the club announced in a statement on their official website.

"The board will immediately commence the search for a new manager. In the interim, current Under-20s boss Stephen Craigan, along with Stephen Robinson and Jim Hollman, will handle first-team affairs."

Motherwell are 10th in the Scottish Premiership after taking seven points from their opening eight games.