McGhee: No Problem Having To Prove Myself Again

Mark McGhee knows he has to prove himself to Motherwell fans all over again - but sees no reason why that cannot start against Celtic.

Many Motherwell supporters have welcomed back a manager who led them to third spot in 2008, but others have criticised his appointment, pointing to the fact he left for Aberdeen after two years, having previously had discussions over the Scotland, Hearts and Celtic jobs.

McGhee, whose second reign kicks off against the Premiership champions at Fir Park, said: "You go to any club, you've got to prove yourself.

I don't think it's any different here. What I would hope is, the fact I've been here before and been relatively successful, it means it would give me a chance to prove myself.

"I know from day one you have to start proving yourself and I don't have any problems with that. "I remember when I went to Brighton there was a section of supporters through the internet saying, 'Why are they taking Mark McGhee?' I had just had a successful time at Millwall.

"Then I was there for three and a half years and when I left the press guy told me the exact same names were glad to see me go. But they had been silent for three and a half years.

"So I don't think you can always trust these voices. So I'm not going to concern myself with that. I'm going to go out there and try to prove to those people who are supporting Motherwell that I am the right man.

"Because of my relationship with the club and my affection for the club, I think I am entitled to come back and I am quite looking forward to being back."

McGhee is the first manager to return to Motherwell but numerous players have done so, including Stephen Pearson. The midfielder had been criticised for posing in a Celtic top before a move to Parkhead in 2004, but has proved a popular signing since his return in January.

"When you do come back, you are compared to your first spell," the 33-year-old said.

"But I'm sure the manager will just want to win as many games as possible. That's the only way the fans will get behind him and get on his side. It's up to us as players to make sure that happens.

"I'm sure the fans will get behind him. They are a good bunch of fans and they just want to see their team doing well, whoever is in charge.

"Once you get on the pitch, you are giving your all for Motherwell and that's all that matters. They want to see you doing your best and once they see you doing that, they will back you all the way."

McGhee made a huge impact when he joined in 2007, turning a team that had flirted with relegation into an attractive, winning outfit.

That came after a tough pre-season but he feels he can make a quick impact this time.

"I did it at Brighton, went in after a few games and got promoted; went into Millwall after a few games and won the league. So it's possible to go in and be effective. When I joined both those clubs they were languishing ninth or 10th.

"It's a different way of doing it than having a whole pre-season but sometimes you work better to a deadline and for me the deadline is Saturday.

"I've not got three weeks to prepare them and wonder and look at this and that. You've got to get on with it so I have to make decisions today about how to play, the shape of the team, how to stop Celtic but still be effective going the other way.

"I've got one day but that's fine - there will be a lot of it I get wrong and a lot of it I get right and we'll take that on to the next game."