James McFadden savours coaching opportunity with Motherwell

James McFadden believes Motherwell is the ideal place to start his coaching career after being named assistant manager of the club where he started his career.

The 33-year-old has re-signed for the club in a player/coach role, replacing Oldham manager Stephen Robinson as Mark McGhee's assistant.

The former Scotland international won his first cap while a teenager at Fir Park and returned to the club for a fourth spell last season before a broken ankle cut short his campaign.

McFadden told the club's YouTube channel: It's a great opportunity for me to move into the coaching side and be available as a player as well. It was an opportunity that was too good to refuse.

"I started my playing career here so it's fitting I start my coaching career here too. Everyone knows what the club means to me, it's a special place for me and I will do everything I can to help the club, as I have done throughout my career."

The former Everton, Birmingham and Sunderland forward added: I'm experienced for a young coach. I have played under some great managers and I'll be able to call on that experience. I still speak to quite a few of them as well so they will be on the end of the phone if I need any help.

"You can only learn off a guy like Mark McGhee. It's a great opportunity to learn and try and forge my way in on the coaching side of football."

McGhee said: "I'm delighted James has taken the role as I think he has fabulous qualities to be an assistant. He has played at the highest level, worked with some tremendous coaches and any time you speak to him, you can appreciate he has a deep understanding of the game.

"Not only that, he is an extremely determined individual, he's young, ambitious and has very high standards. He will demand from players and other staff at the club, including myself, and that's exactly the type of individual I wanted.

"He also has an in-depth knowledge of Scottish football, both club and individual players, and will add significantly to the coaching staff at the club. We're absolutely thrilled to have him."

McFadden could soon be available for selection too after recovering from his ankle injury.

"I got the all-clear yesterday so I'm good to go,'' he said on Tuesday. "I've been doing some fitness and I will join in training whenever possible. I feel good, it's probably the best I have felt in the last few years.

"It will be a strange one juggling the two but we will do the best we can. I want to be available if required."