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Kenny Black will continue as caretaker manager of Motherwell while the club's board forms a shortlist for the managerial vacancy at Fir Park.

However, no permanent appointment will be made until ownership of the club is finally resolved, possibly this month.

says 55 candidates from 20 countries have applied to replace Stuart McCall.

"We have been extremely encouraged by the quality and calibre of applicants from across the world," it says.

McCall resigned as manager of the Scottish Premiership club on 2 November with the team struggling to find the form of recent seasons.

John Boyle has placed his 70% shareholding in trust in the hope that community-based group The Well Society can raise the funds to buy them, though other groups are also reported to be interested in seeking control.

The statement said that discussions with interested parties "are ongoing" and that it plans to "reach a conclusion by the end of the current month".

It continued: "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.

"We have 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."