Wimmer exits Motherwell after 12 games for German third-tier club

Manager Michael Wimmer has left Motherwell to join Jahn Regensburg, who will play in Germany’s third tier next season.

The 44-year-old took charge of last Sunday’s final Scottish Premiership match of the season, a 1-1 draw at Ross County, and returned to his native Germany.

He told club officials earlier this week he would not be back at Fir Park next season because of family reasons, leaving the Lanarkshire club hunting for a new boss.

Wimmer, who has thanked Well for their “support”, replaced Stuart Kettlewell in February and won five and drew three of his 12 matches in charge.

“I want to thank the board and all the staff at the club for the way they welcomed me to Scotland and also supported me so much from when I arrived in February,” Wimmer said.

“They have done everything to support me and my family during my time here. This has been an ongoing, extremely difficult position that I have found myself in and the club have done all they could to support me during these challenging times, both whilst I was in post and while I have been back in Germany.

“I am sorry to all the Motherwell fans; the support you have shown me has been outstanding and I have loved learning about this wonderful club.

“This decision was an extremely hard one for me to make; however, I have decided to move back home as I need to put my family first and be with them and I want to thank the board for the understanding shown through these challenging times.

Wimmer previously led Austria Vienna after a spell as interim boss at Stuttgart.

Jahn Regensburg were relegated after finishing bottom of the Bundesliga’s second division this season.

Wimmer’s exit leaves four Premiership clubs seeking a new manager – Dundee, Kilmarnock, Rangers and now Motherwell.

With Heart of Midlothian having taken Derek McInnes from Kilmarnock as their new head coach, at least five of 12 top-flight clubs will start the new season under new management.

Motherwell said Wimmer had “reached out to the chairman and chief executive of the club to inform them that he would like to remain in Germany” and become Jahn Regensburg boss.

“Wimmer explained the reasons for wishing to accept the new role were predominantly due to major family issues that have recently arisen in Germany,” said the club in a statement.

“Following extensive conversations with Michael, the club very reluctantly negotiated a compensation package with SSV Jahn Regensburg.