By Gary Kirkpatrick

Motherwell have named former Airdrieonians manager Eddie Wolecki Black as new boss of their women’s team.

Black, 52, makes his return to the dugout after suffering a stroke during a league match between the Diamonds and Cowdenbeath in March last year.

His appointment at Motherwell Ladies is a significant step in his recovery, as doctors were convinced Wolecki Black would be unable to walk or talk after his health scare.

The former forward, who played for Montrose in two separate spells, has previous experience in women’s football, leading Glasgow City in a trophy-laden spell between 2011-2015.

He also had a brief stint as manager of  Scotitsh Lowland League side Edusport Academy in 2015 before taking up the managerial position at Airdrieonians.

Wolecki Black said: “I’m delighted to be honest. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to come back in, I’d obviously been looking around and had been unsuccessful in one or two applications.

“But I was contacted by Alan Burrows (Motherwell’s Chief Operating Officer), we had some conversations which have led to this day so I’m very keen now just to get started.”

Burrows praised the appointment, saying he was impressed by Wolecki Black’s hunger and desire to return to the game.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Eddie to the club and believe it’s a huge coup for us to get him here.

“Not only is he a hugely respected and qualified coach with experience at various levels, I can see a real huge hunger and determination in him to get back involved.

“I’m delighted Motherwell can be a club that can give people the chance to get their lives back on track after a setback.”

Previous Motherwell Ladies’ head coach Graeme McArthur tweeted his delight at Wolecki Black’s appointment, saying: “Brilliant to see @edblack65 back where he belongs in the game again, especially now @MotherwellFC! All the best Eddie!”

Motherwell Ladies lie sixth in the Scottish Women’s Football League 2 table, the second tier of the women’s national pyramid.