Gannon makes first signing as Motherwell manager

Newly-appointed Motherwell manager Jim Gannon made his first signing on Wednesday as he persuaded English midfielder Steve Jennings to turn down a new contract with his League One club Tranmere Rovers and join the Scottish Premier League side.

The 24-year-old former Everton youth player has been at Tranmere virtually the whole of his professional career but decided it was time for a change – even though he has been offered just a one year contract.

However, Jennings will not be able to take part in the Europa League fixture with Welsh side Llanelli on Thursday.

Gannon, 40, has only 11 senior players to choose from for the tie as several others left while the club searched for a replacement for Mark McGhee after he left to coach Aberdeen.

The former Stockport County manager – who beat off the likes of former Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton and former Northern Ireland handler Lawrie Sanchez for the post – has already said he would look to the English market to bring in new players.