MOTHERWELL have sacked Steven Hammell after they crashed to a 3-1 Scottish Cup defeat at Raith Rovers.

Former Southend United defender Hammell faced calls of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” from jubilant Raith fans after Esmael Goncalves’ debut goal clinched Rovers’ place in the quarter-finals.

Some of the Motherwell fans who had not walked out following the 85th-minute winner joined in the chants.

The club’s post-war record appearance holder later left the ground with assistant Brian Kerr without doing any interviews and news of their firing shortly broke after 8pm.

Motherwell’s season has taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks with a growing injury list and a meek performance against St Johnstone in a 2-0 home defeat followed by a toothless display in a 3-1 loss at Aberdeen.

“Steven Hammell is and will forever be a colossus in Motherwell Football Club history,” chairman Jim McMahon said on the club’s official website.

“Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, his time in charge hasn’t worked out the way we all really hoped it would.

“Although this decision has been difficult, we feel it is necessary as we look towards the last third of the Premiership season.

“I want to thank Steven and Brian for all their efforts and wish them both all the very best in the future.”

Stuart Kettlewell has been appointed on a caretaker basis until a permanent successor has been found.

Hammell made 67 appearances for the Shrimpers between 2006 and 2008.