Graham Alexander: New Motherwell boss says there's no way current squad should be languishing near bottom of league

Newly appointed Motherwell manager Graham Alexander has revealed that he consulted with predecessor Stephen Robinson - an ex-playing team-mate at Preston North End - ahead of landing the 'Well gaffer's post on Thursday evening.
New Motherwell manager Graham Alexander (Pic courtesy of Motherwell FC)New Motherwell manager Graham Alexander (Pic courtesy of Motherwell FC)
New Motherwell manager Graham Alexander (Pic courtesy of Motherwell FC)

Alexander (49), who won 40 Scotland caps between 2002 and 2009, will take charge of the 11th placed Steelmen - who haven't won in 10 games, for tomorrow's crucial league trip to St Mirren.

The new gaffer, who most recently worked in management at Salford City whom he got promoted to League Two in season 2018-2019,also revealed his ambitions for the Steelmen in an interview with Motherwell FC.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I want to get us into the top half of the league and competing where you are probably exceeding expectation on what's expected," he said.

"I want to achieve things that I haven't done before.

"I spoke to Robbo (who resigned on December 31 after over three years in charge at Fir Park) about getting to a couple of cup finals, finishing third last year.

"So the challenge is there but I've followed successful managers in previous jobs.

"It's the challenge that I want to take on and I believe that looking at the squad, which I have done over the last few days, I think it is under performing.

"I spoke to Robbo, he thought the same.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"There's talent there. We're in a month where we can make additions to that squad but there's no way I see that group of players being where it should be.

"It's a fresh start for everyone and we're looking to start off with three points on Saturday."

Alexander was one of four interviewed fpor the Motherwell job this week along with Robinson's assistant Keith Lasley, Tommy Wright and Simon Grayson.

Lasley will continue on the coaching staff but Alexander's long-term assistant, former Huddersfield captain Chris Lucketti, will fill the number two role.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Although Alexander was sacked by Salford in October, the team were unbeaten in their first five games and sitting fifth in League Two.

Alexander, who has also managed Preston North End (caretaker), Fleetwood Town and Scunthorpe United, previously had a distinguished career at club level in which he became only the second outfield player in English football history to have made 1000 professional appearances when turning out for Scunthorpe, Luton Town, Preston and Burnley.

"When I came out of playing my first coaching role was in charge of the youth academy at Preston," Alexander said.

"It gave me a good grounding in coaching but understanding of the actual link between the young players and what's needed to get to the senior squad.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I've got a track record if you look at my three clubs that I've always had young players playing in those teams.

"I played until I was 40 so I'm the last person to judge a player on his birth certificate, whether it's at one end of the scale or the other and it will be no different here."

Longer term, Alexander said he wanted to establish Motherwell as a top six club, challenge for European qualification and reach the later rounds of the cups.

"I've been in the game long enough to understand that anything is possible," he said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Playing for Scotland at the age I did, I never expected to do.

"I never gave up hope of achieving something that people hadn't done.

"I think I've seen that if you work hard enough and you believe in it as much as you can, you can achieve whatever you want.

"But there's a lot of hard work that needs to go into place to make that happen.

"And it's certainly not down to me as an individual. It's a whole group of people that has to make that happen."