Motherwell are lining up ex-boss Stephen Robinson as the replacement for Graham Alexander. The St Mirren gaffer is top of the Fir Park board’s wish list and Well are expected to make their move on Monday after the two clubs face off tomorrow in Paisley.
Alexander stepped down as Motherwell manager last night after their embarrassing Europa Conference League exit to Sligo Rovers.The former Scotland star asked to speak to members of the board on Friday morning, where it was agreed by all parties that they should part ways by mutual consent.
It sees Alexander and his assistant, Chris Lucketti, depart Motherwell before a domestic ball has even been kicked this season. Alexander’s final stance was the meek 2-0 defeat in Sligo on Thursday that saw them crash out of Europe 3-0 on aggregate. Academy chief Stevie Hammell is set to take the team for Saturday’s trip to St Mirren. Robinson is the preferred candidate but former player Paul Lambert and ex-Kelty Hearts boss Kevin Thomson are could come under consideration if the deal doesn’t happen.
Robinson left Fir Park in December 2020 after three years at the helm and led the cub to both domestic cup finals in season 2017/18 losing to Celtic on both occasions. He joined Morcambe in June last year but left to take up the post of manager at St Mirren in February.
Motherwell chairman Jim McMahon said: “Graham asked to speak with us early on Friday morning, and everyone agreed that it would be best to make a change We asked Graham to reverse our fortunes when he arrived eighteen months ago and he did that, before a really solid start to his first full season at Fir Park laid the foundations for what ultimately led to a fifth place finish and European football.
“However, things haven’t gone as well for a spell in 2022 and although the timing is not ideal, we hope a change will bring about fresh impetus for everyone ahead of the 2022/23 season. I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Graham and Chris for all their hard work and effort and wish them every success in their future careers.”
The 50-year-old travelled back with his squad from Ireland yesterday and his staff and players were informed of the decision before they returned to Scotland. Alexander had come under-fire from large sections of the Motherwell support for a dismal run in 2022 that has seen them win just three league games.
Ironically, it was enough to see them finish fifth and to qualify for Europe. Alexander took his team in against Sligo but was left red-faced as the Irish side beat them home and away.
There was an angry backlash from some of the travelling support and the manager was verbally abused as he tried to give a post-match interview. The former Salford and Scunthorpe boss was appointed as Stephen Robinson’s successor in January last year. He kept the team in the top flight and last season he led them to fifth.
They won just one league game and only scrambled into the top six after a last minute equaliser at Livingston. Motherwell then beat Ross County and Hearts to seal their European spot. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Motherwell and leave with nothing but good wishes for the club in the future,” Alexander stated.
“I’m proud that we came in with the club joint bottom of the Premiership, and 18 months later leave having first secured our Premiership status, then qualified for Europe in our first full season. Our points tally in that time is only behind Rangers & Celtic.
“I also want to thank everyone who has worked so hard alongside us, and for the support I have received from Alan Burrows, Jim McMahon and the board of directors. It has been a pleasure to represent Motherwell Football Club.”
