Motherwell: Graham Alexander confirmed as Scottish Premiership club's manager
- Published
Graham Alexander won 40 caps for Scotland between 2002 and 2009
Graham Alexander has been confirmed as the new manager of Motherwell.
The 40-cap former Scotland international replaces Stephen Robinson, who left his post last week.
He was one of four interviewed along with Robinson's assistant Keith Lasley, Tommy Wright and Simon Grayson.
Alexander, 49, will take charge of Saturday's Scottish Premiership match against St Mirren, with only goal difference keeping Motherwell off the bottom of the table.
Lasley will continue on the coaching staff but Alexander's long-term assistant, former Huddersfield captain Chris Lucketti, will fill the number two role.
"I have been a manager now for seven to eight years, and had success with the three clubs I've been at," the former Fleetwood Town, Scunthorpe United, and Salford City boss told Motherwell's website, external.
"But this is out of my comfort zone. I'm someone who is up for a challenge, and I will get that here.
"I spoke to Stephen Robinson, as we played together at Preston. He said nothing but good things. That, together with what I heard from the board, meant it was a challenge I wanted to take on.
"The obvious first objective is to win on Saturday. This is a team which is underperforming but there is talent there.
"We are in a month where we can also make additions, but there is no way I see this current group should be where they are."
Alexander has been out of work since being sacked by English League Two club Salford in October.
Salford were unbeaten in their opening five games of this season under Alexander before he was replaced by former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes.
Prior to that, he had led them into League Two, having previously taken Fleetwood up from that division through the play-offs.
His Scotland appearances came in a seven-year spell from 2002, while playing for Preston and Burnley.
"Graham has demonstrated to us he is the man to take us forward," said Motherwell chairman Jim McMahon.
"He fits the profile of what we expect a Motherwell manager to be. He is dynamic. He is hungry.
"He will lead from the front and shares in our belief of developing talent. He also has a track record of success, leading clubs to promotions and cup finals."