Kevin Van Veen praised Motherwell’s interim management team for restoring some positivity after a difficult week. Academy director Steven Hammell was brought in as caretaker boss with the help of under-18s coach Brian Kerr after the departure of Graham Alexander and Chris Lucketti.
Alexander left the club on the back of Motherwell’s 2-0 defeat by Sligo Rovers in the Europa Conference League on Thursday and the Steelmen bounced back with a 1-0 win against St Mirren in their cinch Premiership opener on Sunday.
Van Veen’s penalty was enough to seal the points in Paisley although the Dutchman was quick to praise the major contribution of goalkeeper Liam Kelly.
Alexander’s departure was a particular blow to Van Veen, who worked under the former Scotland man at Scunthorpe and who signed a contract extension days earlier. “It was tough,” the 31-year-old said. “It is never good to see someone lose their job.