Graham Alexander in 's*** happens' management verdict but insists Motherwell are no golden ticket winners

Graham Alexander had his 500th day as Motherwell manager last week.

Not much to shout about really is it – 16 months in the Fir Park dugout. But when you consider only 13 managers in Scotland have been at their clubs longer, it highlights the precarious nature of a profession where results determine the longevity of Alexander and those like him.

The 50-year year knows this only too well. He was sitting fifth in the league with Salford when Gary Neville swung the axe and replaced him with Paul Scholes in October 2020.

That experience, and a lifetime in football, gave the ex-Scotland right back a healthy sense of perspective when Motherwell were in danger of undoing a strong start to the season with a horror run after Christmas that saw them drop out of the top six – only to bounce back to make the top half in the final minute of last game before the split.

Well went on to finish fifth and grab a Europa Conference League qualifying spot and will learn their fate at the draw on June 15.

European football seemed a million miles away when he took over from Stephen Robinson with Well bottom in January 2021. And it must have seemed well out of reach when his team couldn’t buy a win in the 12 league games after the winter break.

That run of form might have been drifting into sacking territory at some clubs but Alexander is adamant he had no sleepless nights. He said: “What we’ve achieved this season with the competition we are up against and the budget we have is superb.

Get all the latest Sports news sent straight to your Inbox every day by signing up to our newsletter.

We cover every morsel of information regarding your favourite club in the form of articles, videos and podcasts.

The newsletter will arrive every day