Motherwell boss empathises with boss after Aberdeen sacking as he admits management 'isn't getting any easier'

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander says it's not good news that he's risen up the longest-serving managerial charts so quickly.

The Fir Park boss is currently the fifth longest serving manager in the Premiership and will become the fourth should Jim Goodwin leave St Mirren for Aberdeen.

Dundee sacked James McPake this week while Motherwell's weekend opponents Aberdeen dismissed Stephen Glass, following a Scottish Cup exit to Alexander's team last weekend.

Times are tougher than ever for managers according to Motherwell's, who has empathy in his locker, having been let go by Salford City prior to joining the Fir Park side.

He said: "We live with that cloud every day. We played Aberdeen last week and I was up against Stephen. It brings it close to home but you see it all over the UK.

"You realise it's always there and it is never nice. I've been there before so I understand the feeling. The pressure everyone is under to get results is magnified every week.

"The scrutiny everyone is under is there for all to see and the manager takes the brunt of that. When things are going well, it's more than one man.

"On the flip side, it's true on the other side that if things aren't going well, it's not just one man. It isn't getting any easier. It's getting harder every year. But that's life - we all still love the job."

Alexander has flipped the script at Motherwell since coming in last year. Arriving with the team in a relegation scrap, the Steelmen are now pushing for European places.

He reckons such a process takes time but things like getting the right personnel and philosophies are needed promptly.

The Motherwell manager added: "At the majority of the clubs, it's down to the players. If you have motivated players who are good