Motherwell boss Graham Alexander: New staff important part of recruitment this summer

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander says it's not just players the first-team at Fir Park need to recruit this summer - it's backroom staff too.

The Steelmen are preparing for their Europa Conference League second round qualifier against either Bala Town or Sligo Rovers next month and begin pre-season training next week.

While new players will have to be settled in time for kick-off on July 21 - and the Premiership campaign starting before the month is out - staff changes are underway too.

Assistant manager Keith Lasley has joined St Mirren as chief operating officer while goalkeeper coach Craig Hinchcliffe has joined Dundee United in a similar capacity.

New staff members have had to be brought on with the medical team needing to expand on top of head of sport science Andy Boles leaving for Celtic in January.

It's a challenge Alexander knew would eventually present itself when taking on the Fir Park manager's role in 2021.

Alexander, who has been linked with a move for former Rangers star Andy Dibble as his new goalkeeping coach, told : "We strengthened our medical provision as we felt there was too much load on David Henderson (lead physiotherapist) and Andy Boles. We strengthened that structure as we didn't want to carry a big squad.

"Then Andy left in the winter break and we couldn't get our replacement in until towards the end of the season. A lot was loaded onto Callum Davidson (performance therapist) so we went about four months understaffed there.

"Then there was Keith Lasley and Craig Hinchcliffe. Fair play to Craig, he had agreed to go to Dundee United but wanted to fulfil his duties here before going.

"I was told before I joined that Motherwell is constantly recruiting, mainly players, but