Stephen O'Donnell opens up on Graham Alexander fallout at Motherwell as he says new players are more important than a new boss

Stephen O’Donnell hopes for a fresh start under the next Motherwell manager – as he opened up on his fallout with former boss Graham Alexander.

And the Scotland right-back reckons bringing in reinforcements at Fir Park is more important than rushing into appointing a successor.

O’Donnell made his first start this season during Saturday’s defeat by St Johnstone, with caretaker boss Steven Hammell giving him the nod in an unfamiliar left-back role after a tough summer.

He’s barely had a look-in of late and was stripped of the captaincy at the start of the season.

O’Donnell saw the armband handed to keeper Liam Kelly amid a disagreement with Alexander, who was sacked by the Steelmen in the aftermath of the club’s embarrassing Europa Conference League exit to Sligo Rovers last month.

He now hopes for a clean slate under the next gaffer, whether that be Hammell or someone else.

But he believes the most crucial element for Motherwell is strengthening the squad, which would get a frustrated fan base back on side having become tired of Alexander’s tactics during a run of five wins in 23 before his exit.

O’Donnell, who has 26 caps, said: “Reinforcements are more important than the manager.

"What we’ve worked on last week with Stevie, there’s been a lot of positives.

“The manager isn’t essential, it would be nice as you want clarity. The manager right now is doing a good job and there’s no immediate rush.

“If the board want to get someone in soon, then great. I think Stevie would like it full-time. But the recruitment is probably more important right now. You can sign good players if you have a style of play.

“The fans weren’t happy with the previous style and if you want to change that you need to bring in players who fit a