Motherwell boss Graham Alexander knows he has a strong backing at Fir Park – as a tough start to 2022 showed him the club’s personality.
The Steelmen are in the midst of their preparations for the 2022/23 campaign and foray into the Europa Conference League, after a fifth-placed finish in the Premiership last term.
A strong 2021 meant that three wins in the early part of 2022 were enough to claim that berth, but criticisms of Alexander and his team began to creep in.
Mentalities made of stern stuff were needed to block that out and the 50-year-old was delighted to see players and staff alike at the club face that up expertly.
He explained: “With how we did it, that didn’t give me any greater pleasure, but it showed me who in our squad and club had the character to dig in when it was tough – when it was going against us.
“That’s the reality of playing and coaching at Motherwell. You are going to have periods in football where it’ll be difficult. That’s when you realise what you have in your team and club in terms of personality.
“When we needed to win, we did. Unfortunately in life there are people that don’t believe, and like to concentrate on the negatives rather than the positives.
“I have learned to be the other way. I know when I have done that in the past, I’ve overlooked things that are good in my life and my career.
“There’s a lot of good in our season, and in Motherwell. I would prefer to live my life like that.”
Alexander also rejects the notion that his team were fortunate to gain a spot in the top six.
They needed a 93rd-minute Ricki Lamie header during a 2-2 draw at Livingston to clinch it, but Alexander doesn’t look on that as the reason they achieved their aim.
He said: “People thought we were lucky to get the top six against Livingston but we had been there for 24 weeks – that’s not luck.
“Some teams had been there for one or two weeks and getting more credit.
“I heard people saying Aberdeen and Hibs didn’t have good seasons, but if I look at the previous season they were both in the top six, and sixth was 40 points, just like we were.
“It’s all about the end. It’s not about October or January, it’s about where you are at the end of the season.”
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
