GRAHAM ALEXANDER has left Motherwell by 'mutual consent' after the Europa Conference League nightmare loss to Sligo Rovers.

The Fir Park side were booted out of Euro qualifiers after being beaten home and away by the Irish side.

And following last night's 2-0 defeat - making it 3-0 on aggregate - Alexander has left Motherwell just two days before their league opener against St Mirren.

Assistant Chris Lucketti has also left the club.

Chairman Jim McMahon explained: “Graham asked to speak with us early on Friday morning, and everyone agreed that it would be best to make a change.

“We asked Graham to reverse our fortunes when he arrived eighteen months ago and he did that, before a really solid start to his first full season at Fir Park laid the foundations for what ultimately led to a fifth place finish and European football.

“However, things haven’t gone as well for a spell in 2022 and although the timing is not ideal, we hope a change will bring about fresh impetus for everyone ahead of the 2022/23 season.

“I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Graham and Chris for all their hard work and effort and wish them every success in their future careers.”

On his exit from Fir Park, Alexander commented: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Motherwell and leave with nothing but good wishes for the club in the future.

“I’m proud that we came in with the club joint bottom of the Premiership, and 18 months later leave having first secured our Premiership status, then qualified for Europe in our first full season. Our points tally in that time is only behind Rangers & Celtic.

“I also want to thank everyone who has worked so hard alongside us, and for the support I have received from Alan Burrows, Jim McMahon and the board of directors. It has been a pleasure to represent Motherwell Football Club.”