New manager Graham Alexander has revealed talks with former Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson convinced him to take the job.
The Steelmen reached third spot in the Scottish Premiership last season and reached the Europa League qualifiers under Stephen Robinson.
However, the Northern Irishman resigned his post after defeat to Kilmarnock last week which extended a dismal run which has seen the Lanarkshire club winless since October.
Form didn't improve under Fir Park veteran Keith Lasley when he stepped into the dugout, with the struggling side slumping to a 3-0 derby defeat against Hamilton and dropping to bottom spot in the table.
Former Scotland cap Alexander now makes his return to management after being axed by English League Two side Salford City just five games into the season.
After being awarded the job ahead of the likes of Tommy Wright and Simon Grayson, Alexander revealed that a chat with the former Preston teammate Robinson sealed the deal.
He told the club website: “I spoke to Stephen Robinson, as we played together at Preston. He said nothing but good things.
"That together with what I heard from the board meant it was a challenge I wanted to take on.
“The obvious first objective is to win on Saturday [against St Mirren]. This is a team which is underperforming but there is talent there.
"We are in a month where we can also make additions, but there is no way I see this current group should be where they are.
“I believe in producing young talent and I’ve always given chances. The board have made clear what they see as success for Motherwell, and I want to exceed those expectations.
“I’ve seen if you work hard enough, you can achieve whatever you want. But the work has to go in. And that not only comes from me, it comes from the whole group. My role is a manager is to get that working straight away.”
