FA get tough to punt bookies
Lasley’s journey from trainee electrician to Fir Park No.2
THE English FA have scrapped their four-year sponsorship deal with Ladbrokes after just one season as they cut all ties with betting firms.
Driven by FA chairman Greg Clarke, the decision was reached after a three-month review of the governing body’s links to the gambling industry.
The reason for the move, which will see the FA give up £4million a year in revenue, is they can’t enforce strict anti-betting rules for those involved in the game while earning money to promote gambling.
Ex-Rangers midfielder Joey Barton was hugely critical of football’s links to the gambling industry when his abuse of betting rules came to light last season.
But the FA are adamant this review was in the offing before his high-profile case was settled in April.
FA chief executive Martin Glenn said: “We thank Ladbrokes for being a valued partner over the last year and for their understanding about our change of policy around gambling.”
Barton was banned from all football activities for 18 months for placing 1260 bets over a 10-year period, including 30 bets on games involving his own club.
Several other players, including ex-Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis and Newcastle’s Jack Colback, have also run into trouble for betting on football. And last year non-league manager Nick Bunyard copped a three-year ban for betting against his own teams. KEITH LASLEY arrived at Motherwell as an electrician and can’t wait to get wired in to his new job as assistant boss.
The former Fir Park midfielder yesterday reflected on a career spanning three decades with the Steelmen after deciding to hang up his boots at 37.
Lasley knocked back the chance to continue playing and took a pay cut after being offered the opportunity to kickstart his coaching career as No.2 to Stevie Robinson.
His five-year-old son Alfie is still coming to terms with his dad’s decision after almost 500 appearances for Well – and Lasley joked they’ve already knocked up a monument to him in the home dressing room.
But the UEFA Pro licenced coach admits it was an offer too good to refuse as he bids to move to the next level of a career he could never have envisaged enjoying when he first signed in 1999.
He said: “I came here from a building site and thought I’d be back on that site within six months.
“To have been captain of the club, played so many games, performed in Europe, cup finals and now be assistant manager, it’s incredible – beyond all expectation. There is a sadness element I won’t be pulling that jersey on again but I’m also very thankful I had the opportunity. It has been amazing.
“I left school to serve my apprenticeship and qualified as an electrician. I worked on various establishments in Glasgow, factories and the like, putting lights up.
“I got the call from Billy Davies to come for a trial and it went well, although it was a late time for me to come into the game. At that point I thought, ‘I’ll maybe go and do this for a year then I’ll come back and get my old job again’.
“It’s amazing how much I’ve been involved with Motherwell. It has been a huge part of my life but this is another big opportunity.
“I’m excited about the new job but the first thing my wee boy said to me was, ‘Who’s going to be No.14 next year?’
“I nearly started crying. He’s No.14 for his wee boys’ club too so there’s another connection. It will take a bit of time knowing I won’t be part of the home dressing room. That’s only natural.
“I’ve had the same corner for years, my wee shrine. There’s a wee walking stick at my place now with my slippers!
“Seriously, that place will be filled – we move on and football evolves. I go out one end and hopefully there’s another young lad coming in at the other.”
Lasley first turned to an education in coaching at 26 and slowly but surely his thoughts have drifted towards a career in management as his playing days drew to an end.
Lasley is energised by the challenge while Robinson, in his first full season in charge, admits he turned to the skipper because he knows he’s as straight forward and honest off the field as he was on it.
Lasley added: “Coaching is something I want to get into, although I know management is precarious. “However, that is outweighed by my passion and ambition to be good at it. “I’m young into it. Come and see me in six months – I might be baldy with a fat belly and ready to chuck it. “Steven must see something in me and I’m thankful he has given me this opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with him. The key is in the title – I’m here to assist him in any way I can.” Robinson, who has named Carl McHugh new club captain, added: “Keith’s enthusiasm and passion for Motherwell is obvious and I’ve no doubt he’ll keep getting better and better. “All my coaching staff can disagree with me – Stephen Craigan disagrees with everyone anyway. Las is the same. “I don’t want little boys who back down. Keith was a tenacious character on the park and I want people to stand up with opinions – before I decide I am right anyway.”
GARY RALSTON