I snubbed Fergie and Souness to work with El Tel then learned how to be a boss from Newell, Kinnear, Moyes and O’Neill
STEVE ROBINSON was snatched out of the clutches of Graeme Souness and Sir Alex Ferguson by Terry Venables.
He was handed a Tottenham debut by Ossie Ardiles.
Robinson listened intently to the workings of David Moyes at Preston and the rantings of Joe Kinnear at Luton.
The Northern Irishman worked with methodical Michael O’Neill as his country’s coach. He played under Lawrie McMenemy, Sammy McIlroy, Bryan Hamilton and Nigel Worthington in the green and laughs at the notion he had almost as many bosses as caps.
When it comes to diversity, the Motherwell manager has learned from some of the game’s most interesting characters.
But when it comes to influence Robinson admits plenty comes from a manager who barely took a session.
He coaches George Newell at Fir Park but it was the young striker’s dad Mike who gave Robinson the most valuable lessons during a spell at Luton.
Robinson said: “I’ve been fortunate to have been managed by some great people.
“Being signed by Terry for Spurs was a big thing.
“I could have signed for Rangers under Souness or Manchester United with Sir Alex Ferguson. I was actually a halfdecent player then and I don’t know what happened to me!
“But Venables just had a way about him. He made people feel a million dollars, like Danny Wilson did at Bristol City.
“He had man-management skills to handle Gazza and Gary Lineker. There was a real buzz.
“Terry then left and it was Ossie who gave me my debut. They were different characters.
“I played under Moyesy at Preston and I’d watch him. Mel Machin at Bournemouth was like a father figure to me but I really started looking at things under Moyesy.
“He has been very good with me. John Carver at Luton also helped me notice things when he was with Kevin Blackwell but I had so much success with Mike at Luton so he’d be right up there.
“He was completely different. A man-manager. Didn’t coach at all. He was on the training pitch but Brian Stein would take the session.
“He just knew the players and how to manage. The boys loved him. He signed guys with points to prove who would run through walls for him and I’ve tried to take that part from him.
“You have to delegate and the hardest bit is trusting people but I have a great staff here.
“Mark McGhee let me take stuff here, Michael let me take stuff at Euro 2016. He’d then come in with the main bits and I’m learning to do that.
“I have Keith Lasley, Stephen McManus, Steven Craigan, Craig Hinchcliffe. There are two international captains in there and there is real respect from the boys to these guys.
“I’ll still get out there but I’m learning your voice can get heard more if you’re not always out there. Martin Foyle is also crucial for me. He’s my head of recruitment, he has been a manager and is a big influence.”
Robinson does follow the cliche and takes parts from them all. With nine points out of nine in the past month and a place in the top half he’s putting their tips to good use.
It takes all sorts, all approaches and all styles. Some more bizarre than others.
Robinson said: “Joe (Kinnear) and Mick Harford signed me for Luton and it was another story of how management can work. Joe signed me as a winger and had