ROBBO’S LEFT MY OLD CLUB WELL PLACED
PETER HARTLEY believes Stephen Robinson’s parting gift to Motherwell was a ready-made managerial partnership of Keith Lasley and Maurice Ross.
Club legend Lasley and former Rangers defender Ross were installed as a caretaker coaching team in the wake of Robinson’s shock resignation.
They face the first test of their credentials for the gig with a vital Lanarkshire derby at Hamilton.
And it’s one Hartley expects both men to pass.
Hartley, now playing in India, said: “Without a doubt Las is a contender for the job. He’s got the experience of working under Robbo and I know he’ll have learned a lot.
“He’ll also have his own things he’ll be keen to implement. Las is a good guy, a good coach. He took a lot of really good sessions when I was there.
“Mo is a top coach. He knows the game inside out, he brought a lot of fresh ideas to the first team when he came into the set-up.
“The beauty of Robbo was he gave every staff member a responsibility and, within that, they could learn and improve their own craft.
“He gave goalie coach Craig Hinchliffe the chance to have input too.
“The manager made the final decision with regards to selection but, as a coaching staff, they were a real team. There’s still a lot of strength and talent within that club with Robbo’s identity.
“Las really is a club legend. He played hundreds and hundreds of games, is the heart and soul of that club, knows it inside out.
“I wish nothing but success for him. I hope he takes his chance because he deserves it.”
Hartley was shocked to hear of Robinson’s resignation in the wake of Well’s midweek home defeat by Kilmarnock.
He said: ‘I’m frustrated and upset because I love Motherwell, had three great years there and I know the manager personally. He did a ridiculously good job so I’m disappointed for him having to leave with the position the club were in.
“I’m disappointed for the club to lose a man and manager of his quality.
“He maybe got to a ceiling and, for both parties, a new challenge is better.
“He leaves with his head held high.
“I sent a message to say thank you to him and wished him good luck for the future.
“From the day I signed, I think there’s only Trevor Carson, Allan Campbell, Liam Grimshaw and Barry Maguire still there. That’s a massive turnover.”