Craigan praise for demanding Motherwell boss

FORMER Motherwell captain Stephen Craigan feels manager Stephen Robinson’s relentless approach has been crucial in transforming the team.

And Craigan is confident his former Northern Ireland team-mate will ensure the players do not get ahead of themselves before Sunday’s Betfred Cup semi-final against Rangers.

Motherwell have won 11 out of 15 games since Robinson’s summer overhaul and the club handed him an extended deal on the eve of Saturday’s victory at Hamilton.

Motherwell U/20s boss Craigan has coached beside Robinson for club and country and has not been surprised to see him raise standards.

“He makes demands of every member of staff,” said Craigan.

“Everybody that walks through the door, he is on them for something they didn’t do yesterday or the day before, something they could do tomorrow.

“It creates a healthy environment — people coming in to work and not just going through the motions. He wants people to work and be the best they can.

“Is it annoying? Sometimes, yes. Is it frustrating? Absolutely, it drives me nuts. But that’s the standard he wants. And when you win football games, you can enjoy it because he is driving people all the time.

“He probably doesn’t get the chance to enjoy it, because right after the game he is normally trying to pick his team for next week or sort training for Monday. He is keen to build momentum.

“He wants to prove he’s a success first and foremost but he wants to prove people wrong and it’s a trait that has taken him so far.”

Tam Scobbie