Robinson’s to-do list is bulging – and right at the top is reminding his Well stars they’re far from untouchable

Stephen Robinson has just been on FaceTime with his youngest son in Northern Ireland.

His oldest boy Harry is stuck there, unable to return to Scotland due to the coronavirus crisis.

Right now, family is Robinson’s priority – especially his older relatives from back home in Lisburn.

But while the whole country’s in lockdown mode he’s still having to run a football club from his own house.

The Motherwell manager is well aware that the game has to take a back seat during the global pandemic.

But in between spin bike sessions with partner Robyn, the 45-year-old is trying to ensure the Fir Park outfit are ready to hit the ground running whenever we get back to normality.

Individual chats with players, checks on their f itness regimes, contracts, recruitment, you name it – he’s on it.

Aside from getting on his coaching gear and boots to put on a session, Robinson is doing everything he can to ensure Well are kept ticking over.

That’s despite the financial challenges that might come their way – like every other club in Scotland – further down the line as a result of the virus.

In an exclusive interview with MailSport, Robinson revealed how Well are continuing to scout potential signing targets online and are already speaking to players about pre-contract deals.

And he urged his own squad to look after themselves but also respect NHS staff by staying at home.

He said: “Young people, and young players , nowadays think they’re invincible. But this virus has shown us that nobody is invincible.

“People are risking their lives now. Nurses and doctors are the real heroes.

“They always have been but before now they probably didn’t get the recognition they deserve.

“Football has to be on the back burner and players must show respect to the people who are putting their lives on the line out there.

“I’ve spoken to all of the players individually on the phone and they think they’re untouchable.

“They don’t mean to be disrespectful at times but they probably don’t appreciate the parameters some people are working to at the moment. Players just have to get on with it.

“If the worst they have to do is train on their own – in these circumstances – they should take that.”

Some players have bought running machines or gym equipment, with Robinson having daily online access to their fitness regimes.

The resumption of the 2019/20 league season looks increasingly unlikely but with his team currently in third spot, a Europa League position, he’s determined to ensure they’re ready for whatever outcome. He said: “We have a brilliant strength and conditioning guy in Andy Boles and the medical side is taken care of by Davie Henderson.

“Everything is online, the modern technology is superb. The players were originally given a week’s programme with different sessions, varying in intensity.

“We’ve doctored it a bit because some of the boys have managed to get their own treadmills in. Andy has been great, giving them ideas.

“He’s had to tell some of them the cheapest way to put a home gym together because they can’t go out.

“Andy has everything logged online and we’ve advised all of the players about what they need to do with weights.

“They have to invest in their own bodies because we don’t know how long