Clubs hurting without fans, says Robinson

Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson has warned of difficult financial times if the absence of fans continues long term.

Indicative plans for a return of fans to Scottish sports stadiums from October 5 are unlikely to take place after an announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, although she played down suggestions that new measures could remain for six months.

Motherwell are in a better financial position than many of their rivals amid their Europa League run and the £4 million transfer income secured this year.

But Robinson has warned the impact will be felt in the boardroom as well as from the pitch and the dugout if a way is not found to safely reintroduce supporters.

“The financial health of every industry has been affected and football is certainly no different,” he said.

“The lifeblood of football is fans, especially at a club like ourselves. We don’t have a big benefactor, we don’t have people putting money in.

“Without the player sales of James Scott and David Turnbull, I would imagine the club would be in a real sticky situation.

“The run in Europe helps bring money in as well but the fans are the lifeblood of this club and without them it’s going to be a real difficult task ahead.

“It’s certainly not something we want to get used to. We had set our hopes on getting fans in sooner rather than later.”

Robinson admitted he was missing supporters every game, especially during their European adventures and Sunday’s 3-0 win at Aberdeen.

“When you look at Sunday’s win, there was no one there to enjoy it, it was absolutely dead,” he said ahead of their trip to Israel to face Hapoel BeerSheva tomorrow.

“Football is nothing without fans, it’s like a pre-season game,” he said.

Well boss Stephen Robinson is taking his team to Israel.