Robinson desperate to reward Motherwell fans with cup run
Mother well manager Ste - phen Robinson is determined to reward their absent fans with a cup run after hearing first hand how much they are missing Fir Park.
The Lanarkshire club invited some supporters into their ground to hear how they have been getting through the pandemic and surviving without live football.
Robinson's side can pro - vide some cheer - and hope of a potential trip to Hampden next spring - if they beat St Johnstone today to reach the quarter- finals of the Betfred Cup.
R o b i n s o n , w h o s e s i d e reached two cup finals three seasons ago, said: "We have obviously had that experience before and it certainly lifts everyone at the club financially and personally and puts people into the spotlight. So we know the success that can bring.
"I t would b e t he p e r f e c t remedy for hard times at the moment. I'm sure every club is
thinking exactly the same, we are certainly not unique to that
"But it lifts everybody, winning football matches. It's people's life. We have had some fans in the stadium recently, talking about their experiences over lockdown and missing the club, and I'm sure throughout football that's exactly the same. I f we can give t hem something to cheer about, then obviously a cup run is the perfect way to do that."
St Jo hnstone midfi e l der Liam Craig is unlikely to be surprised by anything Motherwell come up in today’s last16 tie at Fir Park.
The two sides battled out a 1- 1 draw in the Premiership at Mcdiarmid Park only last Saturday before Saints extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a 2- 2 draw against Hibernian at Easter Road on Tuesday night.
Craig concedes the fixture scheduling is just a quirk of Scottish football.
The 33- year- old midfielder said: "We look forward to it. We obviously played them last week as well so we know each other well.
"When you have a country the size of ours it is inevitable that it's going to happen.
"It is a bit mad but one we are looking forward to and we see it as an opportunity to have a good cup run as Motherwell will as well.”