LASLEYISGETTI TOGRIPSWITH THENEWNORM
There isn’t much Keith Lasley hasn’t done while at Motherwell.
Across two spells the midfielder has captained the side, survived relegation, played in cup finals and in Europe.
However, now as the assistant manager, he has been working with Stephen Robinson to gear the squad up for the Premiership opener against Ross County – and getting to grips with the new normal has been one of the toughest tests for Lasley.
Ahead of the closed-door clash at Dingwall next Monday, the 40-year-old admits it has been difficult to prepare for the new campaign in the midst of nocontact training to Covid tests during the build-up.
“It’s been a different pre-season for us, there is no doubt about that,” said the Fir Park veteran.
“Right from the start, with the restrictions that have been put on us surrounding training, but everybody is in the same boat.
“We are all trying to do our best in a set of difficult circumstances.
“As a squad we feel we are getting there now. With the game on the horizon you get a sense of the training sharpening up.
“Out of the adversity, there has been that chance to be a bit creative and think outside the box. We need to make the best of it. We’re back into full contact, and pre-season games with restrictions, but we feel we are getting there. Everyone is looking forward to getting going now.”
With the faithful Lanarkshire fans set to be locked out of grounds until the SFA Joint Response Group and the Scottish Government green light a return, the diehards will be glued to TV screens and laptops to watch the trip to the Highlands.
When they host Dundee United in their first home game next week, season ticket holders will be able to watch the clash on a stream and the stadium will be awash with cardboard cutouts of fans instead of the real deal.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, Lasley can’t wait to hear the ‘Well support from the stands once again.
He continued: “You see with the uptake of season tickets that there is a real appetite from the fans to support the football club.
“I can only imagine the appetite when we can actually get back in stadiums across the country.
“The players, staff, everybody; we can’t wait for that to happen.
“In the games you watch in England and Germany you realise how much fans mean to a game; they make the game
“It’s something everybody is looking forward to.”
It has been a busy transfer window for Lasley and gaffer Robinson, bringing in striker Jordan White, versatile duo Ricki Lamie and Nathan McGinley, goalkeeper Scott Fox and returning winger Jake Hastie.
Despite the impact of the pandemic, Lasley is delighted with how the signings have bedded in.
“They have seemed to settle in pretty quickly and we’re delighted with the lads we have brought in, he said.
“They will have to get used to the way we work but that’s just natural at this point.
“The early signs have been good. They can give us a freshness and can grow as the weeks go on.”
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