ROBBO:I’LLBE AFANFOREVER
Robinson insisted he’d taken the club as far as he could after nearly four years in charge.
Keith Las ley and Maurice Ross will take the side in tomorrow’s crucial derby clash with Hamilton and could take charge permanently after the Well board vowed to act swiftly to find a successor.
Former St Johnstone boss Wright is an early frontrunner as he’s a free agent after leaving McDiarmid Park last summer.
The Northern Irishman boasts Premiership pedigree but Record Sport understands ex- Ross County manager Adams is also an option.
Adams – who spent six years at Fir Park as a player – is in charge of League Two outfit Morecambe.
He previously led Plymouth to promotion in his four years on the south coast and kept the Staggies in the top flight as well as securing a top-six finish.
Former Salford City and Fleetwood Town boss Graham Alexander is also in the frame, along with ex-Livingston gaffer Gary Holt, former Morton manager David Hopkin as well as Finnish club hero Simo Valakari.
Well admitted Robinson’s departure was a shock but they will act quick to find a successor.
A club statement said: “Af t e r Wedne sday night’s match, Stephen approached the board, giving an honest assessment of the current situation. He then stated his desire to leave.
“With regret the board accepted his resignation, having carefully considered his reasons for wanting to leave his post.
“Despite the current restrictions, the board will now run a thorough process to identify the right person to take the manager’s post.
“This will move at pace, mindful of the busy f ixture list and the January transfer window’s impending opening.”
Robinson admitted he felt it was the end of the line after a successful spell.
The Northern Irish coach led the club to two cup finals and into Europe while banking up to £8million with the sales of stars including David Turnbull, Louis Moult and Cedric Kipre.
Robinson said: “I ’d like to thank everyone at Motherwell for their support throughout my time here, both as manager and assistant.
“We have qualified for Europe, reached two cup finals and achieved a third-place finish on top of developing some wonderful players in my time here.
“We cleared the club’s external debt through player sales, cup runs and league positions. The club have numerous assets going forward and I’m sure they will have a strong finish to the season with the brilliant coaching staff currently there.
“My goal was always to leave the club in a healthier position. I believe the staff and I have done this.
“I now feel it is the time for someone new to take the club forward as I feel I’ve taken it as far as I can.
“I’d like to record my thanks to Jim McMahon, Alan Burrows and the rest of the board, as well as the fans for their loyalty and support to my family and I throughout.
“My family and I will forever be Motherwell fans. I wish the staff, supporters and club as a whole every success.”
Motherwell chairman McMahon said: “Year after year he delivered upon or exceeded targets set for him. Stephen’s conducted himself exceptionally well and been a figurehead for our club.”