Well boss: I’m a victim of my own success
Mother well boss Stephen Robinson believes Mother well crashed out of the Scottish Cup because he’s trying to change their style.
The Steelmen reached both domestic cup finals last season by using a direct, physical approach.
But Robinson says losing players like Louis Moult and Cedric Kipre means a change had to happen.
He tried two new players yesterday– winger Gboly Aribyi and the returning Ross Mccormack – as his side lost to Championship leaders Ross County.
He sa i d : “We ’ r e extremely disappointed with the result – they looked like they hadn’t stopped p l a ying, we looked like we’d had a four-week break.
“We g o t w h at we deserved. Ross County deserved to win.
“We’re trying to do things a little bit differently and we’ve signed players to help us implement that.
“But you can have Ronaldo and Messi up front, if the service into them isn’t good enough...
“It’s up to me to get that combination right.
“We didn’t have it right this time and so I’ll take the blame.”
Robinson admits players will have to leave before he can recruit more fresh faces.
He went on: “I’m well aware we need a left-back and that’s a position I have to look at.
“We brought in players that I believe will bring more quality.
“We put them both in the starting 11 because we wanted to put a bit of positivity around the place.
“I knew they’d be rusty. I knew Ross would give me 45- 50 minutes but both of them will improve from that game.
“We don’t have the same players as last year. We don’t have Louis Moult, Cedr ic Kipre, Craig Ta n n e r, Chris Cadden, Trevor Carson.
“Our front players haven’t done it – they haven’t been physical so there’s no point in playing a physical way if they haven’t been physical.
“We’ve had to try and change it but you can’t wave a magic wand so we’ve had to be brave. I take total responsibility.”
Motherwell are now left with no realistic target other than making sure they stay clear of the relegation fight.
Robinson could use the rest of the season to blood some youngsters once they are definitely safe.
He said: “What will improve us is developing young players and there was another one here in Jake Hastie.
“I’m a victim of my success and the club’s success and expectations have gone above and beyond where they should be.”