Wishaw Press

LEGEND KEITH TO EXIT ’WELL

Steelmen stalwart taking on St Mirren role

- BEN BANKS

Keith Lasley says a chance to ‘realise my ambitions’ is the driving force behind his Motherwell exit as he prepares to join St Mirren.

The club legend and current assistant manager has taken up the offer to become chief operating officer at the Steelmen’s Premiershi­p competitor­s St Mirren, his hometown team.

Lasley takes on the newly created role at the end of this season following the retirement of Buddies chief executive officer Tony Fitzpatric­k last month.

He has been studying Masters of Sport Directorsh­ip in

Manchester recently and will use the knowledge gained from this in a newly-created role at Saints.

His Motherwell career started in 1999 and outside of two years down south with Plymouth and Blackpool, the Paisley-born star spent his entire playing days in ML1, bringing them to a close in 2017.

He’s since been a coach at Fir Park under Stephen Robinson - currently St Mirren boss - and Graham Alexander.

The 42-year-old said: “I have always been ambitious and driven throughout my football career. St Mirren, my hometown team, have provided me with an incredible opportunit­y to realise my ambitions in the role of chief operating officer.

“My on- the- job experience at Motherwell and academic learning have provided me with the skills to be a success in this role and be part of the leadership that will drive St Mirren forward.

“Having being part of a fanowned club, which sits at the heart of the community and has set high standards in how to operate, both on and off the park, I look forward to bringing my positive experience­s to generate further fans and strengthen community engagement.

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve Motherwell for 20 years. There’s been some very special moments along the way.

“From making my debut at 19 through to captaining the club and ultimately on to my current role as assistant manager, I have enjoyed every single minute.

“This club means so much to me and my family and will continue to do so.”

‘Well chairman Jim McMahon said: “We were very keen for Keith to stay at Motherwell and have helped him in his developmen­t towards a new career path.

“But we also acknowledg­e this is a very exciting opportunit­y for him. Keith has been a fantastic servant to Motherwell FC; he is a legend in every sense of the word.”

 ?? ?? Moving on Coach Keith Lasley
Moving on Coach Keith Lasley

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