By LEWIS BIRRELL
Motherwell legend Colin O’Neill last night launched a blistering attack on Stephen Robinson and his Fir Park duds.
The 1991 Scottish Cup-winning legend blasted Motherwell’s ‘hoofball’ tactics under boss Robinson – and claimed the players strut about as if they’re starring for Barcelona.
O’Neil insists the Northern Irish gaffer and his assistant Keith Lasley – whom he branded as a waste of time – won’t be able to fix a slump that has seen the club take five points from eight games.
The Steelmen reached both cup finals last term but now sit just two points ahead of rock-bottom Dundee in the league.
Former ‘Well midfielder O’Neill, a member of Tommy McLean’s legendary Fir Park team of the 1990s, reckons his old side have been a tough watch this season.
The 55-year-old said: “They just play hoof ball. The ball bypasses midfield and goes straight up the pitch which is no good.
“They should be performing to a much higher level than they are just now. They’re second to every ball and don’t seem interested.
“The team are too worried about what colour their boots are and if their hair is sitting right.
“Some of the boys are strutting about as if they’re playing for Barcelona, it’s terrible.
“They weren’t too bad in the 3-3 draw with Rangers, but everybody lifts their game to play the Old Firm.
“When I was playing, McLean made sure we were up for the smaller games too.
“If you compare our team in 1991 and the current team there’s a huge difference in quality and comradeship.
“I don’t think Robinson can turn it around with what he’s got. There’s not enough quality in the squad.
“And Keith Lasley as assistant manager is a waste of time. He doesn’t offer anything.
“Robinson should have got his own backroom staff in and cleared out the deadwood.
“Lasley got a job in there to keep him in the game.”
O’Neill still has a great rapport with the supporters and feels they’re deserving of a better product on the pitch.
He added: “I have a great relationship with the fans at both Ballymena United and Motherwell.
“I get treated like a god at Ballymena and I was over in Motherwell being interviewed for a documentary recently.
“The fans are always great with me and it’s sad to see what’s happening.
“Their cup final over the last few seasons has been staying up.”
*Also published in Sunday Mail print/online editions*
Available at: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/motherwell-legend-colin-oneill-slams-13413954
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