Last night’s thrilling 4-4 encounter between Motherwell and St Mirren in the Scottish Cup 5th round was a great advert for Scottish Football – goals, a comeback and lots of penalties – everything we love about a cup tie. St Mirren … Continue reading Cup replays – traditional and rewarding or timewasting and costly?
The Glasgow City Region transport project is now underway at Motherwell train station. The project aims to provide an interchange that is of a high standard for commuters and will transform the station into a more accessible and modern link. … Continue reading Work Has Now Begun for Motherwell Train Stations £3.5 million Transport Project.
By Ben MacDonald and Campbell Finlayson Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson would be a huge loss if he were to depart the club to join one of the Edinburgh sides, according to Andy Ross. The Northern Irishman has been heavily linked with the vacant Hearts post, as well as the same position at their city neighbours’ Hibs, following the departures of Craig Levein and Paul Heckingbottom respectively, earlier this week. Ross, host of the MFC Podcast , believes that the ‘Well boss would be a huge loss to the Lanarkshire club were he to take over at either of the capital … Continue reading Fans hope Stephen Robinson will remain at the ‘Well
By Scott Gibson We have had everything, from death threats to referees to Kilmarnock becoming title contenders. It’s been a thrilling and a riveting fight at the top of the league table. Yet, it’s not been just the top of … Continue reading Half Time in The Scottish Premiership Is Almost Over
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
Continue reading “Motherwell legend Colin O’Neill slams Stephen Robinson”
By LEWIS BIRRELL
Steve Jones always knew Stephen Robinson would have a successful career in management – even when they were teammates.
Robinson overhauled the Fir Park playing squad last summer as he recruited 14 new players and axed fan favourites in the process.
The 43-year-old was vindicated as he went on to lead the club to both domestic cup finals for the first time since 1952.
Jones played alongside Robinson in Northern Ireland squads and could see his managerial potential from an early age.
He said: “When you’re a player, you know exactly who’s going to make it as a coach or manager.
“He was demanding on the pitch and already acting like a manager so you knew he’d go on to have a good career after playing.
“He was great at decision making and a very good talker which are important characteristics for management.
“He obviously has the respect of his players at Motherwell. That’s really important to be a good manager.
“I played for Motherwell briefly and have quite a few friends in Scotland who all say he’s doing a really good job.”
Jones also believes that his former teammate can progress his career on to the international stage.
He added: “If he keeps doing as good a job at Motherwell, people will look at his future and he could be there for the taking.
“I don’t see why he couldn’t take over the Northern Ireland job one day. He definitely has a bright future in the game so I wouldn’t say no to him managing internationally.”
*Also published in the Sunday Mail print edition*
Continue reading “Stephen Robinson could manage Northern Ireland one day.”
By Lewis Birrell SCOTT BROWN reckons Celtic will seek revenge against Motherwell for Wednesday night’s Paris St Germain heartache. Despite a promising start from the Glaswegians, the French giants dished out a humbling 7-1 defeat. With Sunday’s Betfred Cup final … Continue reading Celtic out to get revenge in Betfred Cup Final
By Lewis Birrell COLIN O’NEILL thinks Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson is too inexperienced to manage Northern Ireland. O’Neill played in Motherwell’s 1991 Scottish Cup winning team and represented Northern Ireland on three occasions. The former midfielder is impressed with Robinson’s … Continue reading Colin O’Neill: Robinson not ready for Northern Ireland gig
By Andrew Scott MOTHERWELL take on Celtic on Sunday in the Betfred Cup final at Hampden. While the Steelmen will be playing in their first final since 2011, the hoops will be looking to retain the cup and claim the … Continue reading Betfred League Cup Final preview
By Andrew Scott MOTHERWELL captain Carl McHugh has set out a warning to Celtic that they will be facing a more determined Motherwell side in Sunday’s Betfred Cup final. The Irishman believes that a change in mentality will mean that … Continue reading “We don’t want a day out, we want to go and win the cup.” Insists Carl McHugh
