Well boss Robbo: We'll get no credit for knocking the ball about

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson has publicly revealed his frustration at critics of his team's robust style of play.
Motherwell gaffer Stephen Robinson roars on his team at Dens Park (Pic by Ian McFadyen)Motherwell gaffer Stephen Robinson roars on his team at Dens Park (Pic by Ian McFadyen)
Motherwell gaffer Stephen Robinson roars on his team at Dens Park (Pic by Ian McFadyen)

The Steelmen reached two cup finals and comfortably avoided relegation last term using an ‘up and at ’em’ style featuring direct passing and swift breakaways.

But they do try and play football as well, something which Robbo was at pains to point out after Saturday’s 3-1 league win at Dundee.

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He said: “I think the first half was probably the best performance since I’ve come to the club 18 months ago.

“I thought the way we went about our business - which we have done the past three games - I thought there were some super performances out there.

“We played some brilliant football, created a lot of chances and I thought we should have been at least ahead in the game by one goal after the first half.

“But we dug in again, made some changes and I think we got a deserved result.

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“Not that we’ll get any credit for knocking the ball about. But that’s fine because we are big and physical.

“But we’ve got some super, super footballers as well.

“So anybody that watches Scottish football will know that they’re a team that I’m absolutely proud of because they give me everything.

“And I knew they wouldn’t back down.

“They stuck to their guns, we got a couple of goals up and I thought it was deserved.

“And then obviously Dundee showed a lot of fight and came back.

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“We make a mistake from the setplay, which is the only thing I’m not happy with.

“And then we showed great character to go on and win the game again.”

Robbo emphasied the fact that he has assembled a fine squad including full internationals Chris Cadden (Scotland), Trevor Carson (Northern Ireland) and Gael Bigirimana (Burundi), Scotland under-21 international Allan Campbell and Northern Ireland under-21 Shea Gordon (who is currently on loan at Partick Thistle).

“Trevor made a very good save for us from Paul McGowan at 2-1,” the boss added.

“That’s why he’s a Northern Ireland international.

“We’ve got five international boys in that team now.

“It shows that the club’s going in the right direction for a little small club like Motherwell.

“And I’m delighted and proud of the boys’ performance.”