KEITH LASLEY'S bravery to hang up his boots was a key factor in convincing the Motherwell manager to make the veteran his No.2
The Fir Park midfielder had a playing contract on more money ahead of this campaign but instead chose to sacrifice his playing career to move into the world of coaching.
It was far from an easy decision for the 37-year-old. Despite his years Lasley prides himself on being able to keep up with the u20 graduates in the squad, while he was also holding on to a place in the Motherwell first-team he entered back in 1999.
He takes over from James McFadden who performed the twin roles of player and assistant, but Robinson explained having Lasley by his side on a permanent basis was vital in the man dubbed the 'housewives' favourite' setting up home in the Fir Park technical area.
“It was a big factor," said the Motherwell manager. "Keith had a playing contract that was triggered last season. But I spoke to him when he came back from holiday to discuss his options. I told him I wanted to be beside me but I told him I didn’t want him to play.
"I thought his playing time would be limited and he accepted at his age that would probably be the case. I felt if he was going to be my assistant then he had to fully commit to it. That was vital. It was a big decision for Keith to give up football.
"It’s the best job in the world and this career is a lot more precarious, I can assure you. It was a big decision but that was something that impressed me. Financially, it wasn't as good for him.
"He could have stayed on a playing contract. But he showed his commitment to me and this football club. He is so eager to take the club forward and his enthusiasm and drive will be a massive plus."
Keeping Lasley at the club will help keep a familiarity to proceedings under Robinson's first season in charge at Fir Park. This has already been a summer for rebuilding for the Motherwell manager, with the likes of McFadden, Stephen Pearson and Scott McDonald all departing Lanarkshire.
Even though the likes of Stevie Hammell remain in a claret and amber shirt for another year, having a 'Motherwell man' at the heart of his administration was another big selling point to Robinson, the former Fir Park assistant who only took charge back in March.
“First and foremost, I didn’t have an assistant-manager but Keith comes with a massive history at this club," he said.
“He’s been a brilliant servant and enjoyed some fantastic times at Fir Park. He’s a Pro licence coach and he hasn’t had a lot of experience because he was still playing up until the end of last season.
“Keith’s enthusiasm and desire and passion for Motherwell is obvious and I’ve no doubt that he’ll keep getting better and better.
“We have a young coaching staff with myself, Keith and Stephen Craigan but we also have experience at good levels.”
Lasley has been inundated with goodwill messages following the announcement on Wednesday, a testament to the high regard many people across Scottish football hold the combative midfielder in. However, Robinson has no worries that his new No.2 won't be scared to stand up to him.
“I think all my staff can," joked the Northern Irishman. "Stephen Craigan disagrees with everyone anyway. Las is the same.
"I don't want little boys who will back down and not have an opinion. We will get together and discuss and we come out with an opinion together. You all saw how Keith played. He was a tenacious character on the park and I want people to stand up with opinions - before I decide that I’m right anyway.
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