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In the cold of December 2018, Stephen Robinson knew a change was needed at Motherwell, and quickly.
A home loss to Kilmarnock on Boxing Day left a hapless Motherwell, hit with a no-win, no-entertain double whammy, ready for a relegation fight. A few weeks later, a revamped ensemble with boys named Jake Hastie and David Turnbull lit a fire that brought Robinson’s team to safety.
Two years later, once again, the manager of Motherwell found himself in the middle of a winter of extreme discontent. A crippling eight-game Premiership streak without a win and loss to a failed Kilmarnock left the Lanarkshire club just two points behind.
While many would have expected another Robinson reboot, the man who guided Motherwell to two cup finals in his tenure decided it was time to go.
- Robinson resigns as manager of Motherwell
Long-term problems
Motherwell finished third during last season’s shortened campaign, earning them a place in the Europa League.
However, that fact disguises the form of stuttering that has been a common theme throughout 2020.
During the calendar year, Motherwell has won just six league games. On top of that, they were knocked out of last season’s Scottish Cup and this season’s League Cup in the first hurdle, both at home, with their other two victories in Europe against rivals from Northern Ireland.
Motherwell has won just six games in 28 in 2020
The sadness of her situation has only intensified in recent weeks. On the morning of last Saturday’s trip to Dundee United, the Motherwell players woke up to the news that St Mirren and Kilmarnock were appealing two trade wins they had been awarded.
As a result, the club has moved from fifth place in the Premiership to just two points off the bottom of the table in the space of two games.
The recruits ‘have not appeared’
Drafting is a key part of any summer plan, and Robinson admitted amid frustration following the loss to Kilmarnock on Wednesday that some of his recruits had not made the desired impact.
The Motherwell manager did not name names, but it is clear where the main problems lie as they battle to score goals.
In the summer, Jordan White was brought in from Inverness, Callum Lang was recruited on loan by Wigan, while Christopher Long, Devante Cole, and Hastie returned.
However, the five players have returned just eight goals between them in all competitions, with White and Hastie yet to score.
“The players we have signed or brought to the club have yet to show up,” the Motherwell manager said after the loss to Kilmarnock.
“I have about seven or eight players casting off for the football club and some people haven’t played, but ultimately it’s my fault.”
While those recruits failed to ignite the heather, Robinson also lost key players.
In the summer, starting goalkeeper Mark Gillespie left for Newcastle United, while teammate Trevor Carson missed a number of games through injury, including a new outing against Kilmarnock.
Liam Donnelly is long gone, as are Jake Carroll, who just returned, and Charles Dunne. Not to mention backup goalie Scott Fox, who has yet to appear.
Fir Park’s team has also had to adjust to life without Turnbull, its brightest young talent since the appearance of James McFadden, who left in August with a £ 3.25 million transfer to Celtic. As the 21-year-old has been transformative for the Scottish champions, he tells the story of the great loss he has suffered at the club of his childhood.
Now what?
Robinson had been open about his need for new players.
Many of his team are out of contract for the summer, including key players like Carson, Allan Campbell, Liam Polworth and captain Declan Gallagher, while Scottish right-back Stephen O’Donnell’s contract is up, but there is an option to extend it. .
And although new offers have been offered to those already here, bringing in new faces, and soon, is of great importance. With assistant Keith Lasley in charge in the meantime, the club will expect a level of continuity in terms of goals and bargaining agreements with the aim of keeping those who will soon be out of contract.
“We need players. We need players who are going to fight, get rid of and do the dirty,” Robinson said.
“We need to bring fresh blood. People who really want to die for this football club. I care about him, he means a lot to me.”
Are you looking forward to a brighter 2021?
While Motherwell’s 2020 vision was not what they expected for the new year, 12 months ago they were third in the table (they had 20 points on this day last year after having played one more game), there is still reason for optimism. .
During his tenure, Robinson showed his adaptability with Lasley by his side, while the Motherwell board has previously shown the patience to allow for a change in style and personnel within the team. Expect this to happen again.
Encouragement can be found by looking elsewhere on the table. Only 10 points separate fifth from twelfth, while Motherwell would return to seventh if Walkover’s two victories were reinstated in the new year.
There is also a solid core of quality players at the club, including two Scottish heroes in O’Donnell and Gallagher, with players like Carroll, Donnelly and Dunne returning. Most of the nucleus that claimed the last third term remains.
First up though, it’s a visit to Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton on Saturday, making it a colossal encounter for everyone involved.
‘It’s the same old story every week’ – analysis
James McFadden, former Motherwell forward, on Sportscene
The concern is that if you don’t take advantage of those risks and drop a goal, there is no positive reaction.
It is concerning because of his position in the league; by its shape; because they are not taking risks.
These are worrying times, but most of that team finished third last season and they have done well. They have to try to get back to that.
At the moment, it seems to be the same old story every week.
Source: bbc.com
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