Motherwell Football Club is today delighted to announce Keith Lasley has been appointed Stephen Robinson’s assistant.
The legendary midfielder will hang up his boots as he makes the cross-over into coaching after a memorable and successful playing career at Fir Park.
The 37-year-old skippered the club to consecutive runners-up league finishes and wore the armband in Champions League qualifying matches in a playing career spanning nearly two decades.
Lasley is one of the highest appearance holders in Fir Park history, playing almost five hundred games in Claret and Amber and was rewarded for his impeccable service with his testimonial match against Bolton Wanderers in 2015.
But his Fir Park venture continues and with proud memories as a Steelman, Lasley admitted he was emotional but also excited to make the progression in to coaching.
Speaking to MFC TV, Lasley said: “It’s a big change obviously, but this is something I’ve been planning for for a long time and this side of the game is something I’m passionate about.
[pullquote]I’m just thankful to have been around this place for as long as I have – from the first day I walked in here, off a building site in to Motherwell and thinking that I would go on to play however many games, captain the club, play in Europe and play until the age of 37 is beyond my wildest expectations.[/pullquote]
“It’s not fully sank in that I won’t be pulling on that jersey again but I’m sure that will take a little bit of time – but the excitement of this opportunity is starting to outweigh that certainly.”
He added: “It’s hard in a short space to cover it to be honest but the main factor is that I’m just thankful to have been around this place for as long as I have – from the first day I walked in here, off a building site in to Motherwell and thinking that I would go on to play however many games, captain the club, play in Europe and play until the age of 37 is beyond my wildest expectations.”
‘Well boss Stephen Robinson knows that he is appointing an ideal number two to head in to the 2017/18 season with.
The Northern Irishman said: “I spent a great deal of time speaking to a number of potential people for the post over the last few weeks, but Keith was by far and away the outstanding candidate for the job.
“He is extremely qualified in that he has his UEFA B, his A and his Pro Licence and has coached with our Under 17s and our Under 20s, but just as important, it helps keep a ‘Motherwell’ identity within the coaching staff, which I personally think is extremely important.
“He understands what it is like to play and do very well here, and has a huge passion for Motherwell FC and the supporters. I am really looking forward to working with him.”