Stephen Robinson is delighted to be taking on a fresh challenge at Boundary Park after leaving his job as assistant to Mark McGhee at Motherwell.
Robinson admitted, “It took a couple of days to get over the line, not through the club or anyone else's fault. It is all finally done and I am delighted to be here. I didn't apply for the job. I had two fantastic jobs, at Motherwell with Mark McGhee, where we were very successful going from second bottom to end up fifth in the league; and with Michael O'Neill with Northern Ireland, where we had success in the European Championship and over the last two years. It wasn't something I looked for. But when I talked to the owner and met Sean (O'Driscoll) it really excited me. There is a blank canvas here and a real chance to do something with a club that has a massive history.”
“I have definitely done my apprenticeship. I have worked under brilliant managers. Michael O'Neill has been fantastic and a massive guidance in everything, and still will be, and I have played under David Moyes. Mark McGhee has been great and he will be getting regular phone calls for advice. I am more than ready for the job. It tickled my fancy. I want to give identity back to the club and take it forward. Now is the time to kick on and give the club direction. Our aim is to put a structure in place that secures the future of the club - bring young players through and put energy and pace and enthusiasm into the club.”
Athletic chairman Simon Corney said, “We are delighted to welcome Steve to the club as our first team manager. He has a wealth of experience, both at club and international level and impressed me and the board straight away. He has an outstanding reputation in the game and we believe his dynamic, methodical and thorough approach will quickly translate into success on the pitch. In addition, he has identified and begun recruiting players whom he believes will excite our supporters and demonstrate the strong work ethic and attractive style of play he demands. He has also been drawing on the extensive knowledge of Sean O'Driscoll and Lee Turnbull and has already identified additional staff he would like to bring in. We will be formally announcing these appointments in the coming days.”