STEPHEN Robinson has admitted that today’s BetFred Cup semi-final against Rangers is the biggest match of his managerial career to date - because ultimately it is Michael O’Neill whose head is above the parapet when it comes to Northern Ireland’s Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018 exploits. As well as a storming start to life as permanent manager of the Fir Park side, Robinson is a key cog in the coaching staff which has guided Northern Ireland to a two-legged play-off against Switzerland later this month.
“This would probably be my biggest ever match,” said Robinson. “Being involved in the Euros with Northern Ireland, with Michael O’Neill, getting to the last 16 and playing against teams like Germany and Poland, in front of 60,000 people, is quite similar but it’s not on my head - when I’m only on the coaching staff.”
In addition to presiding over an international match at Hampden - the 1-0 defeat to Scotland in March 2015 which he regards as one of Northern Ireland’s poorest performances of his time, this is also the second match Robinson has taken charge of in the national stadium during this cup run. The very first match of Motherwell’s season came in a 5-1 win against Queen’s Park in the group stages, an encounter which gave Robinson a grasp of the unique geography of the technical areas.
“The last time I was there, against Queens Park, I went up to the top to speak to the lads three times and very time we scored,” he said. “So I might change my starting position this weekend!”
As for the international game, Robinson understands why O’Neill has been linked with the Scotland manager’s position – but reckons his friend won’t be in a rush to leave Northern Ireland. The Edinburgh-based 48-year-old is under contract until 2020 and earns more than Gordon Strachan did but could yet be targeted by the SFA.
“We haven’t got to the finals yet,” he said. “But Michael O’Neill has done exceptionally well, and for him to be linked with other jobs is no surprise to me. I think any international team would snap your hand off for someone who has qualified a team with 35 players to pick from.
“I think he’s got a super job with Northern Ireland,” Robinson added. “He’s quite loyal but there’s obviously going to be things that tempt him. I can’t speak for Michael or say what his mind-set is, but I don’t think he’s in a massive rush. It would have to be the right job—where he was very much in charge of things, like he has been with Northern Ireland.
“As a Northern Ireland fan, I don’t want him to leave. I’m certainly not pushing him towards any other job. I would love him to stay because it’s great to go home and sample the atmosphere and the buzz around the country. Getting everybody, from every side of the community together is an unbelievable achievement. Long may that continue. And after seeing me at Oldham, I think it probably put him off club management for life!”
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