Brian Rice left shocked by Stephen Robinson exit

Stephen Robinson

has resigned as

manager after Wednesday’s defeat to

extended their winless run to nine matches.

Rice

heard the news during his pre-match media conference and said: “

I am really, really surprised. I know Stephen really well, he is a good man, a good football man, a good coach

.

“That’s come as a complete shock to me. Should I be shocked in football? No, not really, but that has shocked me. He is a good man and that is a loss to Motherwell.

“They were third in the league last year and had a fantastic season.

“I am really disappointed because he is good football man. I have a lot of time for Stephen and we have a good friendship.”

Keith Lasley

, who has been Robinson's assistant, will take interim charge of the first team for Saturday's derby at Hamilton Academical.

Accies have taken seven points from their last three games including a 1-0 victory at Fir Park in August.

Rice believes defensive features that have helped them with keeping clean sheets in six matches will be important in the latest derby game.

“The key is defending properly,”

he said

. “Motherwell are a goal threat, they are always a goal threat. They have good attacking threats and we are wary of that.

“But we also think that there are always chances there for us and it’s making sure we are always in the game and taking the chances when they come along.”

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