Hamilton Accies boss Brian Rice admits he has been left stunned by Stephen Robinson's resignation ahead of Saturday's Lanarkshire derby with Motherwell.
Robinson resigned as Fir Park boss after last night's 2-0 defeat to Kilmarnock left them without a win in their last nine games.
Keith Lasley will now take charge when the Steelmen take on Rice's Accies in the first game of 2021 at New Douglas Park.
But Robinson's decision has stunned Rice, whose side sit bottom of the Premiership.
Reacting to the news at today's Hamilton press conference, he said: "I'm really, really surprised at that.
"I know Stevie really well, he's a good man, a real football man, a good coach, so it's come as a real shock to me.
"Should I be shocked in football? Not really, but that is a shock.
"That is a loss for Motherwell.
"He did really well in the league last season and had fantastic season.
"I'm really disappointed because he's a good football man
"I have a lot of time for him and we have a good friendship."
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