KEITH LASLEY has retired from playing to be appointed as Motherwell's new assistant manager.

The 37-year-old midfielder has been at Fir Park for the last 11 years and continued to play a key role for Stephen Robinson's side last season, making 28 Premiership appearances as club captain.

However, 'Well announced on Wednesday that Lasley has hung up his boots to become Robinson's assistant after making almost 500 appearances for the Steelmen. 

Read more: Russell Griffiths signs one-year deal with Motherwell following release by Everton

Speaking to MFC TV, he 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.

"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.

“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.”

Manager Robinson, whose squad was bolstered when Russelll Griffiths signed a one-year deal on Wednesday morning, has no doubts that the club has made the right appointment.

“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 explained.

“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.”