Motherwell FC community football coach Robert (41), of Ayr Road, was gobsmacked when the Texan club's youth development coach James Clarke told him about his new role.

Robert, who was on a fortnight's holiday with fiancee Joanne Jones, said: "There were 250 youngsters to coach and a couple of coaches didn't turn up, so I was thrown in at the deep end.

"I was chuffed to be given charge of 13 kids for training at Friendswood in Houston.

"It was a fantastic experience.

"I spent two days coaching for five hours a day and coped fine with it.

"Coaching is something I'm comfortable with and it's a passion I have.

"The youngsters who took part were so dedicated to soccer, and there were a couple of players who impressed me.

"The boys who make it end up in Houston's Academy squad.

"James was very happy with the job I did and thanked me for stepping in."

During his American adventure, Robert met coaching stars including former Norwich and Scotland under-21 star Paul Dalglish — son of Scottish football great Kenny Dalglish — and ex-Motherwell player John Davies.

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