Last week was probably the most disappointed I’ve been following a game in my short time as a manager. It was the manner of the defeat that disappointed me the most, there was no reaction from the players after they fell behind and that hurt as I expect far more from my teams. I don’t think I was ever the best player but, as a player I was a winner and encouraged those around me and that’s what I expect from the players.
We’ve spent this week reflecting on what went wrong last week during the second half against Livingston and hopefully we can put it right with a result on Saturday. It’s important that we remove the negative thoughts and go into games in a positive frame of mind – confidence has slipped so we need to give the fans something to shout about and get their backing back again.
Our training schedule is set for the week and is dictated by our fixtures, everyday we’re at training – there’s always a good structure – a plan to work towards, the players are not just turning up and playing five asides and going home. There’s a good work ethic, drills and training that’s put in place for a purpose. Training isn’t only about sessions to improve or maintain the fitness levels, it’s about ball work as well as sitting down as a group to look back on games and talk about the next opponents. We spend a lot of time before and after training working with the players especially the younger ones on their individual strengths and weaknesses. All the players have individual gym programmes and we also do strength and conditioning sessions as a squad.
Having enjoyed success in the past couple of seasons, I fully understand the fans are frustrated just now, but it’s important that we all pull together as one, that’s the staff, the players and the supporters. As a young player - negativity can have a huge impact on your performance. We are a young squad trying to reach the success we’ve enjoyed the past few years – I can assure you no one is hurting more than those in the dressing room. The squad young and old have to have the mindset to play without fear.
Alloa is another game we’ll be expected to win, this game is about the reaction of the players and how they deal with last week. We know Alloa like Livingston are at the bottom of the league, but there isn’t a massive gap between teams. They will be looking at closing the gap on ourselves, but we’re looking up the way and looking to close the gap on those above us. I look at the players we’ve got and I believe in them, it’s important that they go out and show how good they are. I’m looking for a reaction, I want them to go out and roll their sleeves up , show their quality and show a togetherness, where they encourage each other or indeed give each other a kick up the backside where it’s needed. They have to be professional and move on, take the positives from last week, go out and do their jobs and I’m sure if they can do that then we can win games.
We are still badly hit by injury, Andy Dowie and Darren Brownlie who are big players defensively are still out along with Calum Tapping. They’ve been joined by Dale Hilson who injured his foot against Livingston. However, Mark Millar has started training again.