Manager on Thursday
Thursday, 4th Apr 201904/04/19: “Teams will drop points between now and the end of the season and we have to put our focus and energy into getting as much out of the 18 points as we possibly can ...
Speaking on Thursday manager Stevie Crawford stressed that in trying to recover from the disappointment of two defeats they must concentrate on the “six massive games” between now and the end of the season.
“We addressed the defeat on Monday, put it to bed and we’ve had a lively week on the training pitch. Yes we we were disappointed but you move on.”
Considering the league table where Dunfermline Athletic sit fifth after 30 league games Stevie reflected:-
“Ayr United have games in hand although but we have a game in hand over Inverness. I’ve said for a number of weeks and months, we’ll set our sights on the team directly above us. At the moment we’re six points behind Inverness with a game in hand on them.
“Teams will drop points between now and the end of the season and we have to put our focus and energy into getting as much out of the 18 points as we possibly can to give ourselves the best chance of climbing up this league.”
Those watching the televised match at the Inverness Caledonian Stadium on Tuesday night may have recognised the Pars gaffer and Callum Davidson watching the match against Ross County. No surprise there since those are two of the six opponents remaining this season. He talked about his take from the match:-
“You always take positives and negatives from games. Note what teams are good at and what they are not so good at. What is evident was that at the start of the game Ross County were very energetic. They went a goal up and looked like they might go to 2-0 but Inverness got themselves a penalty, miss the penalty and then probably deserved to score the equaliser given the way the game went.
“A turning point in that game was possibly the red card. The second half showed what pressures come when you reach this point in the season. Ross County found themselves 2-1 up with an extra man. You could see that at 2-1 they didn’t want to give Inverness the opportunity to equalise.
“It is important to take games in because with the amount of players who are picking up wee knocks or possible injuries, we must keep our eye in to make sure that we pick up any piece of knowledge that might be to our benefit when trying to pick up points.”
Ross County will be the opponents on Tuesday night but before that Dunfermline face the trip to the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill to play Partick Thistle. He commented:-
“We respect what we’re going to come up against but we have to look at ourselves. We won’t go gun-ho and leave ourselves vulnerable to counter-attacks with the experience they have to exploit us.
“We have to focus on ourselves to give as the best chance of picking up the most points between now and the end of the season. Yes, we will be wary of what Partick are good at but we will also concentrate more on what we can bring to the table.”
What was Stevie’s feelings about the criticism being raised about his side playing with one player upfront? He replied:-
“I think in management nowadays you’re going to get criticised no matter what, if you get criticised when you are winning games you are going to get criticised when you are losing games. I am very aware of that.
“When it comes to people having opinions, I’m respectful of peoples’ opinions. I said that it was important to win games and put points on the board. We’ve not won the last two so criticism does come, if it comes my way I’m happy to take it on the chin.
“Like anybody, I’m not happy if results are not going our way but I’m very wary of opening up and giving the opposition gifts if it leaves us vulnerable or in a tricky situation to get ourselves back in the game.
“If people are talking about not playing two up front, I accept that, that’s part and parcel of being a manager but I’m big enough and ugly enough to take that on the chin.
“People need to judge and look a little more in depths at the way that you have played and analyse that. That is the way football is. It is very much now a game where those actively involved in it or people from the outside looking in have opinions. What you have got to be sure of is that as a coaching staff we are asking questions of each other, communication to cover all bases is right and for the best interests of this football club.”
Turning to the injury situation SC reveal that midfielder Joe Thomson, who was stretchered off towards the end of the first half in the match against Ayr United, is getting a scan tonight:-
“We thought it was right that he was seeing the right person and in a way that tells that it`s not great. With that extent of it, we obviously don’t know yet and I’d be silly to comment on it.
“John (Porteous) went to see him on Monday morning and gave him exercises to do to allow the swelling to come down. We’ve had to be more patient. We’ll get the scans results tonight and we’ll address whatever needs addressed after that.”
Stevie reported that Aidan Connolly has had a couple of days part training with the squad. Lewis Martin had shown signs of picking up but frustratingly still has a small niggle.
Andy Ryan has been doing well running during his rehab but with the type of injury he had it is doubtful whether he will be available between now and the end of the season.
Sean Murdoch is still out but at least is at the stage where is is discussing with Dave Westwood, the goalkeeping coach, in regards positive moves next week.
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