Manager Post QOS

20/08/08: Manager takes something from the performance despite losing 2-0

Although his side was defeated 2-0 by Queen of the South, Manager Jim McIntyre took pleasure out of his youthful midfield. With a combined age of just 70 the middle four of Paul Willis, Ryan Thomson, Nick Phinn and Scott McBride, Macca took pride out of of their performance:-

"I thought the young boys did themselves proud. It was a learning experience for them against a very strong Queen of the South side. I thought they were unlucky not to score. Young Thomson in particular did quite well in the middle of the park.

"Paul Willis started the game really well, faded towards half time and wasn't in it much second half. The boy is only 16 years old, so he is playing against men and it is a steep learning curve for the boy. I said that to him but it is a good chance to give them a bit of experience.

"We have not got a big squad and I felt it was important to rotate it and give some boys who needed a game - Scott Muirhead and Nipper needed a game as well so that is the reason behind my selection. I think a couple of boys needed a rest as well.

"The only negative note was that Callum Reidford felt his hamstring, we are hoping that he is going to be OK. Greg Paterson is going for an operation soon so that potentially could be a problem. We will just have to wait and see how Callum is tomorrow morning. He came off at the right time; as soon as he felt it."

It was a bit of a surprise to see Sol Bamba return so quickly after the Olympics and not to Watford. The Manager explained that Sol had only arrived back in Fife on the morning of the game and that Watford had pulled out of the deal for the Ivory Coast defender.

"The transfer was agreed and for whatever reason only known by them they have decided to pull the plug on it. It was very disappointing but we move on. Bamba is a good player and he is back in the squad. I thought he did very well tonight considering he travelled all the way back from Paris through the night."