Managers Post Coventry

29/07/09: JM - "I thought the boys application and the pace they played at tonight was pleasing.

Jim McIntyre was happy with the way his side came through the pre season friendly against Coventry City:-

"It was very good and there was some good solid play. We moved the ball well, created plenty and probably should have scored one or two more. Albeit they are early in their preparations, they are a quality side who were a good test for us because they have boys on a lot of money. It was great to have a team of that quality up here.

"They were strong physically and having played in England I know what that is all about. They are all built well and can move the ball well.

"I thought the boys application and the pace they played at tonight was pleasing. It is the easiest thing in the world to do when you get into pre season matches to let the tempo drop. We have had our first competitive match so it is important that we now play to a tempo that we want to play to every week."

The Manager was pleased with his defence where Neil McGregor was played as a trialist:-

"He played very well and I was delighted with him. We will be speaking to Neil to see where we go with him. He has been with us three days, he has shown a great appetite and great desire. I thought he did exceptionally well."

Neil McGregor spent last season at Clyde so it was not the first time he had played alongside Chris Higgins.

"They know each other very well but I don't want to speak about it since he is not our player."

Joe Cardle had a foot injury that meant he had to pull out of the team despite being named to start. Calum Woods will hopefully be fit for the weekend. Austin McCann is just about over his illness - that was why he was on the bench but he put himself up to play. Scott Muirhead is improving but has really been ill for a week. Scott was back in training today but will struggle to be ready for Saturday's match versus Dumbarton. Simon Wiles is back running.

Coventry City Manager Chris Coleman explained that James McPake who was carried off two minutes from the end had gone off to hospital with a suspected broken collar bone.

"He was in a lot of pain and we couldn't put it back in. I think there was a bit of contact, nothing malicious, it was just an honest challenge from the striker and he just landed awkwardly.

"The boys were tired today and we were missing a lot of experienced players.  We are woefully short in terms of numbers, we need more quality and quantity.  Across the board we need more players.

"First half we were way off the pace, second half for twenty minutes that's more like us.  We really should have got the equaliser when we had three or four really good chances.  Best hit the bar but then we tired again in the last fifteen to twenty minutes.

"Dunfermline were a good test for us, we knew they would be - that's their seventh game.  Jim has done a good job here.  He is a good young manager; they played some good stuff at times and looked quicker and sharper than we did. They are further down the line in terms of their pre season development.  They played well.

"We have had a great welcome from everybody and we have enjoyed it."