THE INTERVIEW – With Karen Fleming

 

JOHN McGLASHAN

 

After a disappointing start, we’re now picking up points, in spite of not yet firing on all cylinders.

Yes, I feel that over the first quarter we definitely ground out a few results.  Of course I’m always delighted to pick up the points that in the first half of the season get you into a position where you are able to challenge.  We started the season by playing really well against Stenhousemuir and getting nothing out of the game, and then there are other games when we have not played so well and have won the game.  That’s the way the league is this year.  I think the teams, that were at the bottom last season, have all improved, and there are no easy games.  Since I became manager, I would say this is the worst quarter we have had with injuries, and not minor ones either.  We have Nicky Smith having had an operation and Roddy Black waiting for one, we have Stuart Ferguson, Steven Rennie, Darren Scott and Jamie Bishop who have all been out for 5-6 weeks.  Any team would miss that number of key players, but hopefully the injury position will start to clear up soon and that will help.

 

We’ve been playing a more settled team lately; do you think that’s partly why we have started to pick up more points?

A settled team is a happy team, there is no doubt about it, but I select the team on a basis of how each individual has played in the previous game, how they have performed in two nights training, and also depending on the team we are playing.   There is no comfort zone for the players, even if they play well on a Saturday, they know they will not be a certainty in the team unless they put in the effort in training, it would de-motivate those who didn’t play if they thought someone was guaranteed a jersey.  We have teams watched and I get a detailed report so that we don’t go into games with mis-matches.  Certain games can determine team selection, and of course those injuries haven’t helped either.


We have a poor disciplinary record.  Do you have any explanation for this and are the players fined for silly cards?

I have no problem with players getting bookings for whole-hearted tackles; I can accept that, after all, the game is a contact sport.  What myself, and I know other managers get annoyed at is the petty bookings that are given for dissent.  There are also professional bookings, e.g. stopping a quick free kick being taken, and I don’t condone that and it is not in the spirit of the game, but I can understand why players do it.  We have to do something about the number of cards we are racking up as there can be fines from the authorities and we don’t want to get a reputation as an ill-disciplined team.  The players have been spoken to.  A player is no use to me sitting in the stand.  As for fines, there is a system in operation but it is not in black and white as it depends on what the offence is.  Often it’s not a fine that hurts a player more, it’s that fact that he has lost his place in the team and someone may get in and take his chance.  Also suspended players can lose out on win bonuses etc.

 

We seem to be a more defensive team than we were, we tend to take the lead then sit back and we don’t seem to finish teams off. 

 

Do you think that because you have teams watched, you put more emphasis on stopping them, rather than concentrating on what we are going to do?

I disagree, we don’t deliberately set the team out to sit back and invite teams onto us.  Often if we go ahead, then teams may be chasing the game, throw caution to the wind and push forward.  We’ve got players up front this year that look like they will score in every game.  In fact, I think we have only failed to score in one game, this season, the opening day against Stenny.  I’m aware there may seem to be stages in a game where we may seem to sit back to protect a lead, but it’s not a conscious decision.  Maybe we need to give credit to the opposition who are throwing players forward.

 

We seem to have a plethora of central midfielders but a shortage of recognised wide men.  Is that an area you will be looking to strengthen in the transfer window?
 

Last season we played with an out and out winger, Jay Stein, on the left, and three other midfielders, this season we have Kevin Webster on the right with three others.  However, we shouldn’t just be relying on Kevin so perhaps if I do have to strengthen that might be an area to look at.  However, we have Darren Cox in the U19s who can play on either side, predominantly the left, and Steven McPhee, in the U17s, who is also a wide player.  Maybe we need to involve them more in training with the first team and try to bring them on.

 

Has Alan Campbell been recalled from Carnoustie Panmure?
 

Yes and no.  The loan deal we have with Carnoustie is that Alan can play for us whenever we want him to.

 

How did it feel winning the Irn Bru manager of the month for September?


It’s always nice to get an award, but it should not just have my name on it.  I’m very conscious of the fact that it is a real team effort here, and by team I mean everyone who is involved at the club from the very top to the very bottom, and I’d like to thank everyone, but especially the players, for their continued hard work.  However, if someone said you will win another one of these in a few months, or you can trade them for promotion, I’d happily never win another!

 

Finally, you have been in the job for a couple of years now.  What have you learnt and is there anything you would do differently?
 

Believe it or not I’m the longest serving manager in the Third division by a long way.  I’m grateful for the support I have had from the Board.  Even when we’ve been going through a sticky spell, I have never felt pressure that my job was on the line.  I have a good relationship with the directors and that is very beneficial for a young, inexperienced manager like myself.  I have learnt an incredible amount in my two years in the job, and I’m still learning.  I often ask advice from more experienced people in the game.   After every game I analyse the team performance and my own.  There are times when I been very self-critical, I know I have made mistakes but have got away with it as the team has won.  What has become easier is making tactical changes or substitutions during a game.  I feel more confident making those decisions.  It has been a massive learning curve, I feel more equipped to do the job, but I know I’ve still got a lot to learn