I wrote recently about my old school reports, and about how frustrated my old Pa, God rest his soul, was with expressions like “Could do better” or “try harder”. So when I saw the Gaffer in his post Invergordon match interview, well, let’s just say, it opened an old wound or two. We might have won 5-2, but it was the nature of the performance that elicited the ire of the Irishman.
But instead of a “to be sure”, we got more than one “to be honest”. And that is what we have come to expect from Conor Gethins. Honesty.
And like that other great Irishman, Roy Walker, it will always be a case of “Saying what he sees”.
I was not there the other night, so I cannot really give an opinion. I suppose, as supporters, the result is often more important than the display, but as a manager or coach, the things that you’re trying to instill, but poorly executed, are likely to result in the boss (any boss for that matter), saying “I’m not happy”.
So, if he were to be one of Roger Hargreaves Mr. Men characters today, was he going to be Mr. Happy, Mr. Grumpy or Mr. Grumble. I’d love to think of him as Mr. Tickle.
So, instead of hearing faceless dance tunes blaring out of the home dressing room, I was also half expecting to hear “Ain’t No Pleasing You” by Chas and Dave. But no. The guys hopefully recognise that any criticism is coming from a good place. They also know in themselves when they haven’t done their best.
So, on a day that sadly looked like a farewell to Summer, a decent crowd came to The Park in the hope of being entertained, but also seeing us grabbing three points. A chilly breeze diluted any warmth from the sunshine, as our heroes entered the arena.
With the Gaffers words still ringing in the boys ears, we started with a real sense of purpose. The combination on the left of Allan Macphee and Mikey Mackenzie provided some early moments of electricity that was to be a marker for much of the first half.
Craig Lawrie, making a rare start, took his opportunity with cool assurance, and reminded us, if we needed it, just what a talent he is. He was calm and collected, and could so easily have been awarded the MOTM. But then again, we were spoilt for choice today. Often, the quiet or less glamorous players can be overlooked, so it was refreshing this afternoon, that Michael Finnis got nominated. Even with five minutes left, he continued to get stuck in and put his head where most sensible people wouldn’t.
The afternoon got off to the best possible start though.
That fella, Craig Lawrie, put us ahead after only 7 minutes when he cooly curled one past the despairing Knight in the Lossiemouth goal. It was not to be his day. Indeed, any hopes that our opponents could claw their way back into this contest, took a double blow, when a slack bit of defending from our visitors on 39 minutes, allowed Craig to further capitalise, and calmly despatch from close range. 2-0, and we were seemingly in complete control.
While our play wasn’t entirely slick, we still looked dominant and untroubled.
Craig was to further demonstrate his class by setting up Jordan Macrae just before halftime, and we were 3-0 at the interval.
While the second half lacked the same level of urgency, we still appeared in control.
So what led to the Gaffer having, what commentators describe as “an act of petulance”, well I just don’t know. Whatever induced the red mist to descend, and for him to hurl the ball into the playing surface, only he can say. But he was to see red in more ways than one as he angrily took his place on the hill on the hour mark. We’ll probably have another “I’m not happy”.
Hopefully, the Gaffers mood will have improved in seeing Sam Thompsons perfectly placed free kick, as it beat the wall and nestled neatly in the top corner of the net. 4-0, and what I saw as a pretty convincing display. Mark Ridgers and the defensive line looked solid, and Ben Cormack is also due a mention.
We are back in KDM Evolution Trophy duty on Tuesday when we travel to Peterhead, and back here next Saturday when Formartine come to town. The guys really appreciate the support, so let’s get behind them at every opportunity.
Oh, and as for why I was unable to get to Invergordon on Wednesday? Well, I was watching a play about Joy Division. A band whose singer appeared even more unhappy than the Gaffer in midweek.
Love of this Club, and wanting to do your best, as Conor consistently demonstrates, really can tear us apart.
