Saturday was a bad day for everyone: Grady

Roger Graham • Published 2 Mar 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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UP TO US: Ton boss James Grady says it is up to players and management to give the fans something to cheer.

MORTON held their inquest into Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Dunfermline on Sunday, had another discussion about it on Monday, and have now put it behind them.

Unfortunately the blue and white hoops don't have a quick opportunity to put things right, as tonight's scheduled match against Inverness CT, already postponed once, has been called off again due to the frost.

Looking back on Saturday, Ton boss James Grady said: "We had a chat on Sunday and got down to seeing what went wrong.

"Work-rate is always a given, and will be as long as I am manager, but it wasn't there. A few home truths were told and we got a few answers. The outcome seems to be that everyone had a bad day at the office at the same time.

"As I said after the game, I never saw it coming. I thought we were past that stage of inconsistencies, of doing well in a couple of games and then taking the foot off the gas.

"We trained on Sunday and Monday and will work to get it right."

Asked if there would have been changes in the side had the match against Inverness gone ahead tonight, the manager replied: "The players have set their own standards and, if they fall below them, they leave themselves open to being left out.

"If any of those who played on Saturday were left out, they could hardly come chapping at my door.

"There are other guys champing at the bit to get into the side. We always take each game, anyway, on its merits, so it won't always be the same side."

One man who is now back in contention for a place away to Ayr on Saturday is Kevin Finlayson. He missed Saturday's disappointment after being suspended. Still out, however, is Kevin McKinlay, who has a second match to serve.

Asked if there were any substance in the theory that Morton feel more pressure upon them at home, Grady said: "We went on a good run last season at home, and it's basically the same players.

"It comes down to mental strength. I think Cappielow is a fantastic place to play, it's a great pitch.

"We're all open to criticism, players and management, and we have to be man enough to take it. It's up to us to give the fans something to shout about. If you can't take it on the chin, you shouldn't be in the game."

Ayr's recent revival has sounded a warning that there is work to be done before Morton can feel their first task, in avoiding the drop, is accomplished.

It makes the visit to Somerset Park on Saturday all the more interesting.

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 02 Mar 10

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