Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Findlay: I don’t fear dropping our stars Plenty competition for places says Airdrie boss
Airdrieonians manager Stephen Findlay insists he doesn’t fear wielding the axe again as he looks to secure the Diamonds’ League One spot for next season.
Findlay made five changes to the starting 11 in the last- gasp defeat to East Fife - including dropping regular first-choice goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson for January signing Willie Muir.
The New Broomfield gaffer states that he will have no issue overhauling his squad again with only one win in their last four, and just two wins away from the Excelsior Stadium all season.
He says the players must improve if they want to regain their place in the team.
“We’re in a position where we have a lot of depth in the squad,” he told the Advertiser.
“There is competition for places and we have 11 games left this season.
“After some poor second half performances I decided to freshen things up. Some of those changes worked, and some of those didn’t.
“As manager I have to take these risks. Some of the players have been showing a lot in training, and I think it’s important for the players to realise you’ve got to play well to show you deserve the jersey.
“It’s important that everyone buys into this and raises their standards.”
He praised former Queen’s Park keeper Muir for his debut display - despite some early nerves.
“Willie did fine. He made a mistake early on but made one outstanding save. He had very little do which I think gives you a perspective on the game.
“It’s down to the individual to earn their place and I think we have a lot of good competition in the squad.”
Findlay admits that the late goal in Fife was a sickener for the players in a game he felt they controlled.
Airdrie’s record on the road has been the cause of much frustration for the manager, and he is keen to put that right.
He called for his players to improve their defending from set-pieces and guarantee that they will be playing League One football next season with their upcoming double header against Alloa.
“It’s déjà vu,” said Findlay, following Kyle Wilkie’s late winner at Bayview.
“We’re playing good football in open play throughout these games, but we end up letting in soft goals.
“We’ve got to iron out these issues, and we are well aware of what the things are we need to address.
“We’ve got to take our chances as well. We can’t keep grumbling. We have to show the attitude to make the changes.”
He continued: “They are all tough weeks from now until the end of the season. We’ve got to get as many points as we can on the board.
“I know on paper our away record looks dreadful with the points we have accumulated, and that is what it comes down to at the end of the day.
“However, the performances we have put in have merited more.
“It’s important for me to get this club to safety as quickly as possible. We’ll focus on one game at a time.”