I know how tough it gets

STEVE AITKEN has every sympathy with Brechin manager Darren Dods.

The Angus men are still without a Championship win this season and Aitken admits it wasn’t all that long ago Dumbarton were in the same boat.

And as the part-time teams prepare to clash at Glebe Park today Aitken’s side are without a league win in four matches themselves.

The Sons boss said: “I really feel for Darren. It has been exactly the same with Dumbarton over the past two years. We’ve had difficult spells and runs of six and nine games and not picked up any points.

“I can empathise with Darren as this is his first season managing in the Championship. I’m sure he is finding out a lot about himself and his team.

“Brechin will certainly believe their first victory is not too far away. This will be a tough game as Glebe Park is a difficult place to go.

“There is an edge to this one as we are both part-time teams and we want to put one over each other.

“Both teams won’t be judged on the games against St Mirren, Dundee United and Falkirk. We will be judged on how competitive we are.”

Dods insists he can’t fault his players for their efforts and said: “If we keep believing in what we are doing then I’m sure it won’t be too long before we clinch that first win.”