Jim: I had to prove myself
Gaffer remains positive
St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin says his players are behind him as he looks to finally end their six- game losing streak against Partick Thistle tonight.
The Buddies were on course to end their disappointing run against Aberdeen before the Dons struck an agonising last-minute winner at Pittodrie.
Determined Saints manager Goodwin (below) insists the level of performance his side produced against Derek McInnes’ onform side last Friday proves his squad are all pulling in the same direction ahead of their Betfred Cup opener in Paisley this evening.
“I’ve always been my own biggest critic,” he told Express Sport. “As a manager there’s no point trying to point the finger at anyone else. I have to take responsibility for the situation we’re in as the manager.
“I’ve identified certain things I hope were reflected in the Aberdeen performance. I felt that performance gave an idea of what we’re capable of as a team. We have to go into games and be more attack- minded. We need to not sit off teams and get more in their faces.
“I want the team to be a reflection of me, both of what I was as a player and also who I am as a person. When the chips are down in difficult circumstances I’ve always come out fighting.
“I’ve always believed in my own ability and in my teammates that we can turn it around. And I’m in a similar situation now.
“I know this can’t continue. I’ve had honest and frank conversations with the board in the last week or so. And we’re all aware this run of form has to change quickly.
“Th e re’s nobody more disappointed or more hurt than me after a defeat. It’s up to me to get the best out of the players.
“On Friday we saw a team that cares and who are behind me. That’s the most important thing. If we had been turned over 5-0 by Aberdeen and not laid a glove on them then serious questions would have been asked about whether the players back me. Speaking to the players afterwards, I know they are with me and so are my staff. We all believe in each other and are desperate to make things better.”
It’s clear Goodwin and his team understand the importance of putting an end to St Mirren’s dismal run sooner rather than later.
But he is still adamant there is no sense of panic behind the scenes, even after losing club captain Kyle Magennis on deadline day.
He said: “Every player knows what happens if you don’t turn around results on the park.
“We’ve got such a great environment here. There’s a great atmosphere at Ralston and great camaraderie.
“We’ve made some big changes in the last six months since I’ve come in. We’ve improved the facilities, the food, everything to try and make things more professional.
“But what we do here Monday to Friday doesn’t matter, because nobody sees that. We had that conversation on Monday. We can all come and train really well, I’ve never worked with a group that give so much during the week.
“But that needs to be reflected on a matchday and shown to the fans because that’s all they see.
“There isn’t a crisis, there’s no fall out behind the scenes. The club are as one and we’re all together, from board level right down.
“The fact of the matter is the results need to change. That pressure is not being put onto the players from me, that’s pressure I put on myself.”