Old pals become new enemies in battle of Fir Park
THE unexpected promotion of a former team-mate has left Alan Archibald facing a further conundrum as he attempts to finally instil some potency into Partick Thistle’s season.
Stephen Craigan has taken temporary charge of Motherwell f ollowing the sacking of Ian Baraclough and will be in the technical area for Thistle’s crunch visit to Fir Park tomorrow.
The pair were comrades-in-arms at Firhill for three seasons during the early 2000s and Archibald admits he isn’t sure quite what to expect from a man whose knowledge he respects.
Motherwell’s hope, of course, is that dispensing with Baraclough and promoting Craigan will provide the impetus to shift seven points clear of Partick this weekend.
Archibald knows he cannot let that happen. There would be nothing personal about potentially deflating an old colleague’s claim for a longer stay in the top job, should that be Craigan’s wish.
It’s simply that Thistle’s need for a reviving result is every bit as acute as that of their hosts.
The old adage about Firhill being the place for thrills currently seems very cruel. Thistle have failed to score in eight of their nine matches this term — including the League Cup defeat to Falkirk — and have only amassed three Premierships points from a trio of draws.
‘No one wants to be bottom of the league,’ said Archibald, who yesterday si gned Australian attacking midfielder Ryan Edwards until the end of the season.
‘ But there is a chance on Saturday to get back into the group. It’s obviously a different Motherwell we face now, with a different manager, but we’re looking forward to the game.
‘There will be a wee bit of the unknown, because we don’t know what we are going to get in terms of formation or shape. Stevie Craigan is in charge and he will have his own ideas. I played alongside him for a few good years here.
‘He knows the game. He does his punditry as well, but I know he was taking his coaching badges and he has been looking after the Under-20s (at Motherwell). He is a good organiser, so I’m not surprised they have turned to him.
‘I spoke to him a couple of years ago and I wasn’t sure if this was what he wanted to do because he was doing a lot of media stuff. I don’t know his situation now, but this is a great chance for him because they are massive club.
‘Teams generally get a reaction (by changing manager) — or at least they hope for that. Hopefully, Motherwell don’t get too much of a reaction from the change, but we have to concentrate on ourselves.
‘We have to make sure we are positive and keep trying to make chances — from all over the pitch.’
Taking those chances has been the obvious problem. But there have also been times when fate has seemed against the Jags.
They struck the woodwork three times in a 1-0 defeat to Dundee earlier this month, which was then followed by a similar scoreline against Ross County.
Archibald remains reluctant to single out his forwards for the lack of goals, insisting the entire squad must try and overcome the psychology of their current plight.
‘It can become a mental thing,’ he added. ‘Maybe more so for the boys at the back than those up front. Because the longer you go in a game at 0-0, having missed a few chances, as a defender you start to say to yourself: “Oh no, we’re not going to score.” And the opposition will always get a chance.
‘It’s important we try and get that first goal because it would give everyone a massive lift — fans as well as players. We have been starting games well but we just need to get that ball in the net to take the pressure off.
‘Getting the first goal can make a massive difference in terms of the outcome of a match, especially in this league and especially when you are under pressure.
‘We have two teams under a bit of pressure this weekend, so the first goal is vital and we have to react to that.
‘Last year, we didn’t have one guy who went out and scored 20 goals, they came from all over the pitch. That has been our biggest fault this year. Kris Doolan has got the only two goals we’ve scored.
‘Last season, we had them from set-plays, midfielders and other guys, too. It’s not just about the strikers.’
Archibald hopes Edwards, who comes straight into his plans for this weekend’s game, can help provide some of the necessary spark.
The 21-year-old spent four years at Reading and has captained Australia’s Under-20 side.
‘We were aware of him at the end of last season when he was being released by Reading but we couldn’t get him up i n time,’ recalled Archibald.
‘He has a decent pedigree and has been training here for the past week or so. He is an attacking midfielder who can play anywhere behind the striker.
‘I think Ryan can help in terms of creativity. He will bring an energy and is a good age. He will give us a different option. I would see his strength as picking up space in behind the striker because he is a very intelligent player.
‘He played in a bounce game on Tuesday and looked ready fitnesswise. It’s just about fitting into the group so I think he’ll be OK.’