Naysmith sets out keys to turn things around

Queen of the South manager Gary Naysmith agrees with Scotland boss Gordon Strachan that things can turn around in just one game, and is hoping that game is at Raith Rovers this afternoon.

Naysmith said: “Gordon is right in that everyone will feel a lot better about the national side if they can beat Slovenia on Sunday, and we will be the same if we beat Raith today.

“We have been a side that goes on runs this season, both of winning games and then losing games,” he added.

“We have now gone four without a win and there are a few grumbles amongst the fans as we are now looking down the way and not up, so it would be good to win at Kirkcaldy.”

The former Scotland defender has laid out three things to his players that they must do better to win at Stark’s Park.

“We need to manage games better, cut out defensive mistakes and score when we are on top,” Naysmith said.

“Twice recently we have lost goals just before the break, and that should not be happening.

“With a couple of minutes left, if you are not going to be going in ahead then you do not go in behind. You have to see things out.”

“As for the mistakes at the back there have been too many of them both individually and collectively.

“If we cut them out of our game we will give ourselves a chance.”

It is not just the club’s rear-guard that Naysmith is looking to improve.

“We also have to score when we are on top. We are creating chances but not taking them, and that does not help when you are conceding bad goals.”

“Raith showed a lot of character to come back from their 4-0 defeat at Dumbarton by beating Dundee United.

“However, if we improve in the three areas I mentioned, we can look forward to the end of the season positively.”