Lasley: We let everyone down and must react
KEITH LASLEY, the Motherwell captain, believes the players must shoulder the responsibility of Mark McGhee’s dismissal after a series of performances that were ‘not up to scratch’.
The veteran midfielder broke cover yesterday to speak out in the wake of his manager’s Fir Park exit, insisting the squad McGhee leaves behind feel they let the 59-year-old down in a dismal run of form that has them just three points off the foot of the Ladbrokes Premiership table.
“That’s probably the main point where the disappointment comes from. We feel we have let the manager down, to be honest,” he told Herald Sport. “I think he has taken a lot of the flak for our misgivings and the reasons behind our recent slump are certainly not tactical or based on preparation. Each individual has just not been up to scratch.
“That’s where the players, and myself included as the captain, must take responsibility. That’s where the disappointment lies.
“We were all in training and we found out in the morning. Mark spoke to us and relayed the news and told us about the situation.
“There was a big sense of disappointment from all parties but we have to move on. I know Mark will want the best for us, he had belief in us and will want us to go prove we are far better than what we have shown. We can’t keep saying that, though, we have to show it. The players need to take responsibility and those who are lucky enough to play on Saturday must play for the shirt, play for the club and give a performance that is much better than what we have shown lately.”
That game on Saturday away to Kilmarnock is now of even greater significance with only seven games left to go until the split. A top six berth is still within reach from the Fir Park side, but Lasley knows now is time to deliver.
“We need to move forward and prepare for Saturday,” he said. “I know Mark would want us to get on with it and the fans will back us. I have had the chance to speak to him and it’s never nice.
“It’s what happens in football and we have to move on.”