Ref chief agrees we’d two bad calls
Doran ready to roar back
continue his career with MLS side Philadelphia Union but a deal fell through in February. Faddy reckons fate stepped in to hand him his coaching shot after he got injured. McFadden said: “The gaffer asked me last week and gave me time to think about it. It was a no-brainer. It’s an opportunity for me to see how I get on. “I was in a state of shock. I didn’t expect it. He made a wee comment to me last Thursday morning before training and I said, ‘I think he wants me to be his assistant’ but I was only kidding! “I was shocked. I had a lot of thinking to do over the weekend. As soon as he asked me I knew how big an opportunity it was. I just had to get my head round how it worked between playing and coaching. “The plan was to go to America and play for as long as I could. It never happened, I came back then picked up an injury. It probably helped in being considered for this job.
“If I didn’t get injured I’d have been back in every day for pre-season, training away and he might have brought someone else in.
“It’s just fate that I needed another operation. The manager has been thinking about it for a while but the timing had to be right.
“Last season, when I wasn’t playing, I’d get up and try and encourage people.
“I want to encourage and help, especially the younger ones but anyone who needs my help. I’ll always be there. We’ll make it work.”
McFadden is adamant it’s a challenge he will meet head on – even it means having an awkward discussion with McGhee when the boss leaves him on the sidelines.
He said: “As has always been the case since I came back to Motherwell it is what is best for the team not what is best for me.
“If I’m training well and the manager thinks I can do a job then I’ll step in. I’ll be part of discussions why I’m not playing so I’ll know the answers before the game starts.
“I’m here to help in any way I can, on or off the pitch or by helping young players. This is totally new to me and the manager to have a playerassistant, someone who can moan at him every day about not being picked.”
But Faddy poured cold water on talk he’s already eyeing the hotseat.
He said: “First and foremost I need to learn how to do the job and I’ll learn. I’m not looking too far ahead – and I’m certainly not trying to get the rid of the manager just yet.
“I’m here to learn. I’ve been thrown in at the deep end but I’m ready for the challenge.
“A succession plan is the right way to go because we have great experienced pros who are all doing badges. You want to keep these guys involved and our club will benefit.” JIM McINTYRE has the backing of SFA referees chief John Fleming in his belief Ross County were dealt two serious injustices in Tuesday’s “embarrassing” League Cup defeat by Alloa.
With the 3-2 loss the holders lost their grip on the League Cup trophy just four months after the heroics of winning it in style against Hibs at Hampden.
But County were furious Alloa’s Jim Goodwin escaped with a booking after a shocking challenge on Michael Gardyne and that ref Stephen Finnie failed to spot a penalty when Jason Marr downed Alex Schalk in the box.
The Staggies now face a meaningless group match tomorrow against Cove.
But McIntyre said: “We have to use Saturday as preparation for our league opener against Dundee.
“We know we have put ourselves under pressure for that by exiting the Cup.
“But there were a couple of key decisions on the night which stick in my throat.
“I’ve spoken to Fleming and he agrees it should have been a 100 per cent red card for Goodwin and we should have had a stonewall penalty.
“But take those two out of the equation and our first half was still unacceptable.
“We have to use this to galvanise us and go on to have a successful season.” RICHIE FORAN believes Aaron Doran is ready to prove the doubters wrong after a year of injury hell.
And the Inverness boss hinted Doran – out almost 12 months after a major knee operation – could play a part in tomorrow’s Betfred Cup clash with Arbroath.
Foran said: “The focus Aaron has shown is to his immense credit. He’s got the determination to prove his doubters wrong and he looks a better player than before the injury.
“If he appears on the bench he’ll be happy as he’s raring to go.” 1. Challenge Cup semi-final – Wigan v Hull (BBC2 England, 7.30pm). ATP Rogers Cup (Sky Sports 1, 4pm/11.30pm); WTA Rogers Cup (BT Sport 2, 5.30pm, BT Sport 1, 11.30pm). World Open (Eurosport 1, 7am/12.30pm). Chicago Cubs v Seattle Mariners (BT Sport/ESPN 7.30pm).
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