WELL UNTIL SECOND SEASON
all the Motherwell players. The general sense and feeling among us is one of bitter disappointment and that we have let him down.
“There was pressure on Mark. We all understand we are in a results-driven business and we need to move on now.
“The players have to shoulder a lot of the responsibility. We have not been playing to the level we are capable of and it certainly has not been enough to compete in this league.
“If you’re not at it other teams will take advantage of that and Ibrox saw the Steelmen exit the Scottish Cup.
However, it was the last four Premiership outings in which they shipped 17 goals that signalled the beginning of the end for McGhee.
A 3-0 defeat by Hearts at Fir Park was followed by a 7-2 thumping by Aberdeen at that’s what’s been happening these last few weeks. The manager has taken the fall for the fact we have been underperforming.
“It was very unpleasant to see the demonstrations at Fir Park last weekend but the Motherwell supporters had their own opinion on matters.”
Now the Well star has appealed for unity on and off the park.
And Lasley said: “Now is the time for solidarity, togetherness and unity.
“By that I mean the players have to get right behind the new Pittodrie, which led to the under-fire boss being sent to the stands and a much-publicised clash with fourth official John McKendrick and the Dons fans.
That incident has landed him a Hampden hearing on March 16 where he faces being banned for five games.
The Hoops then inflicted a 2-0 management team and give our all for them and the supporters have to get right behind the players. Everybody has to be as one. That is the best way to handle the situation and to move the club forward.”
Lasley has seen many managers come and go during his 16 years in two spells at the club and admits he has nothing but respect for McGhee.
He said: “Mark was responsible for producing some of the best football I’ve been involved in during his first spell here. Anyone defeat at Parkhead before last Saturday’s 5-1 humiliation by Dundee at Fir Park.
The Motherwell supporters called for his head during the match and held up a “Get McGhee Out Now” banner
It was indeed to prove McGhee’s last act for the club. who has managed for over 1000 games commands the utmost respect and you can’t help but learn from a guy like that.”
Lasley admits the 6-1 aggregate Premiership play-off win over Rangers in May 2015 marked the toughest spell of his career.
And with Motherwell hovering just above the relegation play-off spot he hopes the Well fightback starts against Lee McCulloch’s Kilmarnock on Saturday.
Lasley added: “Those two games against Rangers were the worst I’ve ever felt in my career.
“People look back fondly at the outcome but the second game was difficult to cope with and the pressure was massive and intense.
“We need to step up and rectify the situation we find ourselves in. We owe it to ourselves and the supporters to get out of this and start climbing the league.
“A win against Kilmarnock would go some way to putting some sort of silver lining on a very sad and difficult week.”