Departing Ross tips Alloa Bru dogs to put bite
The Hibees gaffer questioned his own decision-making as the Championship leaders were dumped out of the Irn-Bru Cup by struggling St Mirren. But he blasted the amateur hour display by his players and criticised their mental strength. Alex Harris’ opener gave the home side a solid platform but Easter Road was rocked by comeback goals from Stevie Mallan and David Clarkson. That made it four defeats on the trot now for Lennon. He said: “They are playing in front of teams and asking for trouble – and eventually you will get it. “That ’ s not what we a re telling them to do. Maybe I need to look at myself.
“Maybe I need to ask myself what I am doing wrong?
“It’s frustrating and I don’t understand it. We train them well but are not getting the performances back.
“It is a mental thing. We are playing out from the back with no real thought about what we are doing and the second goal we gave away was awful.
“I changed the formation to give some players an opportunity but I am not too sure they took the opportunity they were given.”
Lennon took the chance to rest Jason Cummings and Grant Holt as he shuffled the pack.
His squad was also diminished by the absence of John McGinn who was away with the Scotland squad. But Lenny refused Departing Alloa gaffer Jack Ross expects the players he is leaving behind to go on and clinch the League One title.
Ross triumphed over Welsh Premier League outfit Bala Town in his last match as Wasps boss – before taking the St Mirren hotseat – to advance the Clackmannanshire club to the quarter finals of the Irn Bru Cup.
And he felt it was a fitting end to his tenure. He said: “It was brilliant to finish with a win because I would have been sick if we’d lost.
“My time here has been terrific but it is not all about me. I am delighted these players showed just how good they are in front of a to accept that as an excuse.
He rapped: “Regardless of the team we put it out we should get a performance – and I am not getting it.
“John being away with Scotland is not an excuse. We have got enough out there.
“We missed him but we knew he wouldn’t be here.”
Without the top guns his side were misfiring until what had been a desperate match suddenly burst to life seven minutes from the break.
Saints seemed t o be set up defensively when Harris picked the ball up live TV audience. In my farewell message, I told the players I not only think they can challenge for the title, but I expect them to.
“They are a very good side, full of quality, so if they could go on to achieve that then I will be delighted to have played my part.”
The 40-year- old was fully behind the Welsh/ Northern Irish experiment in the Irn-Bru Cup and admits he thoroughly enjoyed everything about the occasion. He said: “I was excited by the tie from the off. The new set-up has got its challenges of course, but I think it adds something different.”
The visitors started much the brighter in the scenic lakeside setting, dominating early possession and making their pressure count when they swept into the lead on 10 minutes.
After some nice play, Jordan Kirkpatrick’s