No sleep after I got the nod
Kris of life but Jags caretaker is knackered
Ayr United.......................0 Partick Thistle................1
Thistle caretaker Kris Doolan admits he’s barely slept a wink after being thrown into the Jags hotseat.
The Firhill legend got off to a flyer at Somerset Park after he replaced the ousted Ian McCall.
But Doolan confessed he was running on empty by time-up. He said: “These football managers certainly work hard!
“It’s been a really tough week for everyone at the club on a personal and professional level.
“I’ve a lot of respect for Ian McCall, he’s someone who’s been not just a manager to me but a friend. I didn’t have to come in and change much.
“Everything was in place and it was a case of getting everyone focused.”
Thistle came into the game on the back of a dreadful run which saw their last away win registered in October.
And their luck didn’t look like changing when striker Anton Dowds limped off after five minutes with a hamstring strain.
But it failed to put the Jags off their stride and they went on to control the first half.
Their opener was richly deserved when it arrived – ful l- back Jack McMillan doing well to cross for sub Danny Mullen to head home.
Ayr were flat but manager Lee Bullen stuck with the same XI at the interval as he sought to get a reaction that ultimately didn’t arrive.
And despite throwing everything at a late rally, United couldn’t find the equaliser as Thistle held firm.
Ayr gaffer Bullen admitted: “You are dealing with small margins and the first goal is so crucial.
“We lost a poor goal and ultimately it has cost us dearly.”