Mcinnes urges fans to play their part as Brophy’s self-belief pays off
Derek Mcinnes has told the Pittodrie support they have just as big a role to play as his team in ending Aberdeen’s run of frustration.
The Dons faithful have not been slow in voicing their anger at a four-game run without a win. Mcinnes is well aware of the depth of feeling and admitted he felt like booing his own side as they slumped to defeat by St Johnstone on Wednesday.
But he urged the fans to get behind the Reds when they host Kilmarnock today in the William Hill Scottish Cup.
He said: “The frustration comes when we get the stats in. We had more than double the possession of St Johnstone the other night but we’re not being effective with it. So the frustration comes when it’s pass, pass, pass but without really laying a glove on the opposition. We need to ask the question more of any opponent coming to Pittodrie.
“I’ve been that manager when I was at St Johnstone who came up here and banged on in the team talk about how nervousness and frustration from the crowd can affect the team performance for Aberdeen. The responsibility tomorrow is to play without fear and the fans have got a huge part to play in that. I can’t stress that enough.”
Meanwhile, the last two games have been a muchneeded boost for Eamonn Brophy and his Kilmarnock teammates but he never let his slow start to the season get to him.
After scoring four goals in his first 25 games this season, Brophy has netted three in his last two as consecutive wins ended a run of seven straight defeats in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
Speaking about their wins over Ross County and Hearts, Brophy said: “It’s boosted the whole place.”
He added: “Last year I came off a high with the Scotland stuff and I was looking to hit the ground running. It didn’t work out like that but you get ups and downs, football is full of it. It’s something I have learned to deal with and even when I’m not scoring goals, I don’t let it bother me too much because I know what I’m capable of doing. You just keep believing in yourself.”