Cathro critics are vindictive, disrespectful and some of it has been personal, claims MacPhee

question. In an exclusive interview with Sportsmail, MacPhee acknowledges that the pair were illprepared for a chaotic January transfer window when a total of 11 players were recruited. He also concedes that confidence seeped from the side in the wake of a Scottish Cup defeat to Hibernian in late February, a result that had a knockon effect on the club’s Premiership form, resulting in a disappointing fifth-place finish.

However, he believes much of the flak thrown at Cathro has been personal and borne out of ignorance.

He said: ‘There are two aspects to the media. There are the journalists who are just doing their jobs. And then you have the ex or current player who has an agenda.

‘Sometimes it is so easy to join the dots of that agenda because the person talking is friendly with Billy, Tam and Wee Willie.

‘Or maybe he didn’t get X job that he wanted. I won’t name names but these guys just want to have a free go.

‘Some of it has been very harsh. I find it vindictive and disrespectful to what Ian has done in his career.

‘He has shown bravery to work in places that some of the people commenting on him have not shown. But you don’t forget.

‘It only strengthens Ian’s resolve to be successful. And I think it has only strengthened the club’s resolve, too.

‘I think Hearts have also become an easy target.’

Although MacPhee refuses to name the detractors, pundits like Kilmarnock striker Kris Boyd and Motherwell youth coach Stephen Craigan were particularly outspoken in their reaction to Cathro’s appointment.

MacPhee admits the public perception of Cathro has not been aided by his unconvincing performances in press conferences and in front of the television cameras.

This, he admits, is one consequence of not following a traditional route into management.

He added: ‘Does Ian help himself at times?

‘I think he is the first to say no. Is he learning? Yes.

‘People talk about him not being an ex-player and had he played he would definitely have been better prepared for the media side of things because he would have done more interviews.

‘That’s a really valid point. But what other things might a former player have an edge or an understanding on?

‘Maybe dealing with agents. But other than that, I’m not sure.’