Hammell admits his squad needs a bit of surgery
Motherwell’s interim manager Stevie Hammell last night bemoaned the loss of two perfectly avoidable goals that cost his side dearly yesterday.
He and his assistants had drilled the players all week in an attempt to cut out the mistakes that have plagued the team this year but those familiar failings were there for all to see again.
“It was difficult to take,” he admitted. “We can be a lot better than that. The worst we should be coming away with is a point.
“We haven’t had our problems to seek. We’re not making any excuses or complaining, but it’s clear the squad needs a bit of surgery.
“Every day this week we spoke about dealing with long balls and set-pieces. The first goal was a long ball – the most basic movement and we struggled with it.
“The second is a long ball and we make an absolute mess of it.
“Then we don’t deal with the corner. We switch off and that can’t happen.
“The intensity wasn’t there in the first half, hence the changes at half-time. It was nowhere near the performance you need to see, especially at home.”
Asked about the managerial position, he replied: “The decision is out of my control. I’m sure they will do what is best for the club.”
St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson, by contrast, was thrilled by the outcome.
“I was pleased with the first-half performance but we started a wee bit sloppy in the second,” he said.
“That allowed Motherwell to come back into the game and, when you don’t get the second goal, you put yourself under pressure.
“I was really disappointed we conceded from a set-play again. That’s two we’ve lost in the 90th minute in consecutive weekends.
“But we then showed great character to go and get the three points. Ultimately, I am delighted as this is a hard place to come.
“People say I need new strikers but I thought the two boys today were excellent. They were involved in both goals and I’m really pleased for both of them.
“If you look at the starting XI, there were only two players from last season. There has been a huge turnaround and I’ve lost four of my better players.
“It’s a brand new back five and I think there have been a lot of positives but it’s important to get that first win.
“It’s going to be a really tough league this season so picking up points is very important.”