Gary Manson wants to bring the intensity back to Wick Academy – after feeling some players were simply going through the motions.
Player-boss Manson was due to take charge of his first game today at home to Rothes, before the game was postponed, after being handed the interim manager’s role until the end of the season.
Manson steps into the breach after the departure of previous incumbent Tom McKenna last Thursday. The change in roles had come as a surprise to the long-serving defender, who will continue to play if required, but he wants to see a change in the club’s fortunes.
He said: “What we’ve tried to put across is intensity. What’s been lacking, in my eyes, is intensity in training and matches. Whatever you’re doing, do it to the maximum and don’t do it half-hearted and go through the motions. I felt a few boys were doing that.
“We also want to make it harder for teams to play against us. Our goals against column doesn’t make great ready and teams seem to enjoy playing against us, as they’re getting an easy ride.”
Manson and Stewart Ross will take the team until the end of the season, where the duo and club committee will re-assess matters.
The new manager added: “It’s not something I expected to do this season and I wasn’t really expecting Tom to leave. But there’s been murmurs, because it’s quite a small community up here.”
Elsewhere in the north, Strathspey Thistle are at home to Deveronvale. Nairn County’s game with Buckie Thistle and Turriff United’s trip to Forres Mechanics have been postponed.