Craig Brown and Archie Knox face taking a bitter blast from Motherwell fans at Pittodrie tomorrow.
All the duo will get from Fir Park caretaker-boss Gordon Young is a warm handshake and his gratitude.
Young understands why the supporters are raging over Brown and Knox quitting to join Aberdeen after having originally stated they were staying at Well.
He, however, has nothing but respect for the veterans – and a real appreciation of the stunning job they did in the dugout for the Steelmen.
Young is still desperate to beat them, though, and gain his first victory as stand-in.
He said: “I’d like to think I’d speak to Craig and Archie on an ongoing basis.
“They are far too worldly-versed and they have assured me I can call on that. Maybe not this weekend, though.
“Craig texted a message to the players before the Hearts game on Tuesday wishing them all of the best and told myself and the staff he wished us good fortune and that we could be successful.
“I’m not going to trot out old clichés, but life goes on and we all have a hard job. We mention pressure – but it’s a pleasure and we come to work for fulfilment.
“I feel sorry for guys who have to labour and toil. I can only talk for myself, but I’m a supporter and take people the way I find them. I can’t change.
“The pair were amicable and hospitable towards me.
“Whatever the fans think, they are more than entitled to because, next to the players, they are the most important people in our business. I would never tell anyone what to say or think but when people are upset, it’s not a back-handed compliment, it’s a massive compliment to what they achieved.
“Everyone has their reasons to make changes and they will, hopefully, justify it.
“A year ago here there was a different mindset and a morale-lifting exercise had to be undertaken.
“A year down the line, the place is stabilised.”
Young’s been in charge twice as a caretaker – this season and last – and each time endured defeat.
Nothing would give him more pleasure than victory tomorrow, although it still wouldn’t change his mind about not wanting to be a candidate to replace Brown.
The youth chief said: “I really enjoy the role I have at the club.
“What did manifest over the past year was an ascension to a No3 position. Craig was quick to highlight a person who could help players make the transition from youth team to first team. As a club which depends on promoting young players, it was good there was that sounding board to get them from youths all the way to the first team.
“I’m flattered if anyone thinks I could be good enough for the main job.
“I genuinely believe my skill-set is geared to other things with assistance to whoever comes into the job. From my heart, I believe Motherwell should be looking for a sound, professional boss. Not underselling myself, but they need a skill-set which can take Motherwell forward.
“You have a personal pride. I have been fortunate enough to work with a lot of great managers such as Billy Davies, Terry Butcher, Eric Black, Maurice Malpas, Paul Hegarty, Chris McCart, Scott Leitch, Mark McGhee.
“Even Jim Gannon, it’s been a great learning curve.
“I’m not so naive that I don’t know how to organise – but it is horses for courses. It’s a challenge for me to win. Forget that Craig and Archie are my friends; I have to make sure Motherwell get the three points.
“I just hope that the weather is kind. The players are desperate to get the game on and this would be a good game to have live on TV. I think people are self-motivated.
“We are not going there with a point to prove but I’m encouraging the players to go there as leaders.
“Regardless of who is in charge, they have to show they don’t rely on someone at the side of a pitch. You have to remember, we started early in the season. We have had a European campaign, we’ve been in the top six all season, we were in the top three up until the bad weather.
“The boys are desperate to get back on the rails and prove to people we can finish in the top four.”
