Manager shares his thoughts

Motherwell boss Jim Gannon has spoken out for the first time since last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Hamilton at New Douglas Park.

The manager chose to remain silent after the Lanarkshire derby in which his side twice came from behind to salvage a draw against ten-man Accies.

But speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk, he revealed his disappointment at both the result and the performance.

“We could have easily lost the game but at the same time we could, and probably should, have won the game,” said Gannon.

“There were so many aspects of the day and the game that disappointed me but it was definitely a fantastic opportunity to pick up all three points that went amiss.

“I suppose one positive I can take is that we twice drew level and that show some degree of character. But when the opposition have ten men, you could see the character of the Hamilton players.

“They all rolled their sleeves up, they were all efficient and they played the game to make sure they stayed in it whereas I felt some of our players didn’t contribute as much as they did the previous week against Hearts.

“And if you don’t have all eleven players contributing as well as they can then you’re not going to beat anyone even if they only have ten men.”

The Motherwell boss also addressed a number of issues, starting with his decision not to speak to the press after the game.

“The reason why I didn’t speak to the press was because I was really disappointed with the coverage we got leading up to the game,” he said.

“In particular, one organisation had spun a story about me telling players they could leave which wasn’t the case. Other press then ran with the story, adding statements saying I had told players they could go and started naming names which I felt was totally disrespectful to me and the players involved.

“Some of the players they named have been extremely good professionals or have been injured and have been working really hard to show they’ve got a career here at the club.

“I think it was out of order to paraphrase me and I felt if they are going to be that disrespectful to me, the players and the club then perhaps they shouldn’t get my respect sharing my pre and post match time and thoughts.

“Everyone who was at the game saw what happened and saw the disappointing aspects of our game. There were so many issues I could have taken exception to and I was a bit concerned the press might have misrepresented me.

Gannon continued: “Naturally enough when you’re a manager, some players don’t always come and speak to you personally to understand your thinking or what is going through your mind so when they pick up an article like that then obviously it may worry them.

“Most of them are long enough in the game to understand that there aren’t any direct quotes from me about anyone’s individual position. Moreover, I am just disappointed with the some of the broadcasters and newspapers because it was a good news story for the club.

“I had managed to win manager of the month and Lukas had picked up young player and I understand we were very, very close to winning player of the month which would’ve been a fantastic coup for the club to have all three awards. Then all we read is stories aimed at upsetting the harmony after a simple question about improving the squad situation.”

The Motherwell boss also spoke candidly about speculation surrounding his position and his long-term aims for the club.

Gannon had been linked with a move back south of the border but he insists he is only concerned about the Steelmen.

“You always see and hear these rumours when a manager’s job becomes available especially if a team is doing well,” he said.

“It’s the same when we’re trying to discuss the future of our own players, be it the guys on loan or the younger lads, if they’re doing well stories of other clubs waiting to pounce always surface.

“Everyone will have to learn to deal with that I suppose, from me, to the players to the fans. Naturally there’s always a worry that it’s going to be your manager or your player that is taken but I am very respectful of the job I’ve been given here.

“Motherwell gave me an opportunity when I was unemployed and I am trying to repay that faith by doing the best job possible for the club. I want to make sure that this club is in great shape whilst I am here and that’s my mission at the moment.

“I’ve always said that you should never go into a job or a post looking only at yourself or doing the best for yourself. As a manager, you're there to do the best job possible for the club and that’s the same for the players too.

“Obviously everyone wants to look good but ultimately you're there to win games for the club. I’ve always had that mentality as a player and now as a manager and I believe it’s the only way to go about your business.

“I have always been a medium to long-term thinker. There’s no point making a good start or having one good season. You’ve got to build on that and that means investing in young players, coaching them, taking a longer term view and you then know you’re growing something over time that will reap rewards.

“That’s what this club needs; to have a good season, consolidate and continue to grow into the club it can be which is a very young, dynamic and vibrant team that is known for good football and competing at the right end of the table.”