Coughlin Slams Fans

Last updated : 26 November 2003 By Stuart Gillespie
Coughlin said: "There had been one or two incidents where I was getting abusive shouts from the fans which wasn't nice. On Saturday I reacted to a fan for the first time and was on the verge of going into the crowd. I eventually had a chat with the person on the phone yesterday. I think he wanted to allay his fears that I was stayig but I am sure he will be happy now.

"I'm the scapegoat for not getting results but the level of criticism wasn't acceptable. No matter how broad your shoulders are it does affect you. The fans have won their wee battle. I might have understood it if we had been beaten in every game over the last four or five weeks but that has not been the case. I wouldn't wish that kind of criticism on anyone. It is a knee-jerk reaction as we've only played 14 games this season.

"Individually I think I got good value for money from the players I brought in. There were comments about a new position but we don't know what it will be. I will be thinking about that over the next few days. If the board wanted to sever my contract they would have had to honour it - so they might as well get some work out of me."

The comments sound extremely Hendrie-esque. John, we hadn't lost the last four or five games but we had lost the last two and failed to beat the ten man side who are bottom of the league. We are rubbish and have been playing one up front for no particular reason. As for value for money from the new signings, does that include Kevin Twaddle, Paul McKnight, Eddie Annand, Barry Lavety, Robert Dunn and Kevin McGowne?

The tone of these comments is in complete contrast to those he gave to the Daily Record, which Mirren Mad will look at later today.

Story source: The Scottish Sun