Craig McLeish apologises to fans after St Mirren’s defeat at home to Kilmarnock
Craig McLeish admitted he and his players owed the St Mirren fans an apology after losing 3-0 at home to Kilmarnock.
The results leaves the Paisley side in 11th place in the William Hill Premiership – with just two matches to play – and facing a relegation play-off.
Interim manager McLeish revealed he was embarrassed by the performance and felt too many of his players had not put in enough fight or effort.
He said: “There are loads of emotions flying about in there. There’s been some harsh truths said as well. There’s frustration, there’s anger.
“From my point of view it’s embarrassing to be the leader of that group that put that performance out there today.
“I said to the boys that we owe the fans an apology for that.
“At least if we’re going to be in a difficult situation at the end of the season, at least go down swinging. At least go down fighting. We didn’t fight today.
“That’s not the whole group. I’m not going to single out individuals but we have boys in there who are absolutely desperate and want to fight with us.
“Unfortunately there are boys who I’ve probably been too fair to and continue to give opportunities to who aren’t fighting. I have to look at that.
“I have to take responsibility for it as well. We have to go with boys that we can trust. I bring a 16-year-old on the pitch (Luke Douglas) and he runs his socks off.
“I’d rather be in a difficult situation with young boys who will run their socks off and give absolutely everything and die on the pitch.”
In contrast, Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann was delighted after two goals from Findlay Curtis and a Miguel Freckleton own goal sealed a second-successive 3-0 win to all but secure their safety for another season.
He said: “I am so proud of the team. This was a big game today. We never mentioned anything about ‘must win’, we just wanted them to be brave, to take risks.
“I was not happy with them at half-time, I thought we were loose in possession, gave the ball away too many times and created problems for ourselves.
“Second half we scored early and were certainly a lot better on the ball. We played with bravery, with personality – it could have been four or five.
“I was so pleased for the fans who were brilliant today but we have not done anything yet other than won a game of football and shown everyone we are a right good side.”
As a result, McCann’s side moved four points clear of their hosts, while St Mirren now look likely to finish the season in the relegation play-off berth after losing their third post-split match without scoring a goal.