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"In terms of the criticism of me, I take solace in the fact that last year after not conceding a goal in six games and losing for the first time in our eighth game, I was getting stick. I didn’t think it was justified then but any stick going about just now is. In football somebody is always getting it, and if it’s my turn now I’ll accept that."
Stark is undoubtedly frustrated by the players inability to perform the "basic fundamentals" which reflects on him;
"For us now, it comes back to old-fashioned words like character and spirit. The basic fundamentals that you need are grit and determination and we have not shown them consistently enough. We have not worked hard enough as a team in every game. Players maybe thought that because we had some players with pedigree everything would just fall into place. That isn’t enough. Before you do anything you have to have everybody working as a unit."
On tonight’s game he said;
"I want to see the fundamentals tomorrow night from us—hunger and work ethic."
Mixu also contributed to the defence, and agreed that;
"We definitely need to work harder and be more determined. Every player must take responsibility. If individuals don’t work hard enough and do the right things it’s very difficult to win games.
"It’s a case of standing up and being counted and that wasn’t the case on Saturday. I include myself, because I had a quiet game."
"It’s not good enough and it is nothing to do with the manager if players don’t have the willingness and desire to work hard to win a game. It is only after hard work that quality will shine through."
He also addressed the issue of the high profile signings;
"There is no way that any of our experienced players looked upon it as coming to St Johnstone to coast along and walk through everybody. No chance. Anybody who believes that is under-estimating us big time.
"I saw this as a great challenge and I knew it would be difficult for us as favourites to win the First Division. Other teams will sit back, kick you and show high motivation, so we have to be even more determined to overcome that.
"The pressure is on but I’ve been in this situation many times before. You need to get positive if you’ve had a quiet game and prove a point to everybody, especially yourself."
Tonight’s game will be an interesting test of character. The team are now fighting for their manager.
On the selection front expect changes. Mark Robertson is available, as he will serve his suspension against Falkirk.
The report will be on line late on tonight.
~Dundee have signed Ravanelli.
~Rangers and Celtic have been quick to expel suggestions of either respective manager joining Tottenham, after Hoddle was sacked on Sunday.
~Up to 5 Arsenal players will face being charged by the FA after frustration overboiled in the top of the table clash at Old Trafford on Sunday.