CRAIG Slater says Kilmarnock have been guilty of giving away “stupid” goals too many times this season.
The Scotland under-21 midfielder gave his scathing assessment after Saturday’s 5-1 Tannadice thrashing at the hands of relegation rivals Dundee United. It was the fifth time this season that Gary Locke’s side have shipped four or more goals.
Slater said: “All through the week we were treating the game like a cup final. We knew it was a massive match for us, not just United.
“It wasn’t just the players it was a big game for – it was also the coaches, everyone at the club and the fans. But we let too many people down.
“Hopefully that might be the wake-up call we need. There were a few home truths told in the dressing room after the match and that’s what was needed. Everyone knows it wasn’t good enough.
“But it’s happened too many times this season. We’ve conceded stupid goals at times, ones that could have been easily prevented. Instead it’s been mistake after mistake. Maybe this one will spur a few boys on – I know it definitely spurs me on to try to turn this around.”
Blair Spittal scored twice and set up another two of United’s goals. The wide man hopes the match will prove a turning point, although his team are still 11 points adrift at the bottom after their third win of the season.
The 20-year-old said: “We’re delighted with the win. It’s a start. The performance was good, but we have to build on it.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here