View from The Dugout

JIM MCINTYRE

After two disappointing results out on the road, it is good to be back at Balmoral Stadium this afternoon as we look to get the season back on track.

The two recent defeats were very different.

I was pleased with much of what we did at Cappielow, but we didn’t take our chances in the first half, and one slack moment in defence cost us what would have been a deserved point.

In Inverness last weekend, we were well off it, couldn’t cope with Caley’s pace and movement, and could have no complaints about the loss. I took the hit for changing the formation, but we quickly reverted to a back four, and we should have done better.

We have been working hard in training this week to ensure there is no repeat against Ayr United.

One thing we’ve done throughout the early part of the campaign is move well as a unit, we’ve been organised and structured, and all that was missing against Inverness. The players know it’s important we get back to the standards we had previously set, and I sense they are determined to do just that.

If you get the basics right in this game, it can take you a long way towards getting the result you want. That’s what I’ll be looking for this afternoon.

Since we last played at home, I have been able to add to the squad, bringing in players I feel sure will have a big impact in the coming season.

“I wanted to make sure I was signing quality, players who would add something to the very good group we have here.”

It had been a frustrating window. I could easily have signed any number of guys, plenty were offered to me, but I wanted to make sure I was signing quality, players who would add something to the very good group we have here. That’s what I think I have now done.

Luis Longstaff is an exciting forward, and the fans will love him once he gets up to full fitness. Cieran Dunne is explosive, offers me options up and down the left flank, both in defence and attack, and he too has all the attributes I look for.

Charlie Gilmour came in this week, but everything I’ve been told about him, and the footage I have watched, tells me he will be another very good addition. He gives me options in midfield, especially with Blair Yule currently out injured, and I think we are going to enjoy watching him in a Cove shirt.

We all knew this was going to be a challenging season as the club stepped up to Championship level for the first time, and the three matches we’ve so far played have proved that.

Every point is going to have to be fought for, there will not be any easy games, so we have to capitalise on our strengths and make the most of home advantage here at Balmoral, where the team’s record is superb.

We will be giving everything to extend that against Lee Bullen’s side.

Enjoy the game.

Jim McIntyre