Dougie MacDuff reckons a few ‘home truths’ helped Irvine Vics return to winning ways at Carluke.
The Westenders gaffer returned to the dugout on Saturday after a three-week break to see his side cruise to all three points at the John Cumming Stadium.
Goals from new signing Jordan Hay, Alessandro Savarase, Kevin Adam and Lewis McCracken got Vics’ early season promotion form back on track after back-to-back league draws in MacDuff’s absence.
But the Vics supremo revealed how he spent the last few days of his holiday feeling sick to the stomach after his side slipped up in last week’s 2-2 stalemate at Saltcoats.
And he made his feelings clear to his players just hours after stepping back on home soil.
MacDuff said: “I got home on Wednesday and was at training that night.
“Let’s just say I had a few choice words to say. I told the boys a few home truths.
“Listen, my coaching team did a splendid job while I was away and I was really happy with them.
“It doesn’t matter if I’m there or not – as soon as the players cross that white line it’s up to them to show the right attitude and professionalism.
“I watched the Saltcoats highlights and felt that was lacking. I’m not going to accept that.
“We spoke about it and to be fair to the boys they gave me the reaction I was looking for against Carluke.
“I thought we played really well. It’s not an easy place to go. The ground is away up in the hills and it’s windy city but I thought we played some really good stuff. We were short, sharp and did the right things.
“That’s what I’m looking for every week because there are no easy games in this division. You have to give every single team respect and that’s the message I’m trying to hammer home.”
Vics will now look to build on the win by picking up another three points at home to North Ayrshire rivals Dalry on Saturday.
Chris Wilson’s side haven’t played a league game since the end of October but MacDuff is expecting a real tough encounter.
He said: “I went to watch them against Benburb and they lost 3-1 but there was very little in the game. Chris has got them well organised and they’ve got some good experienced players in their ranks.
“They had a good start to the season then were deducted three points which maybe knocked them off their stride a little bit.”
MacDuff will have a full strength squad to pick from and is looking forward to seeing more from former Yoker ace Hay.
MacDuff said: "I thought he was fantastic in the middle of the park on Saturday and at 22 he’s coming here at a really good age.”
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