Gary Small challenges Tranent players to bounce back

Tranent boss Gary Small has challenged his players to bounce back from their derby defeat to Haddington Athletic or risk facing the chop.
Gary Small says he knows he has good players at Tranent. Pic: TSPLGary Small says he knows he has good players at Tranent. Pic: TSPL
Gary Small says he knows he has good players at Tranent. Pic: TSPL

Small, who signed a one-year extension to his current deal this week, was left perplexed after the Premier League title favourites suffered a 3-1 defeat away to their local rivals on Wednesday night.

He has vowed to make changes unless his players show some kind of response in tomorrow’s match away to Dundee Violet after accusing them of a lack of desire and a will to win.

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“Haddington had the will to win and more togetherness amongst them, and that’s what we lacked,” he said

“We’ve just not got it this year, certainly not just now and we need to find it quick. We were outfought and outworked.

“We’re just not at it at the moment. I’m asking serious questions of my players, do they want it as much as me? I’m starting to question that they don’t and if that’s the case, there will be changes.

“I know there are good players in there, they just need to find togetherness and start playing as a team.”

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The Belters haven’t lived up to their favourites tag so far with just two points taken from their opening three games in the club’s maiden campaign in the second tier.

Small has ambitions of challenging at the top end, but in their promotion year admits he would be content with a top half finish.

He added: “Taking away the favourites tag I think a lot of it was due to us signing Kevin Thomson. A mid to top end finish would be great for the club. It’s a tough, tough league.”

Elsewhere, Dalkeith Thistle host Kennoway Star Hearts, Arniston travel to Forfar, while Haddington go to Glenrothes.

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