McKenna: Fans letting off steam is part of the job
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Wick Academy boss Tom McKenna says he tries not to get involved with social media but accepts the fans are entitled to let off steam.
The Scorries got back to winning ways last Saturday with a 2-0 victory at Lossiemouth, but the defeat to Forres the previous weekend saw a handful of disgruntled supporters voice their concerns about the manager.
Criticism within both earshot and via the touch of a smartphone could test the skin-thickness levels of players and coaches.
However, McKenna says barracking comes with the territory and fully understands why some supporters would speak out – although those expecting a reply on Facebook or Twitter might be in for a long wait.
"To be honest I try not to pay attention to it and prefer to get on with coaching the team,” McKenna said. “It's the nature of the beast to absorb criticism when things don't go your way on the pitch.
"And I have nothing to say against fans making their feelings known. That's part and parcel of the game.
"They've paid their money and if we don't put in a good performance then they're entitled to feel frustrated.
"What I will say is that nobody wants to not do well and to not want to win. I don't set out to pick a poor team.
"I try not to get involved in the social media stuff – it doesn't affect me, as I prefer to try and work harder to help the team improve.
"And we can start by giving the fans something to cheer about with the run of home games that we have coming up."
February sees Academy parking the team bus for the time being as they will be based exclusively at Harmsworth Park, with all fixtures during the month being played at home.
The lads were fantastic in training the other night.
First up on Saturday are Nairn County who sit three places above ninth-placed Wick in the Highland League, seven points better off.
McKenna said: "We played Nairn at their place earlier this season and lost 1-0.
"The scoreline will tell you that they beat us but it won't tell you that we were unlucky not to come back with anything given how well we performed.
"Nairn, though, are a good side who like to play the ball on the deck. And they’ve got some pace up front that we'll have to be ready for.
"The lads were fantastic in training the other night. They usually work hard every session but when you’ve won the last game there's always a spring in their step.”
Goals by Craig Gunn shortly before the break and Richard Macadie in stoppage time secured all three points at Grant Park. It was Academy’s third victory in four games since the turn of the year.
Midfielder Jack Halliday will be back for Saturday, although goalkeeper Sean McCarthy's fitness will be assessed closer to kick-off.
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