Far from singing the praises of his faltering side after last week's Scottish Cup exit, Rab has warned that from now on its 'No More Mr Nice Guy'.

And there won't be any heavy metal guitar solos when he 'wields the axe' as a response to the 4-1 home defeat against Buckie Thistle.

Mulheron has lost patience with his players after a string of six straight losses, and is widening his search for new faces to try and blast Rothes away from the bottom of the league.

"I've been staying loyal to certain players for too long now. "I need to start being a ruthless b****r, so it's time for others to get a chance," he said.

"I spoke to our captain Mike Grant and he agreed that if anyone in the squad gets dropped for the next match then they can't complain."

Considered to be one of the most likeable managers in North football, Rab has shown his angry side in recent weeks and said that will continue until results improve.

"Anyone who really knows me will know I've got a nasty side as well. It's time to say 'no more Mister Nice Guy'.

"The fans aren't happy and I can understand that. But I've enjoyed a good relationship with them and have always said that my door is open to them.

"When I took on the job, I said it would take three years to turn things around and I'm fortunate that I've got a really good chief executive and chairman."

In the meantime, a search for a goalscorer is Mulheron's priority, and a lack of success in his player hunt has forced him to look up the leagues rather than down to find the right candidates.

Rothes boss Rab Mulheron gives his players some stick during Saturday's cup tie. The Rothes boss is sporting sticks after a knee operation. Eric Cormack (NS)

"I've approached five Highland League clubs for a striker, but they're all asking too much. So I might have to go through my contacts at a higher level to try and get someone."

Already he has secured a loan deal to take Ross County goalkeeper Daniel Bell in to compete with Craig Masterton for the vacancy between the sticks created by Stevie Dunn's retirement.

"I can't thank George and Derek Adams enough for their help, and I'm sure the fans are going to see the quality of the boy Bell.

"But Craig has been struggling to train because of his job coaching kids at Caley Thistle, so we'll see a lot more from him."

Mulheron paid tribute to Dunn for his time at the club, and said the veteran would still be available as an emergency back-up.

"Stevie's been a great servant, and I'm looking forward to having him alongside me in the dugout. He has done his coaching licence and has so much experience to offer to our two young keepers."

c.christie@northern-scot.co.uk

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---