Josh Meekings: Caley Thistle players must shoulder the blame for poor start
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THE players must shoulder the blame for Caley Thistle’s poor start to the season.
That is according to defender Josh Meekings, who endured the worst possible return to the side in the 5-1 defeat to Hearts at the weekend.
He said the players have got themselves in the current predicament and that it is far from good enough, with only them able to dig themselves out of a hole.
Three defeats from three league games would not have been the start Foran would have wanted to his managerial career and he admitted as much after the game at Tynecastle.
However, the players will take their share of the blame for the gutting defeat, which still leaves Inverness as the only Premiership side without a point.
“The gaffer has got belief in us and there’s a couple of us that need to believe a bit more,” said Meekings, who had not featured since the pre-season win over Nairn due to a knee injury. “Watching from the sides and coming in on Saturday, it’s just not good enough from everyone.
“We’ve got to get on with it – it’s happened now. Three games in and three defeats, it’s not good enough. We’ve got to keep working hard. The bunch of boys in the dressing room are grafters and we’ve got to keep working. We have to get ourselves out of this situation we’ve got ourselves in.”
It is not far off being a similar start to last season, where under John Hughes it took the Caley Jags until September to pick up their first win of the campaign – ironically against Hearts.
A ruthless and classy display from the Jambos left Inverness looking ragged at times, which is in stark contrast to the defensive solidity they have become renowned for. Sam Nicholson’s second strike marked the 10th goal shipped in the league so far and it could have been more on a dismal Saturday afternoon.
“It’s very disappointing. It’s five goals that they’ve taken really well,” added Meekings. “They were clinical in front of goal and the chances were far too easy. But there were some good finishes.
“It’s nice to be back out there but it’s a team game and when you’re losing like that, it’s no fun at all. I felt good out there which sounds terrible when you’re five down.
“We’ve just got to make sure we can turn it around and hopefully I’ll be in there to do that.”
A half-time blast from Foran – Inverness were two-down at the break – should have galvanised the players, however within moments of the restart it got even worse, Don Cowie netting his second. Nicholson’s brace, added to another from Conor Sammon, compounded a dire afternoon. Ross Draper’s scuffed shot was turned in to his own net by Callum Paterson in the sole glimmer of hope emerging from the visitors’ performance.
Foran conceded to losing his rag with the players but Meekings believes he was fully entitled to after their first-half showing.
“It’s to be expected. If you don’t perform you have to take it on the chin,” said Meekings. “He’s been very good with us recently and I’ve been very happy.
“The results have been difficult but we’ve got to stay together.
“We’ve got experienced characters, big figures in the dressing room like Gaz, Drapes, Ravs, Ess and Fonners.
“They’ll be picking us up and it starts with us first and foremost.”
After the game, Foran spoke of his intention to strengthen the Caley Thistle squad with four new signings this week. He was coy on names but had hoped to have two in by the close of play yesterday, with another two to follow later in the week.
No deal was offered to trialist Farid El Alagui, who left the club after his two friendly appearances for the Caley Jags.
However, another striker remains a priority, to provide competition for Scott Boden and Alex Fisher, while defensive reinforcements are a necessity after Kevin McNaughton’s long-term injury.
“I know exactly what type of players we need,” said Foran. “They will come this week and they have to come before August 31. I didn’t want to panic buy, so we didn’t.”
The Caley Jags had also had a loan bid for Aberdeen striker Scott Wright turned down over the summer, with Dons manager Derek McInnes not convinced Wright would be given first-team football at the Caledonian Stadium.
Jake Mulraney was worryingly stretchered off during Saturday’s encounter but thankfully, Foran confirmed, it was only cramp and nothing serious.
Play had been held up for five minutes while the Irish winger received treatment, before he was eventually replaced by Aaron Doran.
Foran said the result was far from ideal for him as a manager, but expected a response from his side this week.
“I see during the week that we have enough quality,” he said. “I will know on Monday and Tuesday who is going to stand up and be counted.”
