Inverness Caley Thistle Women boss Karen Mason comtemplating changes as academy graduates make impact in SWF Championship
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Karen Mason has warned some of her senior players that their time with Inverness Caledonian Thistle Women may come to an end if they cannot match the desire shown by academy graduates.
Last weekend the Caley Jags lost 3–1 at Dryburgh Athletic, with one of the few highlights being a debut for 15-year-old Charlotte Simpson.
She joined fellow 15-year-old Iona MacArthur, who has made a big impression this season, in the starting 11.
Mason has also brought the likes of Millie Carr and Emily Murray into the fold from the under-18s, and that could become a more regular occurrence before the end of this season if performances do not improve.
"I think out of both teams Charlotte was probably the stand out player last week," Mason said.
"Some of the other players should be embarrassed that she walked into the team and absolutely bossed it.
"She didn't look out of place, in fact she was head and shoulders above many of our girls that have played all season.
"She was calm and composed on the ball, her fitness is absolutely brilliant – she came off looking like she could have done another 90 minutes, compared to some girls who are blowing up after 60 minutes.
"We might have to get rid of some players in our squad that are currently hanging on in there and bring in younger players who are hungry and have that desire to want and know how to play football.
"We've basically got up until our season ends to see if more players are going to be capable of competing at this level, and making a difference to our team.
"If those players that are coming in from the under-18s are doing a better job than what we've got currently sitting in the squad, then we'll try and get as many of them in as we can."
Although there is no relegation from the SWF Championship this season, last weekend's loss has drawn Caley Thistle into a battle to avoid finishing bottom of the table.
Things do not get any easier for Mason's side either, as they host league leaders Livingston at Millburn Academy on Sunday.
Improvements will be demanded, then, with Mason saying the current spell is one of the most frustrating she can remember at the club.
"If there was an easy solution we'd be all over it," she reasoned.
"We're at an all-time low unfortunately at the moment in terms of performances on a Sunday.
"In training, we're a totally different team, but we can't seem to take that into a game on a Sunday.
"I'm massively frustrated. I've been through some dark days with this team – we went through seasons without winning a game in the Premier League – but that group of players would still give me everything every single time.
"I don't feel like I'm getting enough out of this team, and individually I don't think people are taking enough responsibility for very poor performances.
"It's up to the girls to go away and have a long, hard look at themselves. I feel like we're providing them with all the tools they can, so it's up to them.
"This might make me sound really old, but my generation of player – and we've still got it between myself and Fin Annand – had that desire and drive.
"We were always the underdogs, but we always had a will to win and a desire. I absolutely hate getting beaten, and now I'm not sure if the players are as invested, or if they care as much, and that is showing in the performances.
"For me, it's a dark place not being able to get that from individuals. You can't teach that heart, that desire, and that's something that some players are desperately missing."
