Gillespie stands behind McDonald
Keith Gillespie has shown his support for Glentoran Manager Alan McDonald, who is still getting over what he described as the worst day of his football career.
Friday, 20 November 2009
Glentoran were thrashed 0-6 at home by Coleraine on November 7.
The manager was left considering his position as he left the pitch under boos and angry calls of "Out! Out!" from the crowd at the Oval.
Hundreds remained after the game to continue their protests at the main entrance of the ground, calling for his head.
McDonald admitted the defeat marked "the worst day in (his) football career."
After missing one game under doctor's orders it is believed McDonald will watch Saturday's match from the stands again.
Glentoran midfielder Keith Gillespie said that although the fans gave him a hard time, the players are standing behind him.
"Alan is big enough to stand up and take the criticism, but it has gone a little bit too far with the personal abuse," he told UTV.
"The players and everyone in the club are totally behind Alan and it's great news that he decided to stay on. It's just a bit disappointing about the circumstances with him."
Gillespie only joined the Glens in August but he also knows what it's like to come under criticism from the fans.
"Some people thought I would just come over here and tear the league apart but that was never going to happen. It's a team game at the end of the day, and we have been underperforming and me as an individual has been underperforming sometimes. I'm big enough to hold my hand up to that."
However, the former Man United midfielder still believes Glentoran has what it takes to take the championship title.
"We still feel we have a chance of winning the championship. It's still a long long way to go, and alot of points to play for.
"But we know if we go on a good run we can climb the table pretty quickly and come may-time we feel as if we have a good chance of winning the league still."
He added: "We have a really good team spirit at the club and everyone wants to try and put right what's gone wrong before. We are all collectively together in that. We want to be successful, and we want to win the league championship again."
© UTV News