‘Our season is done’

ANNAN Athletic player-boss Wullie Gibson has admitted his deep frustration after watching from the stands as Annan Athletic’s play-off dreams evaporated last Saturday.

A costly 2-0 home defeat to title chasing Spartans all-but ended the Black and Golds’ hopes of a top-four League Two finish, leaving Gibson to reflect on a season of what ifs, whilst immediately turning his attention to a busy summer of rebuilding.

Gibson – who was serving the first of a three-match ban that will see him sidelined for the remainder of the campaign – didn’t pull his punches regarding the performance.

He said: “It’s not only the result that disappointed me, it’s the fact that the season is done.

“We knew what was at stake. There’s frustration because I thought we were flat and miles off it in the first half. We didn’t compete and the quality wasn’t there.

“Sometimes as a manager you can’t put your finger on it, but the boys agree with me – we lacked everything we’ve been doing well lately.”

The 41-year-old was candid about his absence from the pitch and the technical area.

Gibson has picked up a staggering 18 bookings this season – the highest tally for a campaign in his 750-plus career appearances – leading to his current suspension.

He admitted that several bookings were the result of his reactions to refereeing decisions throughout the year. Gibson noted that whilst referees often only speak only to captains, he frequently intervened as the manager, leading to being cautioned.

Gibson said: “Maybe myself being suspended was missing in the first half. It’s not just the ability on the ball, it’s the leadership on the pitch.

“I’ve got to take that on the chin. I’ve never picked up so many bookings during a campaign in my career.

“It’s disappointing to miss such an important game because of discipline. If I continue to play on next season, I don’t want to be in this position again.”

While the promotion dream is over for this year, Gibson is far from rolling over.

The club has already made waves in the transfer market, securing the signature of veteran defender Aaron Muirhead alongside core squad members Scott Hooper, Josh Dixon, and Tam Muir.

“The hard work behind the scenes has already started. Big Aaron Muirhead will be a big bonus. I’m not being disrespectful writing off this season, but I want fifth place”, added the gaffer. “It’s about preparing for next season and building a team that can win promotion.”

For the players yet to secure their futures at Galabank, the final two fixtures against Elgin City and Forfar Athletic serve as a final audition.

Gibson warned: “There’s a couple of players I’ve made my mind up on, and a couple that still have a bit of work to do if they want to be here.

“The ones who haven’t signed have two games to show me what they’ve got.

“I’m not taking the foot off the gas. I want six points and I want fifth place.”

The only silver lining for the boss was being named in the League Two Team of the Year – voted by his fellow players. Although Gibson insisted he’d trade the trophy for a play-off spot in a heartbeat.

Gibson added: “It’s great to be acknowledged by your peers, but I’d rather have fourth place than any personal accolade.

“Even Spartans boss Dougie Samuel said he doesn’t know how I do it. Today is just a downer but now it’s about assembling a team we can be proud of next year.”