Source: Team_Talk
Hughes bites back in fan row
Members of the Bairns' Trust wrote to chairman Campbell Christie last week calling for Hughes be sacked as well as threatening protests during Saturday's goalless SPL draw against Hearts.[LNB]Those protests never materialised but that did not prevent an angry response from Hughes, who branded the timing of the letter "abysmal" and demanded the club's board take action.[LNB]The 44-year-old revealed on Tuesday he knew exactly who was responsible and accused them of failing to represent the views of the vast majority of the trust.[LNB]"I don't believe for one minute the whole lot of them have voiced their opinion," said Hughes, whose side currently lie four points adrift at the foot of the SPL.[LNB]"Somebody's penned the letter. I know who it is, the whole of Falkirk knows who it is, and the board of directors know who it is."[LNB]Asked if they should be kicked out of the Bairns' Trust, he replied: "Definitely.[LNB]"If they're representing the Bairns' Trust, they're acting in a manner I don't think is befitting Falkirk Football Club."[LNB]Hughes reiterated his call for the club's board to act, saying: "I want to know what stance they have taken because sometimes you need to stand up and be seen to be saying something."[LNB]The Bairns boss borrowed an expression from Rangers counterpart Walter Smith to describe his critics, many of whom hide behind internet aliases.[LNB]He said: "You have to be very, very guarded, especially with all these - what did Walter call them? - 'faceless wonders'.[LNB]"Very clever people who can work those computers. Last time I turned one of them on, I blew up the toaster!"[LNB]In contrast, Hughes has never been frightened to tell people to their faces what he thinks.[LNB]"I've been in trouble a lot of times because I speak out," he said.[LNB]"But I take my punishment right on the chin and that's the way I live my life, not doing it behind your back or stabbing you in the back.[LNB]"If anybody's got anything to say, say it to me.[LNB]"I've been in front of fans' forums and nobody says it."[LNB]Hughes revealed his players were "angered and embarrassed" when he showed them excerpts from the letter, adding: "There was a bit in there saying I'd lost the dressing room.[LNB]"One thing I feel I'm strong at is motivation - motivating people and trying to get the best out of them.[LNB]"If you speak to any of my players, they'll tell you what this club is all about."[LNB]Despite their SPL plight, Falkirk have reached the semi-finals of both domestic cup competitions this season.[LNB]The second of those comes against Dunfermline is the Homecoming Scottish Cup on Sunday.[LNB]But despite looking forward to another big occasion, Hughes would trade his side's Hampden spot for a place higher in the league table.[LNB]"If anybody wants to say there's six points for your semi-final spot, I'd take it," he said.[LNB]"Our bread and butter's staying in the SPL."[LNB][LNB] Falkirk Evens, Draw 9/4, Dunfermline 3/1
