Killie boss bearing pitch in mind

26 February 2010 16:04
However, he refused to criticise the surface, which the Scottish Premier League branded "inadequate" this week, without first viewing it up close.[LNB]The SPL only approved Saturday's game on the understanding more remedial work was done to stabilise the softest areas of the park.[LNB]Calderwood does not feel Craig Brown's team will gain any advantage from the pitch and he will not complain as long as there is no safety risk to his players.[LNB]"The team is picked but obviously, what you hear about it, it does affect your team selection," Calderwood said.[LNB]"There has obviously been a lot said about it. I've seen it on television but until I've seen it up close I think it's unfair to comment.[LNB]"We've got to get on with the game. If it is as bad as they say, certainly it won't suit Motherwell because they are a good footballing team. Archie (Knox) and Craig are great football people."[LNB]The former Birmingham full-back played in England during the 1970s when pitches such as Derby's resembled a ploughed field and he will make sure his players don not get sidetracked by the surface.[LNB]"I think it would be a shame for the supporters if it's as bad as they say because it can lower the quality of the game," Calderwood said.[LNB]"In years gone by I played at the old Baseball Ground and that wasn't the best, but you've just got to get on with it.[LNB]"As long as it's not dangerous for the players, that would be a sickener if your good players got injured.[LNB]"But, as I've said, it's not fair for me to comment because I've not seen it up close."[LNB]Motherwell are the SPL's form team in 2010 and won 3-0 at Rugby Park in January, but Killie go into the game, like their hosts, on a seven-match unbeaten run having drawn with St Mirren last weekend.[LNB]"It was my first game, the day after signing," Calderwood said.[LNB]"It was very close in the first half but they got the first goal and they took it on from there.[LNB]"They have had a wonderful, wonderful run and a lot of good football.[LNB]"We are probably two teams outside the Old Firm on top form. Although I wasn't happy with our form last week, we have done wonderfully well.[LNB]"They have been a joy to work with and are willing to take things on board.[LNB]"I must admit we've rode our luck at times, St Johnstone played really well at our place and we probably never deserved to win. St Mirren deserved their draw last week.[LNB]"But all credit to them, the boys have been wonderful."[LNB][LNB] Motherwell v Kilmarnock. Click here to bet.  

Source: Team_Talk