Motherwell manager Stuart McCall wants his players to get the backing of the fans not for them to get on their back. He would like the Fir Park regulars to get behind Michael Higdon following criticism of the striker in the win over Aberdeen. Higdon, who has scored four goals since his summer move from St Mirren, struggled to retain possession or make an impact during a tight league at home. McCall's decision to take off Jamie Murphy was met with boos but replacement Bob McHugh scored a late winner. McCall explained he kept Higdon on the park to defend set-pieces against a taller Dons team. McCall sends out emails to fans to keep them up to speed on all things Motherwell and he used his most recent email to ask for help in getting the best out of his selections.: McCall's email read: "I understand there were some disgruntled voices and I don't mind that coming to myself in terms of team selections, substitutions, whether I've got ginger hair or wearing shorts, it doesn't matter. I've been in football now for 40 years, watching, playing, scouting and managing, and I have never, ever - not even once - seen any situation where a crowd are getting on top of a player and it doing him any good. I didn't enjoy hearing it when I stood on the terraces at Elland Road as a kid, I hated it when one of my team-mates was getting abuse when I played the game, and certainly don't enjoy it when I am a manager and one of my players is getting it to the point where it is putting him off his game. If you use your common sense, and I know it is frustrating, there is no logical way that any individual will respond positively to personal abuse. I am not stupid, I know it goes on at every club but I want us here at Motherwell to rise above it. This is our team, we all want to win a game of football and the very best way is to get behind the lads and support them when things aren't going well."
Source: FOOTYMAD
